That Feeling of Isolation

In an online class on depression that I'm taking, the professor referred to a statement from Ed Welch’s book, Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness, concerning the increase of clinical depression. Welch identifies our current culture and its influence as a major role player and cites the lack of community that feeds the feeling of isolation so prevalent in depression. The feeling that no one cares brings a sense of aloneness, helplessness, and hopelessness that anything can or will change. 

It is my observation that in our culture families tend to drift apart, by miles from sea to shining sea, but also by the demands of life and a perceived lack of need for one another. Questions that were once asked of family, neighbors, or friends are now answered by the click of a mouse. The lack of connections is keenly felt because God put within us a need for community. It takes diligence to pursue that community, however, and the pressures of the culture leave little time or space for its pursuit. Autonomy, that prideful hedge of self-protection, plays a part that is often overlooked and mistaken for strength. It separates more than it strengthens.

It seems so paradoxical, that with the proliferation of social media, that the feeling of isolation is so prevalent. Social media is an illusion to real relationship, and unless we are keenly aware of its opiate effect, more and more will succumb to its desensitization of one another. We tend to hide our real selves behind the screen, and it takes real effort to actually hear one another’s voice and look into one another’s eyes to see the hopes and dreams…or lack thereof.

I am encouraged, however, by current attempts of churches like ours that provide small group opportunities for relationship building. It still takes effort to participate, but it offers a bridge from one person to another and helps to create that feeling of community so needed to combat the aloneness that is often felt. They are occasions when we can connect and look into one another's eyes and hear one another's voice. And, hopefully, hear each other's heart.

Image ~ Ruth Eastman Johnson 1824-1906

public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Social Media

I came across some comments about social media on the True Woman Blog. Whether you do or don't, the comments are interesting. The blog is entitled "Bringing God Glory Through Social Media."

On Blogging and Stewardship of Time

I sat down with my laptop last evening to blog, but couldn't think of anything to write about except a particular thought that had been percolating from what someone said a few days ago. I need to give that one a little more time, though, to think about how to express it because I don't want my comments to reflect negatively on any specific person. So I checked in on a few blogs that I enjoy reading to find that one gal has put hers aside for awhile. It was taking up too much of her time. Not only the blogging itself, but the whole Internet thing.

I began to think about how much time I put into blogging myself and considering if it's good stewardship of my time or not. I mostly reserve my sessions for evenings after my major responsibilities and ministries (which includes running around with My Beloved when he wants me to go along--and I do like lunch out!) are finished for the day. My Beloved knows, though, how I think and tweak. Sometimes it is sheer determination that keeps me away from my laptop. The Internet can be a distraction at the least, but can become an addiction and an infiltration to the mind. Of that, we must be most cautious.

I'm writing this morning because I've been refreshed in my spirit by something I read in my quiet time earlier today. It has encouraged me to keep on blogging. In his second letter, the Apostle Peter said,

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. 

~ 2 Peter 3:1-2

When I began blogging, I felt that it would be an opportunity to remind myself and others of what God has said to us through His Word. It helps me to think with eternity in mind, and perhaps to help you think that way as well. Words don't come easily for me. I'm not one who chatters, with words spilling all over the place. I have some friends who are, and one in particular who says she loves to talk. That's not me, so my words are formed more slowly and, hopefully, more carefully. As my sidebar says, my blog is intended to draw my own heart homeward--here in my earthly home, and toward my heavenly home. I hope I'm also encouraging you along the way. And, so, I continue to muse and write, hopefully keeping my tongue and my time tamed. It would be a great encouragement to me if you'd let me know if this blog is an encouragement to you. My addy is in the sidebar. :-)

I'm heading over to the church this afternoon to work on the Book Nook and get it looking springy. I'm adding several of these mini booklets from Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. These are just a few of them--there are over 40 available. CCEF is a counseling group that is restoring Christ to counseling, and counseling back to the local church. I've taken some online classes from them and it's true biblical counseling that turns hearts toward Jesus Christ--no hodge podge of psychiatry mingled in. You can check them out here.

May you have a God-honoring weekend and a blessed time of worship at church, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Painting ~ A Girl Reading by Peter Ilsted

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