Gratitude Strengthens Community

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” —Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

We all crave a place where we can show up and be our authentic self. It feels nearly impossible with all the different roles we play as we dance to the rhythm of each new day. Plus, community has a tendency to get messy. It’s easy for our compartmentalized lives to stretch us and lead us to burn out. However, community that expresses gratitude and appreciation for one another as well as curiosity and openness is fertile ground for cultivating deeper relationships that allow you to show up as your most authentic self and thrive.

Someone asked me recently if I had a place in my life where I could show up as my authentic self.

As I received her question and considered my response my mind began to wander till it landed on Tuesday night. A little over a year ago a close friend and I decided to launch a working women small group at our church. It was a new endeavor for us, and in the spirit of transparency, as Church Relations Coordinator for WiM, I felt an obligation to my job to start a small group specifically targeting working women in our church. Even though this focus on work was still new to me, God bestowed His favor upon this group of women and has since doubled our group to the point where we are beginning to discuss how to split the group so we can make room for more working women and create new leaders. ONLY GOD!