It’s hard to believe that we’re coming up on almost one year of Covid lockdowns! It has been a long year. Coming from someone living in a 500 square foot studio apartment by myself, I can definitely attest…it has been a trying year.
Recently here, I have been put in the spearhead position of my friend group (and covid pod) to find a cheap Airbnb for the eight of us to go for the long weekend. It doesn’t have to be in a fancy place, it doesn’t have to have any attractions or touristy things around. I was literally told…”just find a place where we can all hang out together in a house.”
I mean, talk about how the standard of what constitutes a “vacation” have changed. I think back to the era of the Fyre Festival, where young adults were jet-setting around the world to the next Instagrammable luxury hotspot…(not that I was even CLOSE to being anywhere NEAR that crowd)…and now it’s like…find an Airbnb we can carpool to that doesn’t have bedbugs or smell like cats.
Oh, how times have changed.
But anyway…in my quest for a quaint ranch house with a grill, I kept thinking about how…this is all we really want.
To be together.
My friends, we are all living in teeny tiny studio apartments by ourselves in New York City. We’ve braved the pandemic alone in the city, where our only contact to the outside world, has been a computer screen, or our brave bodega guy who has miraculously managed to stay open through it all.
But the truth is, we’re hungry for human connection. Real, in person togetherness that we have been deprived of for so long. SO long.
We’re craving connection.
I’ve been stuck on this thought all day. Because the truth is, it’s not just studio-dwelling New Yorkers who are feeling the weight of isolation after nearly 11 months of lockdown. Maybe where you live doesn’t have quite as drastic restrictions in place, but we’re all grappling with this lack of connection.
Children going to school virtually. Working from home. Strict regulations on get togethers. And just, the fear of either contaminating someone else, or contracting the virus yourself.
It has been emotionally draining, and I feel as though many are hitting their breaking point….as evidenced by my fellow New Yorkers braving the harsh North East winter elements to eat outside huddled underneath heat lamps in their heaviest down sleeping bag coat. We’re getting desperate. We’re nearing the end of our rope.
There has only been one other time in my life where I’ve felt this weight of aloneness, and oppression of fear, and that was when I was at an inpatient hospital to recover from my anorexia back in 2007. As an 18 girl, I have vivid, vivid memories of those first few nights, willing myself to sleep. I was temporarily sleeping on a cot at the nurses’ station so they could monitor my heart overnight. My case was so severe, and my body so dangerously depleted that they feared I could go into cardiac arrest in my sleep.
But there was one verse that really helped me through that time, that I want to share with you tonight, if by chance, you’re like my friends and me, and feeling the weight of being alone.
It’s from Acts 2:25: “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.”
I did not get through those days on my own volition: Jesus carried me. He never abandoned me, even though most days I couldn’t feel Him there. He was, and He fought for me tooth and nail, until one day, I could tap in and start fighting for myself.
Jesus shows us just enough to make faith possible, but hides just enough to make faith necessary.
Hang in there, friends. This too, shall pass. And in the meantime, invest in some boardgames, and enjoy some togetherness with a Covid-safe friend.
I just want to offer up a quick prayer for the March for Life that is taking place virtually tomorrow. Thanks to the riot on Capitol Hill and Covid restrictions, the pro-life march, which usually draws hundreds of thousands from all over the world, has to take place virtually. It has not been covered by the mainstream media AT ALL. And just today, Biden repealed the Mexico City Policy, which banned the US funding foreign nonprofits that promote or provide abortions. May the voice for the voiceless be heard, and may God bless the women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy. May they feel loved and supported, may they know they they have other options, and may they choose life.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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134 responses to “2021: Craving Human Connection”
It’s been a very difficult year for everyone, I too crave the human connection. Sure, chatting with folks around town and my neighbors is great, but it could never replace hugging my children, sister and father. Stay strong, Caralyn, this will indeed pass! ❤️🙏🏻
thanks John for sharing your heart. It really has been quite difficult. I agree – needing the hugs! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for the encouragement!
thanks Marland, i appreciate you stopping by! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome, and hugs and love to you xox
🥰🥰🥰
How sweet! 🥰
Excellent post, as always. Thank you, BBB. Yours, BB
thank you so much Brad! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Thanks, too, for the Pink Floyd shout out!
