Taking Action, One Baby Step at a Time
I would have loved to talk about endurance today because I’m currently in a season when I’m learning to respond more naturally to difficulty with resilience rather than doubt or complacency. But my health has been very low these past few days, and my thoughts are all over the place to be expressed coherently. So, this newsletter will be shorter and more interactive than others, and I’ll talk about just one thing I did during the weekend, which I’m most grateful for.
Ever since I wrote that newsletter about showing up despite our fears, I’ve felt pressured to take action towards something I’ve wanted to do for a while now, which is making Christian friends offline. Sadly, I don’t have the most social life outside social media, and even in my church, I only talk to three people occasionally.
But I finally took a bold step when I joined a Tribe last weekend. Basically, a Tribe is a location-based group my church organizes, and members of the church are encouraged to join the one closest to their house. From what I’ve learnt so far, Tribe members meet three times a week—Tuesdays (for prayers), Fridays (for evangelism), and Saturdays (for evangelism, prayers, and one other activity that varies each week). I joined my Tribe last Saturday, and the activity we had after evangelism and prayers was our “Tribe party.”
During this “party,” we played board and card games (I particularly enjoyed the Ludo game because I’m so good at it), had some snacks and drinks, and saw this new Christian movie, Jesus Revolution. Unfortunately, we couldn’t watch the film until the end because it was getting late, and we had to return to our respective homes. But it truly was a lovely experience and everything I had hoped it would be.
Growing up, many Christians around me made having fun and unwinding with friends seem sinful. And while I understand how dangerous society’s idea of fun is today, it’s always fulfilling to see Christians who aren’t so uptight—whose idea of fun isn’t carnal and whose attitude towards harmless fun isn’t condemning, either. This and the fact that joining a Tribe thrust me into the evangelism field (what with my fear of talking to strangers) is what I’m most grateful for. And I look forward to seeing how this experience will help me improve as a Christian and not-very-social person over time.
But that’s that about me for now.
It’s your turn to share.
Community Questions
How has God been helping you show up in the areas you’re scared of (or anxious about) showing up?
And how is everything going with you lately?
If you would like to share anything besides your answers to these questions, please, feel free to.
A Few Things That Blessed Me This Week
The intentional support from friends and family who reached out to me now and then.
“You Say,” by Lauren Daigle. You can listen to it on YouTube Music, Spotify, or whichever app you use to stream music.
“I Love Your Presence,” by Bethel Music feat. Jenn Johnson. It’s also available on YouTube Music and Spotify.
“How Great Thou Art” by Jesus Image. You can find it on YouTube Music and Spotify.
I definitely think that many people don't think 'Christians' and 'fun' go together. But, they do! It's true that what some people consider fun might not mean the same for us believers. However, we definitely know how to let loose and enjoy ourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I've recently (well, some months ago, but it feels recent) joined two different Church groups and I think that some of the things done or discussed might raise some eyebrows but we're having fun doing it together. It helps to have spirit-minded people to keep you on the right side of things when you might go 'too' out there.
Having a tribe of fellow believers is an asset in this age where iniquity abounds. God gave me the gift of 6 women from church about 2 years ago. We call ourselves The Tribe, or My Real Village People 🤣🤣🤣 But trust me, no one is funnier or likes enjoyment like these ones. No one wars harder with you in the place of prayer, or holds you accountable (especially in your walk of purity), or inspire you to get better in your career or skill. It's a whole vibe with these babes. Lovely meals. Great gist. Real empathy. Deep insights to life from God's word. . . Quality humans... all children of God. Wo, Obinna, you're in safe space. Enjoy your tribe.