Belmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample

Day 32 – Community For we are members of His body, of His flesh and His bones… Being a part of the fitness industry, I regularly review journals, articles and literature on the functioning of the human body. I am completely fascinated by how it operates and how so many independent systems come together and serve to create the whole. I think of the makeup of a strand of hair, the millions of skin cells, the intricacies of how each organ works, blood flow through the body, the anatomy of a muscle fiber, how energy is created in the body to fuel exercise, and well... you get the picture. I think of how things that are totally different in their look, function, and purpose come together and create this masterpiece called the human body. The kidney certainly doesn’t do what the eye does but both are vital to the overall function and well-being of the body. When I think of community, I think of people of diverse backgrounds, values, and interests coming together. I think of a sense of belonging, a sense of support, a sense of serving a common purpose and a sense of wholeness. To live in community means we must first engage in that community. Not simply be present, connected and non-functional, like a paralyzed limb, but actively engaged and making a contribution. Secondly, I think of common ground. There is, somehow, proximity that unites us. Whether it be physical space, support of a cause or belief in our Savior Jesus Christ, we share a common something. Although we are different, perform different functions, and move in different rhythms, we still contribute to the life of the community of which we are a part. Somehow, something intangible connects us and meaning, purpose and mattering is created as each one uses our God-given bent to serve the whole. Finally, common calling. Each individual cell in an organ has its work to do. It is somehow programmed to do that work and the work of that one cell contributes to the overall health and vitality of the larger entity of which it is a part. We, like each cell, have been “programmed.” Having been equipped with unique talents, gifts and abilities, our contribution to this Belmont community can be provided by none other. Engage, connect and serve. ANGIE BRYANT | Assistant Dean of Students