I can’t wait for tomorrow night. I can’t wait to experience community.
I’m hosting an (in)RL meet-up and I invited 78 in-real-life friends too, and I’m choosing joy and excitement because 6 said YES!
And I won’t lie, I’m a bit disappointed. I wish more wanted to come be with me in community, especially those who I already know in real life. I wish they were able to make room in their busy lives to say yes, and come. I wish they knew how amazing this (in)RL event is gonna be—a chance to be real and build deeper, and to just be together.
But instead of focusing on that, I’m making a choice. I’m choosing to look forward to the sweet women who ARE coming—the ones I get to build authentic community with. And I’m looking forward laughing, and chatting, and being (in)couraged by our online sisters.
I’m choosing today to risk, to be brave, to have joy … even in the midst of rejection. Because I do get it. I know people have lives, and they are busy, and they have priorities, just like me.
But the thing is, I crave community. I long to relate. And I’m determined to press on and keep inviting and keep pursuing community, even after this, because I’m tired of the “I’m good” and the “I’m fine”. Just like Lisa-Jo said today in the opening session of (in)RL, I want to live the “un-fine” and exhale and admit things are “not-fine”. I want to share deeply–share my hopes and fears, and spill my triumphs and failures. I want to be real and I want to be known, and I want to know others in return.
And even though it’s risky, and even though community can bring hurt or rejection, there is nothing to gain if there’s no risk.
So today I press on in excitement for the opportunity that awaits me.
Community, in real life, right here where I am!
And psst! You should know the (in)RL party is starting today, and it’s not too late to sign up and see the webcast in the comfort of your own home … or find a meet-up of real life friends right where you live. Because they’re happening all over the world.
Let’s take time to invest in one another and build community, right where you are in real life!!
Thank you (in)courage for this special event!
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to take five minutes and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing, with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Community…
Loved this line “And even though it’s risky, and even though community can bring hurt or rejection, there is nothing to gain if there’s no risk.”
I am so proud of your bravery….way to go…If i lived in your area I would be there…actually…I love in Nashville where there are 6o something people coming…I have not committed yet…one thing that holds me back…age…everyone is so much younger…I think I could be some of their mom…I am trying to stay open to the Lord…be willing to go as the oldest and where I really don’t know anyone….still wish I could come to your place:) Blessings and sweet times tomorrow…will lift you in prayer…i just know God will meet you because He loves when people open themselves up to His care…
Oh Ro, you must go, they need you, and you need them! I’ve met several of them last year at Relevant and I didn’t know anyone either and everyone was so warm and welcoming. Oh how I wish I could be there to go with you. And I would LOVE if you were here too 🙂 *Thank you* for your prayers and for your sweet friendship. I will be praying for you!
Thank you Alex, blessings to you!
I totally get it. I invited a ton of people and only got a few responses. Some had conflicts they couldn’t get out of and some had child care issues but overall, our meetup is very tiny and even some of the ones that rsvp’d now can’t make it. I was really bummed at first. I had put a lot of work into it but I had prayed before the meetup when I first signed up to be a host, that God would bring the right people. And I believe He will. It may be small, but your right, choose joy because God is notorious for doing big things out of small numbers. Praying your meetup is amazing and can’t wait to hear the details.
AM loving the inRL videos at home. Amazing how the community really is sensed although I watch alone. Thinking of you and your group today!
Thank you Alia! Praying for you tonight too!!
Marianne, thank you! Aren’t the videos soooo (in)couraging!! 🙂
The Father so wants us to reach out to embrace community, to encourage! I love that your heart reaches out! The world needs women like that!
I was not even going to join inRL.. oh my gosh! I would have missed out on something amazingly beautiful and life changing. Even though I only watched online, I felt so connected to this wonderful community…
I hope that you too, were also able to connect 🙂 Love your honesty in your post.
would love to come to the next one…
Thank you!
Oh Michele-Lyn! I’m so glad you watched online. Yes, we had a nice time and I’m so glad you stopped in. Blessings to you!
Absolutely! I’d love that 🙂