It’s OK to be different. The truth is, I’ve always been a “buck the system” kinda gal. If I am told I should do AB or C because it’s what everyone else does I would sooner do the opposite. I am defiant and sometimes not in a good way. Surprisingly though, when it came time to break the news to people that I would be living community style with my extended family, I started to get a little timid. But why? Why? How could this be? In your face me was nervous to tell the news? Why was it so scary for me to share with others what I knew was right, and good, and true, and even inspired?
Yes. I do believe that this came from God. Why do I know that? I know it because it’s in my gut. As much as I tried to fight this idea, and believe me, I TRIED. It kept coming back. I actually pleaded with God to make it not so. It’s so against my very persona that I knew it just had to be from him. Surely, I wouldn’t come up with anything so wild.
THIS IS NOT NORMAL. All things that stray from our cultural norms are scary.
You may think I’m coo-coo. Honestly, It is a little cray-cray. Then again, aren’t all things that are out there or inspired always considered a little crazy? All innovative things are those that stray from the norm. To be frank, even as little as a year ago if I could have glimpsed into the future and I were able to see this I would have said no freakin’ way. Ya’ll all are full o’ bleeeeeeep. Yet here I am and I couldn’t be anymore confident of this decision. I’m more confident than I’ve ever been about any one decision in my entire life.
This is not at all crazy. Community living is an awesome (and not new) idea! Canada has a significant middle-eastern population and they mostly live in communities. It makes more sense than the way most North Americans live now. From a practical standpoint - If there are 4 working adults in a household and one loses their job, it's not a crisis - you don't have to foreclose and file bankruptcy. And having 4 people to look after a community is awesome. When we lived w/ my dad and sister - it was an adjustment at first while we worked out our personalities, but was awesome when we got into a groove. Surprisingly Ry didn't want to leave, he wanted to live w/ my dad forever! LOL
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the move!
I agree. Lots of other cultures do it and do it successfully. Americans are so fiercely independent and I often think it's to our detriment. I think it's why so many mothers get PPD. We lack community. No one should be an island. And as you say, there are a lot of practical reasons to do it as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support and best wishes!
Actually Abby, I think it may be a little bit crazier to talk to someone that is not there, and there is no real proof that he even exsists, than it is to live in a commune. Just saying! I think you with have an amazing experience, and just remember nothing has to be for ever except death and taxes!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honesty, Dan. I'm fine with being called crazy for whatever reason. And we are going into this like a commitment. Of course nothing is for certain in life but that doesn't mean that you can't commit, just like you commit to training for all your crazy ass iron mans.
ReplyDeleteAbby - We are so happy for you guys! I can't wait to hear, and hopefully see, some of your adventures! I think you are so brave for following where God is leading you to go even though it different.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gwen. Your support is appreciated. We can't wait to see more of you and your family soon!
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