Thread by @KatecBowler

Hello friends! I snuck away from our summer airstream adventure to join you all for the #EverythingHappens Twitter Chat on #JeanVanier’s “Becoming Human.” I would love to hear your thoughts on feeling fragile, recognizing everyone else does too, and how we all need each another.

When #JeanVanier was 36, a friend showed him the horrible living conditions endured by people with disabilities. Many were institutionalized without love, community, or care.

The result of this visit for Vanier was a lifelong dedication to serving the oppressed through L’Arche, communities in which people with intellectual disabilities live among friends. #EverythingHappens

Through living in these communities, Vanier learned what it means to become human—by embracing our weaknesses and depending on one another. What does “being human” mean to you? #EverythingHappens

Lately I imagine "being human" as being...temporary. Noticing myself IN time. Oh look, I'm 39. I'm medium old. I am delicate and need to care for others with more grace.

American, self-help culture glorifies rugged individualism in order to live our best life now. But what if you aren’t just five easy steps away from a happier, healthier life?

What about when the power of positive thinking can’t cure a chronic illness? Or making your bed isn’t the fix-it for a failed marriage or eating the frog won’t heal the grief of losing someone you love? What about when there are things you can’t just get over?

Vanier takes the opposite approach: “We do not discover who we are in a solitary state; we discover it through mutual dependency, in weakness, in learning through belonging.” He reminds me that we are all more fragile than we imagine and need one another more than we think.

What are some ways we can give each other permission to be fragile? Or to meet someone else in their limitations with grace?

“We are freed when we begin to put justice, heartfelt relationships, and service of others and of truth over and above our own needs for love and success or our fears of failure and of relationships.” (p.115) OH GEEZ. That one is so beautiful. What quotes stood out to you?

In the best version of community, there are no teachers and students. As @Sarcasticluther says, faith is a team sport. We all take turns at the oars. If you need someone else to take over, I hope you feel permission this week to be nurtured.

And if you have some extra energy, maybe someone you know needs a boost?

There are no heroes in communities. Just people who need each other. Thank you for letting me be needy! I’m so grateful. Love you all. Have an amazing rest of your day, my dears.