The 1st Village

I am truly, not a fan, of the phrase "it takes a village."

But the impact a community makes on a family unit certainly can not be underestimated.

Conversely, it is the power of families coming together that create a community.

As 2016 comes to a close, we live in times where we are somehow, strangely enough, both the most connected we have ever been, while simultaneously, the most disconnected. We are more interested in the online conversation than we are face-to-face. Yet, we use Facetime, like it's the same thing. Not that it's bad, but it's still not the same.

We speak on things we otherwhise wouldn't. We play a part that doesn't exist in reality. Technology has allowed us to present ourselves as other than who we are. Pandora's box of misunderstanding has been swung wide open, as if making it's grand entrance through the opening of French doors.

"Good morning, World. I'm hear to wreak havoc in your relationships" - Misunderstanding

Sadly, it's passing on to the next generation. The dysfunction in families is causing unhealthy approaches as to how people of all ages relate, once they step into the public square. It just goes to show how progess we've yet to go... almost as if technology has taken us backwards, seemingly contradictory to the believe that the evolutionary process of life always leads to improvements on a bigger, better, grander scale. 

For all of man's faults, we must understand that we can not fix everything, solve everything nor manage the aftermath and consequences of life and our decisions. We need the help and the grace of God to permeate our lives and souls anew and afresh.

Pray with me, this #communitySaturday, for families... for all the forms and friendships that have interwoven into what one terms their family, may God help them and strength them to function and communicate in healthy dialogue and action. Pray for the body of Christ; the family of God... as the church has struggled to understand and impact community, and likewise, been greatly misunderstood by society... may God grant us grace in our failures and boldness in our conversations. May we be the salt and light He has called us. May we be the helping hand to those in need, the shoulder for those in mourning and the friend to those abondoned and neglected. Pray the church would positively impact their community for the cause of Christ; to effectively communicate the Gospel... 

For He desires all to be a part of His family,
The village of Heaven, if you will.
Relationship with God,
Made available through Christ Jesus.
Not because of us, but His love for us.

- PNC

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