Community is Always the Answer

It takes a village (and not just for parents!): embracing vulnerability, the generosity of strangers, and the strength of community

I’ve been wrestling with my thoughts on community for months, trying to articulate anything meaningful. I haven’t figured it all out, but I know community is important; I deeply value the practice of living in community with others.

Just the other day, I finished reading a book about a major cultural and public health epidemic (more on that in next month’s book report). In one of the final pages, the author quotes, “The answer is always community.” 

You might be wondering what the book was or which current epidemic it covered. But the simplicity of that phrase stuck with me and I’ve ultimately realized it doesn’t matter what the specific crisis is; I do believe that community is always the answer. 

I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase “it takes a village” when it comes to raising a child. But I don’t think this is a fact exclusive to parents! I think it takes a village to survive in our world—not to mention thrive. We were not meant to live in isolation and are all better when we live and work in relationship with others.