The big Three and the Power of community

First came me, and Mom said gee, then came me and Mom said wee, and then came me and Dad said that’s three. One, two, three, Big Three!” as Kevin, Kate and Randall pound their fists into their chests. One of the first lessons they understand as children is the power of community and that they can’t face life’s toughest battles alone. As adults, they rely on each other just as much as when they were children. Kate calls Kevin the moment something is going well in her life. Conversely, Kevin calls Kate when he is facing a crisis or he needs to face the impact of an impulsive decision.
Kate, feeling like her world is unraveling having just broken up with Toby, she goes out into the woods alone, but Kevin follows her. “I can’t do this without my brothers,” Kate says through tears. “I need you here, Kate, I need you real bad,” Kevin replies. Kevin nor Kate can figure out who they are apart from each other. Although this may on some level be unhealthy, it is also a demonstration of the unshakable bond family can be for each other.
As Christians, we often try to do the Christian life alone. Jesus understood that in order to weather the storms of life, His children need to do it in the context of community with each other. Jesus sends out the twelve two-by-two. There is never a time when we are called to live out God’s mission alone. Even God lives in community—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The community we choose to surround ourselves with cheer us on when we succeed and carry us when we don’t.
And that’s a great place to be. So, let’s strike our chests and yell “Big three!” while I go get another box of tissues before the next episode ;)