No Longer a Slave The Loneliness Epidemic

The loneliness epidemic is spreading. Trends in our modern world are leaving more people feeling lonely and isolated. Here's how to deal with loneliness. "No man is an island" In 1624 English poet John Donne penned these words: "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." Donne's point was that no one can thrive on his or her own, cut off from other people. Human beings are social creatures. We need to feel connected to others. This is a truth echoed in the Bible. God said in the beginning, "It is not good that man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us we can accomplish more with others than by ourselves, and that friends can provide comfort and support when we're down. God designed us to want companionship, rather than isolation; and intimacy, not loneliness!