Hello. I’m sorry you have to endure that. I live in an African country where there is no COVID. These are strange times. I’m with you in prayer. Thanks for the post.
Thank you for the prayers! Hugs and love xox
hahah absolutley 😉
Thanks for sharing. I can’t imagine what your apartment smells like. Living with just my brother, our house certainly smells like “dude”. dude by Calvin Klein is a combination of pizza, wd-40, and strange odors
I’m thinking her apartment smells fine; she’s clean and tidy. I get your humor, though. 🙂
Hahahaha. Clean and tidy is the way to go
hahhaah you’re funny
thank you friend, hahaha oh my gosh you’re funny! mine smells like my essential oils! i like lavendar and eucalyptus! Hugs and love xox
I know I’m going to be repetitively redundant here as I reiterate: just do what you want. Set up a rotation with your friends where you’re spending the night with a friend every other week (not everyone all together, just pair up and get some buddy time in). There’s no reason not to find that Airbnb, of course…
Learn to love flying your middle finger in the face of illegal dictatorships.
Thank you so much Matt, you’re onto something there! a rotating social calendar! Hugs and love xox
Amen, Caralyn, well said! This post is a real blessing to me as I have been struggling with loneliness lately. I’ve also been very homesick for Colorado. My wife and kids love Florida, but it just isn’t feeling like home to me. The rental house we have been in since July doesn’t get a lot of sunlight & I sit here alone all day 40 hours a week suffering Celiac. Coming from Colorado I am use to a lot of sunshine pouring through huge windows in a house with beautiful expansive mountain views at 6,115 feet. You are right about staying strong in Jesus. I would be a total broken mess without Him. When my wife and kids come home from school at the end of the day, I’m like a puppy excited to see everyone. The Bible says it is not good for man to be alone, and it is so true! Btw, I got an email from Franklin Graham regarding the virtual March For Life, and I signed up through the RSVP to watch it on Friday. Praying for them. Thanks for this post, sister. God bless you!
thank you so much Ryan, for sharing your heart. I’m sorry this hits so close to home for you. hang in there – i pray that things will return to some sense of normalcy soon. As someone who went to school in CO, I definitely hear ya – there’s NOTHING that compares to the mountain. praying for you! Hugs and love xox
I feel frustrated, lonely, even angry at this lock down. One reason is that I am past 80 years of age and my group seems to be targeted more. I am not ready to die. There is so much I need to learn and to do before I go to meet my reward. The question might be, “Can we obey even if it causes us to suffer?” I can’t help remembering the First Century Christians who suffered to do right. Those who rejected Christ were able to escape the suffering, but those who refused to give up the TRUTH of God suffered for his name’s sake.
It’s not because you don’t want to die, but it’s because God still has a purpose for your life, Beth! Hang on, hear Him daily through His Word We need to realise that we have taken up the Cross to follow Jesus, Amen!
Yes He does, Beth! i second that!!!! great response, Andrew!
thank you Beth for sharing your heart. I’m sorry this hits so close to home for you. Hang in there! praying for you and praying that this pandemic comes to an end super soon! Hugs and love xox
Getting together with a group of friends for a weekend sounds wonderful. For some reason, all my good friends around here are scared to even ride in the car together. I can’t imagine them even considering a weekend together. However, all my friends from California (2000 miles away) would come over right now if I called one of them. Crazy, right? I just pray this nonsense doesn’t paralyze people forever.
thank you Lisa, yeah I definitely hear you about that – for our road trip to Maine, we rode with the windows down and masks on! Me too, praying with you! Hugs and love xox
You go ahead and get out with your friends, the risks are worth it! Give yourself a much deserved break.
thank you Sue, I appreciate your encouragement! Yes, for sanity’s sake! Hugs and love xox
Amazing testimony!
thank you so much Andrew! i appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
It’s so difficult being at home all this time. We recently moved from Southern California to Central Oregon. It’s now about the 4th year being here. My daughter made a couple close friends, but my son is having difficulty connecting. He was hoping to make a friend this year, his junior year in High school and then COVID happened. In our area, they have not been able to set foot on campus for just about a YEAR now. So, he is so very isolated and has a learning disability. So it’s so hard for him. My daughter went from straight As and being on the junior honor society…to pretty much failing. We had teachers calling, etc. She was extremely lethargic and sitting in a dark room. It scared me on her depression. Thankfully, her favorite teacher, counselor AND principal all called her to offer encouragement. And we really worked with her as she got acclimated. Now she’s back, so that’s good. They do get to go hybrid the 2nd week of Feb. 2 days on campus. (3 days at home) so fingers crossed. AND soccer is supposed to start back up – but we have snow- so that will be interesting. We’ll see. Just really wish my son could find a close buddy. I’m so sad for him and have prayed…if you can too? Just one good friend would be amazing. He’s lonely. COVID really messed up things didn’t it? God bless!
