The Nitty Gritty of Community

The Nitty Gritty of Community

A strange thing happened in the last days of Kara’s illness: people—strangers—got a sneak peek into her life and that of my church and community. As a blogger, she posted almost every day (sometimes multiple times a day) about looking for grace in the midst of saying her final goodbyes. She posted hundreds of pictures that showed her in dark moments and joyful moments. They showed us girlfriends gathering together, laughing, crying. They showed friends rubbing her feet, cuddling with her in bed, praying over her. Through her writings, she painted a beautiful picture of community, of doing life together in the midst of the hardest of circumstances.

Kara’s Collection: Beautifully Met

Kara’s Collection: Beautifully Met

From an article originally posted November 22, 2013…

Living in multiple seasons of struggle I have heard every platitude known to man, but there are a few that never bristle my spirit. This beautiful verse from Matthew is always a comfort, always a challenge.

I will confess this to be a verse I highly regard, but do not fully understand. If I’m frank I can go on to explain some humorous ways I have dealt with this passage. I have visualized wrapping up my burden and handing it over, I have prayed my burden over, I have imagined my burden carried away by Jesus.

A Letter to Emily Doe

A Letter to Emily Doe

Dear Emily Doe,

I can’t stop thinking about you. I’m supposed to be making dinner and interacting with my children, and I’m fighting back tears over someone I’ve never met.

I keep thinking, I’m crying for a woman I don’t know. But then I’m reminded, I do know you. You are my friend. And you are my other friend. And you are my other friend.

Kara’s Collection: Embracing Warmth

Kara’s Collection: Embracing Warmth

From an article originally posted November 21, 2013…

They wake slowly
Feet greeting good morning
He slides close and embraces her warmth
Under the downy weight of their nest
They find rest and comfort and never wish to vacate their bliss or face their reality
Let the littles pack their lunch, pick their clothes, wipe the sleep from their own eyes
They will hide in the first moment of daylight enfolded in the warmth
It’s fitting on the first day of snow, they hide and forget
The unspoken words known
Warmth is here today, but not promised for tomorrow
He fears the lonely bed
She hurts for his fears she can’t calm.

Community Series Q&A: Family Pursuit

Community Series Q&A: Family Pursuit

Answered by Caitlin Lieder

What does it look like to pursue and grow a community when you have small children?

As a mother of young kids, I understand some of the complications of trying to build a community amidst another spill, constant interruption, and the inability to put a sentence together. During the last almost 9 years of motherhood, God has gifted me with friends who have come alongside me and showed me intention and a deep love. To those reading this who are in that camp, thank you. I hope the following will be a help to you who are in this season of life or to you who want to minister to people like us!