As I crack the door, I hear the sounds of laughter. They’re congregating around Faye’s big wooden kitchen table.

The chatting is easy now and the cares of the day roll away as we settle in. Coffee flows freely and we drink deeply of community.

We reminisce about the amusing moments of the day: the guy with the funny name who called the office earlier that day and her trying not to giggle as she took the message; the silly antics of kiddos who ask crazy things of us mamas; the angry man who cussed at her because she had pulled her foreign car too close to his American one. Recounting the day puts it into perspective and, oh, how we laugh.

Pretty soon one of us glances at the clock and our playful banter turns to the more serious stuff of life. We’ve been reading a portion of Titus 2 together – “encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.” We’re asking ourselves what it means to live this out. How do we pursue these seven qualities? And how can we encourage each other in that pursuit? Could we really dishonor the very words of God if we don’t?

This is where you will find us on the first Wednesday night of every month. Around this table. Coffee cups in hand. Journals open and ready. Kids all tucked in at home under Dad’s care. Each month we explore another quality on the Titus list and we ask each other the hard questions. The questions that are all too easily ignored in the fast pace of life. Questions like: How are you doing at loving your husband? What does it mean to be a worker at home? Are you doing what it takes to maintain a pure heart?

We’ve been at it for about eight months now. Call it an accountability group, call it a gathering, call it whatever you want. We just know that we need each other. We know the women that we want to be and we know that gaps that keep us from being those women. We know that we want to make it “home” before dark. Home to Jesus before we’re vulnerable, stumbling around in darkness. And we’re just humble enough to know that the stumbling happens all too easily. We’ve all seen the carnage along the path – women who decided they just couldn’t love their husbands anymore or got distracted from the simple stuff of tending their home or stopped being vigilant over their own hearts. We know what is at stake.

And so we meet together, talking or emailing in-between our monthly gatherings. We celebrate birthdays together, bring cookies or flowers to each other when needed, pray for the hard stuff, rejoice in the good stuff, email encouraging words, and check-up on each other. Each month looks a little different depending on the need. In many ways, we’re still figuring out how to make the most of our time together. I’m not sure there’s a formula. I just know that I’m coming to really love these women and that I am grateful to have them in my life.

We’re five very different women. There is variety in our loves and hobbies. Some of us work outside the home, some of us have part-time jobs we can do from home, one of us is a full-time homemaker. We have kids that span the toddler through teenage years. Three of us have kids in Christian schools, the other two have kids at public schools. We serve in our church and community according to our different giftings.

Our common bond is simply Jesus. We are grace-dwellers, seeking with our whole lives to worship the One who rescued us.

And, we are finding that the seeking is all the richer as we do it together.

I’m a reader. To a fault. The internet doesn’t help much either because now I have access to all kinds of book reviews and blogs and articles. I could read all day. Sometimes I do. That’s where the “to a fault” part comes in. *wink*

Right now I’m in the middle of the book Radical by David Platt. It’s a challenging read. And I don’t mean that it has big words that are hard to read or convoluted thoughts that are challenging to follow. I mean that it is challenging the hidden corners of my heart. The subtitle alone is enough to make you squirm a little bit: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Ouch. That’s a little bit, well, uncomfortable.

Like I said, it’s challenging. And I’m only in the second chapter.

As I read, I’m wondering what does it look like to take back your faith from the American Dream? I mean, put some flesh on that one. Who do I know that is living that way? Is this just another fad in Christian circles or is this something I can really do? I still have a lot of wrestling to do as I consider Platt’s ideas. I really think he’s on to something. But, more on that later.

In the meantime, I wanted to share an example of someone who IS getting a little radical. It might not be for everyone but it is a pretty cool story of a Kentucky couple and their unusual wedding reception. It came to me through my friend Kait, who knows the bride personally. Read on…

Tanya Ferguson and Christian Torp are getting married this coming Labor Day and are hosting their entire neighborhood at their reception in Lexington. Instead of handing out favors, they will hand out canned goods and clothing to those in need.

 “We wanted our wedding to be about more than a dress and a fancy dinner,” Tanya said. “We live in this community surrounded by people who work hard just to be able to put a hot meal on their table. What better opportunity to care for our neighbors than at our wedding, an occasion that’s supposed to be the happiest day of our lives!” The couple has invited local service organizations to attend as well.

 The couple has purposely chosen to live in the struggling William Wells Brown neighborhood so they can provide legal assistance and other forms of help to those without. The groom has formed his own law practice dedicated entirely to providing affordable law services. It has been no easy feat for him to achieve.

“We want our neighbors, the church and our love for people to intertwine,” said the bride. “We recognize that our neighbors are not a charity case, but are deserving of respect and dignity. We have spent time with many of them and look forward to living and working together for our community,” she added.

