Certain life events trigger a reflective itch. Such has been the case with two combined events: my daughter’s marriage and the party my loving wife threw for my 70th birthday. Reflection ties these events in my mind with the discussion Melanie and I had when discussing the mission of A Hand Up. Melanie placed creating community high on her priority list. I agreed.
Stephanie was married in Omaha, Saturday 10/5. Steph and her husband Steve have been active in a smaller church that has done a good job of embracing them and assisting them in blending their families and lives. Our family and Steve’s family worked together to get the church just the way Steph and Steve wanted it on Friday. We worked together, ate together, and laughed together. After the wedding my sister’s kids and their kids and our kids and grands made quick work of getting the church ready for Sunday service and for Austin’s (Steve’s son) ceremony to celebrate his Eagle Scout award and his project done on the grounds of the church.
Sunday brunch with my sisters—which also was an early birthday celebration for me; was another great time of celebrating the community of family—even though the discussion turned to politics and divergent perspectives.
Last evening, my loving wife, Deb, threw me a surprise birthday party. Several of our good friends came. We ate carrot cake made by Kate—owner of Carter’s Bakery– who also joined the party along with a beautiful family from England that frequents the bakery. Their son Robin calls Deb and her friend Linda the “bakery Nannies.” Good food, good friends, good times.
The point of my rambling? Community works. Life is good in community. I can, and have, bared my soul to several in my family and many of my friends. They have done likewise. There are many serious medical situations going on right now. I’ve made some bad choices in the past, failed in two previous marriages—been through stuff but learned a long time ago that God’s advice encouraged me to have “counselors and wise people” around me that I can talk to and watch live to mentor my steps. Twelve step wisdom calls those who have received to become givers. I have served and used my communities to be a mentor and be a mentee! Deb and I still have friends spread across the country from places we have lived that we still care for and stay in contact with that were once an intimate part of our community as a small group or church. We know many of our readers have their own stories of how growing up or living with a community support system has blessed them. Tell us your story!
For most of the folks living unsheltered, their communities of both family and support networks have broken down. Behaviors or choices have crossed over someone’s line drawn in the sand and folks were declared “excommunicated.” As Melanie chronicles, many on the street create their own sense of community but it is shallow. Trust is minimal but nevertheless they watch out for their comrades and share resources that they may all survive and have their own sense of a family community. God tells us we do better hanging out with a group of those who are disciples of Christ–community.
How does one create community for people living on the street? Again, read Melanie’s posts. You hang out among them and truly hear their stories. You eat together, you share life together and if you are extremely compassionate and brave you invite them to your home for a shower (after you have gotten to know them and vetted their behavior) or you wash clothes for them. Why? Because God tells us helping each other is the same as helping God. Because you will find most are another version of you that took a wrong turn or were forced off the road and just can’t get out of the ditch and back on the road. If you choose to give back because you have been blessed, help Melanie and our A Hand Up team go about building community by joining our A Hand Up Community through your physical presence or financial support! (Say that sentence fast five times! 😊)