combating isolation

Isolation is destroying our society.   I've said it before.... but I am constantly reminded about how much we all need community and how our society is moving farther and farther away from connection.

Greg and I went to see A Man Called Otto* the other night.   It was a poignant representation of what isolation can do to someone; and also a phenomenal picture of how being involved in a community is life-altering.   
There was a scene in the movie where someone was in a life-or-death situation and the entire crowd of bystanders were preoccupied capturing the scene on their phones, and neglected to help.   It's all too familiar.... how often do we miss the obvious needs, right in front of us, because we're looking down at our devices?
Satan is using our cultural "norms" to distract us and isolate us..... to put us right where he wants us.... disconnected from God and others.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

I am so thankful that God has placed me in community with so many wonderful people over the years.  Just the right people at just the right time - SO much encouragement.

Hear me out....God doesn't necessarily toss people into our lap, but he certainly seems to nudge us in the right direction. When I feel His push, I tend to roll with it and see what plays out. I have had to search out people and be intentional in creating community around me. It might involve stepping out of my comfort zone or initiating awkward conversation.... but I feel that my effort has always been worthwhile and that God orchestrates lovely outcomes.

Most recently, God had given me a nudge to start a Bible Study, in my home, last fall.  There were some hiccups along the way, but I've seen God knit together a new little group of gals that are willing to get together to grow in faith and friendship.   I love that somehow God encouraged these ladies to say "YES", to step out of their comfort zones, and get connected.  I feel that there is something powerful in our gathering..... like we are combating isolation one Tuesday evening at a time.  I'm thankful for a new opportunity to encourage one another.

I would like to encourage you, whoever you are, wherever you are, to actively seek out people.   
People need people. 
 Let's stick it to "the man" and get connected in fresh new ways.  Put down our phones and really talk to each other. 
Isolation sucks.

*I highly recommend this movie, but would like to put out a gentle disclaimer that there are several depictions of suicide attempts.

a case for minimalism

Books. 
I attempted to help my dear friend with some tasks, of cleaning out her parent's house, the other day.  She's done SO much/all, of the work.   Trips to town, countless trips to Goodwill, arranging for folks to come and get furniture, taking items back to her home, sorting through the paperwork, doing ALL of the things required when there is a death.

I was simply supposed to help her pack up books, and get them out of the house.   I did what I could but then excused myself.   
The books.  They were overwhelming.   
Here's the kicker though..... her parents didn't have that many books!..... it should have been a breeze.  But the process of removing them from the house seemed to set off anxiety in me. It made me reconsider everything that I'm saving for another day.   
What if my "another day" doesn't come? 
What will I leave behind for my own kids to have to get rid of in a pinch?    The things that mean something to me, most likely will mean zero to my kids.   They'll be in the position of throwing away or donating my material possessions.   
Will my boys have to travel back home, take off of work, and miss time with their families to deal with the contents of my house?   
I know the answer is YES, that is the reality.... and  it will be the reality, as it is with all families at the end of a life.   

I guess I keep thinking, why burden my kids with that task?  Maybe it's stuff I could downsize along the way to make that load a little lighter when I'm gone.  

I think of my boss, from years ago, that went to clean out her mother's apartment and noted that everything she kept of her mother's fit nicely into a shoe box.   
That's the truth of it.   We can't take it with us when we go, so why collect so much over the years?  It's just stuff that someone else will have to deal with.

The idea of minimalism is basically to own items that are pertinent and useful in a current stage of life, in the NOW.   The storing of old items, from past hobbies, or the hoarding of items that could be useful doesn't really make sense.   The more I witness the stages of life, I'm convinced that it's important to always focus on what's useful in the NOW, not in the past or the future.    Does a particular item bring value to my life TODAY?  If not, I should consider getting rid of it, or passing it along to someone who can use it.  
I'll be downsizing my book collection soon.....

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it.  So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT