A Disease of Epidemic Proportionsby Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger 12 Sep 2008 06:05 PM There is an epidemic in our society. A severe disease threatens our society. You might think cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and yes, they all exist, but none of them are the disease I'm talking about. It's one that affects people of all ages. This disease is probably one you or I have experienced at some point in our lives. Maybe even at the present time. The disease which has reached epidemic proportions is loneliness. I've been reading Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll recently. He says 'many people are lonely and lack the community gathering points in which they can make meaningful human contacts.' He goes on to give the changes that have occurred in our society over the past 25 years. When I was a child my parents often got together with neighbors and friends to play cards or have a sing a long around the pianola. Now, I don't know about you but my husband and I often get together with friends for a meal and an evening of playing cards or a board game like Settlers of Catan, chatting or perhaps going to live theatre. Apparently this is not the norm these days. According to statistics here are some social activities that have undergone radical change over the past 25 years. Playing cards - down 25 percent Having a social evening with a friends or neighbor down 33 percent Attending social clubs and meetings down 58 percent Having friends to one's home down 45 percent Family dinners down 33 percent There are others mentioned but you get the picture. The book goes onto say that people are 'increasingly busy, isolated, lonely, and disconnected.' Given that people seem to have lost the art of making friends and relating with others is it any wonder that divorce and teen suicide rates have climbed and depression has become more prevalent in today's society? In the past people found strong friendships and a sense of community within the church. But even there numbers are down. It seems we just don't have time any more for people or for building and maintaining relationships. The only way it will change is if you and I make a concerted effort to think of others before ourselves, to put aside our own fears and inadequacies and reach out to others in our church and neighborhood. The alternative is to let the epidemic of loneliness continue. Please visit the related blogs Laziness-Part 5- With Friends and Relationships Learn more about Dale Harcombe  Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults. Relevantchristian tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags books, disease, friendship, loneliness, relationships Discuss this article
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