Showing Up: The Power of Being a Villager
In life, there’s a common phrase that gets tossed around a lot: “It takes a village.” It’s often used to describe the idea that we need a community of support in order to raise a child, navigate difficult seasons, or pursue our dreams. But here’s the reality that doesn’t always get discussed: for that village to work, we need people willing to be villagers.
It's not just about having a community—it’s about showing up when it counts, giving without expecting anything in return, and serving out of love. I recently had the privilege of experiencing this in a very real way when my sister gave birth at home. It was a beautiful, intimate moment in her life, but it was also an incredibly vulnerable time for her and her family. As she prepared to bring new life into the world, I felt a deep responsibility to be there for her—not just in spirit, but in action. The experience wasn’t just about showing up in the big moments, though. It was about the small things, the unglamorous parts of life that often get overlooked but truly make a difference. I helped care for her children while she focused on labor, making sure they were fed and entertained. I also spent time cleaning her house, cooking meals, and organizing things so that she and her family could focus on healing and settling in with the new baby. It wasn’t glamorous work. It was the quiet, behind-the-scenes effort that often goes unnoticed, but in that moment, it was exactly what she needed. Why did I do it? Simple: love. There’s something powerful that happens when we decide to show up for the people we care about. It’s a tangible expression of love, a reflection of what Jesus calls us to do. In John 15:12, He says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
This is the essence of the “village” mentality—a willingness to show up and care for those around us, not just in moments of celebration, but also in moments of need, difficulty, and vulnerability. I’m reminded that life is often full of moments when we are called to step in and be the hands and feet of Christ. Sometimes it’s big—like helping someone through a life-changing event—but most of the time, it’s the small, everyday actions that truly make a difference. Showing up might look like giving your time, offering a listening ear, or stepping into the messiness of someone’s life without hesitation. It means getting involved in the nitty-gritty and serving even when it’s not convenient. We need to be willing to give of ourselves, just as Christ did for us. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul encourages us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This is what being a villager looks like in real life: it’s not about being perfect or having it all together. It’s about showing up, offering what you have, and doing it all out of love. It’s the simple, selfless acts that build trust, create bonds, and demonstrate the deep love we are called to share as believers.
And here’s the thing: while I had the chance to be a villager for my sister, I’ve also been on the receiving end of this kind of love and care, and it’s just as powerful. There have been countless times when friends have quietly checked in when they knew I was going through a tough season. It wasn’t loud or dramatic, but simply a text or a phone call that made me feel seen and loved. And then there are the people who show up, not to make a big fuss, but to take something small off my plate—like picking up groceries, helping with a quick errand, or just coming to help durning my busy seasons. Those little gestures can change the course of a day, lifting a burden I didn’t even know I needed help with. The fruit of showing up is real, and it's felt in those quiet moments of care.
These small acts are often what carry us through. It’s in those moments that we are reminded of God’s faithfulness—sometimes through the hands of the people He places around us. I believe these acts of service, both given and received, are what build a true community—a village where we love and support one another as Christ taught us. If we want to see the village work, we have to be willing to be the villagers. In my own experience of caring for my sister and her family, and receiving care from friends during my own struggles, I’ve learned that showing up in the small, practical ways can make a huge impact. Whether it’s helping with household chores, supporting someone in their labor and delivery, or simply being present in times of joy and sorrow, these are the moments that form the foundation of community.
I encourage you to think about the people in your life. Who needs you to show up for them today? Is there someone in your church, family, or neighborhood who could use a helping hand or a word of encouragement? The “village” can’t exist without the villagers, and you can be a part of something bigger than yourself by choosing to show up—whether it’s for a moment of celebration or a moment of challenge. As we seek to live out God’s love in our lives, let’s remember that true love is not passive. It’s active. It’s in the giving, the showing up, the serving. So, let’s be the villagers who make the village work. It starts with us.
Thought Provoking Questions -
Have you experienced moments where others showed up for you? How has that made a difference in your life?
