Tag Archives: isolation

CONNECTIONS


Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the need for connection in our lives and the effects of isolation. In the beginning of mankind, God had created a wonderous garden where He placed Adam and Eve; those He created in His own image, to be in connection with them. Sin crept in and caused a separation from what God had intended. In response to the sin, Adam and Eve went into isolation from God in two ways; they attempted to cover up their vulnerability and regret with fig leaves and then when they realized God’s presence in the garden, they attempted to hid from Him out of fear.


“7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
Genesis 3:7-11 (NIV)

So many years later, we are still isolating ourselves from God and others because of the enemy-imposed guilt and shame that we carry. God has given us the antidote to this first generation issue; Love Him and love others. The only way to do this is through connection. We need connection to God through His Holy Spirit and connection to others powered by Holy Spirit. Can I get an ‘Amen!’

Seemingly random questions: What do you talk to your friends about? What would you really like to talk to them about?

“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Who do you have on speed dial and actually call when you are hurting or when things get rough?

Hiding seems to lead to isolation which leads to more isolation and being vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. Unsafe!
Connection to God seems to lead to more connection with Him and a humble vulnerability to His heart and purposes. Safe!
Connection to others; although pain may come, will lead to a growing vulnerability to the love God has intended for His children through the connecting with others in relationship. God’s Love on earth known and felt!

May your connection with God and His people grow stronger and the isolation trick of the enemy become an ugly thing of the past!

#loveandconnection

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Reading Mom’s Writing

I often prompt others to journal; or as I sometimes call it, word vomit all over the page. Over the years, I have had seasons where I am really good at writing down my thoughts semi-regularly; and then there’s seasons where I don’t write anything down and regret not taking the time to let go of my thoughts onto the page. I have found writing my thoughts out to be quite releasing. The same thing happens for me when I write down all of my ‘to do’ list items on a page; I can release them and move on instead of these tasks weighing down my mind. I find writing my thoughts down can sometimes help me to process whatever it is that is rolling around in my mind. This journaling came to mind as I grabbed a book that belonged to my mom and began to reread her notes in the margins. My mom passed away; in her warn out earthly vessel, nearly 18 years ago from breast cancer. Thankfully, I know that I will see her again because she made known to me that she has a relationship with our Jesus.

The book is titled “God Can Heal Your Heart” by Marie Shropshire. This book is full of poetry that speaks of many characteristics of God. Mom’s notes spill over of the hurt and pain that build up in her heart over the years of her life. Without these notes, I wouldn’t know as much about the weight of the pain that her heart was carrying and the longings of her heart. Over the years, it has been a comfort and an ache for my heart to be able to read and know more of the heart of my mom. For so many years of my life, my mom was a mystery to me because the mental illness that she struggled with for the majority of her life kept her closed off and isolated from the world around her. I am thankful that she is free from the pain and brokenness of this world and is celebrating; for eternity, with the Savior!

In the past few years, I have been learning much about the Freedom that Christ died on the Cross for His children to experience with Him. The enemy of our souls would like God’s children to be in bondage to the things of this world; cut off from the Freedom of Christ and the peace that comes from Him, and isolated from the love of God and others. Reading my mom’s words in the margins of this book leaves me longing that she would have known God’s Freedom here on earth; but thankful that she can know it now in Heaven. Christ came to set the captives free; it is my prayer for more and more people to be free from the bondage of Satan and the traps of this world. I pray that more and more of us would chose the Freedom and Peace of Jesus Christ over the bondage of this world. The bondage keeps us in pain and isolation; the very things that we are trying so desperately to get away from. May we choose the Freedom of Christ every day!

Excerpt from “God Can Heal Your Heart” by Marie Shropshire

“I Am Your Strength”

Dear broken child, I am aware of the weariness you feel. Your despair has weakened you. Your body is absorbing the overload of your mind, reminding you that you are spirit, soul, and body. (Mom’s note: When reading this I could feel your presents and your empathy and compassion. But I can’t seem to take comfort or to rest in this knowledge. I don’t know why.)

Your brokenness calls you tp greater integration of spirit, soul, and body. I will strengthen you in every area of your being.

My grace provides you with eternal encouragement and hope and vitality. I am faithful to provide you with strength, with protection. The trial will not be too much for you. I never put more on my children than they can bear. (Mom underlined) (Mom’s notes: People who I trusted and cared for so much and perfect strangers who I blindly placed my trust and faith into, that have said awful things about me and have belittled and taken away my very existence as a valued human being, of substance and worth that has flooded my soul. I have always believed in you God, and I see the beauty of you all around me; and I am humble with that beauty; and also “Thank you” for it. But, I am human and I need human needs. Such as hugs, friends, human love. Praises from humans when warranted. And kind words without having to beg for them. But GOD! You are not the being that is giving me such trials. It’s people and myself.)

As you rejoice in me, in spite of circumstances, your strength will return. Praise me, knowing that I am working out all things for your good. In quiet confidence you will find strength.

I will give you a new song. You shall sing for joy and be energized as you become more aware of my presence, of my love.

Strength and joy are born of a calm assurance of my promises. So praise me, delight in me.

Face your future with me. Feel my nearness. Cultivate a sense of my joyful presence, and draw from my strength. “The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Declare with David, “For You are the God of my strength” (Psalm 43:2 NKJV).

I pray that you will put your thoughts on paper so that some day someone who loves you much will have your words to read and be able to know you a little more. And also, let’s take time now, today to be with our families. Let’s not fall into the isolation and bondage trap. Let’s love on our families and friends, with our words and actions. May you be Blessed with much love and peace, today and always.

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