Society
begins with a circle. I am going to
draw you a visual picture. I hope I do not confuse you.
Each of us
is surrounded by “social” circles…The center and key circle (#1) ought to be
God…If its not God, then it might be Sports, television, Addictions,
Hunting…whatever. (Everybody serves somebody)
Do I have
your attention?
The circle
surrounding the “center” (God center) is
the family unit. This unit can be complicated. Father, step-father, mother,
step-mother, brothers, half-siblings, step children, and significant others
belong here. This is the place where one receives personal nourishment, care,
and security. It is a vital circle.
The next
circle surrounding this (circle #3) group are friends (church, clubs,
organizations)..and often more family,
This circle hopefully strengthens and compliments the previous circle.
This group of church and organizational members
should be a support of the family circle whether it is a strong family
unit or a weak and needy structure. Sometimes this circle (of church, friends,
and extended family) takes the place of the family unit circle IF that unit is
fragile and unstable.
The next circle (#4) surrounding this
church-friends-extended family group is the community or communities…It can
include the county and state. This circle is definitely the largest (but not
necessarily the most important) circle. It doesn’t always “contribute” to the
function of the other circles. It functions BECAUSE of the other circles.
The
community is the sum total of the circles it surrounds. And it functions and
draws its energy from the other circles.
We are not
islands unto ourselves.
We need
each other. What our Community is depends entirely on each of us working
together.
This community is an outstanding place to live.
We are fortunate to live in a community like Larned where we can truly say that
we are not alone. Ever.
Why is
that? It is because many of the people here are God-centered. It is because
there are strong families, churches, and organizations. And it is because those
that have extra can reach out to those who need help. The support of the people, churches, clubs,
and businesses of a community like Larned is crucial and demonstrates that we
are not capable of “doing it” alone.
Donna, the
librarian, said it well..”I don’t think people often realize what we have in
our community” Obviously, she was alluding to the reality that everyone doesn’t
live in a community like this and what we have going on here is precious.
Donna then
mentioned several families in town that have experienced the “rallying” of
community resouces and efforts to raise money for medical expenses during times
of serious illnesses. The money may have been a drop in the bucket compared to
the monstrous debt, but the help of the community gave encouragement and
resources in a time of desperate need.
How wonderful that these families could feel and experience the
encouragement that comes when others care.
It’s not
enough to have a strong family unit when tragedy and distress strikes. The next
“circle” of church and friends jumps in with ideas and effort, but that too,
isn’t enough. However, when ideas and direction are birthed in the third
circle, then the next circle, the community, can act.
For many of
us, it takes years to realize the importance of helping others and being there
when needs arise. However, there are young couples in this community that are
rolling up their sleeves too…and its obvious that they “get it”. We cannot live
separated and isolated from one another.
There is a young family in town now
who has accumulated horrendous medical bills because of a blessed premature
baby with some complications. There will be more events and fun raisers for
these “kids”. Support and encouragement
will erupt once again out of this community.
And you
know what? I know YOU will be there.
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