Dear Church Family,

Last Sunday, I shared about Florence Chadwick, an accomplished long-distance swimmer, who set out to swim from the California coast to Catalina Island in July of 1952. Despite her experience and determination, she quit less than one mile from her goal due to the dense fog that clouded her vision and judgment. She later revealed that if she had been able to see the shore, she would have persevered. This story underscores a vital truth: isolation can obscure our perception and lead us to surrender.

In the same way, isolation can profoundly affect our mental health. When we are alone, the challenges and difficulties of life can often seem insurmountable. We become like Florence Chadwick in the fog, unable to see the shore and feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of our struggles. However, when we allow others into our lives, their perspectives can offer clarity, insight, and encouragement that we might otherwise miss.

The Bible offers many examples and teachings on the importance of community. In Ecclesiastes  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 we read,  Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ESV

This passage highlights the strength and support we gain from being in relationships with others. When we face life's challenges together, we are less likely to fall and more likely to succeed.

In the New Testament, we see the importance of mutual encouragement in the early church. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to “... consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” -ESV

Gathering together and sharing our lives helps us stay focused on our spiritual and mental well-being, providing us with the strength to press on.

Isolation can lead to distorted thinking, where our problems seem bigger and our resources smaller than they are. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, Where there is no guidance, a people falls,  but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. ESV

Seeking advice and support from others helps us see our situations more accurately and find solutions that we might not have considered on our own.

Mental health struggles, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, often thrive in isolation. When we isolate ourselves, we cut off the very support system that can help us navigate these challenges. Like Florence Chadwick, who might have succeeded had she seen the shore, we too can overcome our struggles with the help of others. Trusted friends, family, and church members can offer us the encouragement, perspective, and support we need.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't isolate yourself. Reach out to someone who can offer a different perspective and help you see the "shore" that might be closer than you think. In a Christian community, we find strength, clarity, and encouragement to keep moving forward. Together, we can navigate the fog of life's challenges and reach the shores of hope and healing.

Loving you all, 

Michael