Today, I have the opportunity to be a part of a training that teaches communities how to respond effectively to a crisis. It is the second part of the training and I am excited to learn more. All parts of the community come together when there is a crisis. The training will teach us how to do it well.
We have seen so many natural disasters and acts of evil in recent years, it is always good to learn how to prepare for the worst, so we can give our best in troubled times.
This quote is thought proving and really quite powerful. It is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer who lived at the time of WW2 and played a role in trying to stop Hitler. He hated violence. From his observations, he determined this:
"People who love their dream of community will destroy community, but the people who love those around them will create community." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Our idea of community is not always what creates community... love does. Our dreams and misconceptions play a part.
"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” -Mark 12:30-31
This embraces caring for the sick, widows, and orphans, too. This message is always clear. What is not as clear is what the sick, widows, and orphans might look like.
Imprisoned or addicted parents can leave children without a parent present. Loss of a partner, a job, or a home can leave families struggling to make ends meet. Loss of health is humbling. It is not easy to ask for help. Still, in the trials of life, we create community.
Love well and community will appear. Share the Gospel with gentleness and respect, and lives change. His peace is unlike any other.
Today, I am grateful for every opportunity to create community.
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