connections

Wisdom From a Blanket // Micah

Standing alone, individual pieces of fabric are relatively weak and unimpressive. However, a threads attractiveness and functional value are tremendously enhanced when interwoven with others. Weaving unearths a phenomenon producing an end result that is both strong and beautiful.

One would think that three interwoven cords are three times as strong as one, but it isn't, it's greater. Something mysterious yet scientific occurs when individual strengths are combined. Instead of resiliency output doubling, a multiplying force materializes bringing to bear a power the Greeks called "synergia." Articulated in English, synergy is "the working together of two things to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects." In other words, 1 cord plus 1 cord, interwoven, equals 3 cord strength. When cooperative elements are effectively intertwined a powerful functional capacity is unveiled.

A similar reality is produced as two become one on the visual side of the equation. Blue and green merged produce hazel, a beautiful third hue. Previously fixed color palates are expanded through the enmeshing of distinct tones. The allure, like a kaleidoscope, can be quite breath-taking, as the combining of varying shades allows altogether new colors to emerge.

As a magnificent quilt, which provides beauty to the eye and protection from the elements, is a result of a thousand threads that alone do little, so is the body of Christ. Powerfully beautiful potential is unleashed when we come together in one accord under one Lord offering our time, talent, treasure and influence to be intertwined for one world-changing purpose. As we pursue the otherwise impossible, the good of man and glory of Christ in all Nations, may we heed the Wisdom From A Blanket.

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." Romans 12:4-5

- Micah McElveen

Family Matters // Micah

Inside each of us there is an innate longing to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, something that will last. That is why groups like a club, team, tribe and so on are so universally pursued, even though they are only a shadow of what is ultimately fulfilling. It is true that we may run into periods where we long for “alone time,” but even the most introverted of us somehow know we were not created to walk in permanent isolation. Indeed, we were created with a longing to walk as members of a lasting Kingdom. Said simply, we were made to be a part of the Great King of King's family, pursuing the eternal aims of our noble Lord’s Kingdom. Through Christ we are offered entrance into precisely that. 

“Your kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.” Psalms 145:13

 “And so, since we have been justified by His grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.” Titus 3:7