Thank you for your words. My wife and I are just starting out in our community and for the past 6 months or so it’s been a struggle for us… the honeymoon period is over. But, I can honestly say we too have already been ruined for “the normal American life.” Peace of Christ to you!
Thank you for this beautiful summary Christiana. Becky and I really enjoyed meeting you and Matthew and children over a breakfast table at this event. It was amazing how vulnerable people made themselves at this gathering - truly a privilege to be a part of it. Wishing you God's continued leading and blessing.
Thank you for this wonderful post. I’m going to read a portion of it as our reflection for our prayer service tonight - with credit to you of course. So happy to have discovered your writing.
Thanks Christiana for sharing so openly. I wish you courage to find another community where you can live out the calling that is obviously a part of you!
Your weekend sounds like a wonderful gift and what a balm to realize that there has been healing for what was so devastatingly hard. And for what its worth--I'm still really glad you are here and that we are apart of the same tribe. <3
Thank you, Christiana, for sharing your hope. It IS a painful time for the church, and it can be hard to see reasons to keep faith with her, when she hasn’t always been so faithful to her Lord’s mission and heart. But mustard-seed moments like this can make a huge difference…
Beautifully put, thank you! May your heart continue to heal, and Jesus continue anchoring you. :) Thank you also for sharing at the gathering your own experience, that was certainly good for my heart, I was challenged in many ways to deepen my trust in Jesus in my community relationships. Blessings to you and your family friend.
It’s been some years ago now, but I was in one of my moods about “church” and was on my way out the door. I sought the advice of my mentor and guide (your father). In his wonderful and brief (and sometimes frustrating) way he simply asked, “Where will you go?” I didn’t go anywhere. I still think about leaving and then I remember his question. The church is not perfect and has caused much damage, but where would one go? When some were turning away from Jesus, he looked at his remaining disciples and asked, “Are you going to leave too?” Their response was, “To whom would we turn?” The church is flawed, but it has a core of committed and faithful followers of Christ who live in that community and know there is no one else to turn to. It’s not about maintaining the status quo “church,” it’s about pursuing Christ and his people. Grace…
Thank you for your words. My wife and I are just starting out in our community and for the past 6 months or so it’s been a struggle for us… the honeymoon period is over. But, I can honestly say we too have already been ruined for “the normal American life.” Peace of Christ to you!
Thank you for this beautiful summary Christiana. Becky and I really enjoyed meeting you and Matthew and children over a breakfast table at this event. It was amazing how vulnerable people made themselves at this gathering - truly a privilege to be a part of it. Wishing you God's continued leading and blessing.
Sam and Becky Durgin
Hello Sam! It was a delight to meet you and Becky and get a chance to visit. And a gift to be with so many faithful community folks. Thank you!
Thank you for this wonderful post. I’m going to read a portion of it as our reflection for our prayer service tonight - with credit to you of course. So happy to have discovered your writing.
I’m honored, thanks so much.
Also ordering your book today!
Thanks Christiana for sharing so openly. I wish you courage to find another community where you can live out the calling that is obviously a part of you!
Christa
Your weekend sounds like a wonderful gift and what a balm to realize that there has been healing for what was so devastatingly hard. And for what its worth--I'm still really glad you are here and that we are apart of the same tribe. <3
I’m glad to be in any tribe with you!
Thank you, Christiana, for sharing your hope. It IS a painful time for the church, and it can be hard to see reasons to keep faith with her, when she hasn’t always been so faithful to her Lord’s mission and heart. But mustard-seed moments like this can make a huge difference…
Beautifully put, thank you! May your heart continue to heal, and Jesus continue anchoring you. :) Thank you also for sharing at the gathering your own experience, that was certainly good for my heart, I was challenged in many ways to deepen my trust in Jesus in my community relationships. Blessings to you and your family friend.
It’s been some years ago now, but I was in one of my moods about “church” and was on my way out the door. I sought the advice of my mentor and guide (your father). In his wonderful and brief (and sometimes frustrating) way he simply asked, “Where will you go?” I didn’t go anywhere. I still think about leaving and then I remember his question. The church is not perfect and has caused much damage, but where would one go? When some were turning away from Jesus, he looked at his remaining disciples and asked, “Are you going to leave too?” Their response was, “To whom would we turn?” The church is flawed, but it has a core of committed and faithful followers of Christ who live in that community and know there is no one else to turn to. It’s not about maintaining the status quo “church,” it’s about pursuing Christ and his people. Grace…
Beautiful writing, Christiana. Intentional community and Jesus also ruined me for the American Dream and I'm glad it did.
Thanks, my friend. I’m glad too.