Hi Friends, Day 2 of the countdown starts now!
Lesson #2: Accountability Happens In Community
Sometimes God will put the blessing you need in someone else. And in order for you to get what you need, you have to step outside of yourself and connect with others. This is His way of reminding us that though we are many parts, we are one body and we were meant to function together.
In September I launched by website and blog which was a vision several years in the making. I had attempted and failed to launch my blog a few years prior. I had the desire and I even had the determination. But what I didn’t have was the know-how. Yes, I did the research and scoured the internet, but I wasn’t able to put the pieces together. That is until I got connected with someone who could help me. In May I joined a writers community led by Rachel G. Scott, founder of the I Can’t Come Down movement. Making this connection helped me get clear on my message and my path forward. Things finally started making sense for me. But I didn’t just get clarity on the what and how. Most importantly, I got clarity on the why. Being a part of this community challenged me to act with intentionality and urgency because God has called me to write and given me a message He wants me to share.
So why didn’t I connect with someone who could help me sooner? That’s an easy question for me to answer. True connection requires trust. In order to benefit from the wisdom, and practical help that others could provide, I had to be willing to entrust my ideas, plans, and dreams to them. I shunned the thought of opening up to anyone in this way for a long time. I was limiting myself because I refused to dismantle the walls I had built up. But this year God gave me the courage to trust, to share, to receive help, and to embrace community. And when I did my ideas and plans got better, the next step was clearer, and I had supportive and encouraging voices holding me accountable.
Ok, so if you’re like me and you’ve been a little slow to learn the value of community (and I know you’re out there), then I’m talking to you. Maybe you’ve been hurt or betrayed and now you are reluctant to trust people again. Maybe you are introverted, reserved, a bit shy, or just prefer rolling solo. Maybe the thought of being accountable to someone sounds restrictive. I get all of that because I’ve felt the same way. But trust me when I say there is a better way. You can find the courage to trust again. It’s great to be able to solo, but it’s also beautiful being part of the band. There is freedom in admitting you need help.
As you consider where you may have some walls of your own to dismantle, meditate on what Bible says about community.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 15:22 Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they are established and succeed.
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
I Corinthians 12:18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.
Romans 12:6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
The countdown continues tomorrow with Lesson #1 and another testimony.
Living In The Light,