We’re back there again – #lockdown2020 has turned into #minilockdown2021. I feel like I’ve just found my feet again in this post-covid world, learning to balance social distancing while not being socially distant. Self isolating has become slightly frustrating. I’m learning to juggle my safety with my sanity and the two don’t seem to agree.

So, how does one remain socially connected while being socially isolated?

How do we reconnect in a world that encourages us to disconnect?

How do we maintain the integrity of community while being aware of the constraints that hold us apart?

Acts 2:42-47 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

As a believer, the Bible instructs us to love one another and to not neglect the fellowship of believers. The early church was marked by meeting with one another and loving one another and learning from one another. How do we not forsake the fellowship of believers in a world wrecked by fears and frightening statistics?

I’ve learned that community happens through intentionality. And I’m learning to be intentional with the community that God has blessed me with.

Thanks to the 21st century, we have technology that has allowed for distance dialogue.

Here are a few ways that we can reconnect in a world of disconnection:

1. Pick up the phone and call someone.
2. Start a WhatsApp group with a handful of friends and start encouraging each other daily.
3. Video calling – as boring as it’s become – is a way that we can connect with others, smile at them, show our faces and cheer each other up.
4. Host a family/friends game evening over Zoom/WhatsApp video chat.
5. Start an intimate, telephone prayer meeting with friends.
6. Write a letter to a friend and pop it in their letterbox. (old school style)
7. Start an online book club/bible study and connect with friends through a Facebook group, etc.
8. Send meals to one another through delivery apps.
9. Offer to buy groceries for a friend and drop them at the front door or organize delivery through grocery apps.
10. Watch a YouTube preach/teaching at the same time as a friend and then call each other to chat about what you learned.

I’ve heard that connection needs action. We need to be intentional with connecting with our communities and families and bridging the gap that social distancing has created.

John 13:34-25 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

How can you make someone lonely, feel loved today? How can you be the light in someones life today?

We can change the world simply by loving others.

From my little corner of the world,

Robynne