Finding our Village in a Busy World Part 1

April 25, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hey Sweet Friends,

I recently read the book “Find your People.” It is such a life changing book. Like stop in your tracks and rethink your philosophy on doing life. It completely opened my eyes to the importance of having a village of people around you.

“The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” originates from an African proverb and conveys the message that it takes many people (“the village”) to provide a safe, healthy environment for children, where children are given the security they need to develop and flourish, and to be able to realize their hopes and dreams.” ( frontiersin.org)

When we think about how communities used to run, way before our time, it’s interesting to think about how our family units in America have deviated so much from that time. When people used to live together in groups, take care of each other’s children, learn from each other, do meals together and keep the door open. A time when everyone knew each other’s business and it wasn’t considered nosy, because you just did life together.

So, what has changed? Why have we drifted from this community lifestyle?

The website frontiersin.org states “the village, in many countries today, is dissipated and fragmented and individuals are increasingly isolated and are not eager to ask for, or provide help to, others. Family breakdown, economic pressures, long working hours and increased mobility have all contributed to families feeling less connected to extended family members and others around them (3).”

So how do we keep the idea of finding your village in the forefront of our daily drive?

We were wired to be in communities of relationships with others.

Author, Jennie Allen, does a phenomenal job of letting you into her life from the beginning the book Find Your People. She shares of her fears of not having people in her life…. her people…. people that she can do daily life with. In the beginning of the book, she mentions that there are 3 things that people seem to need in their life…. to be seen, soothed and safe. There are times in our lives where we believe the lie that we are not being seen, that no one notices us. But, as you get into the book, you start to see that lie is far from true as she helps you Find Your People.

“We aren’t supposed to be this Lonely.” -Jennie Allen

So how do you “build a culture of community in every part of your life?” How do we quit “cutting people out of our lives?” As you read Jennie’s book, you will be blown away by the way she has orchestrated her book and layed out her vision of Finding Your Village. As she goes into Part 1 of the book, she discusses the Connection we Crave, A Vision for Something More and Finding Your People. Part 2 of the book covers being close, safe, protected, deep and committed. Lastly, part 3 includes Finding your Family, Holding on to Your People and Intimacy of the Few.

“Community should be the way we live.”- Jennie Allen

After reading this book, I became more aware of my need for a village…. a group of people to do life with. I also found a new appreciation of what others offered to me and my children. Things before that I wasn’t truly able to see, because of getting lost in the routine of daily life. At a birthday party recently, the kids were hitting a piñata. It was my child’s turn, and I noticed one of the dads helping my child hold the bat correctly. I held onto that moment. A moment that I probably wouldn’t normally have stopped to think about. At this moment, on this day, that father poured into my child and helped him with a skill. How many of these moments have I missed recognizing? As I try to get better at noticing these moments, it puts a strong desire in my heart to continue finding my people, a group I can do life with, that pour into my children….. a village.

Key Takeaways:

1.) Are you longing to have a village around your family to do life with?

2.) Begin reading “Find Your People.” by Jennie Allen

3.) Stay tuned to Part 2 of “Finding Our Village in a Busy World”

Sincerely,

Part of your Village

As you go about your day, your week, your month, your year, remember that you were created on purpose for a purpose and so was your child.

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