True Connections
May 7th, 2020
by: Louise Duval MA, LPC, LAC, CAC
It struck me as interesting as I was thinking through our social distancing that we are now so hungry for human connections. Before this pandemic, people did not mind connecting through technology (texting, Facetime, Skype, Social Media, etc.). I knew of people who work in the same office, but instead of getting up and walking to the person’s desk, they would e-mail or Skype. I saw people who would go to a restaurant together, but instead of talking to each other, everyone was texting someone else. I found myself wondering if technology was becoming a barrier to true human connections and if we were going to get to a place in our culture where we no longer connected face to face.
Now all of a sudden we have been thrust into a world where the only way to connect is through technology and what I am constantly hearing bothers people the most is they can’t see their friends and they miss just talking to people face to face or being able to hug someone. Now that we have been forced to be apart and use technology to connect, people are longing to connect face-to-face. Maybe God is trying to show us something. We need each other. We were created to be in relationship with each other and with God. People needing others is all throughout the Bible, but two passages that come to mind are Genesis 2:18 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. In the very beginning, the only thing in all of creation that was not good was “It is not good for man to be alone.” Then, in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, we find that working together makes work better and easier, if one person falls, another can help them up, we can comfort each other, and we can protect and defend each other. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says. “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” so a Christian friendship is a double blessing because it is two connected with Christ forming an even stronger connection. I am praying this separation will help us understand how much we need real connections with people.
So, as you are forced to be apart from those you love, find ways to connect. Maybe now it has to be through technology, or maybe you could send a card or mail a letter! But, once we are able to be around each other again, be sure you find someone, give them a big hug and let them know how much you enjoy them. Have some real face time, where you sit with someone face to face and talk and thank God for the wonderful people He has put in your life! We can be thankful to have the technology, but don’t let that get in the way of true connections.