We are a nation of communities. In fact, our entire world is filled with communities, both large and small.
Communities form for so many varied reasons, and they take hundreds of different shapes. They can form geographically—starting with the neighbors on your street. Communities often form around professions or around schools. They form around subjects of common interest—such as a community of quilters, of golfers, or history buffs.
In a world suddenly filled with fear and isolation, this might be a good time for us to focus on the communities to which we belong. A time to take responsibility for our part in forming the whole. How can we make a positive contribution to the communities we are part of? How can we do it today?
Friends, this is a good time to check in on the community members in all the unique communities we are part of. A number of people are experiencing at least some level of fear right now, and millions of people are trying to protect the elderly and the vulnerable.
Let’s check in on our communities.
Let’s not leave anyone behind this time.
The words translated peace in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament come solidly from the root word meaning completeness. There is no serious disagreement among scholars as to that. It also carries with it the meaning: to be sound.
