There a saying that goes something like this "A book read by one thousand different people, is one thousand different books" I feel the same is true for words. Words mean different things to each person.
Community is one of those words.
You live in a community physically. You have online communities, or communities that you gather with in person. Maybe your place of worship is your community. Maybe your workplace is your community, or your favorite coffee shop is your community.
The core of community for me is the people who are there for you, people who care about you, people who help you.
After Tuesday's storm I've seen the community pulling together in such amazing ways. Helping each other clean up. Supplying fans, buckets, mops, brooms, etc. Replacing lost items is one thing, but being there to support each other, help each other mourn, and letting each other vent is another kind of community.
It makes us feel less alone.
I am calling upon my community to assist in the coming weeks. No you don't have to go clean up the water damage. You don't have to clean up the downed trees and leaves.
But instead, consciously shop and support local. Help these business owners and your neighbor's recover from the loss.
Donate your dollars and your time wisely.
Insurance is a thing for houses and businesses, but it takes time to kick in. In the mean time, you can use your dollars within the community to make local purchases. Find a family, a friend, a stranger, who has lost some or lost it all and help them any way you can. Got clothes to replace the ones they lost? What about a spare bed or kitchen table? Toys for a child? What about time to sit and listen to their stories?
It all makes such a huge difference and impact later on. Because they will remember the time in which their community came to their aid and said "you're not alone"