Divers: di-vers
Adjective
1.
of varying types:
several
Community: com·mu·ni·ty
noun
2.
a group of people
living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
3.
a feeling of
fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and
goals.
"the sense of
community that organized religion can provide"
I am often struck by the historic advances of my divers
community. What I refer to as the Clan of Marie. It all started about two years
ago with the life altering words: You have cancer. In the last few days I have
been acutely aware how my community is never stagnate or boring. There are opinions…
LOTS of opinions on the state of the government shutdown. Weddings. Vacations. Trips
to see children move on in adult hood. Babies.
Death. Happiness and sorrow. Misunderstandings and encouragement. Love and
Loss. Seeking and knowing.
Technology has made so many of the functions of a community
on fast forward or turned up on full volume. I read a book set in 13th
century Wales. It was interesting to think of how much that community of castle
dwelling, horse riding, sword wielding is much like the one I see on Facebook, twitter
and the food market. One thing remains constant in all world, centuries and communities,
our need to connect with each other.
I have a community that my common bond is breast cancer survival.
We are all in a love hate relationship with Pink, Pink Ribbons and Breast
Cancer Awareness. We each have a same different story that we never want anyone
to ever experience. But dam glad to know we are not alone. We have love and
support that we would never want to give up but hate each new invitation to our
community. This is a community no one want to be a part. I encourage you to stay out. Walk extra mile
every day, eat your vegetables and beans. Drink more water.
I have a community that my common bond is scouting, a very
large and formidable group. That is focused on providing an amazing way to live
for the youth of our world. We again
have the same different story of why our children are in scouts and why adults
that have a warm comfortable bed are willing to leave it for the great outdoors
two nights a month all year long. This is a community that many people want to
be a part of, but sometimes are concerned what others may think or what it
might cost, or I don’t have a the right equipment. I encourage
you to look around and see just how much fun it can be to hang out with 30
young people ages 10 to 21 all doing the same thing for different reasons but
trusting and supporting one another to achieve the goal. You don’t have to have
children to be involved with scouting. Everyone has knowledge and experience to
share, be a Merit Badge Counselor, be a unit commissioner. Be, Know, Do and Teach.
I have a common bond with a community that believes there is
a God, a higher power, a spiritual source of the universe. There is a same different
story as to how we have come to know and celebrate our beliefs. I have always sought more understanding of how
and why we do the things we do in church…regardless of the church. Celebrate your belief and honor that of your
neighbor.
I have a common bond with a community that knows that Idaho
was made late on the 6th day because God wanted a special place to
rest. We have come to this great state and community through many routes. our
stories of arrival are very divers but we have the same love and pride that was
shared with a young California girl in the form of a white cowboy hat. I pray
that in days to come she will return to Idaho and see beauty and love.
I have a common bond with a community of people that are my
history, family and friends of friends, past co-workers and students. They post pictures of camels, on Wednesday, and of things that make me smile, laugh and scratch my head. They, we have some amazing stories.
Look around your communities
in the next few days, enjoy your communities, acknowledge your sameness and
your differentness. Honor the person next to you, they are someone's community.
