Lately I’ve been binge watching a show called Alone. This is a reality show that follows 10 survivor specialists who have been dropped off in Western Vancouver.
They are completely isolated from each other. They have no contact with another human and must survive in the wilderness with its harsh conditions. The only way they can be rescued is by “tapping out” (quitting) or by outlasting all the other survivors. The last survivor receives a prize of $500,000.00
I’m drawn to this show because of each persons’ survivor skills and how they solve different problems. They are ingenious. What I’ve realized is that many of contestants quit not because they don’t know what to do or how to do it. They are resourceful in finding food, building a shelter, and protecting themselves from the elements and predators.
They quit not for physical reasons, but for mental reasons. The grind of isolation and separation from love ones becomes unbearable.
We are all created to be in relationships. When we are not connected, our inner fault lines are revealed. Granted a momentary separation from others can help us refocus but prolonged separation can be destructive.
In this time of pandemic, fear and separation can be extremely difficult mentally. It is helpful to know that when we feel out-of-sorts, depressed, and fearful, it is because we are forced to live in separation where we feel alone.
The good news is we are not! Take courage that you are not alone. Remember that we are connected to God and to each other through the bond of Jesus.
This Week’s Readings:
- Monday – Hebrews 11
- Tuesday – Hebrews 12
- Wednesday – Hebrews 13
- Thursday – James 1
- Friday – James 2
Please Pray for:
- Our ministers and their families.
- Those who are unwillingly absent.
- The United Methodist Church family.
- Our nation and our leaders.
- The World.
- The Lost.
- The lives of those touched by the Coronavirus.
