When Hillary Clinton's book "It takes a village" came out around 20 years ago, I remember a lot of people not loving the idea. And I got what they were saying - that parenting was YOUR job. That you were responsible for raising your own children and shouldn't pawn them off on others. And to that extent I totally agree. But I also agree with the idea of Hillary's book which comes from an African proverb. Now I haven't read the book so I'm not promoting it or disagreeing with it.
But what I have seen in my own life is that it is a true blessing when you DO have a village (or a community) and don't try to live your life as an island. You can call it a lot of different names - I would call it church. And when people work together to support each other and love one another and put each other's needs above their own at times, it can be a perfect picture of what the church was called to do. The gospel in action.
And it is SUCH a gift to be able to help others. We sometimes keep that blessing away when we don't allow someone to help us.
I have a friend who recently had surgery in another state. She had a family member keeping her children but our friends really stepped up to keep them fed and to take the kids to school and activities and to pray over them. And it was just the sweetest thing to witness how these friends all jumped in to help. I have seen it over and over in many different situations. Not just in my friend circle but in a lot of circles both near and far and even though I hate the situations that are usually at the center of it, I love to see the love that's in action when it's needed.
Because we can't go it alone. We weren't meant to go it alone.
I don't know if you have that community or if you feel you don't but I'm praying that this coming year will be the year you find your village. One of the best ways is to just start by looking for needs and serving and there will come a time when you need help - and those people will be there to stand by you.
I love this blogging community and I know that there are so many in need of prayer right now. Christmas time can be isolating and full of pain for so many people. It's not always the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. I know people all around me who are facing HARD things.
I want to be a village here today and let's pray for one another. Put your prayer request in the comments and we will lift you up. If you see a request that you can pray for - will you comment and let them know? I will be praying for each one.
This is the season that we celebrate the birth of Jesus. He came to give us life. He knew we would have pain but he promised to never leave us and He also promised to pray for us Himself to God. This is a great time of year to give not only gifts and to help others but to also pray for those around us.
Thank you for sharing your needs here today.
The "LOTness" of it All
1 year ago