THank you, Sandi, for sharing your heart. Gosh, that’s so tough. I will definitely be praying for your family. The kids in school are really being put through the ringer with all of this. They need big prayers. And isn’t it amazing how sports are such phenomenal outlets for kids? (And adults too!?) Will absolutely be praying. Hang in there. hugs and love xox
Great post, Caralyn! And so true. I serve as Community Life Pastor at my church in NJ and, I gotta tell ya, it’s been a struggle to help keep people connected. I held our first ever online couples event this past weekend. It was good but no replacement for in-person connection. Hang tough, my friend! God is in control!
THank you so much Roy! yes, those connections are so needed and so hard to sustain virtually! praying for your ministry! Hugs and love xox
Humans are created for companionship and even though we must love one another at a distance for now this is a great time for people to strengthen their faith in God! Thankfully we have skype and other avenues that years ago we never had to stay in contact with friends and family……… If phone lines were down you were ALONE literally for days. We may be physically separated for now, but when we can finally be together it will allow us to better appreciate what we have. Be Blessed BBB and know you are never alone when all is done under the watchful eyes of God.
Julia
You’re so right, Julia! We are created for connection! Amen – God is in control, and we can trust His plan, even when we don’t fully understand it! Hugs and love xox
“Jesus shows us just enough to make faith possible, but hides just enough to make faith necessary.” Amen, sister!
All of us, but particularly the extroverts, are feeling this continued isolation like an ever tightening strait jacket. The hardest part for me is not having an end date on the calendar.
I hope you find the perfect place for your get away and at a good bargain!
Thank you so much David! I agree – we need an end date to look forward to! thanks for your encouraging words! Hugs and love xox
Great perspective as always. Something I needed to hear. Thank you for mentioning the March for Life, will add to my prayers. 💛 stay safe Caralyn and I hope you enjoy your time with your friends.
thank you so much! Yes! joining you in that important prayer! have a beautiful weekend! Hugs and love xox
Isn’t there a lockdown happening in NYC? Back in my home province, if people try to hang out, they could get fined. My mom’s friend refuses to get out of her car so they had a coffee get-together in a parking lot… I thought that was a bit extreme, but I get that people are scared.
Still, idk if it’s safe to have parties right now. Much rather ride out the wave of COVID-19 and be patient that this too shall pass. I’m an introvert so not much has changed since the pandemic started. I’m not feeling the extreme isolation or loneliness despite living thousands of kilometers away from my family and in-laws. It sucked not being able to see them last year, and hopefully we can travel this year. I’m gonna wait until it’s a bit safer to travel though.
Hi Hilary! So New York has a restriction on gatherings of over 10 people. But otherwise it’s up to an individuals digression. I agree – definitely no parties, just intimate dinners with people we have been quarantining with in our pod. I agree. I will definitely pray that travel becomes safe and you can see your family! Hugs and love xox
Did my post inspire yours?
Hi Stacey! I loved your post!! I wrote this this past weekend, but I definitely enjoyed reading yours! Great minds! 😉 thank you for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
That’s exactly how I feel… I’m tired of never getting to see my friends in person. I don’t even know who my friends are anymore, in some cases. I miss hugs and game nights and road trips and everything, and it’s so discouraging…
thank you so much Greg, I’m glad this resonated with you. i agree – nothing beats an in person hug! Hugs and love xox
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
amen to that! that is the verse that helped me adopt recovery! oh my gosh, the memories that brings back. i may have to write about that on thursday! thanks! Hugs and love xox
A beautiful post I like it thank you so much
thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
Amen, and thank you for the encouragement. It has been a tough year and it nice to have people around that you share the stories with on how God has strengthen you even on zoom. God bless 🤗
thank you so much Hannah! i’m so glad this struck a chord with you. I agree – God is still with us, and giving us nudges of love and encouragemnet! Hugs and love xox
https://enlightenedosho.wordpress.com/2021/01/29/osho-dang-dang-doko-dang-9/ 😛
awesome, thanks
Amazing! Really well written as ever 👌. Thanks for articulating how a lot of us feel. I often worry I’ll be too nervous to hug family & friends when we’re allowed to 😁✌️
thank you so much Gome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece! I know, me too! it was so strange getting together and having to hesitate whether or not to hug! 🙁 Hugs and love xox
I certainly can relate to the lack of human connection! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be doing pastoral hospice calls virtually and yet, now I have.
