Have you ever experienced a sense of not belonging or perhaps felt the pressure to alter yourself in order to gain acceptance from others? I believe that at some stage in our lives, we have all encountered such feelings. As we grow older, our past experiences and wounds often lead us towards seclusion rather than towards connection with others. However, does isolation truly satisfy our needs? While it may provide a sense of not imposing our issues on others or the illusion of shielding ourselves from further pain, is it truly fulfilling?
As humans though, we are built for connection. God designed each of us for community. According to His word in Hebrews 10:24-25," And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching." So often in some of my darkest valley's I felt it was best to withdraw to not put that burden on anyone else. I thought I had to be fully "healed" before engaging with a community.
Recognizing that not every community will suit you is crucial. The perfect community will resonate with your values and support your growth. In exchange, you should be ready to reciprocate. Community is not just about personal benefits but also about giving back. By having a generous spirit, you not only bring healing to yourself but also contribute to others' well-being. The adage "it is better to give than to receive" holds true. It is common for us to be self-absorbed in our own issues. One effective way to break this cycle is by assisting others. This can not only fill your heart more quickly than addressing your own problems but also provide the perspective you may be lacking.
Isolation holds us in the darkness, making it challenging to welcome the light. It is up to each individual, not the community, to take the initiative. We must venture into the uncomfortable spaces to fulfill our purpose. At times, it may be necessary to distance ourselves from toxic influences. Although this can be difficult and isolating, it is crucial to seek companions who share our aspirations.
One of the most difficult places in building that community is allowing yourself to live in a vulnerable place. As Brene Brown states," Vulenarbility is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. What you may see on social and through this pictures are happy moments and exciting adventures. What you dont' see are the vulnerable moments that have truly cultivated these relationships. We have talked trauma,we have talked disappointments, we have cried, we have prayed, but most importantly we have spoken truth when we are each in valley. Had each of these women not taken a leap of faith to share peices of their stories, our bond would not be as strong. A bond that is truly unbreakable.
Over this last year, my world has changed in ways I didn't know possible. Through this journey of healing and finding my purpose. God brought person after person into my life that showed me that community is essential. I have a community like I never thought possible. In that I had to find the courage to say yes to things that made me nervours or uncomfortable. With each leap my circle grew and God brought women that have brought life and love into my life.
Galatians 6:2 " Carry one another's burdens; in this way you fullfill the law of Christ." These women while carrying their own burdens, we help carry each other's. This is what The Light Ranch will uphold. People that will hold your hand in your burdens and help you fight them. Think of any battle, one soldier cannot do much but an army, an army can conquer anything with the right resources. We are building an army.
So what can a community really do for you?
Transformation
It all begins with our own healing. Maybe you are not ready to tell your story of what you have been through but there is power in hearing other's. Hearing another persons story shows that you are never alone. Some people have faced the same, some worse, regardless, it is finding those that will help you overcome. When you begin to transform, you start to let go of the old and create something new. Your story is not defined by what has happened to you, but will you allow God to start writing a new one but letting Him in?
2. Connection
It provides a place to connect and one of the easiest ways is to find people that have either been what you have been through or find a place to come together to empower each other in doing the things you are passionate about. "Its' not about being known and admired by everyone. It's about being authentic in a world that makes us think we are not enough. Because authenticity connects us. And genuine connection is what heals."
3. Accountability
This is a hard one, for any of us. The right community will hold you to the life and values you want to live up to. They will not let you settle or hold you back. They will push your growth and being the best version of you. Now, they do so with love and true care of who you are. They value you and for this, they don't let you fall into the dark places. "The person who challenges you and holds you accountable, loves you more than the person who lets you stay the same and settle for less."
4. Growth
A community will help you grow. They will hear your dreams or your goals and they will help you strive for them. They will give you encouragement and do what they can to help you meet them because they have your best interest at heart. I would not have this purpose for The Light Ranch without community and those that have pushed my growth beyond what my doubts define me as.
All of these pictures..these women, a year ago they were not in my life. So when I say your community can change if you lean into the uncomfortable places, trust me this is a true example. God not only heard my prayers but He knew exactly what I needed. He provided IN abdunance beyond my wildest expectations.
While The Light Ranch grows, we are creating a community centered around these four elements. The key is to connect with a community through The Light Ranch or other wonderful organizations that host amazing events in various locations. Explore and discover the places that resonate with you.
Ladies, we hope to see you at the very first Light Summit in 2025, your community could be right here. Will you say yes?
Comments