Lean On Me: Finding Intentional, Vulnerable, and Consistent Community

by Anne Marie Miller

I think both can occur. It really depends on the relationship and the people involved. The relationships Anne mentioned as her "team" had already been there, but they needed to change and grow deeper. That can be more intentional than organic.

In terms of authority, I recognize only one authority, and that's God! That position belongs to nobody else.

I've seen the good, and I've seen the bad in small groups. I do not accept that being in a small group just to be in a small group is healthy. I have also seen small groups that have worked well, until someone in authority decides to change things, and ruin the healthy communities that already formed. Each camp needs to stop thinking that the other is wrong. In fact, each camp needs to stop thinking of the other camp as "other." That destroys community right there. We need to accept that different people are different, and that organic small groups are just as valid as structured ones. There is no one-size-fits-all plan.

It varies. Like Anne, I long for relief, not the kind of "mercy" she describes. I have trouble surrendering to more pain, strife, and stress that's part of life. I would like to think I would bravely face the gun pointed at my head, threatening to shoot me if I admitted to being a Christian. I'd prefer that to more suffering simply because I'm alive.

The problem is, too many "others" take that surrender and put us down for being "wrong" (i.e., I disagree) and "mouthy" (i.e., I have something to say).

Right now, nowhere.

Right now, everywhere.

Sometimes I've felt as if the other person demands that. I move on, because I realize there can be no relationship there.

Several times in each of these ways.

Sometimes it was strained, while other times it was educational. It depended on the person's personality.

In many cases. Yes.

More humility, less focus on having to be right. Less angry, less paranoid, less fearful.

I need to focus on ALL of them in one way or another, to ine degree or another.

Yes, including former high school classmates, folks from college days, and more.

I rely on Facebook. It seems to be the easiest method.

Maybe it means that, if I don't have that joy in Christ anymore, then maybe I don't have Christ anymore.