There’s power in who you surround yourself with!
This is the fourth and final week of talking about the Community pillar for autoimmune health. However, I want to be clear. This pillar (and actually all nine of them) are applicable to good health for all human beings!
The challenge is (speaking from experience), many people don’t make their health a priority because it hasn’t needed to be, or so we thought. The reality is that coasting along, not paying attention or prioritizing good health habits will likely eventually erupt and force us to pay attention.
In my case, I worked long, hard days on end without taking care of myself. I gave endlessly to others at my own expense. I lived in a state of high stress and prided myself on being ultra productive. I worked hard and sometimes played hard. I wore busy-ness like a badge of honor. I didn’t rest well and had the attitude, “I can sleep when I’m dead.”
As you know, that caught up to me when I was shocked to get sick and ultimately diagnosed with a rare and debilitating autoimmune condition. Where did this come from, I asked myself.
Honestly, it was brewing in the background for likely two decades!
How Does “Community” Play into the Story of our Lives?
The definition of Community in the 9 Pillars of Autoimmune Health, is the people you surround yourself with. Generally, it’s a choice. I say “generally” because co-workers are not always your choice, however, it is your choice to stay employed or affiliated with them.
When I talk about community, it also means the people you choose to affiliate with who are a positive influence and bring you joy. If not, then boundaries become necessary which is a topic for another day.
All human beings need community. God created us to be relational. Isolation is very detrimental to health. Community creates improved resilience and overall well-being.
Having good friends and family relationships also creates a safety net for you and them. When difficult seasons come, our community transforms into a wonderful support system that can make our hardest days more manageable.
I want to be clear, this works both ways, not just receiving but also giving. It is blessed to give and serve others. Somehow, this also makes our own troubles seem smaller.
As we conclude our Community pillar, I want to leave you with one simple truth:
Healing happens better together.
We Were Created for Connection
From the very beginning, God designed us for relationship—with Him and with one another.
When we’re struggling, it’s easy to withdraw. We may feel like no one understands what we’re experiencing or believe we don’t want to burden others. While those feelings are understandable, isolation often increases discouragement, anxiety, and stress.
Healthy community reminds us that we are seen, valued, and loved.
Community Strengthens Our Resilience
While meaningful relationships don’t cure disease, they can strengthen the resilience we need to navigate it.
Encouragement has a way of changing our perspective.
We All Need Someone—and Someone Needs Us
As I said, Community isn’t only about receiving support. It’s also about becoming a source of encouragement for others.
You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to say the perfect words.
Sometimes the greatest gift you can offer is your presence.
Small acts of kindness often become lasting reminders of God’s love.
A Faith Perspective
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
What a beautiful picture of community.
God never intended for us to carry every burden by ourselves. He created us to encourage one another, pray for one another, and remind each other of His faithfulness when life feels overwhelming.
Sometimes He answers our prayers through the caring hearts of the people around us.
One Simple Action Step
This week, take one intentional step toward community. Evaluate the health of your community. Make it your mission to reach out to someone.
And if someone comes to mind who may be feeling alone, consider reaching out to them.
Your simple act of kindness could become an answer to someone else’s prayer.
Healing happens better together.
In love and health,
Terri
