Loneliness is a silent, shadowy thing that we don't easily see or recognize. Chronic pain or chronic illness or chronic anything can lead to loneliness. Depression, migraines, panic attacks or just being alone a lot, such as being a single mom, a widow, or a wife whose husband travels full time can easily lead to loneliness. How do we loyally support for our friends and fight loneliness? Here are 9 simple ways to be a loyal friend.
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"God, are you serious? This is too much!" The juxtaposition of suffering and joy can be too much. We need space to breathe and process big emotions.
What should we do when friends are living in the mix of suffering and joy? Do we cry with our friends? Do we celebrate with them? Do we put one out of mind while we focus on the other?
Sometimes, I feel too much. For me to be able to carry a mix of strong emotions I must spend time with Jesus. I need to be in his Word. I need to cling to him like a toddler clinging to his father's legs. That is where I find peace and strength. I "check in" with Jesus like my kids used to "check in" with me at a park.
We need to stop because our souls don't run at the same speed as our bodies. We need to stop in our hurry. Slow down and, "learn what it looks like to love and be loved by God... for the next 10 minutes."
I can do 10 minutes. I think you can too. Sometimes, the question isn't, "Do I need space?" We may already know that. The question is, "How do I find space?"
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