Loneliness

Huddled behind the bunkers, we don't have to  worry about being vulnerable or brave or trusting. We just have to toe the party line. 

Except, that is not working.

 In these 31 Days of October I am unpacking my learning from the book, Braving The Wilderness, by Brené Brown. She has been a favorite author for years. In this new publication she manages to build a sidewalk and curb in the wilderness where we can bravely tread.

There is a beginning piano piece called the Lonely Pine.

"I'm so lonely, come build your nest in me, I'm so lonely."

The tune is in a minor key. Some soft hearted students feel uncomfortable with this piece. It pulls on their heart strings.

Does the world we live in today have more loneliness? Are we avoiding the wilderness to keep from feeling out of place and in the end just feeling more disconnected?

    When Jesus spoke words of truth the message was often divisive. His Jewish leaders wanted him to follow custom and tradition. Yet, he went through Samaria, ate with publicans, healed sinners, and brought his living water to all mankind.

    He braved the wilderness and turned to beckon us to follow him. He suffered intense loneliness but also had the deepest well of belonging as he did what His Father asked of him. 
"Breach the gap between myself and my children. Show the path back to me and carry them home."

  There was a high lonesomeness to his ministry but at the same time a divine connectedness. As, I write this post I am aware that I am not a good example of braving the wild. I read Brené Brown's books because they challenge me. I do see that sorting myself with like minded people is not the answer. There is often more loneliness there than safety. Tomorrow I will write about chapter four which is entitled, "People Are Hard To Hate Close Up. Move In."

True belonging has no  bunkers. We have to step out from behind the barricades of self-preservation and brave the wild. 

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