1) Being intentional. (Side note: It comes with a few laughs). I'm the kind of person that would be okay on the side lines.. much like a wall flower- but I knew one thing: If I wanted to build community again I was going to have to put that aside. So, I showed up as a NEWBIE to NEW places and just introduced myself (even when on the inside I was a nervous wreck). I just started up conversation like I'd been there. I listened as they told me about about community and events. The fun part came when they realized I was new to the area and had NO idea what they were talking about. I quickly realized that if I was not intentional about reaching out community was not going to come. I mean, it would have been cool if it fell out of the sky like manna.... but 'fraid not. If I wanted to build community again I (me, myself) was going to have to be intentional to reach out. The blessing came when they reached back- which brings me to lesson numero 2.
2) "BUT GOD"! I am going to be a little transparent here. I was terrified I wouldn't be able to find another solid church and community here. I had my share of doubts, fears, and insecurities. BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy practically planted a new church in my lap. I mean what are the chances that the church I found (with the help of my aunt) would just be there? BUT boom, there it was. It was solid, my first pick of 3 churches that I had emailed, and coincidentally the only church that emailed me back and reached out. "BUT GOD". HE can. HE will. HE is faithful. I have had quite a few....many... a lot of "But GOD" moments over the past few months. The biggest one, you ask? There were times I felt anxious and alone, BUT GOD reminded me HE was there, and HE was not leaving my side. If anything I had that to comfort me.
3) The world doesn't fit in a snow globe. I had my bubble. I had a community that I knew and was well known by. Life was fine and dandy, and I didn't feel the need to venture out (well....pre-corona). But when I knew GOD was calling me to move forward I quickly learned there is so much more out there in the world. This is coming from a girl who has been oversees and visited other countries. I PRAYED about moving and I felt a huge peace about moving but not staying where I was. I never realized that there was more life out there in other places. That community could be built anywhere. Not like I have now. It's easy to stay in your snow globe, and difficult to break the glass- but when you do you can see so much more. It's messy. It's hard. It hurts. BUT GOD can show you so much more.
With Love, Frances Hope
