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"Once, there was a small group of kids who decided to go to a park in the middle of the city, and dance and play, laugh and twirl. As they played in the park, they thought that maybe another child would pass by and see them. Maybe that child would think it looked fun and even decide to join them. Then maybe another one would. Then maybe a businessman would hear them from his skyscraper. Maybe he would look out the window. Maybe he would see them playing and lay down his papers and come down. Maybe they could teach him to dance. Then maybe another businessman would walk by, a nostalgic man, and he would take off his tie and toss aside his briefcase and dance and play. Maybe the whole city would join the dance. Maybe even the world. Maybe... Regardless, they decided to enjoy the dance." Shane Claiborne, the Irresistible Revolution

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Community

This is from an experience that I wrote about two and half years ago. At the time I was attending seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and the story takes place around finals week.


Today I helped a very good friend of mine move from Wilmore to Nicholasville. Nicholasville is an interesting town. It existed before Lexington but certain portions of the city have now morphed into a suburb of Lexington. The city also contains plenty of tradition and backwoods folk like every small town in Kentucky.


As I and another friend helped him move, I couldn't help but ask myself, "Why are we the only two helping this awesome guy out?" It's not like this guy is a jerk; in fact, he is one of the nicest guys I know. I recently attended his wedding four weeks ago and it was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever attended. Part of the ceremony included each member of the wedding party forming a circle around the couple and offering a blessing to them as they passed around the wedding rings. The blessings they offered only confirmed how great of a guy he is.


But alas, he is moving during exam week and the world of academia has swallowed people whole. Everyone always complains about how bad Christian community is in America and how everyone is always trying to solve this dilemma. What it boils down to is that people are just too wrapped up in themselves. People really believe the world revolves around them and sadly, Christians are particularly prone to these types of beliefs. How can we blame them, though? After all, self-help sermons are being preached all across America. If we follow these three bullet points, these four steps, and follow the six point action plan, we will be happier individuals. Sadly, Christians continue to struggle with addiction, depression, and loneliness. I wonder why?


Jesus once said that if we desire to find life, we must lose it. The path to finding our life involves denying ourselves and picking up our crosses daily in service to Him.


I think if we followed Christ's words, we would discover community and fellowship as it was intended.
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