The Phenomenon of lonely people / A follow up to "Loneliness; is it becoming a Common Entity within Humanity"

The phenomenon of lonely people

A follow up to Loneliness; is it becoming a Common Entity within Humanity

I wrote the original in 2018 when the very essence of different characteristics appeared to be the one attribute leading to suicide.  This is a reminder that the scourge of suicide has increased dramatically as seen with military personnel entering civilian life and facing an absence of thank you and is there anything I can do for you.

As I mentioned in the original article there seems to be a lack of communication between people and one piece of technology is the cell phone.  The tongue has been replaced with a finger or two tapping the keys to talk to anyone without ever opening their mouths.  

Modern technology is wonderful.  Because of satellites circling the earth we can now speak to someone halfway around the earth in a split second.  The ability to connect instantly anywhere in the world has brought nations, different languages, and new relationships closer than at any time in the past.  

But the symptoms of emotional drought are increasing as fast as technology.  Business may be the one culprit where married couples (or co-habitents) seem to go their own way and barely have time to speak together and live lives apart more than sharing family connections.  

I asked a question in the first article; “Could you recognize a lonely person on the street as you pass them by?  Probably not.”  This is the crux of our concern, or it should be, as who or what is promoting this disastrous phenomenon that is quickly pulling apart our human family.  

We have established programs to feed the poor, clothe the naked, and attempt to give material items to those in need.  One thing is lacking: The loving connection of the heart to the many who suffer rejection, those with confusing directions when no one seems to care.  

Recently I heard of a woman whose elderly mother suddenly passed away and she was ready to leave for a party atmosphere.  When asked why her demeanor was so abrupt regarding a little concern for the remains of her mother, her response was she was old and I didn’t care much for her anyway.  With an attitude like that she probably never cared much for her .

This is too often the scenario in society today leaving a multitude of elderly, service retirees, and those who do not have families with compassion.  I would venture to say that there are more people that fit the preceding mold and too many of Christians and other believers who have turned away from the dredges of humanity crying out for a little love, and receiving none.

Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good tidings to the poor.”  (Lk. 4: 18).  Was it just Jesus who this was meant for?  What about the rest of us?  Be certain, the lonely for any reason are the poor and we are the workers in the field collecting the harvest for God’s table.

Each of us has the opportunity to proclaim a path of hope to the lonely.  There are multitudes of souls who cannot get up because of the shackles that hold them down.  Loneliness is number one.  How many serve our nation wearing a uniform of protection around the world and get a few letters?  How many of the same service personnel sit at home and still have no one who cares. Let us not become responsible for their emptiness when we could step forward and at least make an attempt to visit, call on the phone, and put a little cheer in their lives.

Ralph B. Hathaway