3 Important Benefits of Being in Community
Community.
I’ve heard it defined many ways, but my favorite is this: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
A community is a place where people can feel loved, accepted and be themselves.
We find it in many different places: church, school, neighborhoods, clubs, etc.
Yet as I began blogging, I had a difficult time finding a community that I could belong to.
I wasn’t sure how to “get connected” online.
Shortly after joining Compel, a writer/speaking training group provided by Proverbs 31 Ministries, I learned about linkups.
This is where I found my online community.
3 Important Benefits of Being in Community
Meeting New Friends
Meeting new friends is not always easy. At least not for me. One of the things I’ve heard from most women is that they feel disconnected. I totally get that. I’m on the introverted side, so connecting online is way easier than in person. But honestly, as I’ve met new people online, it’s given me confidence to introduce myself to others in person. We serve a relational God and we are made in His image. Whether we realize it or not, we need each other!
What is one way you can meet new people?
Knowing you’re not alone
The enemy constantly wants to convince us that we are the only ones going through hard times. If he can isolate us, he can lie to us. One of the biggest benefits to community is that we are able to see that everyone struggles. It opens up opportunities for us to take our eyes off of our situations and pray for others who are hurting.
Who in your community can you pray for today?
Encouragement to keep going
Let’s face it, blogging can be rough. Life can be even harder.
When we want to give up they remind us of why we should keep going. They cheer us on and point us toward God’s word and what He has to say about our situations.
Who in your life helps you when your struggling?
I’m so excited about this new link up. Community is so important. Both online and off.
You are so right, Heather! Thank you for linking up today!
Love your post on finding your tribe–the biggest one for me has been discovering that I am not alone. It just amazes me how many women are experiencing crippling loneliness–in all of my circles! The Lord has really shown me that if I can be the first one to be vulnerable and admit that I’m lonely or that I’m struggling in some way–Ht will open up a moment with just the right person–and it’s in that moment that true friendship and growth can happen.
Thanks for the link up and thanks for this post.
Blessings!
That is so true, Ally!! I have found the same thing…transparency really does open up the door to connect with others! Thank you for linking up today!
I’m so grateful for my online community – most of which I’ve met through linkups. Some of those relationships have grown into my dearest friendships. I’m so excited to be joining this linkup along side some treasured friends. Thank you, Alisa. Big hugs!
I’m so happy to see you here, Tiffany! I love that God has used the Internet to Connect us from all across the US and abroad!
I am thrilled to have found your link-up. I look forward to this community and getting to know the hosts.
I’m so glad you’re here, Maree Dee! We look forward to getting to know you as well! Have a great weekend!
I’m such a big advocate for community. Dangerous things happen when we don’t!
Yes, it’s very important to have people surrounding us! Thanks for visiting today!
YES it can be so hard to grow in community. I feel that as I’ve gotten older, it’s only gotten harder. And it takes bravery and persistence. Thanks for the encouragement here 🙂 And I’m super excited about this link-up! love it!
I have found the same thing, Nicole! Maybe with all the hustling with kids it’s harder to meet people. Not sure, but I have to make the time, because it is so important. Thanks for linking up today! I’m so glad to have you here!
Completely agree with your thoughts on community! The online blogging community has been such a blessing for me, and I look forward to joining your link-up and developing even more great relationships.
So glad to have you here, Kira!
I love my online community too, Alisa! I’m SO grateful for all of you. You bring joy and laughter to my life, and I don’t tell you often enough how much I appreciate that!! Also, I’m loving your blog!!!
Well you know I’m a part of the Shannon fan club!! Love your fun-loving, passionate about life self! So grateful God has crossed our paths and developed lasting friendships.
Alisa, I’m so excited for you and the new linkup and I’m so pleased to see how well it’s doing. I can already tell that this will be a special place to foster community!
And by the way, whenever I visit your site it gets more beautiful every time! I love it!
Hugs and blessings to you and the Salt & Light team.
Thank you, Marva! We are super excited as well! I’m finally settling into my colors and fonts. Took awhile, but glad I kept trucking through to find what I liked! Your site is beautiful as well and well branded! I can pick a SunSPARKLEShine Pinterest graphic out in a second!