Tuesday 1 June 2021

Loneliness

 

I was listening to a Talk Show on the radio the other day. An old lady phoned in and confessed that she was lonely. She lived alone and did not see anyone from one day to the next. Sometimes she went out of the house, took the bus, (because it is free for senior citizens in the UK), and sat there all the way into town and back. The round trip lasted about an hour. She did it just to meet people on the bus. She didn't speak to them, but she said that sometimes this was the only contact she had with other human beings. She did not speak to the neighbours and no one visited her.

Sadly, she is not the only person in that situation. There are many lonely people these days. And they are not all old either. Some are quite young and even though they are at work they are still lonely. They do their jobs as best they can but when they get home they have no one.

I guess there must be lonely people in your own church. People who turn up week in week out, but no one really speaks to them.

It's ironic that in our age of mass communication with 24/7 radio, TV, Internet, cell phones and all the other communications gadgets that exist, we still have people who are lonely and uncared for.

A few days later I was listening to another radio programme.  This time a man was describing how in his youth, when you went out in the streets and you met other people as you were walking, it was customary to say "Good morning" or "Good evening" to complete strangers. He said sometimes you greeted other people three or four times before you reached your destination.

Now no one talks to each other. You can have a crowded train carriage with everyone reading a book or newspaper, or playing with their smart phones, and no one talking.

Both these radio incidents made me feel sad about modern life. They reminded me of Christ's words when He invited all who were tired to go to Him and He will give them rest. (Matthew 11: 28). I suppose He also meant the lonely when He said those words.

25 comments:

  1. ...and the pandemic has increased the problem of loneliness.

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  2. Some of the times I felt most lonely, I was surrounded by other people. Conversely, I could never feel that way while here in Blogland. So blessed! Wish everyone might discover the camaraderie and joy that comes from blogging.

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    1. You know you've always got friends here in Blogland. Either through their blogs or by e-mailing them privately. We will pray for you as always and help where we can.

      God bless.

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  3. So true, people on their phones constantly, and the c19 business has poured more loneliness upon people, it's disgusting. They walk about like zombies. The churches are full of the walking dead, new people try to attend hoping to find a glimpse of fellowship with brothers and sisters only to find a dead club for the mostpart, many pastors even participating in the c19 nonsense and propaganda. Sorry to sound negative but people are just not spending time with God and are spending time with the media instead. It's such a blessing though to run across someone who truly knows the Lord.

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    1. Loneliness takes many forms. People can be in a crowd and still feel lonely. Especially at work.

      God bless you, Amelia.

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  4. Dearest Victor,
    So very true in the decennia of mass communication devices but real communication seems often a lost art.
    Not so here in the South though!
    People are very friendly and greet you and they talk easily.
    We just got back from a 630 km trip into east Tennessee. Both of us walked near Cherokee Lake and all the residents waved at us and greeted us! Makes you feel right at home.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. Yes I'll admit this is true (a bit) also in the UK. Up North in Northern England or Scotland people are friendly; but not so much in the South like London and surrounding areas. In Scotland you can say "Good morning" in the street and they smile and respond. In London they don't react; because they are too far away to hear you.

      God bless, Mariette.

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  5. Our elders have lots of knowledge and stories to share if only someone would take the time and listen. People like to be heard and they're not. The device demons are creating a useless and selfish society. No wonder people are lonely and sad.

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    1. That's true, Bill. Youngsters are eager to use social media to proclaim whatever is on their minds, and have little time for real conversations. The elderly miss out.

      God bless.

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  6. They should start a blog! :)
    It is sad though that so many are lonely.
    I bet if that lady on the bus would talk to others when she's out she'd find a friend. I've found many friends just walking around town!

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    1. It is not always easy for elderly people to start a blog especially if they are computer illiterate. Also not easy to talk on the bus to others. People ignore the elderly as being busy bodies and would not talk to them.

      God bless, happyone.

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  7. The worldwide pandemic has not helped the loneliness and isolation many feel.

    It has been so important to keep in touch with family and friends, and in more recent weeks and months when we have been able to go out for walks etc to give a cheerful smile, or to say good morning to someone you see, it can make all the difference ...

    All the best Jan

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    1. You are right, Jan. The pandemic has not helped in this situation. A cheerful smile or a "hello" would go a long way to show people they are not ignored.

      God bless you and yours.

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  8. It is sad, it's why i try to smile and nod and even say good morning if i see someone who seems to need it.

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    1. Yes Mimi; it is very sad about all these lonely people.

      God bless.

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  9. I say hello how are you to everyone I meet. I am not trying to be condescending, but sometimes, people who are lonely don’t seem to make an effort to greet others either. I can’t imagine not having anyone you can call on just to their voice. So very sad! I wonder if all this modern technology is a good thing. It seems to have created so much silence toward each other. I love this caring, compassionate post. Thank you, Victor, for reminding us that kindness is still in vogue. Blessings to you.

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    1. Sometimes elderly people do not talk or greet others because they are perhaps shy, or feel they are imposing. Also, perhaps, because, (here in the UK), the elderly are often mocked on TV. Only the other day a comedian suggested that people over 65 should not be allowed to vote because "this is not their future ... they'd soon be gone anyway!" The audience laughed silly.

      God bless, Nells.

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  10. Strange that Christians are strangers at times.
    thoughtful post.
    Sherry & jack thinking of you and thanks for the prayers (you have mine!)

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    1. Thank you for writing in whilst on your travels Jack and Sherry. Much appreciated.

      God bless you both.

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  11. It doesn't take a whole lot of effort just to smile at someone or greet them when you pass on the street. How sad it is that people have to endure loneliness because others don't make the effort to reach out.
    Blessings, Victor!

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    1. People over here have become selfish, I think. You can be on a train, or underground train in London, and no one is talking or smiling. They are either reading a paper or playing on their cell-phones.

      God bless, Martha.

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  12. Agreed.

    I'm not one of those 'people who need people,' who seem to *really* need constant company.

    But a month or so back, when regional rules about distance allowed folks to be a tad closer in the pews, I noticed this intense urge to strike up a conversation with folks sitting near me - who I don't remember having seen before.

    If my need for contact reached that point - I don't like to think what others have been experiencing.

    Good points, good post, thanks for sharing!

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    1. Good point, Brian. As times get better, which I'm sure they will, I hope people will become more friendly with each other and share their "I've survived" spirit of joy and hope ... and thanks to God.

      God bless.

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