Also, as I have shared with you in the past, I fully understand the range of feelings from the beginning of your recovery having been there myself. When I was admitted to a detox/mental institution as a result of years of alcohol abuse, I was classified as a ‘2/15.’ This meant I had to be checked every 15 minutes by 2 staff to make sure I had not gone into cardiac or respiratory arrest. Like you, there is no way I survived that (or anything else) by myself. Jesus saw me through and continues to lead me, when I choose to follow, even today.
Which brings me to share my belief that God gives folks like you and me the unique opportunity to be of help to others. In your case, I see this in your transparency concerning eating disorders and also using your blog to encourage people to hang in and hang on, we will get through this!
I likewise use my experiences with alcohol and alcoholism in my efforts to encourage others that there is hope. God has also urged me to be a spokesperson for Covid vaccination (I have both my shots with zero side-effects.)
I pray God’s blessings on you as your continue to share His love with your life and words.
Pastor Chuck
Hi Pastor Chuck, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. Gosh, that must definitely be tough to have to do that virtually, but wow what a gift you’re giving them — that connection, even virtually, during that most sacred time…that’s a powerful thing you’re doing. So glad you stopped by. Thank you for your prayers. Hugs and love xox
This is such a relatable post. I wrote recently that we have never been more connected digitally, and yet the last year had shown how important real human (and divine) connections are. I hope that you will be able to keep making connections with your friends and loved ones, it is so important for our well-being.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. You’re right – it really is so important for our wellbeing! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
It’s not been easy but I thank God that things are coming back to normal in my country, Kenya.Children have resumed school, Sunday School will resume in my Church from Sunday.
Praying that the pro-life walk will create more awareness.Thanks and God bless you.
Hi Stella, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. I’m glad to hear that things are returning to some semblance of normal! praying for you! Hugs and love xox
Well stated and articulated per usual. Thank you. I find it interesting that we all feel that isolation whether in a metro like NYC or here in the spacious plains of the Midwest. “Suffering produces endurance; endurance produces character and character produces hope.”
thank you so much! i’m so glad this resonated with you. You’re right! we’re all getting a master’s degree in endurance this year! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Really feeling this post. Just come off a team meeting call, have to say I’m pretty tired having to talk to people through screens.
Thank you so much James, i’m so glad this struck a chord with you! i agree – i want to smell their breath! hahahha jk jk jkkkkkk but for real 😉 Hugs and love xox
“Jesus shows us just enough to make faith possible, but hides just enough to make faith necessary.” So true! This last year has definitely been one that has required faith, and this one will require it too, especially as we boldly live in righteousness in the midst of a darkening world. Blessings to you, Caralyn!
thank you Colleen for such a lovely response. You’re right – we must stay the course, and keep our eyes on Jesus! be bold! Hugs and love xox
Human beings need physical relationships. Being together with friends and family is one of the main things that makes life worth living. The virtual option is better than nothing but can never replace it. Being locked down and social distancing is not natural for us. It’s especially frustrating when we’re doing so based on a virus that 99.2% survive (higher survival than that with young people). We’re not near as locked as you where I live and yet I still feel the separation and frustration because of it. 2020 was truly a tragic year in that regard. Hopefully, the powers that be will be more wise in 2021 and open things up to a reasonably safe level (like they did in Florida, for example). Praying for you all in NYC!
If I were you, I would definitely find ways to get out of your apartment more and connect with real human beings. At least, God never social distances us… 🙂
You’re so right about that Mel, we were made for community. that’s why this is such a strange and difficult time. praying for you! Hugs and love xox
I’m just glad you and yours are persevering. We’re having a good time here in Florida. Saw a sight in st. Augustine. Will text you a pic later. Hugs!
