THE PANDEMIC OF LONELINESS

THE PANDEMIC OF LONELINESS

Special thanks are extended to Pastor Chuck Swindoll for the following essay on loneliness:

A “Ziggy” cartoon pictured a pudgy man sitting alone in a boat, drifting toward a tunnel with the sign above, “Tunnel of Meaningful Relationships.” Think about that. Loneliness is a growing problem in our society. A study by the American Council of Life Insurance reported that the loneliest people in America are college students. That's surprising! Next on that list are divorced people, welfare recipients, single mothers, rural students, housewives, and the elderly. 

An ad in a Kansas newspaper read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00.” Sounds like a hoax, doesn't it? But the person who posted it was quite serious. Did anybody call? You bet! It wasn’t long before that individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day. The pain of loneliness was so sharp that some were willing to try anything for a half hour of companionship.

Thank you for sharing, Pastor Swindoll.  For a little more perspective on this issue, consider the recent Cigna survey which revealed that nearly half of Americans always or sometimes feel alone (46%) or left out (47%). Fully 54% said they always or sometimes feel that no one knows them well. 

During my lifetime, I have identified three specific remedies to abate loneliness.  The first is prayer, for “in His presence is the fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11)  The second is connecting with someone who genuinely cares.  The third is being regularly engaged in serving others.  By all means, avoid pity parties like the plague.  Get up, get out, and do something.  If you are physically able, a simple walk is a wonderful way to transform your thinking and your attitude.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!