By Nancy Virden (c)2022

There is a culture of the lonely in America. Only it is not a sub-culture, it is the collective. In homes, offices, schools, and churches people are looking at each other from across the room, unseen and not seeing.

We are stumbling over each other’s steel-gray cages that confine us to our individual thoughts and worries. Where is that open hand of fellowship? It is squeezing the keys tightly in its palm. No wonder we hurt. No wonder it can seem better to remain an emotional shut-in.

To want human connection is to be a spot-on image of our Creator. He made us for fellowship with him, did he not? It is our responsibility to find ways to get that need met, and he helps us by teaching us to love his people, the church.  

We cannot truly love those we do not know. Conversely, no one can love us well unless we are willing to be known. In many churches, online and in-person classes, prayer groups, and age-appropriate weeknight meetings are wide welcome mats for the chance to listen, share, and learn.

We are commanded to love each other. Stuck behind our steel doors we remain lonely and help no one else. If we have been hurt, we can trust Jesus to renew our strength. Then he sends us out to try again. 

Lord, You are love. I thank you for your perfect wisdom and mercy. I pray that love will grow in my heart and become my motivation to know and be known by my church family. Please show me the best way to step out of my cold comfort and into the warmth of true fellowship.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Philippians 2:1-3

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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