Great blog…. missing personal connection. Great read . Thank yoy
thank you so much Frankz! I’m glad you enjoyed the read! hang in there friend! Hugs and love xox
Loved your post. You spoke of so many things. I feel sooo sorry for you and your friends being on lockdown. I’m in a 890 sq ft condo in Florida and if you could all squeeze in youd all be welcome here. Restraunts are open with distancing, masks on and lots of sanitizer. I AM BLESSED TO BE WHERE I AM. So sorry you were shoved off Facebook. Uggg. The entire Biden thing is another big ugggg. How can he call himself a Catholic or even a follower of Christ when he is a leader promoting killing babies. Does he not know that each child has the fingerprints of God on them. They are each a gift and Biden is destroying gifts from heaven. We need to stand up and speak out for those that have no voice. Thank you for your post. Always a joy to read your posts. Blessings, Victoria
Thank you so much Victoria! I appreciate you sharing your heart on this. I agree – his actions speak louder than his words when it comes to that one. Biden’s actions and his claims to be catholic are just deplorable. So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I’ve been amazed at how intentional people have gotten about their friendships and who is important for them to see during COVID. I remember how frustrating it used to be for me to be invited out by a friend in the beforetimes, only to feel like a fallback plan. They were distracted by phone alerts, or whoever was walking in/by instead of listening to what I was saying. I know…I’m grumpy! But since these lockdowns, I’ve been paying attention to who reaches out, or responds or just people’s behaviors when we are virtually together. I’ve reassessed many of my interpersonal relationships, reclassifying some people I used to call “friend” into more of an “acquaintance” role in my life. Whether that sticks once we are free to resume normal activities is TBD. What I do hope sticks, though, is the appreciation we have for these distilled groups of people who are with us, even virtually, during this trying time. ☺️
It’s true – being intentional is the name of the game these days. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Hang in there. I think there’s a lot that people are going through, and sometimes when you’re feeling down, reaching out is the last thing they can muster. I’ve definitely been there. Hugs and love xox
One of my brothers (in his 50s) has called me almost every night for the past year because being alone is driving him nuts. And he lives in a big 1 bedroom, living and dining room, apartment. He is the kind of guy who will talk with anyone, at a bus stop, in a store, he loves to talk and be funny. He also has a very short attention span. He bought some coloring books ’cause his therapist told him it would help him stay calm. They do. But you can only color for so long. He doesn’t whine so much these days as he did in the beginning, and we laugh a lot on our phone calls. We both have a strong faith in our Creator and we quote the Bible to each other, a lot. I continue to mask up. I am a writer so I have a good reason to be stuck at home. I’m still not visiting relatives or friends, because this pandemic is not yet over. I do hope you and your friends be very careful where you wind up going because you don’t know who has been there before you. We will get through this.
Yeah this lock down has been really difficult on everyone in different ways. Hang in there. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful response. Hugs and love xox
This is Trump’s doing, whether you want to believe it or not. He has wrecked this country.
You are so right, we all need that bond, that connection. It makes me think of how and why some of our pioneers but mostly women, went mad having been left alone in the wilderness while the husbands went in search of supplies and food centuries ago.
On a different note and because you mention your anorexia, The other day, I found myself walking behind these young men, while they were being filmed. They had been behind me but in passing me, I ended up in their shot wearing my B3 hat. I figured if I was going to be in their video, I would at least want to know who they were as I noticed others staring at them. It turns out the one guy was a rapper MacJames. I believe he is fairly new, but they were very open and friendly, so I had a grand opportunity to explain B3 on camera. Whether it is kept or not is another thing, but they were very respectful and friendly which made it easy to share. I thought you’d get a kick out of that.
Thank you so much Jolie! You’re right – we’re made for connection! Oh my gosh!! What a fun story! First of all, THANK YOU for supporting this blog with the b3 hat! That means so much! And wow! I’ll have to do a little google search to see if I can dig up the footage!! You rock!! Have an awesome night! Hugs and love xox
There’s a line in the Course on Miracles that says:
If you knew Who walks beside you on the way that you have chosen, fear would be impossible
Your post reminded me of this. Thanks. Wic.
