For the life of me, I cannot remember where I took this photo. But when I came across it the other day, I couldn’t help but think about what it means to build a community of love. One that looks out for and tends to the needs of those who are hurting.
The sculpture itself reminds me of the story about an island that had barely survived a massive storm. It had destroyed most of the island’s infrastructure and the people’s spirit as well. One day, a young girl slumped over in the square, too weak from despair to get up. Seeing her struggle, an elder knelt beside her, offering his strength to steady her. But he too was weak. But then another neighbor leaned in to support the two. Soon, one by one, villagers joined inn and together they held one another in their grief. As the years passed, this act has remained a ritual of sorts. Whenever someone falls—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—the community gathers, sharing the weight of the burden. From the strongest to the weakest, no one stands alone. Every gesture of care is like a brick in an invisible structure that holds them together against every storm. The Early Church was just like this—a community that lifted the weak, comforted the grieving, and rejoiced together in hope. “They shared everything, so no one was without” (Acts 2:45). I believe this is the model Anamesa is choosing to live by – a living reflection of Jesus’ sacrificial love. As we continue to build this community of love in the space between, we do so knowing the church is not a pristine building. It’s a bunch of fragile, imperfect people bound together in Christ’s love. When we hold and carry each other’s burdens, we become the hands and feet of Jesus in the flesh. Each one of us plays an important part of this mission. In our shared love, may we always lift each other up so the world can get a glimpse of the kingdom Jesus brought near.
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Ian MacdonaldAn ex-copywriter turned punk rock pastor and peacemaker who dedicates his life to making the world a better place for all humanity. "that they all might be one" ~John 17:21“Prius vita quam doctrina.”
~ St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) * “Life is more important than doctrine.”
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