Letting go of self for the best Collaboration ever…

Collaboration is truly one of my favorite concepts and it is even better when it’s seen in action!

As Defined BY Wikipedia
“Collaboration is working with each other to do a task and to achieve shared goals.[1] It is a recursive[2] process where two or more people or organizations work together to realize shared goals, (this is more than the intersection of common goals seen in co-operative ventures, but a deep, collective, determination to reach an identical objective[by whom?][original research?]) — for example, an endeavor[3][4] that is creative in nature[5]—by sharing knowledge, learning and building consensus. Most collaboration requires leadership, although the form of leadership can be social within a decentralized and egalitarian group.[6] In particular, teams that work collaboratively can obtain greater resources, recognition and reward when facing competition for finite resources.”

Last Wednesday I nearly melted in awe as I saw 7 women around my dining table ignore any of their own inhibitions or insecurities that conspired by sharing about themselves and they simply stated “Collaborated”.  Each gal shared about their desire to be a part of the group and the reasons why being in a group wasn’t their favorite.  We have internal processors, external processors, teacher personalities, driven types, creative and concrete thinkers.  Numbers people, words people, let’s get cozy and friend peeps and those happy to work alone.  The truth is, we are a bit of an unlikely group except that we have all come together for a common goal, for a purpose bigger than ourselves.  Together we are better than what we would be as individuals.  We all want what’s best for our families across the world so we are willing to step aside from our own insecurities to share, to learn and to build something beautiful.

Incredible.  Truly my Favorite.  Collaboration.

When I think of Ethiopia in general, and all of the wonderful people who love the country, I am thankful for the collaborators who have been so wonderful.  I think of Jerry and Christy Shannon who have dedicated their lives to serve in the day care of Kore and begin a fresh start for mama’s who are really struggling.  They continued to stay open to many ways that God could use them and now they are pastoring in a prominent church as well.  Just three short years ago we were newbies and really “fresh” and they never acted arrogant or better…they always gave us the privilege in working alongside them in some small way, whatever we had the capacity to do.  They were always patient with us.  Their gifts back to us in teaching us, inviting them to know their family and to share generously with us was by far a gift to us much more than we ever gave them.  And then when we started to fly a bit on our own in our distant area of the country, they still encouraged us, and let us know they loved us and that we are on the same team for the same kingdom purposes.

When organizations collaborate, we exponentially enjoy creativity, greater resources and ultimate rewards that benefit the families and children.  Collaborating with excellence never makes us less significant, less important or less valuable.  It is simply is not true and those feelings come from insecurities, not truth.

Just today I got to see collaboration in action at the Fountain Church.  Pastor Sean and Kristy Boyd loved on us.  They shared their unpretentious hearts.  Another couple shared about their work in the Philippines and how media has been such a blessing to share Love with the people of Asia.  Partnering with the local people, collaborating with them, teaching them and leaving their equipment so that the local people can create incredible life changing media.  No need for credit or back patting, training and checking back only for the purpose of seeing others be blessed.  And then, they shared with me ideas of how to use media in Africa.  I LOVE that.

Pastor Sean helped all of us today tell our own stories, he shared the spotlight with us and encouraged his followers to encourage us.  This just encourages me so much.  I know that there will only be blessing that comes from all of us working together, bringing whatever gifts we have of time, talent and treasure of any quantity for the great blessing of working together.  I pray God will pour out a blessing on the Fountain Church that will be so specific to them, all will know it is only from Him.

Collaboration Together is Beautiful.

I believe there are many examples of beauty in this area.  I would also like to believe we have room for improvement.  Can I be so bold as to say, those of us who have the same passion to love specifically those precious families in Ethiopia, we should ban together.  We should be creative, share resources, set aside a need to be singled out or whatever it is that keeps us from fully benefiting from working together and just simply love and collaborate.  If there have been offenses, let’s set them aside and try again.  We are on the same team.

How precious to me was our Wednesday of beautiful faces enjoying each other, yet more than that, inspiring each other to be and give our best that only came from each of taking one little piece of the work load. I am so thankful.  I am so incredibly blessed.  I do hope the spirit of working together and sharing of love would increase among us so that blessings can be the greatest possible for our families and children in Ethiopia.