One of God's Many gifts to us

by Olivia Towne

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Wednesday night of this past week, we were all gathered around, talking about
the parts of the body scripture from: 1 Corinthians 12:14-26. We talked about verse 26 in
particular that states, “ if one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member
is honored, all rejoice together with it”. This led to the question of “What moral
obligations do we, as individuals or as a community, have for other people?” The youth
in this week's group did a phenomenal job answering this. We talked about how
important it is for us to stick up for others and be in community with others, because we
are all God's people, and if one of us suffers, we all suffer together.

The participants then started to talk about how one of God's many gifts to us is community,
and being a part of a whole. This is something that I had never even thought about, but I
believe that it is true. A strong community is something that can be one of the best and most
rewarding things. It made me think about all the interactions I had throughout the week,
including those with my team, the participants, and the organizations we worked with. All of
these little interactions I had and the communities I had been building were bringing me so
much joy. Which is a gift!

I see this gift of community from God in the people I am working with this
summer. Sophie and Lauren are two of the sweetest and most caring people I have ever
met. Sophie, the interim Director for Charleston Youth Mission, is such a great leader
who truly cares about everyone who walks through those doors. While Lauren, an intern
like me, is one of the most patient and intelligent humans ever. I really see God in the
way they interact with all the participants and me. I can always count on these two to
pick me up and give me a good laugh when I need one. These two individuals make me a
better person every day and turn me closer to God.

I also see the gift of community within all of the participants who walk through
the doors of CYM. Every week, there is a different group that comes from a different
area and background. Every week, I get to learn about these people's experiences and
see them grow throughout the week. This gift of being able to meet so many of God's
people is truly a gift like no other.

Lastly, I see this gift of community in the organizations we work with. I have had
the privilege to live in Charleston my whole life. Both my parents are also from here.
This experience has allowed me to meet organizations and people within my community
who are making a difference for good. Some of these organizations I didn't even know
existed, but they are truly a blessing to a lot of people. Which is a gift from God. It has
also been a gift to have connected with the community that God gave my family. One
example in particular, I saw this week, was when we met Albert from “Young but with a
Purpose.” This is someone who is an avid community member, teaching young people
life skills by helping others. Mr. Albert was someone who knew my family and my dad in
particular. My dad helped him get some of the resources to start “Young but with a
Purpose”. Now, Mr. Albert is helping me teach others about what it means to be in
community. This is an aspect from this past week that gave me so much joy, and it goes
to show how much of a gift community really is.

Overall, this week has taught me a lot about community and the real gift it is. So I
would agree with Idlewild Presbyterian Church from Memphis, TN, that one of God's
amazing gifts to us is community!