Two new terms have come into mass circulation during the last fortnight. ‘Self-isolation’ and ‘social distancing’. Both are being forced upon us by the circumstances we face as the COVID-19 Corona virus stalks the nations of the globe. They have finally hit our home too, as Diane and I both have respiratory infections and are on antibiotics. We are choosing the latter- social distancing – for the moment but may have to elevate that to code red if either of us develops a fever or other symptoms of the virus.
But the millions who may be self-isolating or social distancing just now are beginning to experience something that people who suffer with chronic illness have known for years. It is hard to be on your own when you are unwell. It is also tough to ask people to stand at a distance from one another when all we want to do is cuddle up and be comforted. Welcome to the world I inhabited at times during 22 years. Being unable to socialise, go to special events, welcome visitors because of your pain or other aspects of one’s condition, all add to the distress suffered by so many.
As an old hand at this, then, are there any tips that I can pass on? Well, a few:
• Use technology as much as you can to stay in touch with the world around you. If you don’t do techno stuff, then find a young child in your family to teach you!
• Try and get into a small portion of God’s Word – the Bible – daily. If you don’t have a copy of the world’s best-selling book, then you can download an app from the You Bible here.
• Remember that phones work two ways. Instead of waiting for someone to phone you, why not plan to call someone else in isolation or need each day. Set up an alarm to remind you of the time to call someone else.
• Don’t forget that you are never truly alone. Jesus said: ‘I will never leave nor forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5b-6).
• Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings. You can even jot down what you think God may be saying to you in all this solitude. List reasons to be thankful each day.
This season of separation from others will pass, and when it does, you will be uniquely gifted and prepared to offer understanding love and support to those for whom this kind of stuff is daily life.
I talk more about my own seasons of isolation and pain in my latest book Through the Storms; a manual for when life hurts. Click here to order one from Amazon in either Kindle or paperback format, or for a signed copy email me at throughthestorms750@gmail.com
