I read another great blog recently "Alone and Not Alone". The author talks about our great fear of being alone. When Camille was a little girl--the only form of discipline I ever had to use was "Go to your room-alone". She dreaded nothing more than being separated from the family and being alone. How else could you live with up to 7 other girls in one house during college? She is VERY social and is happiest when in the company of others.
Solitary confinement is one of the harshest punishments in the penal system. Our military heroes were often confined in solitary cells for long periods of time, no contact with anyone. The tricks they used and the methods employed to stay in communication with fellow prisoners were extraordinary!
The author points out how betrayal, shame, gossip, ridicule are all methods which distance us from others. Isolation also comes from being misunderstood and not known. How many times have we heard the statement, "I do not want to die alone?". Our culture considers it extremely important to be with our loved ones as they leave us. Even in the final moments of life--we want someone with us.
One of the things I have learned by blogging about my season of life and even in writing a book, is that there are MANY that feel the same sense of alone that I do. It seems to be the topic that so many are experiencing and yet it is talked about so little. Your many comments on facebook have confirmed how many of you are in the same place.
The author gave a beautiful reminder at the conclusion of the blog---we are NOT alone---God is with us--we are a part of His body---we are the bride of Christ---we are united as brothers and sisters of the faith. "Sin separates and isolates us from God and others; redemption breaks down barriers and makes us one. Alone gets to the very heart of the human predicament; and not alone gets to the heart of the gospel."
SO -we are not alone--from the moment we turn to Him and turn from the world---we are never -ever---alone again.
Today I am thankful and filled with joy
knowing He is by my side every moment of every day.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deutteronomy 31:6
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