Known by Few

I'm usually surrounded by many people - but known by few. A good talk with my brother the week of my grandfather's funeral brought this to light. Nearly a year later, I'm seeing a change in this. Through hardship earlier this year, I have had to confide in others and ask for help in order not only to be held accountable, but to be vulnerable.

I have always had trouble letting others know when I'm in need. I want to always be okay, and fine, and great. My independent spirit cringes at the thought of needing something other than myself. This idea that I can be completely self sufficient is a lie. You need to be known and you need to know others. Being involved deeply in each other's lives breeds familiarity, confidence, and reliance on others.

Just because you have neighbors and you go to a bible study or Sunday morning church doesn't mean that you live in community. That just means that you are among a group of people living in the same locality or sharing a similar interest or identity. It is merely a masquerade of intimacy. To know the joys, triumphs, pains, trials and challenges of another - to live with them, alongside them - this is community.