Encouragement

“We’re in this Together”: Words from an Encourager

September 5, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

There are few things I love to do daily. In this short list is read. Book lined shelves grace each room in our home. The overflow books live in the garage; still accessible, waiting to be pulled down again. Old books, new books. Living authors and those who have gone ahead. Making time to read is vital for me. Words inspire. They instruct. Words shape my thoughts and imaginations. Often I am drawn to words written to encourage.

One author I count on for encouraging words is Holley Gerth. Holley is an encourager. She writes as if she is sitting across the table speaking words of comfort: “We’re in this together”.

When I received my copy of her latest book, What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days, I grabbed my own red & white polka dot cup, filled it with coffee and dove in with great anticipation. I was not disappointed.

Holley has used portions of the Psalms to pen 52 unique, encouraging illustrations of 52 Truths. Each one points our hearts to God who loves us best. Every entry title begins with “God…”. Each one ends with a personal prayer that Holley calls “What my heart is saying to You”. She also has included a space for you to write a response which is called “What my heart is hearing from You”.

Now mind you, lots of people write and say encouraging things. Or at least they mean for them to be encouraging. Sometimes the timing is off; especially on the hard days. That’s what is so meaningful about Holley’s writing; she is honest about hard days. You won’t find her telling you to simply pray harder or keep a stiff upper lip. Holley is real with struggles to trust God, to find joy in tough circumstances. But her honesty doesn’t point us to our circumstances; she points us to the Truth. Acknowledging the hard and embracing the Truth. What a beautiful combination.

I wasn’t far into the book before I sighed aloud over what I read:

You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. Psalm 10:17

I have felt afflicted. Haven’t you? Holley writes: “When the day seems difficult, when you’re weary, when you feel like a failure…God is encouraging you.” She speaks honestly about many very real issues: depression, limiting beliefs about God, how we’re prone to criticism of ourselves and others, and in each hard topic she points us to God’s Word in the Psalms.

Such comfort.

Such encouragement.

I know sometimes it’s hard to receive encouragement. Being in a hard place can be so dark a little bit of light is hard on the eyes (or ears). Holley makes the Light practical not preachy. In #32 God Will Ease Your Anxiety she explains the physiology of how our bodies respond to anxiety and joy. Not in a heady science way but simply the practical stuff. And she points us to God. “God doesn’t take us from anxiety to calm. He can actually take us from anxiety to joy. How does he do that? Truth can switch the track in our minds. When we remember what God says, we change courses from thoughts that lead to anxiety to those that can instead lead to emotions like courage and even celebration.” Practical. Encouraging.

Reading Holley’s words I imagine hearing her warm, soft voice speaking them to me. She is an author who writes in her own voice. I had the privilege of hearing her speak encouraging words at She Speaks 2013. Holley is as sincere in person as she is in her writing.

Her latest project is available now. Get two copies. One for a friend and one for yourself.

It’s what your heart needs for the hard days.

“What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.”
― C.S. Lewis

2 Women Who Encourage the Masses

August 21, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

I have been on an unadvertised blogging break for two months. The time has been spent reading & learning (I can’t help myself!). Of course there have also been great times with the Hubster, our two sons & one dear daughter-in-love at different times during the summer, but most often I’ve spent a lot of alone time reading & learning.

There are two women who consistently have crossed my daily electronic path and I think everyone needs to know about them if you don’t already. And if you do, give a shout out here to help others know them too!

I’m talking about Christine Caine and Holley Gerth. I’m not sure if they’ve made one another’s acquaintance but I read their words of encouragement daily. And I am either challenged or blessed or both!

Christine is daily posting on Instagram, writes a blog, has a weekly podcast called Coffee with Chris and has a new book just out titled Unstoppable. She is a passionate voice pointing us to Kingdom work in whatever manner God has called you. Google her name; you won’t be disappointed.

Holley Gerth is also a writer, encourager and fellow coffee afficiando. Her blog is called Coffee for your Heart. Holley is a generous creative person who freely shares wonderful graphics like this one:

Holley is a gifted encourager. It’s what she does. I have been blessed so many times in receiving her Instas or reading her blog. Google Holley Gerth and believe me you won’t be disappointed.

