It shouldn’t take a natural disaster to build local community. But in our case it did.
In 2004, Hurricane Charley made an unexpected “wobble” and delivered a direct hit to our coastal community.
The aerial photographs made it look like Big Foot had stepped on us.
It was beyond devastating to our emotions, security and finances.
But once the utter shock wore off, something beautiful began to emerge from the destruction.
Neighbors who had never shared a conversation began to share food, generators and other essentials.
Local churches went door-to-door to check on their members. Then, many branched out and began to meet needs — wherever they found them.
Quickly, decisively and without questioning, people stepped up to the plate without expecting anything in return. Without worrying about the cost. Without trying to decipher motives.
What would happen if we routinely operated in this manner? How would it change our local community for Christ?
What are the barriers to building local community and how can we overcome them?
Fear of being foolish. If someone takes advantage of your generosity, it is their responsibility. Our responsibility as followers of Christ, it to give freely without expectation. Being cynical about giving means nobody’s needs get met. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, but “do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to act.” (Prov. 3:27) All of us deserve help and at the same time none of us deserve it. If we must err, err on the side of compassion.
Fear of not making a “big enough” impact. What difference can one person make, after all? Well, what if Mother Theresa held that philosophy? No. We’re not Mother Theresa, but we are mothers. And our influence can be felt for generations, doing small things. As Mother Theresa said, “Do small things with great love.”
Fear of imperfection. We’re called to minister to others in our brokenness. Invite someone over if our house is dirty. Give even when it seems insignificant. Our feelings of inadequacy or the belief that we have to “have it all together” only inhibits our impact.
If something is going to catch our local communities off guard, let it be God’s supernatural love — instead of something disastrous. By calling on His power, we can make this happen. One small step at a time.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Such good stuff. And I’m from Joplin and have lamented that I haven’t been able to get back there after the big tornado. What I really related to was the fear of looking foolish. So often I stop myself from deeply loving from that silly fear.
{Melinda} It is silly, isn’t it? But it has held me back so many times, too, Courtney, so I totally relate to that. I’ve wondered how many opportunities I’ve missed to make a difference because I’ve hesitated from fear.
Fear of Imperfection is the one that gets me. My house always feels like it is upside down. I cringe whenever someone comes to the door let alone inside. I need to pray that either I find the energy to be neat and tidy or I become at peace with it. Love this post.
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{Melinda} It’s hard! I’m better at it than I used to be, but I still fight that feeling of wanting to have it all together before I reach out. I don’t know that I’ll ever be completely at peace with it, but I’m getting closer. 🙂
“If someone takes advantage of your generosity, it is their responsibility.” Such a crucial point! I know I sometimes shrink back because I’ve been hurt in that area, and it isn’t the kind of fearless posture God wants. Thanks for the kick in the pants to keep getting out there to connect and love people today!
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{Melinda} Fear and hurt can hold us (me) back so much in relationship! I have to push past it with God’s help all the time, Laurie. Connecting is risky, for sure. And inconvenient sometimes. And messy. And you know how I feel about imperfect and messy! 🙂
“If we must err, err on the side of compassion.”
I love love love this post – and especially the line above. This is something we as a family work toward, and I’ve seen it in my daughter numerous times. Beautifully written, once again.
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{Melinda} It’s something that is always on my heart — reaching out to others. Sometimes in my busyness or weariness or selfishness, I don’t succeed. But tomorrow is always a new day to give to others.
Thank you for your kind words, Kristin. You are always an encouragement here. 🙂
Very good item on community — visiting from (in)courage. Sorry you had to deal with a hurricane, but wonderful what came out of it.
{Melinda} Thank you so much for stopping by, Teresa. Yes, God is always able to bring good out of the bad. Only He could do that.
Yes! Do small things with great love. Once again, you’ve succeeded in starting my day off on the perfect note, and with the perfect reminder. I’m sharing!
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{Melinda} Thanks so much for your sweet words, Michelle, and for sharing our post! You post the other day about your cat was priceless. 🙂