In this new age of the Coronavirus comes new loneliness. It’s not self-inflicted, but it is a necessary time of isolation connected to survival. It’s a time when selfishness can be deadly and harmful to not only yourself but to those you know and love and even those you don’t know. This new norm of being alone can be crippling to especially the elderly, but also to those much younger. We know that we are more at risk for health issues(heart problems, blood pressure problems, mental issues) when we are isolated from others. Now is not the time to have any health problems amid this pandemic.I know for myself all my regular doctor visits have been canceled, and options for virtual health visits are becoming the new norm. The seriousness of COVID-19 is leaving little time for the addressing of other health issues if they are not life-threatening. The current situation is not acceptable and can cause further distress in those with pre- Coronavirus health concerns.

As human beings, we thrive on having connections with others. God recognizes our need not to be alone. At the beginning of time, he created a help meet for Adam so he would not be alone. Nothing has changed-we need companionship.While living in this new norm, it’s up to us to make the necessary adjustments. I am careful about my eating habits, so my physical body is not affected negatively. I walk five days a week for thirty minutes. I watch the news, but not all day, that can be more stressful. Although it seems like some of the things I enjoy doing and places I enjoyed visiting are far off, I don’t lose faith that I will have those enjoyable moments again.

Now is the time to check on others, especially those without families nearby to check on them. It always makes me feel good when I can help someone else. Doesn’t it make you feel good too? Just recently, one of my neighbors rang the bell and left a little goodie bag at my door with homemade cake. She is the gourmet cook in our subdivision. She gave everyone in the neighborhood a treat-how sweet of her to take the time to show concern for others. One of my dear sisters announced on our Sunday morning service conference call that she made one hundred masks to give to family members and anyone who needed one free of charge. How thoughtful! There are so many things we can do to cheer up each other.

Presently, we don’t know how long we will be living in this isolation, so we need to do whatever it takes to survive the new loneliness. A significant part of making ourselves feel better will come from reaching out to help someone else. It may be a simple thing as a phone call, text, a card, or just a simple, caring word; whatever it is, the receiver will appreciate your efforts. I miss the time I use to spend with my children. When my daughter came for my birthday, that was the beginning of serious talk about the Coronavirus here. I told her she didn’t have to travel because I didn’t want her to get on an airplane, but she insisted. I am glad she did because only God knows when she can visit here again or, I can go to see her.

The simple things we took for granted! My son and his family would come over usually on the weekends along with my other son, and we would have family game night. I miss it even though I lost most of the time to my baby son. Glad he is not reading this post because his head would swell bigger lol. I know you have similar stories of things that you miss as you experience this new norm. Loneliness doesn’t just come to those living alone but can hit those who live with others because life is no longer the way we knew it. But we trust God to take us to better days. I want to encourage you to hold on and trust God.

Thank you to health providers who read my posts. I am grateful that you do and praying for your continued safety. I know that you have additional stress because you don’t want to take care of others and affect those that you love. Another particular group I am praying for is the children. All they know is that things are different now. They, too, are experiencing loneliness. My granddaughter says she wants the virus to go away because it is messing up everything. She can’t go to school or to places that she loves to visit. She can’t hug anymore. She asked me the other day, would Santa Claus still be coming for Christmas if the virus is still here? I sadly answered, “That is a good question.”

Yes, we know as adults Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and not about the toys and other gifts, but that’s our knowledge. When I thought about it, if the stores remain closed and we still need social distancing, it will undoubtedly be a different day for children. Will they yet have Christmas? Yes, but not as they may know it. It is my prayer; the situation will be different by then, but only God knows. Think of something special you can do or are doing to help someone and even yourself through this new loneliness now, and please share it. Since I always speak about relationships, how will your deeds help to strengthen your relationship with someone else during this crisis? Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Proverbs 12. 25. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “The Best Relationship!”

Be encouraged, and God bless!

Sister Jackie