It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
COMMUNITY.
This morning as I watched the daily news on TV, I noticed how many times different news personalities said these words....
"Happy Thanksgiving! It's the biggest travel week in the USA as people go to see family and friends for this great holiday!"
The next line said...
"This year, due to COVID, we encourage you NOT to travel to see your loved ones. Don't gather together in groups, don't be indoors with people you don't know, and stay away from airports!"
What a mixed message!
We're hearing this all over the world as the impact of Covid-19 affects us all in different ways, but one of the biggest ways is in the way we engage in "OUR COMMUNITY".
This week I want to CHALLENGE each of you to find a way to connect with your COMMUNITY in creative ways. You may not be able to gather together in a large group or over a meal. You may not be able to travel as you were hoping. You might be really tired of ZOOM and connecting via your computer. Think outside the box!
This week, wherever you're at, whatever you're facing, whatever limitations you are experiencing, find a way to connect with your COMMUNITY, whatever that most precious community is to you.
Then tell us about it! Send a picture, share a blessing, tell how you were able to connect this week in a special way. Send it to Russ HERE
We know that COMMUNITY is important to all of us. This week let's all come together in Thanksgiving for the people He has put around us. Let's show that appreciation, let's do it in a safe way, but let's experience Community!
John Wayne in Mozambique shared this with me:
"The song sung by Josh Groban expresses the importance of Community. He sings: You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains, You raise me up to walk on stormy seas, I am strong when I am on your shoulders, You raise me up to more than I can be." Thanks John Wayne... what a great song, and powerful words when they describe Community for you!
"Missing someone isn't about how long it's been since you've seen them or the amount of time since you've talked. It's about that very moment when you're doing something and wishing they were right there with you." Unknown
"No matter where you go you will always be in my heart." Anthony T. Hincks
"The moral development of a civilization is measured by the breadth of its sense of community." Anatol Rapoport
Things I'm Reading, Listening To, an Watching This Week:
Chris Stapleton brings some great country sounds and classic accoustic music to his Essentials Album. Great music to listen to and enjoy!
One of the most influential books in my early ministry development was a book by Jim Burns called The Youth Builder. It's out of print now, but you might be able to find it online someplace. This book and the mentorship of Jim Burns helped to form a foundation of ministry in my life and it's had a profound impact on me, my family and every organization I've been privileged to be a part of. Today, you can find Jim Burns at HomeWord.Com. He's still influencing lives, and I encourage you to explore his website and sign up for any of the many resources they have available HERE. Thanks Jim! I continue to be shaped by your life, your leadership and your generosity!
OK.. I'll mention this book one last time for those that still haven't looked into it. I've been going through it really slowly, and it's been challenging and encouraging. If you feel STUCK today, this will give you some direction back! "Get Your Life Back" by John Eldredge.
Here's a tool I use all the time. Apple AirPods Pro. I realized this week how much I use these as I walk, as I Zoom, as I listen. They fit great in my ears, they cancel out much of the noise, and this week, I was without them for a few days, and I realized how dependent I've become on these to hear clearly!