Podcast: Play in new window
Do you struggle building connections with others? Do you have a community of friends, but no time to spend with them?
Connection matters. We were made from the very beginning to live in real community with one another. We need that space where we can say and be our authentic selves and know we will still be loved on the other side. Yet, despite our God given design, many of us struggle to find and make time for true community with others. In this episode I discuss:
- The importance of building community
- Cultivating connections in your real life
- Being for others what you need most
When you consistently decide to connect with other people and intentionally let them into your space, you are able to experience a fullness of life you would otherwise miss out on. There are things that will happen in your life only because you develop and cultivate a circle of friends. Yet I know this is no easy task for most. Yes, relationships are hard. Yes, living in community is challenging. And yes, being vulnerable is not always fun. Being connected to others is hard work, but the cost of no connectivity is too high for you to pay.
Happiness comes from good relationships. Connection with others is scientifically and spiritually a necessity to living a long happy life. Thus, if you don’t have your people, you need to be intentional about creating your circle. And if you do have your circle, choose nurturing those relationships over getting the thing done. Either way, it’s going to require effort, but the effort is worth it. I believe that with my whole heart and I need you to believe it too.
Whether the connections you build are for a season or for a lifetime, they matter. What you pour into now is what you will reap from later. Look at where you are already standing… and find those standing with you.
We are better together.
It is my hope you will gain a deeper appreciation for the value of connectivity with others. So whether the circle is waiting for you to step in or you are meant to create the circle and invite others… now is the time.
The lasting legacy of your life will be the people who you gave you to. You were never designed to figure out life all by yourself.
So, guess what that means I want to challenge you to do…
Go and build your community.
Highlights from Today’s Episode
- The importance of building community
- Cultivating connections in your real life
- Being for others what you need most
Click to Tweet
- “Do something that is an overflow of you.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
- “You don’t need to be cuffed, you need to be connected.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
Other Stuff to Check Out
- Listen to Episode #387 – “Abundance is Here” with Cassandra Speer.
- Need to encourage your soul? Try listening to the playlist I put together for my mom, Lady Lois’ Worship
- Interested in supporting the content I create and enjoying bonus content? Learn about joining my Inner Circle!
- Be sure to also check out my books She’s Still There, Show Up For Your Life, The 28-Day Prayer Journey, and Kingdom Woman!
Let’s Talk!
- Do you struggle to build authentic relationships? Can you think of someone who you might connect well with and are willing to make the ask to go deeper?
- If you have people, how can you become more intentional about making time for them?
- Why do you think you struggle to build community with others?
Connect with me…
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How to Listen to The Podcast
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1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
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You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
I absolutely loved this message. I’m not a very trusting person, I’m also an introvert and I actually like being by myself, but recently I have reached out to several women at church and we have gotten together for dinner and after church and yes, it is great! It’s actually freeing, because I feel like we can say what we want to each other and that’s where it stays. So thank you Chrystal for re-iterating this message to my soul and anyone else out there who is a little shy, just go for it! I also wanted to say how much I enjoy all of your content. I “found” you about a month ago and absolutely LOVE you and your whole family. You are all so blessed and so inspiring to anyone who hears your messages. Thank you again and may you have the happiest and holiest of holidays.
Hey Chrystal,
I really liked this episode, but here’s why I’m struggling to belong to a group of godly women: I’m disabled. I have a lower back injury and live with chronic pain in my back, buttocks, hips, legs, and now it’s moved to my neck. The pain is so bad that I pretty much can’t sit down. I force myself to drive to the YWCA to swim about three times a week because that’s really the only exercise I can do. Other than that and doctors appointments, I don’t go anywhere. I can’t even attend a local church (I do listen to your father’s sermons every day though). Not only can I not sit, but I can’t stand still or walk very far either. I spend most of my time laying in bed. And I’m only 50 years old.