So if you have read my past blogs, you could probably tell that life overseas wasn't all it's cracked up to be. That playing professional basketball in a foreign country was a storm in itself. Honestly, I think after my post in November about Peter taking that leap of faith to walk on the water with Jesus, I knew that was exactly what I needed to do. My entire life I've always had a safety net, and now I needed to trust that the Lord had something amazing planned for me. It is since then, that I have truly seen how remarkable the Lord's promises are; He will always provide for us. So in May 2013 I decided to retire from playing professional basketball. It was time for something new, so I moved back to Phoenix and began my leap of faith. It wasn't until 4 months later that I received a phone call from my college coach asking me if I wanted to coach. I said, "Sure why not! I'd love to!" So I moved to Long Beach, CA and began my new adventure.
Since I have been here the Lord has answered so many of my prayers! And these prayers I have been praying for anywhere from 6 years to 4 months. One of those prayers was for community. I had experienced a Christian community but not to the deep level of personally knowing each other and keeping each other accountable. Once I moved Long Beach, I was able to attend my home church in Hollywood. If anyone is from CA, you know that's a bit of a trek; anywhere from 35-50minutes. But it was worth it. So I decided to look into community groups as a way to get connect and make some friends. I did not think there was going to be one close to me, but was surprised when the only one in Long Beach was in the apartment complex next door to me!!! GOD IS SO GOOD!
Okay, so onto the main point of this blog. Over the past year I have realized how important community really is. Overseas I was able to grow in my personal relationship with Christ because it was just me and him over there :) But it was a struggle without community my first year. Now I'm in a season of building friendships and relationships in my community group; where we build each other up, encourage, challenge, lend listening ears, and pray for one another.
Doing life alone was not what God wanted. He wants us in church (community) and growing towards him together. Like it is said in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10:
My community group I am a part of has been such a blessing, to be able to do life together. To encourage one another through trails and storms, to pray in community for each other, and to challenge each other to grow. To see the fruits of it is proof of how much we need community in our lives. It's true friendship I have found and I am so blessed by it. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and love.
9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
I just want to encourage everyone to find community, because it makes such a difference to have people in your corner fighting along side with you through your struggles, rejoicing in your praises, and helping you up out of the dark times. Friendship binds us together where people share a focus. It's also where we discover how strong the rope is that holds us together. What starts out as friendship, quickly becomes a way in which God can develop our skills and puts us to work in ways we never imagined! Ecclesiastes 4:12 says:
A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
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