Underground ReLOVEution

That Destiny's Child reference might be lost on some of you...but that is a risk I'm willing to take.

Independence is part of the American ideal. Never mind, it is THE American ideal these days. We need to be financially successful at a young age so we don't need to depend on anybody else. I have been told a few times that I should live with at least a few different men before I get married...that way, I will be prepared if my husband ever leaves me. I should focus on school and work, and make sure I don't get too wrapped up in my friends. A responsible person makes sure they are a great friend, but doesn't really need friends; they draw their strength from within themselves.

But here's the thing: It's all a big joke. None of it's true. Hallelujah.

We need each other! The other day I tried pretending that I didn't really need my friends, and let's just say they saw right through me. When you are a part of the body of Christ, it's like you're part of this amazing revolution. My friends aren't people I just hang out with. These are my coworkers; this is my family! I am convinced that there is no human relationship more rewarding than working with another to further the kingdom of God. Sometimes when I am spending time with you kids, I can't help rejoicing for what is around the bend...and you have no idea! You are friends now, and you tell each other your secrets and you have fun, but just wait. You will go through thick and thin together, and you will go from being friends to being coworkers (which may sound like a downgrade, but I promise you it isn't.) When you are working together for Jesus, you'll confess to one another, you'll help each other through horrible times, you'll help others together, you will sweat, you will cry, you will feel like you want to give up, but they won't let you.

So, back to my point about dependence. We are so wholly and completely dependant on God. of course he wants us to be interconnected; to truly love each other. God has never intended that we would live our lives in isolation. In fact, we are the body of Christ, and I don't recall ever looking at a severed hand and saying, "wow, now that is a useful hand. Look at everything it can do." No, I think my reaction would be to try to look around for whoever had lost their hand and help them get to the hospital...

So maybe, if you look around and realize that you aren't in community with the body of Christ, you should go to the hospital. Pray and ask God to lead you in the direction of Godly people who you should pursue a relationship with.