Yes maybe part of the reason I have been encouraged by both of these women is that they love coffee as much as I do. But more important than coffee (is that possible?!) is that these 2 Women have been given a platform for Kingdom building. They each faithfully step forward moment by moment and they share their journeys in a way that has helped my own.

I know God has plans for each of us to be involved in His mission and vision and His plans will prevail. Do you know what your part is? Are you stepping forward? Or are you searching, discerning or just waiting on the sidelines?

For I know the plans I have for you declares The Lord…

Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

God is at work. Join in what He’s doing in your part of the world. I’d love to hear what you’re up to!

5 Messages I’ve Learned from Spiritual Whitespace

June 19, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

The words and ideas in Bonnie Gray’s new book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace have worked their way into spaces inside me I didn’t realize were there. In the working I’ve learned a few messages (so far). 5 messages at this point that I am able to share.

1) Whitespace is vital

Look at this picture. It’s a classic example of the vital nature of whitespace in photography. If the clouds weren’t there and all you saw was a big blue sky you might miss the details in the photo. Whitespace provides contrast. Bonnie uses this vital idea in art in terms of our spiritual landscape as well. The contrast of whitespace to the over full landscape of our day can allow space for our soul to breathe. Whitespace is vital.

2) Spiritual Whitespace is playful

Right in the middle of this classic photo surrounded by lots of lighter space is my cat Tartar. Named for my high school mascot because he was born in the art teacher’s kiln (warm space right?) I brought the tiny kitten home at the end of summer school before my freshman year. He was playful and creative. Allowing whitespace in our lives gives us room to be playful and creative too. If we are only about the “to do list” and getting things done, there isn’t room for spontaneity and fun. Hanging out with Jesus outdoors, or with colored pencils, pens or paint can be an opportunity to connect with the imago dei that you bear. Considering ways to find spiritual whitespace for creativity is so often pushed away as frivolous. Is it?

3) Spiritual Whitespace is hope-filled

The path in this photo leads off into the distance…I know where it leads because I’ve been there, but you might not. Spiritual Whitespace allows the hope of Jesus to seep into your weary soul just like the fog is seeping over the edge of the mountains. Fog might not seem like a hope-filled thing but it actually provides a lot of moisture for coastal plants and a respite from too much heat. Our souls need to know that in rest from too much heat, of feeling burned out from too many demands, of feeling fried at the edges from too much busy-ness, there can be a renewal of our souls from weariness.

4) Finding Spiritual Whitespace is Daily

Reading Bonnie’s book is not a quick summer beach or vacation reading experience. It is not a light, frivolous read. That being said, it is however a beautiful invitation to care for your soul-Daily. Bonnie has created a set of actions; invitations, to pull up a chair and share. Her writing is so personal and transparent that it makes it easy just to be yourself with Jesus, if you make the time available.

God gives rhythms in His Creation that we often ignore in our contrived electronic filled beyond the margins existence. He created us with a need to come away with Him and rest. Do we hear and accept? Or dismiss and reject?

Finding Spiritual Whitespace is an invitation to choose…

5) Finding Spiritual Whitespace is a Journey

Jesus knew what His life was about: the redemption of humanity. His one goal was met at the Cross. He died the death each of us deserves because of our natural opposition to the holiness of God; opposition of allowing anyone but ourselves to be in charge of our lives. When we recognize that it is us, not the Jews of 2000 years ago that put Jesus on that Cross; when we feel the weight of our own life burdens without His help and influence; when we consider what our options are apart from Him in the very real present and future; we come face to face with why Jesus journeyed to the Cross.

Finding Spiritual Whitespace is a journey. Realigning our priorities and putting our calendars, our past, our present into an alignment of a with-God life is a journey. It is not a one and done event; finding spiritual whitespace is a daily journey to the heart of God who made your soul, and mine, to need rest. To need space for Him.

The most beautiful thing about Bonnie’s book? She is authentic and transparent with her journey; a beautiful model for each of us as we journey through this world. Are you on a journey toward God and rest for your soul on a daily basis? Or are you journeying on your own, worn down, bearing untold burdens from your past, pain in the present, without space to rest?

Join us, won’t you? Community is the place to share and grow.

3 Subtle Changes as You Rest

June 5, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Change in our souls can be subtle. So subtle that we may not even take notice for some time.

