THE MINISTRY OF LONELINESS by Evelyn Jimenez Saint
January 2018, Great Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May announced the creation of the Ministry of Loneliness saying, loneliness is “the sad reality of modern life” for too many people. For more than 9 million people in Great Britain, loneliness is felt always or often.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, in a Harvard magazine article, wrote, “We live in the most technologically connected age in the history of civilization, yet rates of loneliness have doubled since the 1980s.” He estimates that 40% of U.S. American adults suffer from loneliness and that the percentage may be even higher.
The New York Times wrote, “A generation of Japanese is facing a lonely death…” In Tokyo, you can “rent” a friend, to drink coffee, to go out to eat, a service especially useful for widowers and shy people. You can also rent animals such as cats, dogs, and even turtles, for a few hours, to keep you company.
Loneliness can kill, said Mark Robinson, head of the largest charity in England that is working with seniors. 55% of Londoners say that they are lonely, compared to Lisbon, where only 10% feel lonely. New York, Dubai and LA have some of the highest rates of loneliness.
Loneliness raises the risk of illness and can raise the chance of dying sooner by 25%. Even adolescents and teens have high levels of loneliness, as well as those older than 80.
Loneliness is the greatest poverty, wrote Mother Teresa.
What can be done?
First, recognize its importance. Recognize its impact. Take time to visit or call those who live alone, who are sick or are going through a difficult time. The time you invest in helping others will also improve your own wellbeing, and improve your own connections.
Even for your own loneliness, connect with friends, neighbors, and family. Be kind, and forgiving, and enjoy being with others, sharing gifts and time. Studies indicate that we need to show empathy, but not pity. People who are lonely don’t need your pity, just your genuine attention. You can improve their own loneliness by communicating to others that they are valuable and loved by God.
In Psalms 25:16 NIV we can read David’s cry: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.”
Even David went through times of loneliness and affliction, but he called on the Lord for help.
You can also call on the Lord.
You can also create your own Ministry of Loneliness and share your hug, your word of encouragement, and your attention to those around you, especially those who are hurting.