written 12/10/2024, by Aubrie F.
“You’re not alone in that.”
That’s a go to phrase for me when I am in conversation with someone when they tell me about something they are struggling with. Why is there comfort in knowing that we aren’t the only one suffering with something?
Maybe it’s because many of us are trying really hard to make it look like we have it all together, and when the highlight reels are the only things we share with others, it can be really isolating in times of suffering. Feeling like we are the only ones not at the top of our game.
Knowing that we have a community around us in our struggles, even if it doesn’t ‘fix’ the problems, can give us the strength to keep moving forward.
Community really is the secret tool to embracing suffering, which Saint John Paul II says, “helps us uncover and appreciate the best parts of this life.”
God doesn’t intend for us to face suffering alone- apart from Him and apart from community. In fact, we are called to share in suffering together, and help each other carry our crosses.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
This is something really beautiful about the relationship between rider and support crew missionaries on the National Ride. Support crew’s job is framed through a ‘ministry of presence’- to be there, loving their teammates. To accompany them in virtuous friendship. This is the basis of community.
Support crew can’t always take away the suffering the riders feel (although the veterans know that surprising the team with ice cream at the end of the day’s ride can somehow make everything better). They can, however, participate in this coming alongside of the riders in their suffering and their joys. To let them know they are not alone and they are loved. To cover them in prayer, encouragement and extending an arm up to them when they are down.
It’s a really important thing for us to witness to our culture: being with each other in our sufferings is a beautiful, meaningful thing. And that is what we are called to do as one human family
So if you are looking for a New Year’s commitment to personal growth and conversion, let Biking for Babies help you uncover new depths of the Christian life–giving new meaning to suffering–this coming year.
There’s still time to apply before 2024 is over!
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2025 applications for young adults to join our mission opportunity are open now, until February 2025. Visit this link for discernment resources, to see if the Lord is calling you to be a missionary, for life.