Come to think of it, change is often subtle with things like our weight loss or strength training or distance we can run/walk or gardening.

Hmmm…

We don’t see the changes even from one day to the next. Change can be so slow we forget to stay in the process. Or we give up because we don’t see any progress.

It’s counter intuitive to think that change happens when we rest.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that activity, action, production, achievement, progress are all gained by constant motion.

That’s a lie from the pit of Hell.

There. I said it.

So what is the opposite of constant motion and production?

Rest.

I’ve been reading a new book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, by Bonnie Gray of FaithBarista. That I am reading a new book is not surprising; I’m known for reading. And doing. And producing.

Not known for resting.

But I have gleaned 3 subtle changes (so far!) that happen when we rest.

1) Your trust level is challenged

Trust that whatever you are saying ‘No’ to will not cause the end of the world as you know it. I know that may sound ridiculous but what are the reasons you don’t say No more? For me it’s Fear. Fear of missing out. Fear of not being thought well of by others. Fear of being called lazy. Fear of letting someone down. All because of saying ‘No’ and taking care of my soul.

My trust level is challenged every time I choose soul rest over a task. It helps me to plan gaps of discretionary time in the day but schedules don’t always allow that luxury. Trusting that pushing the pause button won’t cause the end of the world is BIG. But so worth it. It’s getting easier over time, but the change is subtle.

2) Your ability to let go is called into question

We’ve all seen the bumper stickers ahead of us, “Let Go and Let God”. They may be so familiar that we respond with ‘yeah right’ because we believe “if it’s to be, it’s up to me.” This is the place where prioritizing rest, spiritual whitespace, really started poking me. Who else will go to the store for groceries? Who else will get _________ done if I don’t?

What if getting __________ done isn’t as important in the big scheme of things? (where God’s priorities are) What if I take the risk of letting that task go…for now…to allow my soul to listen to the still small voice for even a few moments? What if?

3) Your willingness to listen to Jesus’ invitation to rest is also brought out of the dusty recesses of your mind & heart

You may know this verse by heart, “Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Knowing a verse by heart and living out the Truth are two very different things. I have been dusting off this memory verse and putting it into action.

All the doing in the world doesn’t give your soul much needed whitespace to breathe.

Whitespace comes when we push the pause button on activity and give our souls a chance to SLOW DOWN.

Change happens subtly…

one pause at a time to give your soul a chance to breathe…

Who knows? You might be grown into a beautiful picture of Jesus at work in you and through you, to His creation, His children who need to know Him through you.

This book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, is challenging, encouraging, hopeful and personal. Bonnie has shared her story courageously; that we may step forward in our stories as well. She invites us to pull up a chair and share…won’t you join the conversation?

Linking up today with FaithBarista over here:

21 Days of Rest: Finding #SpiritualWhitespace Day 1

June 1, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

The first time I saw this beautiful invitation I cried. Tears of disbelief actually.

My head knows the Truth that is written. My heart sees glimpses of the Truth that can be lived. But to simply rest in that Truth? Without being busy justifying my existence?

This is a new way of being. I am trying to learn. And it’s not easy undoing a lifetime of perfectionism. I need help. Maybe you do too.

This is the first of June. Every day for the first 21 days, Bonnie of Faith Barista, will be serving a prompt to for us to ponder. An invitation to be with Jesus as He invites us everyday:

“Come to Me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Whether you blog, journal or simply write your thoughts on slips of paper the prompt will be an invitation to slow down, talk with Jesus and rest in Him.

This is not an invitation to figure out what Bible study to do next, or on what committee to serve, or whatever your doing looks like. This is an invitation from Jesus to be.with.Him.

We can find the whitespaces inside us to rest together with Jesus. (from the introduction Finding Spiritual Whitespace; Awakening Your Soul to Rest)

I’ll be blogging here as well as journaling in this beautiful book created by my friend Holly Beals.

Holly creates beautiful images and makes them accessible to us through cards, journals (like this beauty) through her etsy site. She also is committed to ending human trafficking so she donates a portion of every sale to this cause.

And the other book in the picture? Why that’s Bonnie’s new book that is available this week!!!! You’ll be hearing more from me about the beauty of finding spiritual whitespace in the days to come. I’ve had the privilege of spending time here

reading, pondering and journaling my experiences in finding spiritual whitespace.

