People, Community, & My Thoughts...for now.
Ooh...I'm slowly spacing my posts further and further apart. Not intentionally of course, just has been happening. I will have to kick myself into gear. For today however, I have been deep in thought over many things but one thing in particular has been nudging at my heart, and mind. The topic of people and community. Now this topic I have noticed spurs on a lot of tangents and can branch into various focus' and topics. My thoughts have been vast. The micro and macro thoughts of it all have entered my mind.
I have been influenced by a couple things, many of which sort of jump started this slew of thoughts and contemplation. Here are two for example. First one is a short little video on community, the other an article on the Missional church. Both were posted by friends on facebook, and really challenged me to think through life more. How am I a part of community? What does community actually mean? then talking and observing people, and natural humanness and tendencies has also pushed my thoughts deeper.
Untimately I have recognized the last couple of weeks the following...
...people are not as strong as they seem, or as put together. It is an image we feel we are meant to achieve but few ACTUALLY do. Many people are a product of their own creating, but not a natural product as it was created. The one we portray to those we meet, or are in 'community' with is a choice. People cover themselves with superficial 'lifestyle make-up' to attain this goal.
...people are a lot more hurt than they let show. They are in need of healing, support, and acceptance beyond what they allow people to see. Much out of fear of being accepted, one of the very needs and hurts that needs to be tended to, or the fear of vulnerability or emotional 'suicide'.
...people want to be connected. They want to be a part of things, and be involved in things, even when they sound tired, uninterested or uninvolved. Just because someone's sitting out doesn't mean they don't want to be a part of things, or aren't. Being involved can mean a little differently for different people. Introverts may feel involved just by sitting back and observing life at an event, where extravert's might experience an event by leading it. Or someone might change their 'moods' for various things but still be connected in their own way.
...people are a lot stronger than they look. Lifting the shell of protection and normalcy may show their intense past, and peoples strengths in ways you never knew.
...people get sicker than we let on. How often are people actually not feeling great? A little indigestion, a little cold, headaches, for women;monthly cycles, or all sorts of other things. They are in need of being able to show that and be accepted for it no matter what. Yes they can survive it and most will, but why have to pretend things are alright?
...people ultimately want to be accepted and be vulnerable, but do not have the means, opportunities, or ability to be open and vulnerable because society doesn't allow them to, give them the chance, or accept it.
...people, er umm... most Christians are living a life of 'community' without any real community attached. They've falsified what community is by using social status, and achievements as markers for how their doing without opening up and giving other's the grace Christ gave us to be open and vulnerable. With true grace people should not need to be false, or fearful of opening up with one another.
Few people actually have a group of friends that they can confide in and be fully open with. We're all naturally drawn to looking 'perfect' and seemingly that everything's alright. It's the social norm.
This isn't to say we always need to share things. There some things that need to stay in their boundaries. For example if I am struggling through things with my husband or a friend, maybe I don't need to give details or account for that if it's very personal or could damage a persons reputation or relationship. There are always things to protect and keep to yourself, but being aware of what those are is important.
Well that's my current thoughts for this week. Hope it encouraged, or spurred you on to think about your community, your life, your impact on others, and challenged you somewhat.
Thanks for reading.
I have been influenced by a couple things, many of which sort of jump started this slew of thoughts and contemplation. Here are two for example. First one is a short little video on community, the other an article on the Missional church. Both were posted by friends on facebook, and really challenged me to think through life more. How am I a part of community? What does community actually mean? then talking and observing people, and natural humanness and tendencies has also pushed my thoughts deeper.
Untimately I have recognized the last couple of weeks the following...
...people are not as strong as they seem, or as put together. It is an image we feel we are meant to achieve but few ACTUALLY do. Many people are a product of their own creating, but not a natural product as it was created. The one we portray to those we meet, or are in 'community' with is a choice. People cover themselves with superficial 'lifestyle make-up' to attain this goal.
...people are a lot more hurt than they let show. They are in need of healing, support, and acceptance beyond what they allow people to see. Much out of fear of being accepted, one of the very needs and hurts that needs to be tended to, or the fear of vulnerability or emotional 'suicide'.
...people want to be connected. They want to be a part of things, and be involved in things, even when they sound tired, uninterested or uninvolved. Just because someone's sitting out doesn't mean they don't want to be a part of things, or aren't. Being involved can mean a little differently for different people. Introverts may feel involved just by sitting back and observing life at an event, where extravert's might experience an event by leading it. Or someone might change their 'moods' for various things but still be connected in their own way.
...people are a lot stronger than they look. Lifting the shell of protection and normalcy may show their intense past, and peoples strengths in ways you never knew.
...people get sicker than we let on. How often are people actually not feeling great? A little indigestion, a little cold, headaches, for women;monthly cycles, or all sorts of other things. They are in need of being able to show that and be accepted for it no matter what. Yes they can survive it and most will, but why have to pretend things are alright?
...people ultimately want to be accepted and be vulnerable, but do not have the means, opportunities, or ability to be open and vulnerable because society doesn't allow them to, give them the chance, or accept it.
...people, er umm... most Christians are living a life of 'community' without any real community attached. They've falsified what community is by using social status, and achievements as markers for how their doing without opening up and giving other's the grace Christ gave us to be open and vulnerable. With true grace people should not need to be false, or fearful of opening up with one another.
Few people actually have a group of friends that they can confide in and be fully open with. We're all naturally drawn to looking 'perfect' and seemingly that everything's alright. It's the social norm.
This isn't to say we always need to share things. There some things that need to stay in their boundaries. For example if I am struggling through things with my husband or a friend, maybe I don't need to give details or account for that if it's very personal or could damage a persons reputation or relationship. There are always things to protect and keep to yourself, but being aware of what those are is important.
Well that's my current thoughts for this week. Hope it encouraged, or spurred you on to think about your community, your life, your impact on others, and challenged you somewhat.
Thanks for reading.
once again Liz, your post is so insightful! I loved reading this one... so much of what you said is so true of people!!! here's to not being afraid of honesty and reaching out in love
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