Is it possible to really know someone anymore? In our over networked yet under connected society I wonder if we’ve lost sight of the importance of spending time together, hearing a person’s voice and actually taking the time to listen.
Technology has done wonders for our world. We can accomplish things in half the time, communicate it to a broader audience quicker, and receive feedback almost instantaneously. But lately I’ve been pondering if the advent of social networking has made us less sociable? These days we’d rather text than call. We “see” people on Facebook rather than getting together face to face. And, “how are you” is synonymous with “hello” rather than an expression of genuine concern for how a person is actually doing. Truthfully, we usually don’t even stop long enough to hear the answer. Just too busy living…
I’m not trying to lay a guilt trip on us. I know we’re all busy with our own lives – just tooling away trying to fulfill our purpose. But if we don’t take the time to really see people, we can’t expect to know people. I fear the more we become enamored with “distance loving” the more we’ll be surprised when our friends act out of character. We never knew they were hurting.
The upcoming holidays are a wonderful time of year, but for some they are also incredibly depressing. Suicide rates increase dramatically, and millions of people hurt alone and in silence. Let’s not let another day go by without reaching out to those we love! It’s such a small thing, really. Just take 5 minutes out of your day and pick up the phone. Don’t text. Don’t email. Call. You can hear a lot in a person’s voice that you can’t see in a text. And from now on, when you ask someone how he or she is doing, look him or her in the eye and listen. All most of us want in this life is to be seen, and to be important to somebody. That may be the best gift you give this season.
And if you are suffering, please, please reach out to those around you for help. You don’t have to hurt and be alone. I know it’s embarrassing and scary, but we have all had to deal with something at one time or another. Please don’t go another day in pain. We are all praying for you and wishing God’s blessings on your life. You are worthy! You are strong! You are enough!
Sending love wherever you may be! Peace and blessings…
Alonzo Byrd says
Nice piece, Katrina. I wrote something similar in 2011; here it is: http://www.thevillagecelebration.com/pay-attention-please/
katrinamcghee says
Wonderful article! Thanks for sharing.
thisisyourbestyear says
Wonderful article. I just saw you tonight on “Women that Soar”. Congrats.
katrinamcghee says
Thank you! I hope you enjoyed the show.