While social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter appear to connect people more than ever, relying on technology as a substitute for face-to-face interaction is actually detrimental to our health, and does nothing to enhance our relationships. According to a study conducted by the Brigham Young University, “loneliness increases mortality risk by 26%” and “has a greater impact on your health than being obese, or having 15 cigarettes a day.”
Are you someone who maybe has 5000 followers on social media; yet feels lonely at the end of the day? When life hits and hits hard, do you have that one person you know you can call who will drop everything and listen, and then offer to pray with you?
I felt that way several years ago. Even though I was happily married and we were busy raising our children and working, I longed for a friendship with a woman who would pray with me, celebrate with me, and cry with me. Someone who shared my values and wanted to do life with me.
Someone suggested I pray and ask God to connect me with a friendship from Him. A person I could share the good, bad, and ugly of life.
While God didn’t answer that prayer immediately, He did answer in the form of not one special friendship, but a few close friends with whom I could share life. Where I was stronger, they needed more encouragement. Where I needed support, they had wisdom to share.
What about you? Do you have a close friend to “do life” with? Sometimes, even though happily married, it’s nice to have a “Sister in Christ” to share life with and offer support, encouragement, or a different perspective to help us grow, challenge us to take risks, or enjoy life.
If not, have you thought about asking God to bring someone like that into your life? Do you believe He can … and will?
© Cheri Swalwell 2019