Emotional Distancing

10May
 
 
Social distancing is today’s virus preventative of choice. Keeping our distance physically from those who are sick can protect us from acquiring a virus. There is another kind of distancing that when practiced smothers opportunity. I am calling it emotional distancing.
 
When social distancing, we stand 6’ apart, and often we wear a mask to protect those we might infect. Those who emotionally distance themselves by masking emotions think they are preventing embarrassment and thwarting rejection. The emotional distancers almost certainly guarantee failed connections.
 
It is essential to understand that the opposite of emotional distancing is not wrongly targeted, vengeance motivated, unrestrained, and unfiltered expressions. The opposite of emotional distancing is well-timed and thoughtful exposure of true feelings with those we value in life. When we emotionally distance ourselves from those with whom we should build meaningful connections, we spread the “alienation virus,” whose primary symptom is loneliness.
 
In risking emotional exposure, we cultivate the high-quality connections that real and lasting friendships produce. If at the right time, with the right person, and in the right place, I take the risk of sharing what is going on inside, great friendship opportunities find opportunity. Be warned; there is risk involved with sharing. We may be rejected, belittled, or ignored. But, if we fail to try, we assure failure to experience a meaningful connection.
 
 

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Posted by Ron Lawler

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was a teen. A friend had invited me to attend church to help out in a Sunday School attendance drive. At the end of the worship service I asked the Pastor how I could know for sure I would go to Heaven. He had someone show me from the Scriptures how to receive Christ and from that day to this, I have had an assurance of Christ as my Savior and Heaven as my eternal home.

Within a few weeks I sensed a building desire to enter into full time ministry. My church observed me and confirmed the call. Upon graduation from High School, I enrolled in Bible College and I have been in ministry ever since. I was ordained to the ministry by my home church in Texas in 1974. It has been my privilege to be Pastor of Preaching and Teaching at Family Bible since 2005.

Cheryl and I were married in 1973. God has blessed us with two children, Rachel and David, and four grandsons.

Favorite part of ministry? - Researching and discussing questions about the Bible.

Favorite verse? - "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

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