Community is Essential

When I think of community, I think about family, fun, and a place to call home. Naturally, my mind drifts to the small-town community style because that is how I grew up. However, my hometown isn’t so small anymore! Some of you might be brought back to a larger city where you grew up or somewhere in between. But when you think about this community, what do you see? What do you hear? Or feel? And even smell? Thinking about community brings me a sense of safety and comfort, with memories of kids playing, parks filled with soccer games, and more. Community has always been special to me, but its meaning has become even more important as I have grown older. I feel a community keeps you going and is where you lay roots and raise a family. A community helps shape us into the people we become as adults or how we grow into a place of gratitude, joy, and belonging. What seems even more exciting is that community is not just found in a geographical location. Community can be your church, in recovery, and can be found when involved in hobbies, to name a few examples. I think we can all agree that community is essential to the function of our lives.

An article I found explains a community as a group of people sharing common interests, values, or geographic locations. However, this article takes the definition of community even further by saying it is a collection of people who support each other and work together to meet needs and achieve goals. A community provides collaboration, a sense of belonging, and solidarity. It is a place to exchange experiences, knowledge, and resources (www.worksheets.com 2024). This explanation reminds me of our sober living home, the Rick Hartman House of Hope (HoH). The community of the HoH that has been built by the men who occupy it has grown into a place of collaboration and brotherhood, with a warm welcome. The HoH is a home that provides a sense of belonging, where resources, experience, and knowledge are shared daily. I watch the men care for one another through food, rides, advice, a listening ear, and so much more. The vibe that exists in the HOH is so comforting and really feels like a home. I am proud yet again of our men and their choices every day to be better than before, to look out for one another in all areas of life, and their willingness to lend a hand when needed. The truth is, this goodness and sense of community has always existed in them! So, all they bring to the house, the program, and each other is entirely organic and so special to see. I hope they see it in themselves and each other too! They really are a group of organically good men!

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” -Matthew

18:20