There’s a silent epidemic ravaging our churches and communities. Its symptoms are often visible. Other times, telltale signs are hidden in plain sight.
Loneliness is an unbiased beast. It can mar the rich, poor, adult, child, introverted, extroverted, educated, or uneducated.
Despite how it may feel, this doesn’t mean it’s untamable. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms in order to confront and care for the feeling.
Although many symptoms are obvious and we may easily picture this person as one who lurks in the corners of a social gathering (if he even shows up to the event), it’s important to remember there’s always more beneath the appearance of any person.
Sometimes it can be difficult to even spot symptoms in one’s self. But one thing is certain: Everyone knows what it’s like to feel lonely.
A great working definition of loneliness is from Dr. Todd Frye, head of the counseling department at MidAmerican Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas: “Loneliness is when things inside a person seem bigger than things outside.”
This is a scary feeling that limits one’s functionality in everyday life. Here are a few signs someone in your community or congregation is suffering from loneliness. Read More
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