Don't Be an Island

She quietly laid before me, lifeless and alone.

Her empty being begged for attention and pulled me in for a closer examination. As I stood on the edge of my sandy bank, she stared back with a look of fear and detachment.

A sea of sadness surrounded her. Slowly, she whispered that she craved for someone to see her. She needed someone to care. She wanted a community.

My mind travels from the isolated island to isolation of today's new norm. Do you feel like an island surrounded by deep dark waters? Friends, how did we get so isolated in this new world of unknowns?

Webster's dictionary defines the word island as a tract of land surrounded by water and smaller than a continent. It reflects our current world, for we have become tiny islands surrounded by treacherous waters. We have drifted into a separate state from other living souls. We have been held captive by a pandemic that has left us in house arrest.

Studies show that isolation can bring depression, loneliness, and even lack of sleep, followed by emotional suffering bringing physical pain. So for your good and the good of others, sweet friend, don't be an island.

Be safe. Be smart. But don't shut yourself off from all people.

Here are seven ways to stay connected:

1. Talk to a friend. You can Face-time a buddy or stay connected through zoom. Spend time every day talking and listening to another person. If you can't do it in person, then use modern technology.

2. Gather outside. Meet at a playground and let the kids play. You can gather at the park with friends to hike. Perhaps, you can invite a partner to exercise.

3. You can pray with a friend through a text. Reach out to others promising to pray for their needs. If you focus on others and not yourself you will have a much better day. Take your friend's burdens to the Lord.

4. Talk to your Jesus. Give Him your anxiety and fears. Cast your cares on Him.

5. Volunteer at a non-profit organization. Many need help during this pandemic. This is a great way to get out of the house and connect with others.

6. Check on your neighbors. Sit on the porch and talk. Care for them. Listen to their words. Take them dinner. Do life together.

7. Get involved with a church family. A church family is like no other. Hearts can bond quickly because you serve the same God. If you are not involved with a great Bible-believing, Jesus following church family, get in one quickly.

Friend, perhaps you feel like an island because of this world wide pandemic. I get it. However, you can live loved and live within a community of people who care. Let your deciding truth be that others need you and you need others. You are part of something bigger than yourself for we are better together. In Ecclesiastes 4:12, the Bible tells us that “though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Sweet girl, from one sister to another, stay connected to the gift of the world around us. You need them and the world needs you.

Don't. Be. An. Island.

Pictures taken at Lake Norman State Park.