Changing the Lanes of Loneliness

The Lanes of Loneliness

Even in a small community small ours, the isolation of our city can sometimes be felt emotionally as well as physically.  Although we can see our neighbors' lights across the hillside, it is easy to still feel a thousand miles away from a real conversation.

There is a beauty to our "High Valley"—the way the morning light hits the San Gabriel mountains or the peace of the sunset across the trails at Stetson Ranch, but honestly, there is a side of foothill living that doesn’t always make it into the Instagram feed.

It’s the silence. Not the "peaceful" kind of silence, but the kind that feels heavy. It’s the feeling of being surrounded by thousands of neighbors in Sylmar, yet wondering if anyone would notice if you didn't step outside today.

Loneliness isn’t just about being alone; it’s about feeling invisible in your own neighborhood.

Whether you are a new resident trying to find your footing, a senior whose social circle has shifted, or a busy professional who only sees neighbors through the windshield of your car, isolation is a real pain point in our community. We live in a world that is more "connected" than ever, yet many of us are wary of a simple, face-to-face "How are you doing?"

Why We Hide (and Why We Shouldn't)
Often, we keep our loneliness quiet because we think we’re the only ones feeling it. We look at the hikers on the trail or the families at the park and assume everyone else has "their people."

But here is the truth: You are not the only one looking for connection – or wondering who is safe to connect with in these difficult, divisive and fear-filled times we live in.

Even as a completely digital congregation, at The House of His Glory, we believe that no one was meant to navigate life in total isolation. Community isn't just a byproduct of living in the same neighborhood; it’s a choice we make to see and be seen; to love; be loved and belong.

Breaking the Silence
If feeling isolated is a heavy burden in your life, here are three small ways to start rebuilding the connections that can ease the weight of loneliness:

• The "Rider’s" Rule: Have you ever seen two riders on horseback riding towards one another? Whether they know each other or not, they always acknowledge one another.  They are automatically connected by proximity and similar interest. So, next time you’re out, make eye contact and offer a simple "Good morning." It sounds small, but it’s the first step in feeling a part of a community and connected to the people in it.
• From Digital to Physical: Our digital congregation can be your connection point. Join us and chat during online service; comment on this post, submit a prayer request or call in to our teleconference bible study. Let “digital” be the doorway to a new direction in your life.
• Adopt the "Morningside" Spirit: Remember, when our community was known as "Morningside," it started as the "backyard" of the San Fernando Mission and was a place for connection and sanctuary. Take another look around – Sylmar is still growing and changing.  And, as you see our city with a fresh new perspective, don’t focus on all the old things that have kept you feeling separated, but instead, recognize all the reasons why you are a part of Sylmar – and why you belong here.

You are a valued part of the Sylmar story, and you don’t have to travel the lanes of life by yourself. And, by choosing Jesus, you are assured of never being alone.  In Hebrews 13:6 the Lord promises that He "...will never leave you, nor forsake you."  The Lord can and will lead you through your loneliness and maybe, if you follow Him, He will also lead you right into the connections that will fill your life with too much to feel alone.

~Pastor Deidre Jones