Catechism: Mental Health And The Churchنموونە

Loneliness can be your reality whether you are in the middle of the most massive crowd or have hidden away from everyone.

Feelings of isolation can make you feel out of sync and rejected by everyone, even when it’s not true.

They wouldn’t understand.

I’m the only one who has ever felt/experienced this.

If I'm honest about what I'm thinking or feeling, they will ultimately reject me.

The challenge is that when we most need the wisdom and unconditional love of a friend, we are often vulnerable to the lies that increase our isolation and convince us to deliberately push people away.

We erect barriers to keep people out when our pain is too great.

But woven throughout our physical and spiritual DNA is the need for relationship.

Today’s verses remind us of the power that comes from having even one other person when the storms come and the winds blow and the unyielding strength that comes when God is your third cord.

Whether the person is filled with words of wisdom or just sits with you and listens, receiving sympathy can shift your perspective and lighten your burden.

A friend can remind you of the truth, encourage you to hold on and stand with you while you grow stronger.

There will probably come a time when they will need you to hold them up and remind them of the truth.

In 2 Corinthians 1:4, we are encouraged to “comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” The imagery is of walking alongside others as God has walked alongside us.

There is such an authenticity when someone has walked the same road that you are on and can offer time-tested words of comfort and courage. The details may not be the same, but the strength of presence is priceless.

● How can recognizing that sorrow and pain are part of everyone's life encourage you to take the risk to be authentic with someone about what you are thinking, experiencing, or facing?

● Take a moment to pray and ask God to reveal whom you need to connect with to provide or gain strength. Name someone you can reach out to for comfort (to have them walk alongside you) and someone else you can comfort (walk alongside them).