My brother Wayne and I strolled along one of my favorite places in the world—the San Antonio Riverwalk. As we walked, we talked, and, as we talked, we remembered.
Square dancing …
Mexican food …
Rooftop swimming pools …
And history …
Our history … together.
In recent visits with friends and family, I’ve noticed two things happening.
1) Conversations connect me with my past. I’ve noted this in a previous post—being with fellow grads, I revive memories thought long forgotten. I spoke with my friend Michael about a disturbing memory; during middle school phys ed class, our coach whacked a kid.
When I recited the incident, Michael asked, “Were you in that class?”
I said, “If you remember that, then, yes, we were both in class together.”
We both remembered. We both talked.
Disturbing image.
Good conversation.
Those conversations affirm my past and verify my memories.
2) Conversations strengthen my presence in community. As Wayne and I talked, we not only remembered our shared past, we built new memories and strengthened the already present bond between us. The time together strolling on the Riverwalk and down memory lane made the present all the more enjoyable. It also affirmed I have a place and verified I am loved within a community.
I’m curious. What is the value you find in community in general and in Christian community in particular?
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You can find my novel, Dark Eyes, Deep Eyes, at:
“Dark Eyes, Deep Eyes” goes to San Antonio and meets Jessica, hostess at Rita’s On The River
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A Curious Band of Others 
Christian community gives accountability. I find examples of how to live for Christ in my Christian community. People accept me for who I am, and they readily forgive my mistakes and failings. My Christian community allows me to see Christ at work regularly, and I have withdrawals if I am away from that group too much. Christian community is invaluable in my successful walk as a Christian.
I love just being with people – sharing with them, relating to them, catching their eye and knowing we’re in this together. Reaching out in love and being loved in return. It’s what makes life wonderful. I love the Christian community, especially in small groups, for the things we can learn from each other and how we can help each other grow.
We were certainly designed to be connected to God and others. I like the small group experience as well. It’s those close friendships where you can talk through life’s celebrations and disappointments, where you are challenged to go deeper with Christ.
Interesting that it’s the small group experience that so many people seem to avoid when going through the struggles of life. We tend to try and hide them and pretend they don’t exist. How do we stop that from happening and truly depend on the close friendships and be challenged to go deeper TOGETHER with Christ instead of trying to survive alone?
I know for me, when I’m struggling with an issue, I want to hide and try to deal with it alone. I find no strength to overcome until I make the decision to speak with others about my personal struggles. I’ve noticed the fears vanish the moment I bring them out into the light by talking with others.
My experience is the same. Yet, when another struggle hits, guess what I do once again? Would love to find a way to help people, myself included, not automatically close up.
Yep. I know what you mean. Knowing more fruits and vegetables and less ice cream and candy doesn’t mean I’ll eat what’s right for me. Same with struggles and support.
Great way to put it! Still, I gotta try! On a different topic, I don’t think I’ve said anything to you yet but maybe I have… Anyway, would you be interested in writing a guest post for my blog?
Yes, I would be happy too. Email me the details at ttarver@mwt.net.
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