Finding Your Tribe

This #tbt comes from 1986, but the sentiment still stands today. We aren't meant to go through life alone. First and foremost we should lean on God for everything - our strength, our comfort, our peace, our guidance, our fulfillment, our provision, our sense of worth, our purpose. Only He can truly fill that lonely place inside each of us. But God has also created us to need community, connection with other people. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thes 5:11 ESV Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Prov 11:14 ESV For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecc 4:10-12 ESV Have you found your tribe? Your people? That group of a few close individuals that you can pour your heart out to without judgement or criticism, who will lift you up when you fall, celebrate your victories, gently call you out on your stuff when you slip up, give you wisdom, and pray over you. If you haven't found your tribe yet, have hope, they are out there. Maybe God is calling you to start your own tribe! All it takes is a few people meeting at a coffee shop once a week to talk about life, pray, and read the Bible together. Word spreads and before you know it, boom, you have your tribe. Never hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. We all go through times when we need to lean on each other for support. It's ok to admit you are struggling. It's ok to ask for help. There are a ton of people that want to be that shoulder for you. If you need help resourcing them, there are links below. And you can always Lean on Me.

Resources:

1. Your local church. Many churches have small groups that meet through out the week. Call around!

2. Meetup.com, an online resource for finding local groups on just about any hobby, activity, or topic. Why not try something new?

3. Your employer may have an assistance program that can connect you with small groups right at work. Inquire at your HR office.

4. Your local library. Many libraries offer free classes and workshops which are a great place to meet new people with like minded goals and interests.

5. VolunteerMatch.org, is a huge network created to match people with local volunteer opportunities, and what a great way to meet people through helping others!

6. Join a local casual sports team. Many of your area fitness centers should be able to connect you with local clubs that get together once or twice a week for casual games. And bonus, exercise boosts mood!

7. Your local community center. Another great resource for classes and other group activities that allow you to meet like minded people! Many offer an online schedule and registration.

8. And of course, if you are in a desperate spot and feeling like you are out of options, please, just make a phone call to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, any time day or night, 24/7.