“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
— John 10:10

Isolation is mean.

You go to a chat room and see everyone is having a good time…
Without you.
They are discussing things that don’t need you.
You feel dispensable.
(As actually, everyone is).

You go to a meeting and no one seems to see you.
No one asks how you are.
Someone fondly talks with everyone else except you.
(I’m here too!)
You have to speak just for you to feel you are there.
(Oh yes, I’m here!)

Do they want me?
Don’t they want me?
Are they happier without me?
Do I stifle their growth?
Am I annoying?

I’m happier without them.
Am I?
I need them too.
Do I?
I’m too clingy.

Silence.
Me.
Alone.

Isolation is in the head.
Because we feel they don’t need us.
We try to feel we don’t need them.
The room seems small.
The walls seem closer.
Head.

People are walking, laughing, talking—groups without you.
The group you once had is inching away from you.
Your hand is slipping.
Wait.
Don’t!

Nobody knows.
Those in the group, they don’t know.
Don’t they care?
They are supposed to see.
Me.

Picture. Picture. Picture.
Without me.
They isolate me.

Weren’t you supposed to be there?
I isolate me.

(The grip fails. Total silence. You brace for the drop…)
(Then, a voice cuts through.)

“We missed you.”
“Thank you.”

We group to belong.
As we group, others feel they don’t belong.
We feel joy and strength when we group.
What of those not in the group?
We isolate when we group.

Join us!
Won’t.
Can’t.
No.
Isolation.

Isolation is mean.
It keeps you there.

Prayer.
Hand.
C’mon! C’mon!
Touch.
Hold.
Hug.

“How are you?”
Really.

You.
Me.
Same.
Not alone.
We’re not alone.
You’re not alone.

See. Hear. Feel.
There is love beyond the words.
There is love beyond the groups.
There is love beyond the physical.
Love for you.
Love for them.

Spirit!

We’re not alone.
I have you.

Shall not…
will not…
cannot be isolated.

Trust!