If you’re feeling lonely, you’re not alone…

I’ve been meditating on Isaiah 43:19 recently: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Warmer, sunnier days always make me excited for what’s to come and I think that’s an expectation we need for those of us living in colder and darker climates. 

I received a pitch this morning that included some research undertaken by the University of Cambridge, in which they studied more than 40,000 blood samples from adults in the UK. This allowed them to see which proteins were present in higher levels among people who were socially isolated or lonely, and how these proteins were connected to poorer health. Ultimately, their study revealed that a lack of social interaction is literally making people sick and researchers discovered that loneliness is associated with the production of certain proteins linked to high cholesterol and heart disease.

This year marks five years since the beginning of COVID-19, lockdowns and isolations, which changed the way many of us work today. For some, being able to work remotely has been a blessing and allows for more flexibility. For others, it has meant more time alone and, more importantly, an increase in feelings of loneliness. A few weeks ago, I organised a brunch for the women I have met in the last few years, having moved to a completely new area, and each one of them said how much they miss, and need, this kind of regular community and connection.

For those of us who are churchgoers, this need is fulfilled at least once a week as we meet in person in our churches and homegroups. But is it possible to be part of a church community and still feel lonely? Our WA Plus takes a deep dive into this issue (page 28), as Danielle Finch considers how the Church is responding to the loneliness epidemic that seems to have affected us all.

If you are reading this and are not part of a community, join us here at Woman Alive! Go to womanalive.co.uk/join-us and become a part of something amazing that will encourage and inspire you in your walk of faith (see below for details on how to join the Woman Alive book club on Facebook). 

Love and blessings,

Editor + Creative Director

Doll