Belonging to a Tribe

As a child at Sunday School I learnt about the twelve tribes of Israel. I heard stories about people who lived in tribes in Africa or South America. I saw films about cowboys and American Indian tribes….

In our historical past, we spent our entire lives living as part of a tribe; today psychologists and sociologists say that we need to belong to a tribe, a place where we can feel a sense of identity, belonging and acceptance.

Last night we watched the Myleene Klass documentary ‘Miscarriage & Me’. She talked openly about her three children and four miscarriages; the trauma she’d experienced as a result of her loss. She met with other women who, sharing this type of pregnancy loss, had formed support groups – tribes providing understanding and emotional support.

Rachel spent yesterday at our church parent and toddler group, ‘Little Fishes’. Parents, grandparents, carers and small children come together in a safe, supportive environment; folks with common concerns for family relationships, health, developing children and daily family life.

I’d been to Men’s Shed, chatting about a hospital visit and recent surgery… arthritis preventing guitar playing… the sadness of loneliness… plans for a fish and chip supper… grandparently duties… Relationships built over many years. One gent said, ‘This is my family.’ It’s our tribe.

In recent days other friends have talked about their tribes… ‘my swimming ladies’, ‘our neurodivergent music group’, ‘our running group’, the ‘Monday Club’ at the pub, ‘our church family’… Each is a supportive tribe of like-minded people with common values and aspirations that gives identity, belonging and support.

Yesterday I was musing on: ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.’ It’s part of St Paul’s description of what a good Christian community should look like:

‘Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves… Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.’

Sounds like a pretty good tribe to belong to.