Member-only story
MEDITATION
Becoming Our Best Selves — Together
Belonging begins where you are, not where you think you should be
Spirit, gather my soul into the warmth of a community that believes in true belonging. Surround me with people who see my heart clearly. Let us, in community, challenge each other with kindness, inspiration, and love. May we walk this journey called life together, holding each other in grace, growing in wisdom, and becoming more of who You created us to be.
If you think about it, no one walks a spiritual journey alone. We always have the Triune God, but we also need companions — friends who see the best in us, even when we can’t see the best in ourselves.
It becomes a bit of a dance and delicate balance because we need people who inspire us to become more, but we also need grace to be accepted where we are currently. And vice versa. If we want to be within a community of empowering people, we need to offer the same, right?
The best way I can describe this is because none of us have it all figured out. Why? Growth takes time.
A healthy community offers encouragement and accountability. When I say accountability, I mean the type that allows for a friend to come alongside, nudge us, but never shame us. They lift and call us toward greater love, wisdom, and hope.
If you have that now, hang on to it. It is precious.
We need a faith community of friends to inspire, challenge, tease, and call us to be all we can be without unduly embarrassing us for being where we are now.
— Robert J. Wicks
Here’s the thing with loving accountability. Sometimes, we resist. We prefer comfort over growth. C’mon, I see you. I’m sitting right next to you, resisting with all I have.
Here’s the thing, though. When we surround ourselves with people who care, they don’t let us stay stuck in fear, doubt, or complacency. That’s because they love us enough to never let us forget who we are, and vice versa. Does someone in particular come to your mind when reading that?
