Fellowship

Carlene Wooddell

Find Your Tribe

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6 NIV

It is so important to find your tribe. The people you depend on in life when you need extra encouragement, a shoulder to lean on and a friend that is there through the good and bad times. When God created us, His hope was that we would have many healthy relationships, none of us were created to do life alone or lonely.

Image by Christine Schmidt from Pixabay

Life is hard. Choices must be made daily. Choosing your tribe is just as important. You need people that you can laugh and cry with. People that may not understand what you are going through, but are empathetic enough to be there to help you get through to the other side of sadness and sorrow, to the place where your heart feels at peace. In my opinion, some tribes change over the years, as people move away or grow and others last forever, no matter what. Some may change because there is a toxic friend, who is always negative, is afraid to change and grow, and may impede your progress to do the same.

I look for people that love Jesus Christ. I want to know that if the only thing we have in common is our love for the Lord, that is enough. God has a purpose for all of us. However, I have some friends that do not believe in Jesus, some are atheist, and while that is troubling to my spirit, I still love them. And I pray for them, for their health, relationships, things that may be afflicting them, because I know my God is bigger than anything, any of us will face. I search for people that aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. People that can be brutally honest without being mean-spirited. People that make me laugh, at myself and them too. Honesty, integrity, kindness, a loving spirit, are traits I admire.

I thank God for every person he places in my path. The journey called life can be a lonely one, or you can be open to what God does in you and through you. Some of these people have taught me that having a tribe is more important that we think, until we need each other. Community and fellowship with one another are key to building your tribe.

If you are dealing with emotional hurt, than it’s difficult some times to find your tribe. It’s hard to know who to trust and exactly what someone’s intentions are, but taking one tiny step is a start. Try joining a Bible Study, attend a church, take a cooking class, a bowling league, something that interests you and put yourself out there. God knows who your tribe is, trust Him to lead you.

When you finally find your tribe, don’t let them go. Stay connected. Check on one another. Be there for each other. Life is so much better with friends.

Jesus can turn any mess into a message and any test into a testimony.#HopeAlwaysHaveFaith

Until next time, blessings to you~Carlene

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Carlene Wooddell

Community=Doing Life

Matthew 18:20New International Version (NIV)

20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

A community is one of the best parts of being the church. You don’t have to be in a building to be in church. The body of believers in Christ Jesus are the church. You can have church anywhere. And if you are like me, you are more aptly to stay in the Word and focus on the Lord and His plans for you when you are held accountable. Accountability is a much-needed tool for the church. When we join together in community (i.e. small groups), we have others that are there to pray with us and for us and to lift one another up and encourage each other. Community works best when you meet with the same group of people of a certain time period or consecutive weeks. I do not think that you can just meet once or twice and be established. There are some small groups, that have been meeting for years and lifelong friendships have been established. Encourage

We have the Holy Spirit living within us. He actually dwells within us. He is our guide and shows us grace when we make poor choices, He convicts our hearts and we know that whatever choice we made, it wasn’t the best one. The Holy Spirit knows we will make mistakes, it’s part of living in the flesh. He doesn’t condemn us because of our sins. He offers gentle correction and gives us influences in our lives that will help to guide us in Godly ways.

The Life Group I am part of meets once a week for a few hours. We share with one another what is happening in our lives and how we have seen God working in them. We study the Bible and glean the meanings of the teachings within the borders of the binding and we help one another with prayers and support. And I can’t imagine doing life without this group. It’s not a requirement to attend and you don’t get demerits if you don’t show up; however, it is the fuel the fills my tank to get me through my week. And if we have struggles before the next meeting we have the opportunity to reach out to one another and be there for one another.

I am very blessed to be part of a community of women that have moved and inspired me in every aspect of my life. God knew what he was doing when he prompted me to attend this Life Group over two years ago. I cannot imagine my life without any of the women I have become so blessed to know, personally.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

If you are not part of a small community group; I highly recommend you seek one out or create your own. God did not create us to be alone.

Jesus Loves You! Blessings-Carlene