“People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.”

~Proverbs 27:17

I debated on when to write this post, but the last few have been a bit heavy on the emotional side of my story, so as we close out Thanksgiving and round the corner to Christmas I felt that this was the perfect time to speak to my “iron” or according to a sea turtle named Crush from Nemo, my “exit buddy”.

I have been blessed with an amazing family. You know the kind…circle the wagons, drop whatever you are doing to help however you can, and drive 4-6 hours to spend a few hours with those you love only to turn around and drive 4-6 hours back home kind of family. The kind of family that in times where things are smooth sailing it is amazing and annoying all at the same time. Sorry…I really do love all of y’all! The kind of family that shapes your faith, your personality, your strength, and your character. Family also creates lasting memories and boy do we have some amazing memories! If you don’t have at least one family tradition…start one now it is never too late!

This summer was no exception to how my amazing family is and continues to be. You all daily flooded our phones and lives with texts, calls, and visits. You went above and beyond when you provided food, groceries, and other necessities. You also provided comfort, support, and prayers. You rallied around us when we were moving and made sure the process was not stressful. Most of all you made sure Abby and I knew how deeply we were loved and supported. Never have I been so thankful for you…my family.

The next group of people I have been blessed with are those I refer to as my “iron”. Some of y’all have been with me for a long time and others you have just jumped into my circle of iron through this journey. I am who I am today in part because of you. You have challenged me to find out who I am by loving me like Jesus and daily pointing me back to His Word. You have challenged me to be a better educator by not letting me settle for just enough. You encouraged me to chase a dream, that even though it took a while was so sweet when it was finally realized. You have spurred me on to new adventures, taken me to see new places, meet new people, and have given me the encouragement to step out of my type A comfort zone. You have dared me to be more vulnerable both in my daily life and also to share my journey with those around me.

There is another group, an important one that cannot be left out of this post, my community. My community played an important role throughout this summer and my continued journey. They may or may not have showed up in person, but they were consistently supporting Abby, myself, and my family through their prayers, food, kind words, flowers, groceries, monetary gifts and so much more. This group of friends may not be my “bff’s” my “ride or die” or whatever the cool kids call it these days, but they are essential. They are part of my journey. They are my community. I know that I would not be where I am today if it were not for this group of precious people.

Here is what I hope each group of precious people know: I hope you know how thankful I am that you are walking with me through this journey. I hope you know how much I appreciate your love and support. I hope you know how much I value you being in my family. I hope you know how much I value you being my “iron” and I pray that I am “iron” to you as well. I hope you know how much I love that you are part of my community.

If you are already a believer and have tried to establish a community, but it did not work and you’re “over it” please keep trying. Community is that important! Plus, in my experience, our community was definitely a trial and error process. I am an extrovert and my husband was an introvert. These qualities played a huge role in us trying to find community. He was fine with our family and a few very close friends, I wanted more. We tried several small groups, but they weren’t the best fit long term, so we tried what our church calls mid-sized groups. Our small group was our table of people each week in the midst of a larger group. We studied books of the Bible together and challenged each other to think about the Word from different perspectives. He thrived in this environment because it was a theologically academic setting, I thrived because I could talk to all the people! Additionally, to fill my desire for a more traditional small group experience I found a group of ladies that did a few studies with me over the course of a few semesters. These ladies were integral in challenging me to grow spiritually and see myself for the daughter of the King that I am. They are still pouring into my life today!

If you find yourself unable to relate to this post, whether you don’t have an amazing family, “iron” type friends, or even a community that you can depend on when you are in need; please know that this can be found starting with saying yes to a relationship with Christ. He longs to bring you into His family. In addition to saying yes, get involved with a local church, this may also take a few tries to find the best fit, follow peace in this process. This can look like trying different church locations, different service times, Sunday school classes, and different groups the church has to offer. This is where I have found my amazing community and they can help you with your relationships with Christ, with “iron” friendships, and restoring your relationships with family. 

Another factor in trying to find your community may be that you have to step out from behind the screen you are reading this on and go have an actual face-to-face conversation with a real-life person. Through this pandemic we have become so used to “socially distanced” that we have forgotten how to really relate to people. Break that mold, reach out, have coffee, share a meal, or just look up to really see who is around you. There may be people who need to hear what you have to share just as much as you need what they have to share! Remember, iron sharpens iron…Stay sharp my friends!