Our world is full of messaging that says “It’s all about you. Go get want you want. Go at it alone. You don’t need anyone but yourself.”

“Army of One”

“I’m Lovin’ it”

“Be all that you can be”

“Have it your way”

I think this mindset is especially true for those of us who have grown up in the Midwest:

“I can do it on my own”

“I don’t need help, because receiving help is like a handout”

“God helps those who helps themselves.” (That’s a lie by the way. Though personal responsibility is a virtue, God has a tendency to help the helpless.)

I’m learning, mostly the hard way, that choosing Interdependence over Independence is a much more life giving way and to live.

Choosing interdependence makes us vulnerable, and that’s risky business.

“I need you & you need me”

“Let’s do this in community rather than isolation”

“Let’s be real, honest and talk it through”

“You have some plenty and so do I. Let’s tackle this project, partnership/marriage, child rearing or cause together”

In my field of fundraising and inviting people into the story of YL, I think that Luke 8:1-3 has some great insight into how to make this choice of Interdependence vs. Independence.

And if you’re not into the Bible, I get it. There is actually some really amazing stuff in there.

I’m confident that your business & relationships will be better if you read on. Because this life we live is all about fostering relationships that are honorable. Jesus is the pro’s pro when it comes to this.

A quick list of what is happening in this account:

• The woman are supporting Jesus out of their own means
  • Jesus needed them (like we need others)
• The women are traveling with Jesus from town to town
  • Jesus doesn’t raise capital with a bunch of VC’s or fundraise for his ministry in one city, leave his supporters behind and say “I’ll be back when I need more money”
  • He brings them along on a significant journey as partners (we should do this too)
• Their lives (and the world) were drastically changed as a result

What would happen if we choose to bring people along on a journey today and to depend on each other?

To invite them into new significance, truth-telling, adventure, new life, new hope? To allow ourselves to give to them and also receive from them.

Would the world and the people around us change if we decided to do it all on our own? (Most likely not)

What this looks like:

“Come tour our factory – the product we are making and the people who are making it are incredible folks”

“Come see our camp – your life will never be the same!”

“Have you heard this story?”

“I want you to meet this couple – they are world changers.”

“I’ll work hard to be honest”

May we be builders of community as we learn to choose Interdependence over Independence.

May our lives, and the lives of those who support us never be the same.

Kevin