It takes a community...

I am sure you have heard the old saying that it takes a community to raise a child. Well, I say it goes beyond that. My family, like yours too maybe, has faced many struggles and fears. From health issues to job fears and more. But we are fortunate to have a real "Community" to lean on. Sometimes its hard for people to become a real part of their community. But when you do, the rewards are wonderful. Your community can be much more than the people who live around you too. It can include friends, family, co-workers and more. As a former pastor of mine once advised during one of our struggles... "Don't refuse help from others and steal their blessing." And I have since expanded my understanding of this to include this thought. Seeing others praying, caring and helping you is 100 times the blessing of the actual acts they perform. It provides a comfort to the soul. And if you ever wonder if the simple kind word, hug, prayer or even food really makes a difference... I'm here to tell you that it does. And so much more than you think. In our most recent struggle, I have seen people that we do not even really know show acts of love and kindness just because they have heard from someone that we were in the midst of a struggle. For instance, we found out about my wife's cancer return a few days before I had some oral surgery. One of the office help noticed that I was a little more distraught than oral surgery should warrant. She asked and I shared. Now, even months later, when I have returned for a follow-up...she asks again how my wife is doing and tells me that she has been praying. My wife and I have both had so many examples of people we either barely knew or did not know give such comfort to us. And I cannot even begin to properly explain what those closest to us have blessed us with, or thank them. As I said before, it takes a community! I'm sure glad I am a part of one.

Love thy neighbor as thyself. Matthew 19:19 / Leviticus 19:18