The Answer is “I Feel Alone”

Have you watched the TV game of Jeopardy? A player receives an answer under the category and dollar amount she chooses. She then asks a question that fits the answer.

Let’s play the game for a minute.

The category in my game is “ Life Transitions.”

The answer is “I feel alone.”

Do you know or can you guess what the right question might be?

HINT: In a recent online survey about life transitions, every woman who participated answered “I feel alone” to this question.

The question was “What problems or obstacles do you face during significant life changes?”

I feel alone was the top answer. The feeling of being alone and isolated during times of change is common.

Feeling Alone and Hiding Away

Family deaths and illnesses, changing churches, and losing a ministry role left me feeling alone. That huge hole in my heart seemed way too visible! Hiding out, away from people, became my defense mechanism while I recovered. (Hmmm, not too healthy.)

Survey respondents shared a similar experience. When asked how personal conflicts, health issues, and other negative life changes affect them, more than 60% responded they “avoid the issue and hide away.” I wasn’t alone. Many of us react to life changes with trepidation!

The good news is that everyone surveyed emphasized the importance of their faith. They turn to God through prayer and seek His direction in all their challenges. Yes and Amen!

We may go through periods of feeling alone, but God calls us to walk in community with one another – to encourage, lift up, hold accountable, bless, share our faith and blessings, and so much more.

Your Lifeline During Transition

Yesterday, as I experienced heavy snows and strong winds, I was reminded that we all need a lifeline in every circumstance. If I wander out into the snow without a visible trail or structure to follow back, I risk getting lost.

God is our lifeline during times of change. But, how much easier it is to find our way when we walk together. Together, we are more likely to share our burdens and let Christ shine his light on our challenging transitions. Where there is light, darkness can’t exist!

Feeling alone or hiding away is not God’s plan for your transition. Do the opposite! Here are a few suggestions.

• Search out or begin a support group with like-minded women
• Strengthen your lifeline with God through prayer and study
• Learn how to use your transition as a time of spiritual growth

Here are some great resources to get started:

• Questions for Jesus by Tony and Kathy Stoltzfus is an excellent study for learning how to lean in with Jesus and let him fulfill your desires. It’s great for small groups that want to love and affirm each other.
• Transformation through Life Transitions: Go Deeper, Move Higher, and Release Your God-Given Destiny is a new 6-week online workshop and small group I have initiated for women in transition. Each group is limited to four individuals. Contact me if you would like to know more. (You can be anywhere in the country.)

Remember, you don’t have to feel alone. The answer is to overcome challenges during life transitions by seeking support and engaging God. Take a step into the light!