The Danger Of Isolation

          For many people, including myself, this pandemic hasn’t drastically changed our lives regarding social interaction. I was already isolating myself way before COVID-19 ever existed. I haven’t had a true genuine friend since my junior year in high school. I’m 22 almost 23 now. Anyone else have this problem? You get hurt once, a bond breaks you thought never would, and it’s like, “wow. I don’t wanna open myself up again because I don’t want to get hurt again.” And you think, “well, I just need some time on my own, to figure some things out.” And then that ‘some time’ turns into a couple years. It’s easy to fall into the trap. The trap of isolation and eventually loneliness.

         It’s not to say you can’t be alone and be happy, I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying if you choose to be alone with the fear of getting hurt by another human being you’re still allowing someone to hurt you: yourself and Satan. I'll explain further. Each year I told myself that’d be the year I’d really “try” to make friends. More like talked to 2 people in a course of a year a few times and when it didn’t pan out I just stopped trying. Now we live in a time we don’t have the privilege of making friends like we used to. We can’t just go up and talk to a stranger with hopes maybe you guys can get together and hang out soon. That privilege is gone. And boy do I wish I could go back and tell myself to stop procrastinating and to stop “trying” and just do. I hate the word try and here’s why: it’s an excuse. It’s a word we use to come up with an explanation when you’ve attempted to many times at something and decided to just give up. It’s a nice sugar-coat word we are all guilty of using. “Well I tried but it just didn’t work out” how many times have we said this or something similar? We need to stop trying and simply just do. 

            This is why isolation is dangerous: when you're alone with your thoughts, that's when the devil attacks. He reminds you of all your fears, doubts, and worries. Remember: we're not only fighting between flesh and blood but also with the evil and principalities of darkness. You can convince yourself God and the devil aren't real but I guarantee you they are.  And spiritual warfare is a real thing too. I'm reading this book right now called "Unmasking the devil" by John Ramirez and there's a quote that really stood out to me. It says, "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world he didn't exist." And ultimately convince you that God doesn't either, and its the perfect setup! Here's why: when he attacks and makes his move- you're completely oblivious and without the covering of God on your life you're powerless as well. This is why God calls us to commune with one another and take on each others burdens. We're not meant to take this life alone because doing so is unnatural to the way God intended it to be. So please, do me a favor: when you see a good opportunity in front of you (and you feel it's Gods will) whether it’s life, work or people related- seize the moment. Don’t wait. Because life is too short. This pandemic has proved if you keep putting things off your opportunity may vanish before you finally grab ahold of it. Take advantage of the now and believe in yourself. You can do this. Until next time,

Sierra