You really are not alone. We really are in this together. If you are hurting or afraid, reach out. It may be by phone, or message, or social media, but reach out.
This Coronavirus thing is giving us some common ground. We are all being affected by it and by the ensuing recommendations, or orders, to stay at home and social distance. We are missing time with family and friends.
Yet, we are all being affected in different ways. Some are sick. Some have lost loved ones due to the virus. Some have lost loved ones to other causes, but haven’t been able to have a funeral. Some are working in environments like health care, and are constantly at risk, and constantly seeing the impact on others. Some are stuck at home with abusive spouses, or parents. You get the picture.
Any one of us, could say to all the others, “You can’t possibly understand my situation.” And, that is true. Every situation is different in some way. There may be others, in this case, many others, whose situation is very similar. Yet, because we are all different combinations of personalities, family configurations, jobs, and lifestyles, no two are exactly the same. If you want to, you can really isolate yourself with the idea that “no one is experiencing exactly what I am experiencing. No one understands.”
You do realize, though, that a lot of people, maybe most of us, had a tendency to do that even before this crisis? It allows us to hold on to our hurt. Doing that at a time like this, when we really are physically more isolated, will only make the hurt and loneliness deeper.
The truth is though, we only have so many emotions with which to respond to any given situation. The pains, hurts, failures, sicknesses I have experienced in my life may be different than what you’ve experienced, but we share a common pool of available responses, whatever the cause. And that is why and how we can help each other. That is why we need to reach out to others, let go of our hurts and some of our fear, and trust that someone out there really is able to help! Others may not have your exact experience (if you define it exactly enough, then no one does), but they do know how you feel.
Are you feeling scared? Alone? Sad? Are you grieving, and feeling isolated in your grief? Reach out. Call or message me, or comment. Comments are not public unless I’ve reviewed them and released them to public view. You can reach me on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Or, reach out to another friend, or a pastor. You are not alone. Others care. Others really do understand.
“Bear one another’s burdens.” Galatians 6:2
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God…, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8
