Only The Lonely

Dr. Dennis Hall describes loneliness and points out that on May 3rd the Surgeon General of the U.S. issued an advisory calling attention to a national epidemic of loneliness. Fifty percent of Americans report experiencing loneliness. It is more than a bad feeling. It is associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Loneliness is one of the best predictors of suicide. Social connection is a fundamental human need that is essential to survival as much as food, water, and shelter. In Genesis 2 the story of creation tells us God decreed, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."After reviewing some of the myths about loneliness Dr. Hall he examines some of the Surgeon General's recommendations which conspicuously omit the role that faith, church, and religion can play in addressing the epidemic of loneliness. He leads the listeners through a review of loneliness found in famous Biblical figures and provides insight about the loneliness felt by Jesus. Dr. Hall concludes this podcast by emphasizing that chuches provide a welcoming break from isolation. Can also be seen on YouTube at:https://youtu.be/ayy1vjlDxt0