The Importance of Community
At 51, I’ve only just begun to truly understand what community is and why it’s so important.
For most of my life, the church was my foundation—it was the community I knew best. It wasn’t just a place of worship; it was my home, my family. But when we lost our pastor, it felt like we lost more than leadership—we lost the heartbeat of our church. Since then, the church hasn’t felt the same. I’ve tried attending different congregations, hoping to rebuild that sense of belonging, but it’s been challenging.
Then the pandemic happened. Social media and virtual gatherings became the new normal, and for a time, I found comfort in attending church online. Yet, I still longed for something deeper—the power of true connection.
Growing up, I was fortunate to experience a strong neighborhood bond. We looked out for each other, celebrated together, and supported one another through life’s ups and downs. But as we grew older and built our own lives, that connection faded. Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve sought to recreate that sense of family, whether in friendships or in the workplace, where we often spend more time than with our loved ones.
One thing I’ve realized is that not everyone defines family or community the same way. Our experiences shape how we connect with others, and over time, we support one another and share in life’s ups and downs. It was a kind of unspoken unity—a family beyond blood ties. But as we grew older and built our own lives, that connection faded. We became busy, and the closeness we once had slowly disappeared.
Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve tried to recreate that same sense of family, especially at work, because, in many ways, we spend more time with our coworkers than with our own families. But I’ve also come to realize that not everyone has the same understanding of what community truly means. Our personal experiences shape how we connect, and sometimes, the people we expect to be in our corner may not always be the ones who stay. And that’s okay.
Community isn’t just about where you come from or who you’ve always known—it’s about who shows up, who supports you, and who you can pour into in return. It’s not limited to one place or one group of people. You may find community in different spaces throughout your life, and that’s a beautiful thing.
No matter where you are, seek out a community that uplifts and encourages you. Relationships take effort, but they are worth it. Keep trying, keep showing up, and keep building connections.
You were never meant to do life alone.
