We Are Family

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I’ve recently been reflecting on how thankful I am for the community surrounding our family. Robert and I have been so blessed to be able to sing and lead together for fifteen years now. I believe the Lord has given us this calling and gift together and I am so thankful. Even after having five kids, the Lord has continued to allow and make it possible for us to lead and serve together. Sometimes I think it would be easier to take some time, while our kids are young, and not serve in this way for a season. I have taken breaks here and there, especially right after having babies, but for the most part, we have continued steadily in this calling. Even in the breaks I knew that I would be back leading with him. It was never an option to me. I am in ministry with my husband and there is no doubt in my mind that i am doing what the Lord has called me to do.

I was recently talking with a friend and she sweetly reminded me that I don’t do this alone. She was and is so right. Of course I don’t do it alone. I can’t do it alone. On any given Sunday you can find our kids running around before services at Vintage. Some of them like to help set up chairs, some roll the baby in the stroller, some eat breakfast while we rehearse, some whine and ask no less than fifty times, “when is it time for my class?” or “how many more songs?”

While we rehearse, our kids talk to our volunteers and staff. These people are some of the greatest, most humble servants that I have ever met. They are so patient and loving to our children. They help our kids “help” with setup when it would be easier for them to do it without the extra “help.” They make sure that our kids aren’t getting into trouble and also rescue them from trouble that they may be already in. They take them to the bathroom and hold my screaming baby.

My gut reaction would be to reject this help and try to do it alone. I would fail miserably. I can’t do it by myself. I need help. I have to put aside my sinful pride and accept the help that these sweet friends are offering. I have to remind myself of what a gift it is that these friends love our family, so much so that they want to help Robert and I. I have to and want to be thankful for this church that surrounds me, that surrounds us.

I believe that I am called to ministry with my husband and our kids, but I cannot do it alone. I need people. I need help. I need this community of believers surrounding me and lifting me up and I need to do the same for them. God created us with an ultimate need and longing for a Savior. He also created us for community. We need each other. We are the church. We need to be the church, not only on Sundays but on every other day too. To our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and students, we are the church to help them on their journey and to ultimately help them to know Jesus. We need to expand our borders to the people God has placed in our paths. We need to love them and pray for them, to encourage them, and give them Jesus.

To the wonderful people who are Vintage Church, thank you for loving us. Thank you for serving and encouraging our family. You make us better and I am forever grateful.