like a fire

I have been a long advocate for non-conformity to the social networking trends of myspace and its clones. It just seems like false community. There are so many people out there on these sites that can’t see themselves clearly enough to even build a page that would represent them accurately, and that is if they actually want to be seen for who they are, instead of who they want people to see. I might have to change my mind though.

This last week I had the great privilege of meeting with someone I met solely through a blog. Actually it was the second time we have met. I was more encouraged and sharpened by my time than I have been in the community I have been a part of for over two years. Thanks Grant.

I am trying to figure out what community really is. Without any pre-thought, I can say that most people who say this word probably don’t have a clear idea about what it is either. I think that it is more than feel good meetings and friendship, because there are times in community that are tough and not fun. I think that it is more than saying hello at church and asking how someone is doing, because I have been in those situations and felt very lonely. I think it has to be more than just meeting together regularly without getting to know the lives of the people gathered, because that is a place that is too easy to hide. So I guess I know a lot about what community is not, and not a whole lot about what it is.

Maybe someone will comment (hint, hint) and fill me in.