Fear would be impossible – what a comfort. Thanks for sharing that! Hugs and love xox
God calls us to be in community….that’s all that needs to be said.
You’re absolutely right about that!! Made for community! Hugs and love xox
That is a great scripture from the bible, and I always enjoy how you tell your story.
Thank you! Yes, the Bible always has just what we need to hear! Hugs and love xox
Love that you use your blog to draw attention to worthy things — one that we are isolated from each other, and this is not good. two–to the plight of the unborn, to policies affecting the unborn, and to the march for life. Thank you!! You blessed girl!
Thank you so much! Oh my gosh Katie, you’re kind to say that. Yes! Gotta be the voice for the voiceless! Hugs and love xox
Wow. WWSPD! (What Would Snake Plissken Do?)
Just as I started to feel better (I was a bit under the weather at the beginning of the year) my parents headed off to do their ‘snowbird thing’. I miss them very much as it’s only been 2 days.
On a separate note (because you are also pro-life) have you seen this? It’s not recent but not being Roman Catholic I was not aware of it until recently. http://www.laici.va/content/laici/en/sezioni/donna/notizie/an-african-woman-s-open-letter-to-melinda-gates.html
Aw I’m sorry you’re missing them!! Thank you for passing this article along – I look forward to resl
*reading this article! Hugs and love xox
Love you too. Your mom & dad & your boyfriend. lol
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Life here is South Alabama is much different than New York. I always enjoy hearing your thoughts and experiences. It helps me stay connected to the fact that life is very different for many. I get to go hear my husband preach this morning. Our church is open. Our restaurants are open. We have friends and family over for dinner. While some things in life are different, much has stayed the same for us. Yet, I have watched my son, who is at The University of Alabama learn to navigate school online. It’s been hard. He loves being in class and would much rather take organic Chemistry in person than online. Thankfully he has a great group of friends that have stuck together and continued to share life. But I do know of many other students who have been more isolated and have really struggled. Like you said. We all need and crave human interaction. God created us for relationship. We were not meant to be alone. I hope you and your friends can get away and be refreshed by being together! Hang in there. And thank you for sharing your life with us.
Thank you for sharing that, Monica. Gosh, that has got to be so tough to be in college right now, and having to do everything virtually. I will definitely be praying for him!! Amen – we were made for community! Hugs and love xox
I love, love, love this post. No matter where we are geographically each of us resonates with the disconnection that has become too familiar. Thanks for sharing your “real” and thank you for your prayer for March for Life. I am reaching through the screen with a fist bump.
Hi Tina! Thank you so much! Fist bumping you right back! Yes! Gotta pray for those babies! Hugs and love xox
Exactly this. The “where” and “what” are so much less important than we realized. It’s the together that’s the important part of the equation.
Thank you so much Em! You’re right – it’s the together!! Hugs and love xox
“…just enough to make faith possible, but hides just enough to make faith necessary…” A blessed necessity for all our possibilities! Well played young lady.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Yes! Jesus is so good to us! Hugs and love xox
I try not to complain because I have a beautiful home and a great husband who is my bff to share life with – but I must confess I am getting “cabin fever.”
Aw that is wonderful that you have such a wonderful man! Yes – cabin fever is hard to avoid! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Great article. I like your style, what you mean. I lived in New York for 13 years and I can’t even imagine living there. Happy to be living in Virginia. Come on over, it’s not too bad. Thank you for liking my blog. Looking forward to reading more of your post.God bless you.kiddo. I know
Thank you so much for hearing your thought. Oh nice! Virginia is such a beautiful place! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I know what you mean. (first sentence)Delete the I know at the end. Got to get used to writing with my fingers..sorry.
Haha no worries!!
Adam walked with God fully known, fully understood. God saw Adam’s loneliness and from his side near his heart.
God introduced Adam & Eve and Adam’s response is the greatest pick up line ever, “Here at last is flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone!” Hubba hubba.
We are indeed created for human connection and human community. It is more than marital relationships we seek and need though those relationships have a giving and taking, sacrificial quality exemplified in the marital relationship.
As a human being God has given me the gift of connection through a variety of ways in deep friendships and loads of acquaintances, and through writing. There are moments where I would rather take pen to paper express that which exists in the deepest recesses of my being. It is in the writing where I am able to be most vulnerable.
