LONELINESS
I
have done a great deal of thinking lately about those who are alone, or feel
alone, over the holidays in particular.
Some are alone because they have no family nearby or they have lost
their family. Some are alone in their
thoughts. While I have always had my
family nearby, I have spent time feeling alone in my thoughts.
You
may be asking yourself why I am writing about such a foreboding issue coming
into the “holiday season.” This is not a
cry for help but a thought that I feel needs to be shared and understood. It is those who are alone in a crowded room
of family and friends that has been on my mind.
Many years ago this was me. Once
when I was in high school and once as a single adult I spent too much time in
my own mind contemplating being alone. I
have friends that have either attempted or committed suicide. I have counseled some who have considered
and/or attempted suicide. What I want to
share with you all today are my thoughts on what we can do to help those around
us who are in that fragile state of mind.
The things I will write about are universal in nature as you may never
know about their state of mind.
Loneliness,
in my opinion and experience, is a major factor facing those in this state of
mind. They feel that no one cares about
them and that no one would even notice if they were gone. We are a group who is genuinely interested in
the people around us as we want others to know that they are not alone. This means actively listening to others and
taking an interest in what is going on in your life. Jesus cared for people and the church here in
Concord is a hospital for those who are lonely where healing can take place.
Pain,
again in my opinion and experience, is another major issue. The pain can come in both physical and
emotional ways. Most times you may
notice someone who is in physical pain but may not necessarily notice those in
emotional pain. Again, knowing the
people in your life goes very far in noticing who is in pain and who needs
help. We want to be a shoulder to cry
on, a sounding board for those who are frustrated. This church is a place for pain to be
relieved and the prescription is love.
Desperation
is my final issue. Many are desperate
for whatever it is that is troubling them to end. Too often we do not see beyond ourselves and our
own troubles to seek help as we tend to think no one understands us. We may feel that we are the only ones that
have ever gone through whatever it is we are going through. One of the ways in which we get to really
know others is to share something of ourselves with them. If we keep the troubles God has seen us
through to ourselves we will never help each other. You have gone through what you have gone
through so that you can help others through their times of hurt and pain (2 Cor
1:3-11). The church is full of people
who have gone through a wide range of problems and issues. There is probably someone here who
understands.
As
Christians we are here to meet those around us where they are and share God’s
love. Someone loved me enough to share
it with me and I want to share it with you.
Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 4:5-12, “There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was
no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For
whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of
enjoyment?" This too is meaningless— a miserable business! Two are better
than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down,
his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help
him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one
keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A
cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Jay Repecko
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