A Sense of Community

Father Knows Best.  Leave It to Beaver.  I Love Lucy.  Maybe you liked these tv shows.  Maybe not.  Some of you don’t even know what shows I talking about:)  But these shows, in many ways, characterize my life growing up.  The women that surrounded me were, well, very similar.  I only knew one mom who worked outside the home – and that was in the school cafeteria.  I wasn’t aware of single moms, teenage mothers or any number of other home situations different from my own.  I feel very blessed for the influence of my mom, as well as the other moms who created our community.  All of the women were, indeed, a community.  Whether at the mailbox, while pushing the stroller for a walk, or over coffee at the kitchen table these women encouraged and supported one another.

I know homes and communities are vastly different today.  In fact, it is the uniqueness of each family that creates a sense of home today – much as similarity did for me.  Roles for women have certainly grown and evolved.  But, I believe, women still look for and even need a sense of community.

Here are my five-minute thoughts on this week’s FMF prompt:  women

All women seek community.  Other women that form a sense of fellowship.  Somewhere to share interests, goals, and ideas.  To teach and to learn from.  This type of community benefits body, soul and spirit.  I see evidence of this everywhere – even at the assisted living.  Those who engage in the activities and interact with the other residents do so much better – emotionally, mentally and even physically – than those who remain more isolated.  This is also a Bible principle.  Titus 2 is directed at women, of all ages, learning from and teaching other women.  We are to be connected and part of a community.

Being engaged with other women is more and more of a challenge.  Demands are many and time for “simply” connecting seems elusive.  But it needs to be a priority.  Three thoughts on creating community with other women:

1 – Don’t accept substitutes.  At least, not on a regular basis.  A text, Facebook message or other social media drop-in have their place, but they cannot replace genuine conversation and fellowship with others.  It might seem like you are connected, or in touch, but it is not the same.

2 – Be purposeful.  Don’t just hope the time will come – make it happen.  Invite others – whether to your house or somewhere else.  Whether for a full evening at dinner or for 20 minutes over coffee.  It is surprising….if you invite them, women will (find time and) come:)

3 – Look outside your circle.  All women want to be included.  And, as women, we tend to flock together.  There is nothing wrong with having a “bestie” or a close group, but be careful not to be exclusive.  And certainly, don’t judge a book by its cover – or assume someone would not want to be included.  Reach out to someone older, younger, or just “different”!  Wonderful friendships have been made this way!

There are several other thoughts – encouragements for fellowship – running through my thoughts.  But, five minutes fly by!  How do you stay purposefully connected?