Thinking about this has stirred "Ah-Ha" moments. I'm thankful for this outlet to express and document my thoughts. My friend, (& tribal-sista) Trisha said I should make this a sermon series. I might. Yep, I just might!! I just know...this is just the beginning!!
That's not the TRIBE I'm talking about...
the 5-7 people they spend most of their time with.
A connection due to likes and dislikes,
similarities & tastes or special interests.
I'm not talking about Clicks, Teams, Groups, Clubs.
I'm not talking about Corporate colleagues, social networks, special interest groups, academic clubs, the fitness folks, hobbyists, Fans of the Band, Vegans, AARP members (& the list can go on & on). Not really even talking about Bible Study groups. Although you may find "TRIBE" in all of these.
But, after the earthquake, I steadied myself and TRIBE began to emerge. This time not from the obvious places. They certainly weren't clumped together in a convenient package as they had been before the earthquake. So, were those people not really TRIBE at all? Here's what I'm learning.
A carefully chosen collection of allies with whom you share a close connection, a conviction. Tribe lifts you up, helps you grow, reminds you of your destiny when you have forgotten. Tribe recharges, revives & restores you, Tribe inspires you & celebrates you & values you. Tribe honors your gifts and callings. Tribe is who you call when you get the Doctor's report, when your kid dies, when you get a divorce, when it hurts, when it stops hurting. You can tell your secret to Tribe. My Tribe...are connected to the Divine...A Holy Tribe, a chosen people. ---teriney smith
The TRIBE I speak of is gathered by CONVICTION...not PREFERENCE.
- TRIBE is diverse. EX: In a church situation (which I am sorta familiar with), some people like worship with hymns, quiet and reflective. I personally like LOUD, with LASER-LIGHTS, a FOG MACHINE...i like the GUITAR turned up to 11. But, that's just what I like -- my preference. There may be those in my TRIBE who prefer something else. When you gather TRIBE by conviction...you find tribe everywhere. On a cruise, at the gym, in line at Starbucks. We don't have to look the same, live in the same town or listen to country music.
- TRIBE has timing. We have all had seasons that are no fun. In those times, I have made a deep connection with someone from my TRIBE. Then season will shift and the connection may also shift. To do that...we must release expectations and allow the shift of seasons. Don't judge or close off your heart just because they are in your world for a season!
- A TRIBE has a purpose. This might be similar to season...but with a twist. Some of my TRIBE emerged for a specific reason. They had a specific message for me, or gave me direction, to lend a hand or hold a hand. Keep your eyes & heart open for TRIBE...people with a purpose. They don't have to move in with you to connect with you.
- A TRIBE that STANDS. No matter what comes along, they stand. They don't waver, they kinda...specialize. They are known by the call. Can you name someone that stands? (Call Kathleen...she prays! Call Leslie...she writes!! Call Mark...he directs! Call Mike...he produces, Call Trisha...she listens Call Ruby...she organizes) I need that kind of TRIBE. Being known where you stand is better than having Google.
He had all kinds of people in his TRIBES!! Another "AH-HA" moment!!
- The Crowd -- Jesus told sermons to the crowd.
- The Followers -- Jesus told parables to the followers
- The Disciples -- Jesus told the future to the Disciples
- The THREE (Peter, James & John) Jesus told the 3 To PRAY.
- The ONE (John, the Beloved) Jesus told John to care for His mother from the cross.
His TRIBE is all over the earth. Keep your eyes, ears and hearts open. I've heard they are known by their LOVE!!
Oops...answer to "Do I need TRIBE?" YES!!"Two are better than one . . . and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9,12
Thanks so much for reading. Please connect with me. I want to hear your definition of TRIBE. I will have more soon!
Next time: The first step to finding your TRIBE!!