Social Connecting

 

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Social distancing, it’s a crazy new reality that opens up a whole new appreciation for what it means to be connected. There is something invisibly powerful about being around living, breathing people in shared spaces. It’s palpable. It helps us feel alive. We were born to connect.  We were created to share our lives, encouraging & loving one another. Oh, how I miss being WITH people…especially people with whom I have a life-giving connection, but the reality is, social distancing in no way implies social disconnect. And that, I’m afraid, we have gotten pretty good at already.

Although social media gives the appearance of “connection,” in reality we are often putting ourselves out there to be seen and heard while not actually purposing to see or hear anyone else. We live on devices that give the illusion of connection & yet leave us craving real life-on-life relationships. We hide ourselves while binge watching Netflix, getting lost within our own issues or feeding our addictions no matter what the cost. We move so fast throughout our days we have no time to stop and connect, notice, listen or truly care for those God has put right in front of us.

Well there is some good news. Amidst the reality of this world-wide crisis, God has blessed us with a pause; a temporary stop in action or speech. He has gifted us with time to slow down, be still and really connect with each other.

Do you remember the old telephone commercials that played the jingle, “Reach out, reach out and touch someone. Reach out, call up and just say , “hi…”?

If you were born before 1975, you probably just sang that in your head. If you don’t remember or are not familiar with it, check out this link and enjoy. Don’t be frightened by the clown. Apparently in the 70s they were not as creepy. 😊

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt6DvapiK-w

This was one of the most powerful advertisements on television in the 70s. The Bell System Telephone Company tapped into a desire people had to be connected with loved ones despite the necessary distance that separated them.

I dare say that’s still a desire we have today.

What an opportunity we now have. Instead of waiting for someone else to call, “like” or see us, we can choose to reach out to them. Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

I love how this passage says, “but also.” It’s not wrong for us to focus on ourselves, but we will find ourselves void of much needed connection when we do not also care about and take an authentic interest in others. 

This year, God has been challenging me to reach out to people. I’m noticing more and more, whether it’s when I’m reading my Bible, listening to a song, or washing the endless array of dishes we seem to accumulate, God will bring someone to mind and I know I’m supposed to love on them. I try to stop and text them, send a quick note, or call them. It’s really fun to share with them something encouraging that God has said to me for them. It’s amazing how often the person contacted later expresses appreciation as to the timely nature of the text or call. That’s one big shoot out to God’s ability to know exactly what we need and when. I have been the recipient of such encouragement and it’s a sweet gift.

To reach out to someone that God brings to mind is something we can all do. It’s a selfless act of love and thus comes with zero expectation for a response. God has built us to speak life to each other whether face to face, on paper or through the phone. Sharing a random “love note” can feel risky, but it will always prove to be life-giving.

A side note…and yet related –

I have noticed that although people are following the necessary six-foot distancing rule, they are also avoiding eye-contact and seem hesitant to engage in friendly conversation. It is as if we think that to acknowledge another human being is to engage with a potential enemy. As we all learn to navigate this new normal, may we purpose to connect with others even as we are practicing social distancing. Say “hi” to the older gentleman walking past you on the street. Smile as you pass people (at a distance) in the grocery store. Purpose to make eye contact and say “thank you” as you pick up food in the drive through.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) God chooses to use us as an expression of His love towards people. He invites us to join Him in speaking hope, worth, love and truth into people. That’s an invitation we can all say “yes” to.

In the Meanwhile…

In this season of “social distancing,” let’s make every effort to encourage and love one another…to reach out and just say “hi,” convey an encouraging word, share a life-giving scripture or text a quick prayer. Let’s start practicing “social connecting.”

May we be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and quickly respond when He brings someone to mind.

All this social distancing could in fact prove to bring us closer together, so let’s purpose to “reach out , reach out and touch someone…” today.