Community and Communication

My heart goes out to those in China this week. It is such a tragedy of what has happened. It is very devastating to know that there have been so many deaths, many who were children. Though many children miraculously survived! I hope that we all would consider in some way to help on our end. They are in fact our neighbors and we are called to love them as believers. You know, John 3:16. I have been researching different areas in which I can help through the Red Cross (http://www.redcross.com/) and World Vision. I just pray for their leaders to except our support and help to humble themselves.



This brings me to the topic at hand that has been racing around in my heart. I long for community. I also long for companionship. I get a lot of companionship through Harm and the boys. They are my life. But I desire community with other believers not just to have friends for the sake of saying, "I have a lot of friends." Far from it. Friends can let you down, they can manipulate you, they can deceive you and torment you. But we are to still love them. We are still to care for them and listen and serve with them. The reason I think friends are a good idea is that in times of trouble or trials, they should be there to help. At least good friends. Quality is important. More so than quantity! So why is it that certain people do not want any friends? Is it because they are scared of what might happen? What if something good happens? I am sure that Jesus in all his glory was hesitant about those he chose as disciples. In fact he even told them after they had been his friend and disciple for a while, "One of you will betray me!" So he knew what was going to happen, yet he still gave us the model of community. So there is an importance in community, we just have to venture out and grab a hold of it and give to it. It being relationships. Who knows, it could be well worth it in the long run. That is what faith is all about right?
So I pray that we will reach out as a nation to a country that does not trust us. Even if we are turned down, that should not stop us from loving and praying for them.