Shaping A Community of Care Together

As we come together at the start of this semester, each of us plays an important role in shaping a community of care.  To contribute to a community of care takes compassion, courage, commitment, engagement, and a common sense of purpose of growing to be the best we can be with and for each other. In a community of care, there is both high expectation and high support.  Through having high expectations, we take the responsibility to bring our best selves into the moment. We have the courage to embrace and grow through challenges. In a high-support environment, there is safety to come as we are. There is the appreciation, recognition, incorporation, and celebration of the strengths each person brings into the community. There is an understanding that together we achieve and become more.

The good news is that we do not have to do this alone. In a community of care, we have a sense of walking and lifting together. The best news is that God walks with us, empowering and guiding us through His love and grace.  In those times when mistakes are made or hurts occur, we can turn to God to ask for forgiveness and start anew. We can extend that same compassion and graciousness to others. Where we are uncertain of the next steps or feeling overwhelmed, we can be still and pray that God will guide us. Within a community of care, hope and possibility shine brightly.