Careful, community may draw you in

Perhaps this is in through the back door, but I’m thinking a lack of community permitted Ariel Castro of Cleveland to keep captive for 10 years three women, without anybody knowing.
And what a contrast that is to my personal situation after losing my dad and how I have been showered with love, support and concern of my own wellbeing. Several have shared their personal stories of loss. The familiarity of circumstances knits us closer and helps fill the hole.
The experience has also made me appreciate the role a church can take. I’ve never been one for conventional institutions and easily get overwhelmed by the rigmarole. But I’m here to say tradition comes to life when you need it. Until Saturday’s service, it’s as if I’d never felt the healing power of prayer.
As my mom always said, “Don’t wait until an emergency to find your faith.” If it’s your bedrock, it’s there to hold you up when crisis hits.
Something tells me the Cleveland kidnapper didn’t have a church family.

IN THEIR RETURN home for the funeral, my brothers were duly impressed with Iola. For two of the three, it had been their first visit since mother died in 2009. The new hospital is a standout. The downtown square is looking healthier. The fountain in front of the Bowlus is a nice touch. The college complex has grown by a dormitory and is handsome as ever.
All three brothers have lived on the East Coast for 30-plus years now. I suspect that will be their final resting places, as well.
Iola still tugs at their heartstrings. They all commented how good it felt to “be home” — the word that implies understanding and comfort, yes, but also some element of promise.
A community has to earn its place in your heart. Just because you’re born somewhere doesn’t mean you owe it an allegiance.
Every time I hear longtime Iolans choosing to move away to retire in a resort area, it takes the wind out of my sails. Have we done something wrong, I ask?
Not necessarily, they say. But yes, the area could be more, and frankly they’d rather be in a place where the problems are already worked out. They’ve paid their dues to small town Kansas.
Maybe my sense of loyalty to Iola is overrated. After all, I’m still feeling the flush of support from losing dad.
Oh wait, that’s community.
OK, I’m a sucker. Reel me in. Sign me up. Iola, I’m a fan — maybe for life.