Sounds a little like taking back your faith from the American Dream, doesn’t it? If you’d like to participate, the couple is accepting donations of food, meal service items, clothes and canned goods. Monetary donations will be used expressly toward providing these items. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 861, Lexington, KY 40588.

Caleb’s best friend from 1^st grade was a boy from China. In 2^nd grade it was Song Jae from S. Korea. Not to mention other classmates like Shreya from India and Liza from Russia and Benil from Nepal and Ming Cho from China.

Then there’s Madison’s dear friends YuNing from Taiwan and Jun Sa from S. Korea and Alexa and Sergio, who are both from Mexico.

If I thought about it a little bit longer, I know I could think of other kids from other parts of the world. And, those are just the kids from other countries. They both also have friends who are Hispanic-Americans or who are Black or who were adopted from other countries but were raised in American families.

This racially-diverse environment is our public elementary school!!

And we love it. What a wonderful place for my kids to gain an appreciation for God’s creative design of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation in this beautiful world.

Last night we had an event at the school to celebrate that diversity – our international families bring a favorite dish from their country and the rest of us dig out a family tradition or an American favorite and we all come together for a meal.

As I stood in line with a man from Senegal and his Japanese wife and their two beautiful daughters, I was struck once again with what an amazing place this world is. How good of God to make people in such rich diversity – even among people of the same race, there is an incredible range and variety. A farmer has a totally different life experience than a man on Wall Street than an artist in Appalachia. And, yet, when we can appreciate those differences, we are all better-off for the variety.

As much I love the diversity in our school, I’m also mindful that the world can also be a very ugly place. I know that if I were to move to my one friend’s country, my family might be beaten and my husband slaughtered in the night because we have a Bible and believe in Jesus. Our own country’s history with slavery shows the uglier side of failing to give equal worth to all people.

I cling with tenacity to my Lord’s example. His love for all people. His sacrifice so that all might come to Him.

And, I enjoy this tiny glimpse into His amazing world. Right here in my own backyard – at a small school in Midwestern America.

I must confess that I’ve been feeling a little bit sorry myself lately. I’ve been feeling the pangs of long-distance friendship. My friend Amy had her art show opening a few weeks ago – two hours away. Two hours makes it kind of hard for popping in to say “hi” and delight in her work. I was so disappointed that I couldn’t go. Then there’s Missy in Nebraska. She & Bill just brought home the latest addition to their fam: sweet Lucy adopted from Ethiopia. If I’m honest with myself, I realize I’ll probably never even get to hold little Lulu, let alone know her. And, what of Nancy in Orlando who has just survived breast cancer? Her faithfulness has inspired me from afar and I just long to stop by with a basket of tea and homemade bread. To pray with her, hear this phase of her story. To play cards with her and Dave…

Time will get away from me if I begin to tell you about Coletta in Colorado or Mayra in Mexico or Sunghee in S. Korea or Scott & Lis in Indy or Tim & Tammy in Chicago or Tom & Julie in Columbus… on and on the list could go. Precious friends that have left an indelible mark on my life. How can I begin to explain the soul sharing and the heart transforming that happened in scraps of time here and there. Scraps that have been woven together in creating the tapestry of my life today.

Each scrap represents an investment – them in me and me in them. A conversation or a perspective or a moment in time that shaped me. Sometimes through tears, sometimes laughter. Through various life stages, disappointments and challenges. Walking through the mess of life together, we were impacting each other.

Today, life marches on…  Blogs and letters keep the connection alive. But, there’s no denying that it is different. All relationship comes with risk and change.

Now we’re scattered here and there, around the world. And, I’m reminded, once again, that I can choose gratitude. I can feel sorry myself or I can thank God for these dear ones. I can pray for them. Rejoice and mourn with them from afar. Hope with them for the consummation of all things in Jesus.

And, of course, there are the new scraps. New fibers in the tapestry of this life…woven right in alongside the others. Adding texture and color that makes the whole piece more beautiful.

“What a refreshing time.” “Such neat group of people.” “I’m so glad we went.”

Such was our conversation as we got back in the car last night. We were tired from a long week and it was late but all of that seemed to fall away as we talked. We were so encouraged and grateful. Hearts happy. Tanks full. What was it that had us so jazzed? A masterful concert? A blockbuster movie? A grand fireworks show? Nope. Not that there is anything wrong with those things, but this was nothing like that. It was nothing fancy. Not a big event. Just a group of people in a home in Tallmadge, Ohio. Talking, studying, snacking, laughing. Sharing life. 

