“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Three weeks ago, I packed up my Honda CRV with my favorite belongings and a few weeks worth of clothes. Waiting for me at the end of the long drive up from South Florida were nine people who had made the same peculiar decision as me. Without knowing anything about the others, we had committed to do life together for nine months. As a group of early twenty year olds, naturally having different personalities and coming from different cultures, none of us could anticipate how we would meld together. What could go wrong? Or, what could be done, by God, immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine.
In three weeks, I have already begun to feel a transformation stir within myself. I have been struck by generosity, vulnerability, and the impact of the gospel. Radical hospitality as host families open their homes to complete strangers, preparing room for us. Church members pray over us, inviting us into their spaces so that we can commune together in such serene atmospheres such as the Bay. Mentors carve out time in their schedule to pour into us. Workplaces welcoming us into their culture and celebrating our gifts. The church body of Fourth Presbyterian gives freely, and stirs up in me a desire to do the same.
Without God, we have lost our common denominator. We would be prone to division and opposition. Thanks to the grace of God, we have a spirit of unity and a common goal to worship Him through all we do, motivating us to lift one another up.
As we go our separate ways into the working world each week, I keep my friends in mind. Lifting them up to God in prayer as I go about my various tasks. I am humbled, recalling how many people from Fourth Presbyterian prayed for each of us, before we even arrived. What a gift, that Christ is the rock which our community is built on. Our firm foundation, providing a landing pad to draw us back, as we are prone to wander away. In times of self doubt, hardships, and mistakes, our roots can not waver because they are in Christ. He will hold us fast.
Entering this year, I was scared to leave the sweet community God had woven together in my college town. How could He do it again, what could top that? I am utterly in awe of Him, excitement and expectancy flood my entire being. I am nothing but soft clay in His hands. How will He use His disciples to shape and mold me into greater Christlikeness? Reach out to me again at the end of the year, I hope to have some answers for you!
“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
About the Author
Christiana Hewlett is a member of the Fourth Fellows Class of 2025-2026. She is from Hollywood, Florida, and is a graduate of Samford University. This year, she is working for Rockville Women’s Center.