I can honestly say this is a book that epitomizes Proverbs 25:11.

Jesus will meet you in the pages of Finding Spiritual Whitespace as Bonnie tells her own journey and invites us to pull up a chair and share.

It’s almost summer. Don’t you feel a need for a different routine? 21 days of rest to take you to the official first day of summer. Now that sounds amazing to me!

Want to join?

It’s easy! Click on this image and you’ll go to her site where you can learn more. I hope you’ll share here too!

Soul Thoughts to Ponder (again!)

May 21, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

“Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light.” Jesus

What is very appealing in these words of Jesus is the idea of rest, rest for my soul. Twice He mentions this idea. It is easy to picture my physical self coming to Jesus, laying down a physical burden like a backpack and then being at rest. But I don’t think that is all He means because Jesus says “rest for your soul”.

How do I come with my soul burdens and receive rest? How do you?

What are the burdens of my soul? And yours?

“Search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.

Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” David from Psalm 139 NLT

There is a wonderful book, recently published, that delves into what soul rest really is. Bonnie Gray of Faith Barista is the author. I am only through the introduction and the first two chapters and already I am underlining and writing quotes and personal reflections in my journal. There will be much more written in weeks to come. In the meantime, buy her book. You won’t regret it.

We need rest. We long for rest. He offers us rest. Join Him.

Also, for fun I am linking up today with my friend Sue over at Welcome Heart. She is a great encourager from the Word as well…O taste & see Tuesdays (a day late but worth the wait!?)

3 Vital Statistics Learned (in)RL

April 30, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

It may be Wednesday but my mind keeps circling around to this past weekend. Does that ever happen for you?
The images and words are floating around like an undercurrent below the surface of the everyday life I’ve led these three days since the weekend. As they have been drifting around in my head, I recognized this morning the thoughts focused on 3 vital statistics that I learned from the (in)RL conference.

1. Time alone with Jesus is a precious commodity

2. Having an authentic community takes intentional investment

3. Being in community is both risky and messy

Let me unpack these a bit.

1. Time alone with Jesus is a precious commodity
I am in the season of post parenting or commonly referred to as ‘the empty nest’. This season is full of possibilities as well as the bittersweet. Letting go of what was must happen in order to be open to whatever may come. Being ok with the unknown happens when you know the One who holds the future. And, like any relationship, it is only as strong and vibrant as the time you invest. I have to get real with Jesus to let Him have influence in my life. The same is true for you.

What time priorities can you re-arrange to make time with Jesus the priority? Notice I didn’t say ‘quiet time’ or ‘Bible study’ only. Those are methods of getting to know Jesus and they are important. I’m talking about inviting Him into your life, your consciousness, within your day. Making Him a time priority.

2. Having an authentic community takes intentional investment
If you’ve stopped by the blog before you know I’m new to the area where we’re currently living. One of the things I saw through the stories of the women interviewed for (in)RL was having an authentic community takes intentional investment. I could continue to whine to my hubster or to Jesus or to longtime friends OR I could be intentional about making investment in this new area. I had that beautifully modeled for me this past Sunday when I went to another church we hadn’t yet visited. I made myself go up to the Welcome Center to introduce myself, telling about my relocation and lack of community. God met me there through the gracious and warm welcome of the woman whose turn it was that day to ‘welcome’ visitors. In my telling a bit of my search for community, she asked for my contact info because she wanted to connect with me to talk more. Later that evening she emailed me and we made a date to walk and get to know each other. Yesterday’s walk and talk was balm to my needy soul.

3. Being in community is both risky and messy
Newsflash: People are broken and messed up! And so are you! There isn’t a place where all the people are emotionally and spiritually mature. Everyone has some type of issue to work through. And we’re all in process. Now that I’ve burst your bubble of plastic-smile-everything’s-fine-Christian-life, what do we do with this information? We have a choice. We can continue to hide our real life from others and pretend we have it altogether or we risk being vulnerable. Being in community is both risky and messy. Hearing what really is going on in someone’s life requires something of you. Investment in their well-being. And that brings on the messy and the risk. You could get burned. Or hurt. The same is true of you sharing your real stuff. You could be rejected or ridiculed or judged or … But the real life you live is vital to God and in His hands can be used for His glory and others’ good.

