There’s something about taking a step out into the world alone. It’s freeing, yet terrifying. There’s no handbook on it, either. It’s completely independent of any direction. The possibility of being lonely, the possibility of struggling, conversely pulling against the possibility of succeeding and thriving. All the while the journey is never really walked alone.
Too often do the young twenty-somethings and late teenagers feel the end of rebellion and the beginning of true independence, but only see it individually. There’s so much out there, my friends, why are you struggling to walk alone? Why are you walking by yourself when you see the others walking in solitude not too far away? What is there to prove in a world promoting individualism? If we allow ourselves to live in that world where individualism is king, then there’s no need for the opinions of others to have a definitive voice to us. They don’t affect us.
On the flipside, living solely in community shouldn’t mean that we suddenly do care what others are saying. Community is not about the individual, even though we tend to think that way. In America we always think “how can this help me?” or maybe we think “how can this help my family and friends?” in order to justify it in the disguise of chivalry. Community isn’t about us. Community is about them. It’s about how can I help others, and encourage my friends and family (my immediate circle) to help out the rest of my community (all of those people who see me consistently, but might not be in my immediate circle)? How can I serve selflessly?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I gladly accept the help of my friends and family, and look for ways to serve them as well as the others in my community. But when our immediate circle, our “clique” (remember when we hated that word?) is our only focus then we aren’t doing any right. We can’t even fall back on the “greater good” arguement! We’re simply falling short on reaching out to others. We’re falling short of loving others! We’re falling short of breaking down walls and barriers and cliques and scenes, and when the teenager from our local high school commits suicide we all are so surprised that it happened. Where was is community who cared about him? Where was the person who could encourage her to keep on going? Where was the edification of knowing that there are more caring people in the world outside of just his group of family and friends? Where were we?
We have a struggle. It’s a struggle against our own desires. It’s wrestling with selflessness. Selflessness isn’t weak, but our desires have the home-field advantage. We have to back up the heart to serve and the desire to see others flourish, even if that means we don’t get to in the way we personally desire.
Stepping out into the world doesn’t have to be terrifying. It can be freeing without being fearful. But this community thing works two ways. Seek out those who need it, and seek out those willing to give it. We are all called to love, and we are all called to be unified.
We can be one, my friends.
-Kevin
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Kevin McClure is a songwriter, musical artist, and worship leader. His singing & songwriting has led to him touring the United States both as a performer and worship leader. Kevin lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife and two daughters. You can follow him on all social media platforms under @KevinTMcClure.
Kevin McClure 