Loneliness is a very real thing. Mother Theresa once said that loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty. Albert Einstein said, “It’s strange to be known so universally, and yet to be so lonely.”
Elvis Presley, the legendary singer and actor, used to sing, “Are you Lonesome Tonight?” Of course, Elvis was extremely wealthy and one of the most popular people on the planet. But, at the end of his life, Elvis scribbled down these words: “I feel so alone sometimes. The night is quiet for me. I’d love to be able to sleep. I’m glad everyone is gone now. I’ll probably not rest. I have no need for all of this. Help me, Lord.” Even the King of Rock and Roll was lonely and restless, in spite of having so many people around him.
Perhaps you experienced loneliness when you switched schools and you were the new kid on the block. Or maybe your bout with loneliness came when your best friend got a new job, and moved to another city. Perhaps you recently lost a loved one or you went through a painful divorce.
Or, how about this, you’re single, and you go to a Christmas party and it seems like they’re all couples. And they’re laughing and having fun and you’re feeling all alone, even in the midst of a crowd. How many times have you heard someone say, I’m just waiting for that “special person” to come along so I don’t have to be lonely anymore? However, marriage by itself doesn’t solve the loneliness problem.
And, what about children? When parents’ responsibilities and work schedules keep them from loving interactions with their family, the children often feel isolated and alone.
In his book, Bowling Alone, Dr. Robert Putnam clearly demonstrates how we have become increasingly disconnected from neighbors, friends, family, and churches.
Putnam formed his conclusions from nearly 500,000 interviews over the last quarter century to show that Americans are less trusting, we’re involved in fewer organizations, we know our neighbors less, meet with friends less frequently and even socialize with our families less often. People bowl alone, play games alone, watch T.V. alone, go to movies alone, eat alone, work alone, study alone, workout alone and hurt alone.
In fact, there was one guy who put an ad in a Kansas City newspaper which read, I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00.Now that seems pretty bizarre, doesn’t it? Except for the fact that the guy received about 10-20 calls a day. People are so desperate for connection, they’re willing to talk to a complete stranger!
At Heritage, we recognize that God wants to be close to us and He wants us to be surrounded by a spiritual family that genuinely cares. Therefore, we ask men (and women) to get involved in a small group for support, learning, and mutual encouragement. And, we also encourage everyone to begin serving in some capacity that utilizes their gifts and talents. Many close relationships are formed when people serve side-by-side in a ministry context. The good news is, you don’t have to be lonely tonight! God loves you and your church family does too!
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On Saturday, April 24, we will be having a men’s breakfast at our church facility, from 7 am- 8 am, in the auditorium in the children’s wing (room 230). This event will feature…
A Band of Brothers