THE OTHER EPIDEMIC

 In case you were not aware, there is another epidemic swirling around.  A pandemic of gigantic proportions.  There is no vaccine, there is no medicine, and those who are affected think it is chronic.  The epidemic of loneliness affects every race, every creed, and every age.  It has no boundaries.



If you do not believe me, google the subject.  UNBELIEVABLE how many articles and how much information there is out there.   One of the most alarming results of this is the increase in suicide rates~


The most affluent nation in the world, and we are unable to step in and stop the increase in deaths by the desperately lonely.  Those who are willing to take their own life, must feel lonely or why else take such a final step.  Even when surrounded by others, we can feel lonely.  Perhaps I should say especially when surrounded by others, we can feel the most lonely.  One of the loneliest times for me is walking into church alone and then finding myself sitting alone.

God intended us to live with relationships and communities.  From the basic core of family, all the way to the large communities such as our faith or nation, we live our best life when we live within relationships with others.  An ear to hear, someone who cares, someone who walks beside us, someone who understands us, someone---just someone to relate with us.  

Today's question is do you see those who are lonely?  Is there someone who is a close neighbor who is lonely?  Is there someone in your family who feels isolated and alone?  Are we timid about inquiring, timid about having a conversation, timid about caring for our fellow man?  Do you assume any responsibility for any beyond your immediate core?

Social media, COVID, affluence, busyness, among other causes have not been any help.  We have pursued the American dream to the exclusion of caring for those who might be suffering from poverty of spirit.  Are we so entrapped in the trappings of the world, that we have forgotten how to be our brother's keeper? 

It is alarming how many are lonely---do some reading for yourself.  THEN come up with a plan of how to reach out and touch someone who might be lonely.  Follow the golden rule--


30" Love the Lord your God with all your heart
 and with all your soul 
and with all your mind
 and with all your strength.’
 31 The second is this
Love your neighbor as yourself.
 There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31

3 comments

  1. Sadly, loneliness is an epidemic in this broken world. May we be part of the solution, not the problem.
    Blessings, Lulu!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!