Episode 13- Why a Mama Needs a Vision for Community and How to Grow One

Hey Mama who after a whole lot of restrictions and a very-family Christmas just may be needing a sense of community connection…

Have you ever heard the phrase, “We were made for community?”

This is actually based on Biblical truths

The Creation story of Adam and Eve

The Second Commandment to love others as we love ourselves

The list goes on. Regardless of how we prefer to engage in community - whether one-on-one relationships, group settings, or lots of time alone – we all share a need to love and be loved, have a sense of belonging and connection. 

Because as busy moms our time is limited, we have to pick and choose carefully how we will use our time and energy to engage in community. 

And that’s where vision comes in. 

If you aren’t intentional about your community pursuits, you may find yourself over-committed, unable, and frustrated with the things and people you’ve said yes to. And having to say no to the more important things because you’ve simply run out of time. 

I have said yes to many things not always for the right reasons. In short, here are five reasons I’ve said yes, when I should’ve at least considered no.

1. FOMO – fear of missing out. 

2. Fun – Drifting over the line of too much fun and not enough discipline. 

3. People-Pleasing - I have said yes because I didn’t want to disappoint someone. 

4. Approval of Man – I have said yes because I want “you” to like me. 

5. Human Doing vs. Human Being – Believing what we do is what gives us our true value. 

I have said yes when I should’ve said no a few times and lived with the consequences. I share one of those times on the podcast. 

Maybe you’ve experienced something like this too?

Your vision, what you picture for your life and in this case, specifically what you envision for your life as it relates to community, is powerful. It becomes a sort of plumbline or standard for what you say yes and no to. That’s why it’s so important to choose your vision. And even more important to choose it, write it down, and keep some kind of visual representation in front of you so you’re reminded of what you want your community to be. 

That’s it…you have one precious life. What will you do with it? How will you engage in community? 

Click here for five questions to help you paint a picture of how to choose your community involvement, so you have time to say yes to the most important things. 

Lord, sometimes motherhood can feel very lonely. We’re so busy trying to be perfect moms, we forget that we also need community. You made us for community – friendship, fellowship, extended family relationships. 

Show this mama how to cultivate the community she needs in this season of life. Show her that group or friend or membership she can say yes to…and help her say no or not now to something that will clear the way if necessary. 

I lift this mama up this week and ask you to give her peace and joy in the aftermath of Christmas. In Jesus’ name amen.