I came across the above quote not long ago, and it immediately got my attention.
It’s a simple concept really. Think back to a time when you felt excluded, and attempt to do the opposite.
It really just boils down to the age-old scripture verse, found in Luke 6:31
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
When I was in the sixth grade, I had a group of 3-4 friends who were part of the “in” crowd. They were popular, and they knew it! I’m not sure how I was accepted into their “club” but alas there I was.
I wish I could say that this group of friends were caring and kind, but that’s not necessarily the case. Sure, they had their moments- specifically when it benefited them- but for the most part, they used their popularity as a catapult to be mean to those who didn’t quite fit in.
One day, while on the playground, I caught them scolding another friend of ours for playing jump rope with one of the outcast kids. I can’t really recall what got into me, but I had had enough! I walked right over to our fellow classmate, picked up the jump rope and proceeded to play along with her.
You should have seen the expression on her face! She lit up!
The expressions on my friends’ faces however, were that of utter shock and horror. They yelled at me from afar, threatening to exclude me from their club if I didn’t put down the jump rope and follow them.
I refused.
And they did exclude me from their club. I had become the new outcast.
But you know what? I gained a longtime friend that day, and I never looked back!
Building Community- Tip for the Day
Find ways to be inclusive- whether in your workplace, your neighborhood, your church, your kids’ school, or even your online community.
What steps can you take to go out of your way to make others feel included?
I really want to know, so be sure to leave your answers in the comments below!
Speaking of which, I am pleased to introduce our NEW linkup party where we strive to get to know one another better, for the sole purpose of cultivating true community and support for fellow faith-based bloggers/writers.
Please join me in welcoming our very first spotlight writer, Lauren Sparks!
I first connected with Lauren through this very linkup! I’ve since read several of her blog posts, and have come to appreciate her wit and sarcasm. A girl after my own heart!
**Because this linkup is all about cultivating community, I ask that you please make a true effort to connect with Lauren in one of the channels she’s listed below!**
Meet Lauren Sparks
I’m Lauren. I blog at laurensparks.net, about Jesus – particularly how I am striving (let’s face it, struggling) to be more like Him in my parenting and other significant relationships.
I live in Grapevine, TX and have a great husband of almost 20 years.
We have a 17 year old daughter who has Dravet Syndrome and significant special needs, and a 13 year old daughter who is extremely passionate about life. Sometimes that’s good, and sometimes we all suffer for it. 😉
I also have a 26 year old step-son who graduates from medical school this month, and moves off to start his residency with his wife and 4 children (all under the age of 5).
I have always loved to write. It is the only way I feel at all adequate in expressing my creativity. But I started blogging on a website about my oldest girl, in an effort to raise money for research for Dravet syndrome. The blog changed and morphed to it’s current form as I did more writing and enjoyed the format.
Five Faves
Favorite TV Show– This is Us
Favorite Author– My favorite book could change by the day, but I am currently fan-girling over Melanie Shankle.
Favorite Worship Song– Mercy, by Amanda Cook
Favorite Childhood Memory– Christmas light-looking, all packed into the car as a family. Singing carols and laughing.
Favorite Quote– “I make sense of my world by turning feelings into words, and experiences into sentences.” – Jen Bleakley
Fun Fact
I have a twin sister, and I once accidentally ran over the same poor dog twice. And at a track meet in middle school, I got hit by a flying discus twice in the same day. So maybe I have a twofer thing going on. 😉
Prayer Prompt
I am feeling the call to take my writing to the next level and try writing a book. It feels scary and daunting to me. Pray for my obedience and for the process.
Connect with Lauren
Lauren’s favorite place to connect is through Facebook!
Be sure to find her here!
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Featured Post
A Funny Thing Happened on the Road Through Breast Cancer
After a visit this week to my surgeon’s office to have nipples tattooed on my reconstructed chest, I decided to cull through my humiliation and decide which moments held the most comic potential.
2017 challenged my faith, my fortitude and my family. But what was true for Job in the Bible proved true for me.
“He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” (8:21 NLT)
With Jesus, and a God-given sense of humor, I have overcome so much! So I present the top 8 most embarrassing things about having breast cancer… {continue reading here}
If you’re a faith-based blogger and you’d like to featured here in the future, simply comment “I’M IN” below, and I will send out an email with a quick questionnaire to you!
If you’ve already replied “I’M IN”, but have yet to receive an email from me, be sure to check your spam or promotions folder for the questionnaire. It’s there!
Time to link arms at the #destinationInspiration linkup! We're working hard at building a community of #faithbloggers that support and encourage one another. And there's a place just for you! Share on X
Let’s Link Arms by Linking Up!
- Linkup 1-2 inspiring, family-friendly, posts using the Inlinkz tool below.
- Visit the link directly in front of you, to leave a comment and share/pin their post.
- Don’t forget to connect with this week’s featured writer by following at least 1 of their platforms!
Great post. I’ve always tried to include everyone around me.
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Hi Rachel,
Sadly I was always the new kid on the block & at school because my Dad enjoyed moving to new places & having new adventures. While I enjoyed this in my younger years it became a difficult time in High School years. But like you I was an advocate for the fringe dwellers… being one of them, it became a large part of my ministry & career, helping & advocating for those who need it!
Lauren it was nice to get to know you more. I encourage you with your next step in writing! It is a worthwhile journey!
Jennifer
So great to read more about Lauren!
Happy Thursday!
If I see someone alone at an event or gathering, I normally feel convicted to go over and talk with them. Even if it’s just a quick introduction, I want them to feel loved in that small way. However, it can be a struggle at times, because I love staying within my comfort zone and just sticking with the people I already know! Thanks for this reminder today!
I am so thankful to be featured! I appreciate you so much!
I’m usually the one alone. The wall flower. Great post.
I remember being newly married and feeling excluded in a new church I began attending while I was going to graduate school. I remembered that feeling and it helped me gain perspective on how others can feel and it helped me try to include others.
I was also shy growing up. My mom would say, find one other person no one is paying attention to and go talk to them. Not only will you make their day, you will now both have someone to hang out with.
I love your new link-up. It was fun getting to know Lauren. I love including everyone! I recently was the one excluded, and it didn’t feel good. Thak you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up. Blessings, Maree
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