I think we’ve all felt it. The sudden flood of heat spreading across our face, the grip of queasiness in our stomach, our breath changing to a shallow pattern. The instant feeling of isolation and vulnerability that can come with feeling foreign and alone even amidst a crowd; feeling like “the other”.
Although not always this dramatic, even a slow, subtle process of accepting incorrect beliefs and wrong assumptions can result in feeling apart and detached. I am learning that the lie of feeling alone and helpless is a harsh but effective motivation to reach out to Jesus Christ immediately in prayer and worship. My life experience is also teaching me that my troubled spirit is soothed and healed when I remember to face my battles against the lie of isolation together with Jesus. And I’m still learning that my victory lies in not wasting time facing these moments of battle outside of the presence of Jesus. As long as I live knowing I belong to Jesus, I have the complete sense of true belonging and security that I need.
There can be tremendous value in feeling like the other; this experience can teach us to more quickly see and reach out to others. We point them to Jesus with a spoken word of greeting or the listening ear of understanding which can go a long way toward breaking the lie of isolation. I know that I have felt let out of prison at times with a phone call from a friend or an invitation to sit with a friend at church instead of sitting alone. This reminds me that I am very much a part of the infinitely large family of God. I am so very thankful that the dynamic of “the other” does not exist in the kingdom of God. Quoting a much-respected pastor, in God’s Kingdom “Everyone is welcome, everyone is needed”.
Isaiah 58:9 NKJV
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I.”
About the Author
Sara Gore has attended CitySalt Church since 2004, the year it was founded. She studied Journalism, wrote for her college newspaper, and is a member of Oregon Christian Writers. Sara also enjoys singing hymns with friends: “there is a sermon in every hymn waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.”