We need each other.  There is a song we used to sing years ago at a church I attended that would bring me to tears. Something powerful and intangible happened each time we sang the words to each other.  We connected on a deeper level.  Even now as I reflect on those days, tears well up in my eyes because I am reminded how God has used people in my life to encourage me, comfort me, correct me, support me, and pray for me.  All these things have helped mold me into the person I am today.   While God is our Source, He sends people to walk alongside of us through the journey of purpose.  For nostalgia’s sake, I shared the song below.  Take a listen, you just might recognize it. 

I hope you were able to feel the heart of this song.  While we are not supposed to be co-dependent or have dysfunctional relationships, we must recognize the value of being in relationship with one another. In one of my latest IG posts, I reflected on living in California for two years.  I could not accurately assess how my life has literally been transformed over these years without recognizing the people God has sent my way. 

The reality is, we need each other to walk in the fullness of what God created us to do.  Yesterday, I was listening to one of my favorite speakers share about the process of writing her book.  As she spoke, she began naming the different people who offered their expertise and feedback on her draft.   She showed great appreciation for their time and willingness to use their gifts to help her complete what God told her to do.  She was committed to excellence and understood it was necessary for her reach out for support. This is just one example of how God has created us to be interconnected.  Her success was not hers alone.

I saw this concept at work in such a tangible way when I competed in Tough Mudder. If you are not familiar with it, let me explain.  Tough Mudder is a 10-mile mud run with over 20 obstacles. You can sign up with a team or run solo.  Most people sign up as a team.  Each time I completed the course (three in total), I was in a different city and I ran with a different team.  However, the overall experience was the same.  This course is designed in such a way that you cannot complete many of the obstacles without the help of someone else. Naturally, you assume your teammates will help each other; this is a no brainer.  But I quickly discovered it was more than that.  Everyone helped each other.  Everyone.  Below is a picture from my first Tough Mudder.  This obstacle required you to run up this muddy wall to get to the top.  If you look at the top right hand corner, you will see a hand reaching out to me.  I did not know this man but that did not matter. We were one team. 

I have shared all these practical examples because I believe they paint a beautiful picture of what it means to care for one another.  While the depth of our relationships varies, I think we can agree they are important and part of God’s design.  When we read though the Bible, we see strong friendships, battles won as a community, and the list goes on.  On this journey of purpose, never forget, no man is an island. 

Scripture References

Two are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls along is in real trouble.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  Hebrews 10: 24 (NLT)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that you created me to be in community. Help me to thrive where You have planted me. If I am not in the right “soil", direct me as to where I should go. May I be one who helps my fellow brothers and sisters with a pure heart and pure motives. Teach me how to love the way You want me to love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Until Next Time,

Live Audaciously!
Kay Naomi