I know I often talk about the beauty of spending time alone and learning how to spend time alone. But most of all I believe in the importance of community. You cannot replace that.
Some of you might remember the heart-breaking quote at the end of the movie Into the Wild:
“Happiness is only real when shared”
It just shows so perfectly, how important community is – friends, mentors peers, family.
When I think back on my life, the different seasons I have been in and the growth I have gone through there have been key people and friends who have been by my side. I have always made a point in investing into the right friendships in each season. And there have been really hard seasons of friendship too. You know when all of your friends get married and friendships change. There is nothing wrong about it. It is just different. I will have to write about this some other time.
Today I am not going to talk about the table and the community we share there although I am passionate about that. I am also not going to give you statistics about the importance of community. Today I want to share with you 3 reasons why community is important.
The importance of community
Protection
Life can be tough. People can come at you. Things can change in an instant, in a whirlwind and being alone in those seasons is really no fun. But if you have invested into good friendships this community will be a safe harbor, a place where you can be fully yourself, at rest and encouraged at any moment.
Strength and encouragement
I am currently going through a season of a lot of change and I have had a few freak out moments over the last weeks. There have been moments where I had to be brave and bold and stand up for myself but because of this beautiful community of friends I have people who are praying for me, encouraging me and helping me navigate fresh waters.
Growth
And the third reason of why community is important is growth. If you have good friends they will not only encourage you, help you and stand by your side but they will also help you become a better person and challenge you to grow. I know I need and invite that in my life. I never want to be too proud to be corrected or open to change.
Friends, today I want to encourage and challenge you to see your community with fresh eyes and ask yourself if you have invested into the right people. Maybe you need to cut some ties. Or maybe you already know of the importance of community. Whatever your case, my prayer for you is that your community will help you become the best possible version of yourself.
Much love
Ramona
PS: It is International Women’s Day today and I just want to honor all you women out there. You are strong and beautiful. Warriors and World changers.
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