RunSingTeach

As part of the proverbs31 community, I am joining in for the blog link-up. Our prompt this week is:

COMMUNITY – What does community mean to you? What do you need from community? What can you give to community?

The societal definition of community has changed so much with the advent of social media that it is hard to determine where to start. My initial response would lead me to define community as a group with a common vision or mission living, working, growing, and supporting that commonality. We interweave our communities in person and online as we try to lead our best lives.

I am part of large communities-the global running community, Bearcat alumni, teachers, Christian women, etc. I am also part of small communities-my church group, my running pace group, my prayer warriors, and the gals I shoot the breeze with at work. When you add the large and small communities on social media, a whole new realm forms.

For me, I seek affirmation and love from community. I seek the opportunity to join with like minded souls and those who will argue intelligently with me. I seek inspiration and challenge. For my community(ies), I hope to give affirmation, encouragement, challenge, and love. I think these traits cross the lines of time, space, activity, subject matter, and belief.

In Matthew, Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Whether we gather face to face or online, in large groups or small. The force of community is strong. A community can wield a mighty power for good or evil, or somewhere in between. A community can be held together with bricks and mortar or needle and thread, but as long as two or three hold dear to a common belief, vision, mission, or need–the community can be strong.

As I link up to this new community with Proverbs 31, I pray that I may be a voice of affirmation, encouragement, challenge, and love. 

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