Reflection on Community

Mary Gray Speakman

One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to Davidson Fellows in the first place was the intentional community—both within the Fellows group itself and the larger church body. As a Davidson College grad, I was especially excited to dig into a community I had known for four years, but in a new and deeper way. Looking back on the past months of full weeks and a fast-paced schedule, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a community that supports me, meets me where I am, and continually points me to Jesus. What I love about the Fellows community specifically is how clearly it reflects the Body of Christ. We don’t get to choose who we brush shoulders with. I didn’t hand-pick my own Fellows class in the way that we often hand pick our friends in so many other parts of life. But there is such goodness in the fact that we didn’t hand pick each other and that we aren’t all the same. Each of us brings unique backgrounds, stories, and personalities. Maybe we wouldn’t naturally gravitate toward each other outside of this program, but that’s the beauty of it—we get to learn from one another, grow together, and love each other deeply. And in that, we share a rich community where Jesus is the foundation. This community has been an incredible gift, and I am truly thankful for the eight other Fellows who have quickly become deep and trusted friends.