You see, Rick and I are taking time this summer to visit the various Community Groups in our church. They’re really just a slice of Crossroads Community Chapel. Little windows into the bigger family of our church. They meet in homes, pray together, study the Bible, and share life. With all the transitions of starting a new church campus we haven’t gotten in a group ourselves just yet and are, instead, enjoying this time to visit the others.

Last night was our first, and I left so refreshed. As I sat there and looked around the room, I thought about how nice it is to be in someone’s home. There’s just a comfort and vulnerability that seems to happen when you’re sitting in someone’s living room.

Then, when we opened the Bible, the discussion was rich and vulnerable. We were looking at a passage in Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. It’s this beautiful, deeply challenging portion about Jesus’ humility as He emptied Himself and willingly died on a cross. Before we knew it, two hours had passed. The discussion was so rich that the leader had to prod us along to bring us to closure. Great questions unfolded as we studied the passage and wrestled not only with the Truth of Jesus’ life but the implications that life has for us. The stage was set as one man led out and shared about a time this week when he had failed to lead his family in humble service. Others opened up and we talked about how hard it is to follow Jesus’ example when we’re all so insecure in our own lives.

I was challenged as I considered my own heart. The Bible has a way of leaving me simultaneously undone and hopeful. I am continually amazed by its power.

But, the thing that was so especially encouraging in this instance was that I left with a sweet glimpse of their hearts. I’m in a totally different phase of life than most of them. I already knew some of them better than others. I was meeting one couple for the first time. How often would we normally cross paths with this collection of people in the day to day of my kid-focused life?

And yet, here we were. Tied together by the grace found in Jesus. In a home in Tallmadge, Ohio; talking about more than the weather or Cleveland sports or the best price for produce. We were sharing the deeper things of life and something beautiful was happening. When Rick and I had to leave at 11 p.m. to relieve our kidsitters, the rest of the group was still standing around talking. Something beautiful indeed.

This is our church. Meeting in a converted warehouse. Temporary canvas sign out front. Borrowed parking next door. Simple spaces.

This is our church. A young father showing up just after sunrise to set-up and practice with  his band of volunteers. Sound checks. Running through the worship set yet again. Hearts to do more than perform songs but to really lead in worship. Circling up to pray before the rest of congregation begins to trickle in.

This is our church. Faithful deacons and ministry leaders getting their own families ready early and leaving their homes an hour earlier than usual so that they can help others encounter the Living God. Turning on lights and air conditioning, pulling out boxes of welcome materials, setting up tables for coffee, preparing children’s ministry rooms, arranging for communion. A myriad of to-dos that most people will never consciously notice. Sacred tasks. No one worries about whose job it is to do which task, each one jumps in to help the other and camaraderie grows.

This is our church. Sweet worship rising up to heaven as regular, everyday people pause to acknowledge the One who made them. Nursery volunteers snuggling sad toddlers. Kids singing so loud that we can hear them in the next room when we pause between songs. A pastor praying with a tender heart for his people. All pausing to remember the blood and broken body of our Savior. Opening our Bibles to the book of Galatians to continue our series. Desperately praying that the Gospel really would go deep. That we would abandon our bricks for the Cross.

This is our church. One couple holding hands as they stand and sing…their sweet infant son in the car seat beside them. Another couple barely able to sit together because the pain in their marriage is so great. Families who have lived in Northeast Ohio their whole lives. Others transferred in and learning to make it home. Still another preparing to move out West this summer. Some with a full brood of children. Others with hope deferred, seeking God for a fruitful womb. Singles. Marrieds. Empty nesters. All learning to find God in all the seasons of life. He is there.

This is our church. Fledgling congregation shooting out from a large, strong root. Remembering launch team days where we spoke of loving God and loving people. A simple but solid foundation. Elevate, love, and adore the Lord. Love what He loves: people. Sacrifice for them, encourage them. Today, the tasks are many. The launch team has morphed into a full-fledged congregation. The rubber meets the road. Ideas of loving God and loving people are put to the test. The fledgling congregation is beautiful and fragile all at once.

This is our church. Fears, dreams, hopes, hurts. Brokenness. Humility. Wrestling with the ugliness we sometimes find in our hearts. At the same time, sweet laughter in each other’s presence. Victory and delight. Healing and understanding where there was once miscommunication. Hearts knit together as we pray. Delving into the Word as we search for truth together, spurring one another on toward love and good deeds.

This is our church. A group of people all bound together by grace. Sweet, amazing grace. It’s not our season or our socioeconomic status or our background or our ethnicity or our religious pedigrees or our personalities or our gifts or our political affiliations. It’s just grace. When that’s all we’ve got, we can revel in it together. No pretense. God is exalted and our hearts are at rest. This is our church.