In our first Mosaic Calabasas gathering with Pastor Erwin Raphael McManus, we explore what it means to be human, diving into the deep connection between faith, self-discovery, and our intrinsic longings. While many seek to understand God, what we’re often searching for is an understanding of ourselves—why our lives unfold the way they do and how we navigate the tension between belief and experience. We unpack the idea that faith and human interaction are inseparable; our disconnection from others often mirrors our disconnection from God. At the core of our humanity is a search for meaning, a desire to make sense of our existence and our struggles.

Beyond meaning, humans are driven by an insatiable need for progress—the belief that we must keep moving forward, evolving, and becoming better versions of ourselves. Without progress, we drift into despair, feeling stagnant and purposeless. This drive, often misunderstood as ambition for status or success, is actually a reflection of our divine design. We are wired to grow, create, and transform, yet when we measure progress by the wrong standards, we can feel empty despite our achievements. True fulfillment isn’t found in external success but in alignment with who we were created to be.

At the heart of it all is our deepest craving—intimacy. We long to be fully seen, known, and loved, yet fear the vulnerability it requires. This paradox shapes much of our human experience, influencing our relationships, anxieties, and sense of belonging. Jesus' message isn’t about earning love but about receiving it freely, breaking the cycle of striving and shame. When we embrace faith, hope, and love as essential to our humanity, we step into the fullness of who we were created to be—designed not just to exist, but to be deeply connected, growing, and truly alive.