This life is hard. Our stories matter. Your story is needed in the community where you are right now. In this community right here. So many of you as readers don’t take the time to connect here. Your thoughts and responses can help others who stop by here too. I see them all before approving them so even in your comment you can ask me not to publish it and I won’t. But connection in community in real life is more important than a comment on a blog.

Where are you investing? Where are you risking being vulnerable?

3 Steps to Be Ready

April 22, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

I wrote this post 5 years ago before this blog was part of my website. You can check out the original post here (to see what improvements or adjustments I’ve made.)
I often feel I am not ready.

I want to be. I long to be ready at any moment, but I am easily distracted.

I’m distracted by the dishes, the laundry, the dust, the paperwork. I can’t seem to put a routine together because something or someone comes along the Way to change my plans.

Now that we live in a new location, far from friends and family, I can truly say of myself: I can distract myself in a paper bag!

Wait. Watch. Prepare. I want to be available to those in need of a good Word whenever called upon. I study. I pray. I wait. I watch. But still I don’t feel ready.

What gets in your Way of being ready?

What are you getting ready for?

This picture is just a road sign but it struck me and I started thinking about the ways of sharing my faith.

Peter, who walked and talked with Jesus along the Way, tells us to set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

Step 1:
We as followers along the Way are to live full of hope as we walk in this world.

We show hope in the Way we struggle, suffer loss, live daily and transparently before others. Jesus is the Way. If we follow His Way we see our paradigm set forth.

The Way is not religion. Religious behavior can distract us from the Way. Religious behavior can get in the way of seeing Jesus. We can think we know how God will act or respond if we just do the right things. Jesus got up in the business of the Pharisees pointing out how they had lost the heart of the Law and only stuck to the Letter of the Law. Jesus shows us the Father, shows us Himself. Jesus didn’t heal the same way or pray the same way or meet people’s needs the same way throughout the gospels. If we watch carefully we’ll see how to follow Him along the Way.

Step 2:
We read His Word to know Him more.
The daily habit of reading God’s Word for even 10 minutes can be a tool that He uses to transform your mind and heart little by little as you present yourself a ‘living sacrifice’. We’re to be more like Jesus tomorrow than we are today. Process.

Step 3:
We spend time together with other Christ-followers to encourage one another to love and good deeds.
Meeting together on Sundays for corporate worship. Having lunch afterward with others. Meeting during the week to study and pray. Sharing chores. Meeting needs. Laughing together. Play dates with children. Serving the community together. So many ways!

This is faith walking. We don’t see Jesus face to face yet, but we have His Word, His promises and His Presence in the Holy Spirit to help and guide us along the Way. We have each other in challenging times, if we are living transparently in our challenges.

Getting ready is a life long pursuit. I think being ready is a process that just means being real with where we are along the Way. Keep setting apart Jesus Christ as Lord in your heart by moving yourself off the throne. Keep faith walking. Keep getting ready and you will be ready.

Join me?

The One Trait Needed for Success

April 15, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

I witnessed this on Saturday.

I was able to see 65 adults demonstrate this trait.

You might wonder if I was at a sporting event. No.

Perhaps some other type of competition? No.

I witnessed courage when 65 adult learners individually took the stage to read a portion of a story they each had written.

These adults have learned what many never are able to and most who know how take for granted.

Before you castigate them for not paying attention in school when they had the chance to learn, you might want to hear some of their stories. Learning English as a second language. Too poor to attend school (in any country) during the era they grew up. Learning disabilities in a time when the only words linked to disability were “stupid” or “retard”. Had to work to help the family because he was the oldest son and that’s just what you did in those days.

They each had a dream. To read. To write. In English.

Their courage was (and is) inspirational to me. There were many rounds of applause. There were tears shed. There were photos taken. There was success.

Yes, that’s it. The one trait needed for success. Courage.

I don’t know about you, but when I am in the middle of something that is really hard, frightening even, I don’t think about being courageous. I either sit and wallow in self-pity or I try to make a change to the situation. I don’t think about courage.

But it’s courage that moves us forward and keeps us from being stuck.

Courage: the ability to do something that frightens one.

