I went to a writers conference this past weekend in northeast Ohio. It was my first conference, and I was ready to network with other writers, and pick up some tips. The trip ended up being amazing! My favorite part wasn't necessarily the workshops (although they were great!) but it was more getting a chance to feel united with other writers. I met several new friends with diverse backgrounds. It was cool because after exchanging pleasantries with these conference goers, the next question was usually something along the lines of, "So what do you write?" I loved that perfect strangers can meet all in one building and have things in common. We all loved to write!
When I was younger, probably in middle school and high school, I had this mentality that I was vastly different from everyone else. I almost had this unspoken pride that I was more original and more unique than the common man. But I also felt lonely and alienated often during these years.
Are we really that different?
I really have started asking myself this question recently-usually ending up with the same answer: no not really. At this conference I befriended a retired engineer who had a cabin in Maine, and loved to fish. My story did not match that at all, but there we were united in the same room.
The Bible also talks about this idea of being united with other believers. Paul talks about in Ephesians that we should be of one body. The church, just one. Isn't that an amazing thought? We don't have to feel alienated and alone! Paul even says "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Eph 4:16 NIV). So we help each other grow, and build each other up because we are part of the same body.
What if you had a torn ligament and you just didn't take care of it??
Just like we take care of our body, we have to take care of each other! This makes me feel more connected to humanity than any other thought!
Hope this encourages!
Eric