I know though from painful experience that I need people, to interact with them in meaningful and not-so-meaningful ways. Two years ago while driving through a particularly beautiful part of New York, struggling with the work I longed for something else, a lower paying job that gave me that connection.
As an introvert type person at the end of the day I am t i r e d, however that connection is essential.
Twenty-twenty has been a gift in that regard, take away much of the superfluous noise and disordered attachment (though it’s created others) around us and we see much more deeply our need for connection for the physical touch that brings deep comfort.
Hi Teri! Thank you for this awesome response. you’re right – Adam was fully known by God. That was the harmony with God before the fall that I look forward to in Heaven!! oh my goodness, i LOL’d at the pick up line!!! haha you’re not wrong! hahah Thank you for sharing your heart – you’re right – expression of the heart through words is a beautiful gift. So glad that you have that. And you hit the nail on the head – 2020 has stripped away the superficial things in our lives, and left us with what really matters. so glad you stopped by. have a wonderful night. Hugs and love xox
Loneliness. Virtual school. Work from home. Rules, regulations on personal contact. Stay home. Etc., etc. But as you also wrote: “This too, shall pass.” You gotta believe! Don’t stop, ever.
PS: Keep up your good work!
You’re absolutely right – those things are so hard to navigate. Gotta hang in there! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
It’s funny how life can be kind or cruel, depending on your point of view. You live in an abundance of human beings yet you crave closeness, I live a solitary life on the road as a truck driver and all I wish for is solitude. One state of mind is not superior to another it’s just what we feel is our place on this earth. Is this something ingrained into our psyche, or is this a learned behavior based on life experiences? I don’t see “bad” moments in life as cruel but rather something to be observed and studied for the lesson within. Good can always come from bad if one opens their eyes to the hidden story.
thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – good can always come from bad! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
One of the greatest books I read was written by a long distance relationship who felt disconnected. In that place of loneliness he (the author) contemplated his need for this companionship. The longing and lack of provision by not having this relationship caused him to create the perfect friend. All the attributes he needed came forward in his mind. They demonstrated many years of needing such a friend. So many details he had in his mind. He searched the world to find such a perfect companion. Without success he decided to just create this companion. Finally he did and it was YOU! The book is the Bible. Today, he knows we were not a perfect match in the beginning so he gave his life to make up for all our failures so he can live eternally with you. The greatest love story ever written and you are the inspiration!
Oh my gosh yes! the Good Book!! the greatest love story of all! thanks for the encouragement! Hugs and love xox
Caralynn, I can appreciate your thoughts. The grind of this pandemic has been especially rough on retirees and seniors.
Thank you friend. You’re right – it has been incredibly challenging. My heart goes out to you! Hugs and love xox
The tragic part of these lockdowns and forced isolations is that we are seeing an increase in suicides. We crave human contact and interaction and, absent of these, some contemplate taking their own lives. It’s a sad consequence of these lockdowns. And this may continue even with a ‘vaccine.’ God Bless, Caralynn!
Thank you Joe for shairng your heart on this. it’s true, and it’s so tragic. I’m praying for those feeling alone, and praying that we can return to some sense of normalcy soon! Hugs and love xox
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you friend. Hugs and love xox
Praying you get the getaway with friends you deserve ❤️ I’m from Ohio and our restrictions weren’t nearly as bad as what you New Yorkers faced. My heart goes out to you! I know that we are nearing the end of this thing, like the light at the end of the tunnel. Our restrictions are lifting now since the vaccine has come out, it’s only a matter of time. God bless you
Thank you Riley! Yes the light is at the end of the tunnel! And yes! I just got back on Monday from the weekend trip. It was SO nice. God has blessed me richly with wonderful friends. I am so grateful. Hang in there! Hugs and love xox
Powerful relatable post. It’s been a hard year and I think we all need this to clear up soon. Very hard to tell how things will play out. Any more, I would highly recommend moving out of New York, maybe move home for awhile. Would help you greatly.
thank you! yeah, i have definitely thought A LOT about doing that. If i wasn’t in a beautiful relationship, i probably would have by now! so glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
Happy that you’re happy. Wishing all the best for 2021. Hugs and love oxo
and same to you!
I miss my friends.
I feel you there. Hang in there Amanda, praying for you! Hugs and love xox