These 65 adults showed courage in front of hundreds. They showed courage for their families to witness. In their courage, we were encouraged. Many of them gave thanks to God for giving them the courage to learn. To read. To be on stage. Hundreds of pairs of hands applauded. Voices cheered. Smiles and tears abounded.

Encourage: to give one confidence, support, hope.

So really it boils down to two things: we are either at the present facing something we are needing courage to get through or we are in the position to give confidence, support or hope. Or maybe we can be doing both?

If you are lacking courage today, you are not alone. When I was at a very low point last fall, I reached out to others who needed to be encouraged. I became a literacy volunteer. It was something I knew and understood when all around me didn’t make sense. I could give time and talent and experience to build up someone else.

Jesus knew what He was talking about when He said It is more blessed to give than to receive. I was able to give my time, but just the way a with-God life is, I received so much more. I knew someone needed my presence weekly when I knew no one in this area. I was inspired by the perseverance of the learners; coming week after week taking time out of busy lives to practice and practice and practice something most of us have taken for granted for decades.

I was able to encourage when discouragement came lurking. I received encouragement that I wasn’t expecting.

No matter what you are going through you can find someone else who needs something you have to offer: encouragement.

Courage. This is a great week to think about what it takes to look fear in the face and step forward. Jesus did that very thing. He showed us His fear and desire to not have to go through what He was facing as He prayed in the garden. If He didn’t show courage, where would we be?

Jesus showed courage. He endured so much anguish, pain and suffering for each of us. All so we could be bought back from what we deserve: eternal separation from the Source of courage.

This week, reflect on the thing(s) that frighten you. Reflect on the thing that frightened Jesus. Be reminded that as His follower You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

GO in His courage.

ENcourage someone today! Then pop back over to share!

On Sports Fans and Belonging

March 31, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

There are two sports teams our family follows; one college and one professional.

We sport our colors. Our decals. Our flags. We can get a little animated. Loud. Dare I say, fanatic about our teams.

But that’s what fans do. They participate. Support. Cheer. Are faithful regardless of the wins.

Our Florida Gators have survived and advanced to the Final Four of March Madness. It’s great to be a Florida Gator.

Today is Opening Day for the 2014 MLB Season. Our SF Giants theme this year: Stronger Together.

You may not like either of our family’s team choices. That’s ok. You may have a team or teams you prefer. That’s ok too. You may not be a sports fan at all. And that is also perfectly fine. (although my instagram, facebook and twitter feed may annoy you in the coming weeks)

Regardless of your sports preference, all fans and the rest of the world have something in common.

A need for belonging.

We’re wired for a sense of community. Regardless of culture, socio-economic factors, country of origin or gender, we are wired for the need to belong. We want to belong within a family. We show our desire for belonging in so many ways: neighborhood gatherings, organizations we join. In ways we serve others. Community activism. Knitting groups. I’m sure we can name a long list to prove this point: we all want and need a sense of belonging.

I used the word “wired”. I really believe that we are hard-wired to belong and need to connect with others because we are all created in the image of our Maker. He is in perfect community within the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He has made us needing community because we bear His image; regardless of whether we acknowledge His existing Presence or not.

And regardless of our acknowledgement, He reached out to us to bring us into community with Him. Because of His great love for each one of us.

So we need to seek community. When we don’t have a sense of community, we can spiral downward and out of control. It doesn’t take much searching to see the devastating results of extended isolation or rejection from community. The news stations report the results daily. On our own without a God-oriented life we can lose our way and get off in the weeds. But when our sense of belonging is re-calibrated into God-centered community every other aspect of life begins to re-calibrate as well. We don’t suddenly become a different person, we slowly become a more obvious image bearer. Christian terms call it Christ-likeness. We won’t ever become Jesus, but over the course of our with-God life, our community life becomes more about others and less about self.

So whether you are cheering a team on today’s Opening Day or are sad your alma mater’s team didn’t make it to the Final Four or even if sports are off your radar altogether, you are an image bearer. The imago dei. You belong.

Oh and Go Giants! And Go Gators!

If you haven’t yet reconciled all of life into a with God life, I’d love to talk with you more. All comments are moderated by me before publication so you may contact me here without anyone else seeing your comment first.

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