Loneliness Stops Here!!

A recent headline read, "New research shows that loneliness can add 30 points to a blood pressure reading for adults over the age of 50." Sounds kind of like Genesis 2:18, doesn't it? "It is not good that the man should be alone;...." (KJV) What both the news headline and the cited scripture seem to suggest is that prolonged feelings of loneliness are not good for our physical health.

As Christian singles, we should make it our responsibility to come to the aid of people we know who may be feeling lonely. How can we help to reduce the feelings of loneliness that people are experiencing?

• Be sincere in your concern for other people. Often people feel lonely because they feel that people really are not interested in their well-being.
• Take the time to have meaningful conversations with people. Sometimes all a lonely person needs is someone to engage him or her in a pleasant conversation.
• Greet everyone that you can as much as possible. Saying hello does not take alot of energy, but it can go along way toward brightening up someone's day.
• Spread genuine smiles. Genuine smiles are contagious. When people see you smile, they automatically feel the urge to smile themselves. Maybe that is all they need to feel less and less lonely. The more a person is surrounded by genuine smiles, the less lonely and depressed they will feel.
• Remember that we all have our moments of lonelieness. Look for signs that someone is having one of those days and do what you can to uplift them. Also, be open to allowing other people to uplift you when you ar down.
• Pray for people and their specific situations. Christian singles should believe in the power of prayer and their prayers should reflect their love for all of God's children.

Loneliness is not only a downer emotionally, it can have negative effects on our health. Let's do what we can to make sure those we know and those we care about are not doubly victimized by the loneliness in their lives.