“Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecc. 4:12, NIV)
An article found in Wired Magazine stated that researchers claim older adults who chose to live with a minimal amount of human contact have a higher mortality rate even if they believe themselves to be happier in isolation. Interestingly, those who have a richer social life tend to live longer. Researchers from the University of London made a distinction in their study between isolation and feeling lonely. Loneliness was categorized as an emotion whereas isolation was a physical separation from society. They found that intense isolation raised the risk of a premature death by 26% regardless of age, race or sex. – T. W. (2013, March 26). The Dangers of Social Isolation. Retrieved July 18, 2016, from http://www.wired.com/2013/03/social-isolation/
God has created us to be connected one to another. In the very beginning, Genesis explains that God noticed how lonely and isolated the very first man had become. He did not have anyone to share life with. Therefore, God created a helpmate and companion for Adam. They lived together helping one another and conversing about their daily life. If we fast forward to the New Testament, we find Jesus bringing together a community of people. They began to share life together. Notice that not a single one of them were told to go live by themselves. Even when they got into arguments and heated disagreements, the community did not separate or break apart.
How are we to laugh, smile, and have a good time with others if we shut ourselves off from everyone? How are we to console, lift up, and share tough times with one another if we are not willing to be around others?
IronMaker’s Daily Challenge: Visit or call an older person who has been forced into isolation from having to be homebound or living in a nursing home.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I lift up all those who are living in force isolation; those who feel forgotten. May your peace and mercy be with them and may your community reach out to them. Amen.
Rev. Dennis Gossett
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