By Grace Through Faith

Recently, I went to Ole Miss to see this wonderful lady, Jordan Lee, speak about topics that we all struggle with and the stains that we are hiding underneath the surface. We were in room filled with at least 75 girls that were from all over the place: Alabama, Texas, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and even more. Jordan went around the room and asked people to share their struggles or things they were facing in their life. It completely blew my mind because there were so many people in that one room struggling with the same things as other girls. Like one girl was from Texas and was struggling with the exact same circumstance as another girl from Alabama and they didn’t even know each other. We all struggle with the same things and having relationships to help one another is what community is all about.

Community is having conversations with one another, checking on each other, and making each other feel loved. Community is not just your church or your town, but it is the people in those places that make up your life and become your friends. God wants us to be involved in a community where we not only feel love, but we also show God’s love to others.

Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. – Acts 2:43-47

I know that it is hard to open up to people and talk about the struggles in your life. College has truly taught me that. However, you opening up about your struggles can truly impact someone else who may be going through that same situation, like that girl from Alabama. God puts people in our life like that for a reason. He wants us to pray for each other. He wants us to talk to each other and learn from one another. He wants all of us to have a community where we don’t feel like an outcast and can learn more about Him.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – Romans 12:4-5

God wants us to be united in our communities as well. Unity means “one”, but it doesn’t take just one person to have unity; it takes a community to come together and be united as a whole. We all belong to the one body of Christ. That is how we are united. Don’t feel like you have to be the big hero to unite people. You don’t have to do big things to do things for the Lord. You can do things right on your college campus or in your community by sharing the Word and your story. Whether it is starting a bible study with friends or having a fellowship at lunch, you can build your community right where you are.

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. – Acts 1:14

Whatever God has called you to do in your community, find a way to make it happen and build relationships with the ones around you. Lean on one another. Be united with others. Love each other. Start that fire that God wants you to set wherever you are.

Love always,

Claire

Also, I wanted to share the link to Jordan Lee’s blog. Y’all should go check it out!!! http://blog.thesoulscripts.com