Survival: Community
Now more than ever, we need to be part of a real community. After a year of solitary confinement rolled out on a global scale, billions of humans are feeling the stress and pressure of being separated from others. Suicide is skyrocketing, abuse of opioids and other drugs is out of control, and words like despair, depression, loneliness, and hopelessness are heard on a daily basis as the entire world has been turned into a giant prison.
In what seems like a well-coordinated effort, governments all over the Western world are shutting down businesses, banning the gathering of people in homes and churches, and fining or jailing people for crimes like going for a walk or having lunch with a friend. It seems, at times, like community will be a fantastic idea that we’ll share with our grandchildren in remembering the days of old. But it is in times like these that we need to be part of a larger group of people — not in isolation.
So how can we foster and grow a community when there is so much stacked against us? For starters, see the blessing hidden in all of this. As more and more people are finding themselves banned from social media, or at least unable to speak freely anymore, we are reminded that real community doesn’t take place on websites or over cell phones.
Look out for your neighbors
You’re not the only one feeling the pinch of isolation. Your neighbors are feeling it, too, and they need community just as much as you do. If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, find some opportunities to get together. Share a meal together; work on a project together. If you’re worried about the spread of COVID, then find something outdoors. Find out if they have any needs that you might be able to help with, or see if they might be able to help you when you’re in need. Community starts at home with those who are right next door.
Get involved with a local church
One great place to build relationships or find like-minded souls with whom you can congregate is at a local church gathering. Though in some places, like Canada, the church is being pushed underground, if you are still allowed to gather with other believers, take advantage of it! And make it a point to build relationships, not just to sit in a pew on Sunday morning to listen to a sermon.
Make a list of trusted persons and stay in touch
Whether next door or across the globe, you need a group of close friends and a plan to keep in contact with each of them. If you see some of them on a weekly basis, that’s great. If not, find a time that you can talk on the phone or over all the fancy video conferencing services that are available today. Remember, they need connection just as much as you do.
Invest in your family
Those people who live under our roof are often the ones we take for granted. Use the additional time at home to foster relationships with your spouse and your kids (or parents, or roommates, or whomever you have living with you). Go on hikes together to get out of the house. Have family game nights. Shut off the screens and media IV drip and build deep and lasting relationships. The work put into those relationships will pay off for years to come.
Find backup ways to communicate
Many of the communication methods we’ve come to rely on in the last several years are starting to disappear. Social media sites are removing accounts by the thousands every day if their conversation doesn’t align with the determined narrative. Instead of Facebook Messenger or twitter, switch to secure applications like Telegram or Signal. If those disappear, you may have to get more creative, but now is the time to work on alternatives, not after the lights go out.