I Am Not Alone Reflection
Welcome to the Psalms of Our Lives series. In the ‘I’m Not Alone’ episode, I will share my story and song of praise about what it means to find comfort and friendship in the Lord.
Loneliness, a silent predator that preys on our hopes and dreams, is a feeling many have experienced at some point. As Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 21st United States Surgeon General, once said, “Loneliness is like hunger, a signal you lack something for survival.” It’s a feeling that can be as debilitating as physical hunger, reminding us of our need for connection and community.
My first awareness of loneliness came when I graduated from college and moved to Milwaukee, WI. I did not know anyone living there, and it caused me to try to seek out the experience of growing up on an island and transitioning to a college campus. Living in an urban city significantly differed from my experiences on a small island and private college campus. I picked up some bad habits that could have cost me my life. I experienced the same loneliness when I moved to Chicago, IL, and Southern California. Seeking to find a community to fit into, I again added some of the same bad habits that could have cost me my life.
Jesus knocked on my door in 2005 and said it was time to live out my purpose. I did not know what that truly meant, but I knew what religion was because I grew up Catholic. The call was not to be religious but to enter into a relationship with the body of Christ. I found purpose and a better picture of what it means to live from a place of victory.
When my mother died in 2010, I felt the same experience of loneliness. We were besties and would share everything going on in our lives daily. The experience of loneliness was different this time because I had the love of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The line ‘There was another in the fire standing next to me’ from the song Another in the Fire, which comes from Daniel 3:25, reminds me that I am not alone. The Holy Spirit’s presence allowed me to experience the fullness of loneliness after my mother died without the feeling of being alone.
Truth in the Word of God: John 14:18 ERV. “I will not leave you all alone like orphans. I will come back to you.” John 14:26 ERV. “But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit the Father will send in my name.” John 14:26 ERV.
In 2008, I wrote the song I’m Not Alone. I truly believe this song was the anthem that serenaded me through the moments when I experienced loneliness and yearned for conversations with my mother. The chorus of the song follows:
I’m not alone
I’m not on my own; I know
You sent me right
When I want to go left
You whisper wisdom
When I’m foolish and deaf
Your grace and love
Is Guiding me every day
I’m not alone, I’m not alone, I’m not on my own
With me always, Always with me, you are
With me always, Always with me, you are
With me always, Until the end
David Pettway, a worship leader I served with, would ask, “You Got Holdin’ On?” This is a translation from the elders in the black church to inquire if you have the Holy Spirit guiding your life’s purpose. He would then say, “Keep on Holdin’ on!”
Pray: Abba Father God, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to help us remember what you said. Your presence brings heaven into our lives when we experience loneliness. Thank you for reminding us that we are not alone. In Jesus name, Amen.
Take A Moment To Reflect:
- What does it look like when you experience loneliness?
- How will you lean into the presence of the Holy Spirit to help you get closer to God during moments of loneliness?
Until next time, create space to connect with your Abba, Father, God, and:
- Be Aware: Pause to acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s presence.
- Be in Gratitude: Thank the Holy Spirit for prompting you to be in the body of Christ’s community.
- Be Praising: Sing a song of praise. Speak openly with your Abba Father God.
Be Blessed, Beloved