Ubuntu

           Ubuntu is an African saying. Defined it means: 

           "I am what I am because we are." 

           "Ubuntu means each one of us can only effectively exist as fully functioning human beings when we acknowledge the roles that others play in our lives. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, says: “Africans have a thing called ubuntu; it is about the essence of being human, it is part of the gift that Africa is going to give to the world. It embraces hospitality, caring about others, being willing to go that extra mile for the sake of another. We believe that a person is a person through other persons; that my humanity is caught up and bound up in yours. When I dehumanise you, I inexorably dehumanise myself. The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms, and therefore you seek to work for the common good because your humanity comes into its own in community, in belonging.”"
           Tyler sent me an email the other day about this concept that they talked about at his work devotion. It's beautiful, huh? Remember this is an African concept, not a specifically Christian concept. Do we love our neighbors and truly model this as the body of Christ? So much of God's word emphasizes the importance of true community. We are united in Him. No matter what I say or do, I will always have been raised in South Dakota by Roger and Robin Neth. My best friends were Hilary, Cassie, Staci, Kelli, and Kelley. I dated two different boys and was hurt by both. I went to Calvary and my youth pastor was Jeremy Nelson. Then, I attended NWC and roomed with Morgan De Jong. I played women's basketball and have long term friendships from my team, my wing, and my apartment. The Lord worked through them and I am shaped into who I am today. Now, I'm living in Sioux Falls with my husband and have a new God sent crew. "I am what I am because we are." 
           While in Israel, we talked about the sand on the seashore. Have you ever noticed how it clumps together when wet? God is the living water that unites us all (see Ray VanderLaan) God tells Abraham, "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore." Ever wonder why he used that picture? "I am what I am because we are."
          The beauty of Christ's body always baffles me. The Lord is always placing those perfect gifts in my life to point me to more of Him. "I am what I am because we are." Who are the people in your life that influence you the most? Do they point you to more of Him? Do they bless you and give you joy in your life? Encourage them. Bless them. Peace out dudes....Love you all!