Don’t Just Find Your Tribe

I think sometimes we can get so caught up in finding our tribe, our gang, or even our place that we forget Jesus was never exclusive but always on the lookout for the lonely, the hurting, and the isolated.

He didn’t just think about being at the centre of the circle, He always opened the circle and let people in.

May we, as His people, strive to follow His example regardless of the world’s culture.

“Then Jesus turned to His host and said, ‘When you throw a banquet, don’t just invite your friends, relatives, or rich neighbours, for it is likely they will return the favour. It is better to invite those who never get an invitation. Invite the poor to your banquet, along with the outcast, the handicapped, and the blind—those who could never repay you the favour. Then you will experience a great blessing in this life, and at the resurrection of the godly you will receive a full reward.’” Luke 14:12

The truth is everybody just wants to be loved. Literally, everybody is born with an innate desire to be known and to be needed. And we can either be women who help others feel seen, or women who are more concerned with who sees us.

I know I’ve definitely experienced both sides of the situation, and it’s such a horrible thing, feeling like you’re on the outside looking in. Anyone else agree? Yet, it’s so easy to forget about that when you’re in the middle of the pack.

I think it goes without saying that we should always pursue deep and meaningful relationships, and never replace quality with quantity. This isn’t about breaking down your support network and inviting everyone over the next time you host an event, it’s more a conversation around our heart attitudes and asking the question:

Do people know they’re welcome with me

Since the early days of our marriage, Ben and I have made a commitment to having an “open house” culture and regularly having people over. Being a natural introvert and clean freak, that’s not always easy. But, most good things usually aren’t.

Love often lies on the other side of convenience.

Author and writer Brené Brown sums it up perfectly: “Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”

Compassion in action is the heart of God in motion.

Of course, living an “inclusive life” isn’t just about eating together. It’s an attitude, a demeanour, a desire to place value on every single person you interact with because God does, regardless of age, stage, orientation, or ethnicity.

Every person matters to God, so every person should matter to us.

“Beloved children, our love can’t be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds.”1 John 3:18 (The Passion Translation)

So friends, who can you bring into your world today? Who can you call, text, invite, or reach out to? We may not be able to love everyone in the world, but we can definitely love a few.

And may I encourage you, don’t buy into the lie that you’re on the outside, that somehow you’ve been forgotten, misplaced, or overlooked. I know I've felt like that before. Honestly, I’ve felt like that more times in the last few months than I’d like to admit. But it’s simply not true.

There’s a place for every single one of us at our Father’s table. I think when we understand that, we go out of our way to make sure others know they have a place too.