This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity of being a guest on the Feather’s Podcast hosted by Amy J. Bennett! I shared my story of how I experience authentic community in my everyday life despite having lived a very isolated and difficult childhood.
We all know that community doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s messy and awkward. It takes time and effort. It calls for intentionality. Unfortunately, we are not always willing to put forth that time and effort or to fight past misunderstandings and pain or go the extra mile. When we don’t do this, we stay detached from the purposes of God within the context of community. And we stay right where the enemy wants us. He wants us to be disillusioned into thinking that no cares about us and that we are the only ones dealing with pain and trials.
That simply isn’t true! God never intended for us to do life alone. He created us for fellowship with Himself and with others.
There is a flourishing that only happens within community.
“ They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
This verse in the book of Acts describes the grace found in the early Church. I believe this is still The Lord’s heartbeat for the Church today. He doesn’t call us to always to stop what we are doing to build community. Often times community is built in the including of each others in the mundane tasks of our daily lives.
My desire is for you to look for everyday opportunities to foster community. Look past the work it takes. Look past the moments of hurt and offense from others. Don’t let those times cause you to become discouraged and jaded about community.
The beauty of community lies on the other side of the struggle of community.
Hang in there. Don’t lose heart. There is a place for you where…
You belong.
You are welcome.
You are needed.
You are valued.
http://www.amyjbennett.com/2015/05/12/feathers-011-with-karina-allen-podcast/
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you experience community in your everyday lives!
For His Name And His Renown 
May 13, 2015 @ 19:58:10
Even though is may sound funny, I have found some of the most amazing feelings of community through the friendships that I’ve made with different bloggers online. It brings to mind that verse that says where 2 or 3 are gathered He is there, even though we’re not physically together, He definitely is moving through all of us!
May 14, 2015 @ 09:09:43
Hey Abby! Me too! Covenant friendships are the manifestation of Christ on the earth. It’s beautiful!!!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!!
May 27, 2015 @ 10:38:09
Karina, I loved listening to your story & what you shared on the podcast! I still remember so very well the day we met in Houston in the lobby of the hotel after the Living Proof Scripture Memorization Event. That was definitely a God-ordained meeting. I think you are amazing & I am so proud of you. I look forward to seeing more of God’s blessings and favor in your life. Thank you for sharing & for being such an inspiration to all of us! I love you! Valerie
May 27, 2015 @ 11:14:54
Thank you my sweet friend!!!! I am constantly in awe of what God has done and continues to do in and through my life. And it was completely God how we met. He is our foundation that holds us together. 🙂
And thank you for listening and for your love and support!