Hello #JustWrite!! My mind has a unique way with words and their meanings. Sometimes I can figure out a meaning of a word just by how it is written. This month we are discussing community which is very appropriate since this month marks 5 years of our #JustWrite community. When I look at the word community, I see the words 'common' and 'unity' which describes what a community is: people unifying under one common goal. I've written a
blog before about this topic, but this month I wanted to focus on the commitment of community. What exactly is commitment and what does it look like in the community? According to Google, the word 'commitment' means:
the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. synonyms: dedication, devotion, allegiance, loyalty, faithfulness, fidelity, bond, adherence, attentiveness. What does that commitment to community look like to you? I know for me, commitment to community means being a neighbor (Matthew 22:39, ....love your neighbor as yourself). When my neighbor is in need, there is a burden within me to help him/her which is an act of love. That goes back to the saying of being on one accord and of one body with your brothers and sisters. Also it applies if your neighbor is not a believer because you show them the love of Christ. This brings me to my next point of being my brother or sister's keeper. If I see him/her falling in an area, then I will lovingly pray and ask God to give me wisdom on how to address the issue. Like the Word says, (Matthew 18:15-16....“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.") Galatians 6:1-2 says...."Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." So we ask ourselves, what does that look like for the respective communities that we are a part of, whether it is our families, neighborhoods, church homes, groups, etc. What does community look like to you as a writer within #JustWrite? What common goals and aspirations do you share with fellow writers? What commitments do you have for your projects? What is the unity that you see within your circle of influence as a writer? Is there commonality? Is there unity? Are we holding each other accountable to stay committed to what we started? Are we bearing each other's burdens and lending a helping hand? Let's all come together and make those commitments. Let's all commit to commune and unite in the common goal of community. See you all in the next blog.
In His service,
Lequvia Ousley
