Maybe it’s the little girl in me or my Southern roots, but I love a good gathering. Any time of year for whatever reason. The planning with anticipation, the palpable buzz in the air, and the sounds of conversation. There’s just something special about people coming together, especially when we invite the Guest of Honor.

Settle in for a moment and let me share something with you…

Years ago, I found myself in a place where I avoided gathering with other people. I wore the shame of bad choices and my hurting spirit around so blatantly that I was sure it was all others could see when they looked at me. So I hid. I stayed away, avoiding family and friends – something that is very much out of my character.

In the way He always does, the Lord gently led me to a place where I felt safe and accepted. That first session of (in)courager Community Groups was huge for me. Earth-shattering huge. Life-changing huge. It was virtually walking into a room of women whose stories and feelings were similar enough to mine that I felt understood for the first time in a long time. That “me, too” moment changes everything.

You’ve been hurt?
Me, too.

You’ve let your pain set in like a fog and you’re finding it hard to see past it?
Me, too.

You want desperately to be known, yet find yourself terrified of being seen?
Me, too.

The Bible tells a story of community in Nehemiah 8. It goes something like this…

The people of Israel were settling into their towns and they came together to hear a reading of the Book of Revelation of Moses. As Ezra read from the book, the people worshipped and wept together. With hands raised to the heavens and on their knees with faces on the ground, this community was in awe of the Lord and the things He had done. At some point, Nehemiah steps up and tells them, “This day is holy to God, your God. Don’t weep and carry on… Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of the Lord is your strength!” {The story can be found in Nehemiah 8:1-10.}

At the core of our being, we need each other & long for togetherness. The Lord shows us throughout His Word that He created us one for another. And when we come together with people who know our pain and share our longing for Jesus, it’s an emotional experience. There is so much release and comfort in the “me, too.”

God calls His people to prepare and share with those who don’t have – in tangible as well as immaterial ways. One thing each of us have is a story. Each one different and, yet, in many ways the same. Maybe you have the strength to share your story; and, in doing so, give someone else the strength to open themselves up to community again.

The most beautiful thing is that, in seeking opportunities to bless and encourage another, the Lord will bless you in ways you can’t imagine. He will fill your heart with a joy that is indefinable. And that feeling, that delight will be your source of power to persevere and keep on keeping on when the hard days find you. The joy of the Lord is our strength!

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