Loneliness Is Deadly

[AgeofKnowledge]

Loneliness Is Deadly: Social isolation kills more people than obesity does—and it’s just as stigmatized.

Dangers of loneliness: Social isolation is deadlier than obesity. - Slate Magazine

 

[MissLee]

Mirror, tell me something... Tell me who's the loneliest of all? That song is the theme of the lonely. The statistics presented in that article are startling, to say the least. I can relate with the writer because, though my move wasn't nearly as far, I am unfamiliar with the area and have no friends or relatives near enough for me to just up and visit since gas isn't exactly cheap. Other than a cookout last weekend and a July 4th party at my sister's house, the last time I left my house for something other than church or to go grocery shopping was in June.

When school is in session, I am busy with substitute teaching assignments, college homework, and looking after my son. My life is busy but I often feel lonely and sometimes resentful because my fiancé goes out to see his friends at least once weekly. As a shy individual, it's hard for me to make new friends and it's difficult for me to justify going out because of my obligations. I do agree that it does take a physical toll on the person because I have noticed some physical symptoms and I often feel sad and alone even though I have my son, my fiancé, and all my online friends to talk to. It's hard to make friends at work since I'm not usually at the same school more than two consecutive days and sometimes it's a month before I'm assigned to a particular school again; it just depends on the need for coverage. I haven't made any new friends at this church I've started attending and I worry that my shyness is being perceived as my being stuck up and that perhaps that is why no one talks to me there. So often, I sit here listening to this song and feel like it's the story of my life: I'm the loneliest of all...​

 

[RedTent]

I am living a life of almost complete isolation, I am almost blind and although I hear well enough to go to a class, phone conversation is out. My one contact with the world was my daughter, and with all that is happening to me with such advancing age, she became so critical that it just wasn't worth it any more, I use dial a ride to get around.

I don't think this isolation is going to make me ill. I think that it is negative thoughts that cause the illness.

If life situations bring about isolation, rather than our lack of love for people around us, there are other things to fill that space, and each person can find their own. I just "met" Tolstoy through his biography, I am getting to truly understand making bread, I am learning how to get the power of the ocean down on canvass with oil paint. I am a prayer warrior for my family, even if I seldom see them. There is a bird outside my window in front of the computer screen who uses one tree top as a lookout post. God is with me every hour, and I especially like to memorize psalms to express it.

 

[David_1]

Are you really 88 redtent?

Because that is very impressive!

 

[woka]

Everything about RedTent is impressive, especially the wisdowm and total Love for the Lord. Thank you so very much for sharing so much of it with us all. You are a true blessing and I love to read what you have to say.

 

[AgeofKnowledge]

And you, of course, have all of us. Please excuse the wrinkles of character as it is our sincere hope they will flatten with age.

I am living a life of almost complete isolation, I am almost blind and although I hear well enough to go to a class, phone conversation is out. My one contact with the world was my daughter, and with all that is happening to me with such advancing age, she became so critical that it just wasn't worth it any more, I use dial a ride to get around.

I don't think this isolation is going to make me ill. I think that it is negative thoughts that cause the illness.

If life situations bring about isolation, rather than our lack of love for people around us, there are other things to fill that space, and each person can find their own. I just "met" Tolstoy through his biography, I am getting to truly understand making bread, I am learning how to get the power of the ocean down on canvass with oil paint. I am a prayer warrior for my family, even if I seldom see them. There is a bird outside my window in front of the computer screen who uses one tree top as a lookout post. God is with me every hour, and I especially like to memorize psalms to express it.

 

[4enlightment]

Loneliness Is Deadly: Social isolation kills more people than obesity does—and it’s just as stigmatized.

Dangers of loneliness: Social isolation is deadlier than obesity. - Slate Magazine

Genesis 2:18The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Hebrews 13:5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Colossians 1:16For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

 

[Witness45]

Well that answers all my health problems...

 

[AgeofKnowledge]

Really? Well, my 27 year old friend is in the hospital dying right now of stage 4 lung cancer. She'll be gone in two weeks and leaves behind a one year old and a sad husband.

She said that she can actually feel God drawing close to her (she's a Christian) and is sad for us but excited about what is to come.

I just shook my head in wonderment remembering a death camp survivor that once told me "you don't get your ticket until it's time to get on the train" referring to Christians at end of life.

Well that answers all my health problems...

 

[Relena7]

Aww crud.... there goes my future plans of living under a rock.

 

[Chimpgurl]

I don't know if anyone is still on this thread, but I find myself very isolated and lonely. I am engaged, to a nice man, and its just me and him. Im a house wife, so I cook and clean, and clean some more, and dont really do anything challenging or engaging. I mean I don't have passion or a reason to wake up in the morning. Its really said. I wish I could meet someone, or a couple in the Atlanta area that I could connect with and minister with.

 

[overcomer2]

I too enjoyed your wise thoughts. You seem to have figured out that it is the little things that help us through life and its troubles. My preacher is 80 and I am so blessed to glean from him. I live on farm and am isolated but mine is of choice. The Lord required of me a simpler life. I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[secularhermit]

I knew obesity killed but loneliness is new for me... Am I dead? Mmmm Well, on that way too. He! He!

 

[ServantStrike]

I agree with the article. I also like how it doesn't just harp on "singleness" but on lonliness. Harping on singleness just makes people desperately strive for bad relationships. Go play in traffic, interact with another human being. Get out and do things. Talk to people.

When I was a kid my parents limited my video game time. I'm so glad they did. I learned the value of interacting with other human beings for gratification rather than some piece of technology (though I still like gaming). Without the human factor you really do go crazy.



And... I can't resist this. I'm sorry
[video=youtube;eP8m0MPCvtw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP8m0MPCvtw[/video]

 

[wisebeardman]

well I ain't dead yet.

 

[xXErraticEmilyXx]

Maybe this goes along with God's word about worry. Loneliness is worry, isn't it? Worrying will not add a second to your lives. Loneliness will not add a second to your lives... maybe? God, correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[letti]

Sometimes, being alone is relieving to me, it gives me time alone to study scripture and pray.Time to really focus.Actually, I am never alone God is always with me.

 

[vens]

Being surrounded by other people constantly is deadly as well!

 

[isaria]

Red tent needs a chaufor and break isolation.
I work very hard but not with my body/physical labour.
But I do have aged care certificate but not able get volunteer work even and was set up time i did work and could not take action as was alone amoung so many.


I advertised in papers my service of physical labour to visit some one at home and that way break there isolation and my isolation.
Even seemingly little things like cut nails and paint them can feel great for some one has difficulty moving or is depressed and does not get "to it".


So many beautiful good people are isolated and alone and may not get to church either or may had people spread lies of them also.


One can not communicate or connect with all people either.
Like some people are closed off and one can not communicate with them or speak same language and some people one wants nothing to do with isolate you from being with the people you do want be with.
For instance a muslima may not be muslim but forsed to be and not permited socialise with other people.She may be forsed be with people who isolate her and forse her and people she does not like who may steal from her..


Will pray we will not be alone and isolated anymore.
Our spirits can maybe meet "online" and communicate more so than writing and we can "feel each other".
"i feel ya bro" I feel yo sister"............


Oh who did i feel... " i felt red tent" or i felt vens etc......

 

[ngmoody]

Well i think about the life of paul in his last days in the bible. He was alone most of the time on the road when he wasnt preaching he was alone except for god/spirit.
So god is always with us.