Photo by Liana Mikah on Unsplash
In my letter to my readers last week I mentioned some loneliness I’ve been experiencing lately and a reader wrote back and asked me to share more about that.
My first response in my head was a sharp no way but then my second thought was maybe. And the ellipses that follow that maybe? Is today’s episode.
When we’re feeling lonely, what’s our next right thing? I can’t say I really have answers to that question, but I do have words and I do have stories and sometimes when you’re feeling lonely, words and stories land better than answers anyway.
Listen in.
Links + Resources From This Episode:
- Episode 113: Decide to Decide
- Matthew 11
- Sign up to receive my monthly letter
- Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing
- Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman
I’m Emily and I’m glad you’re here!
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Carl says
February 12, 2020 at 6:30 PMI am very lonely it’s hard to find a companion even if you are sharp looking man but I have God for he is present
Tammie J says
February 14, 2020 at 7:25 AMI wish I had listened to this podcast on Tuesday when it was released because I could have used the information on networking on Wednesday in a meeting. Gods timing is perfect though because yesterday (the day following the meeting) was a day of feeling badly about my response in that meeting.
I woke up this morning determined to change my attitude. I love your calming voice and your way with words, so I went to this podcast. Thank you.
The only word I could find at the time to describe how I was feeling was “tired” as I met with “idea people” who kept saying “we could do this and we could do that” and I kept thinking “do you mean WE or ME? But, I realize the best word to describe how I am feeling about many things is my work LONELY.
My favorite thing I will take away is the part about ownership. I am the only one who can do the next right thing in my job. It might NOT be the far-fetched idea that the unrealistic dreamer brought to the meeting, and I don’t have to feel badly about that if I’m doing my job well.
Thank you.
Mary says
February 14, 2020 at 7:48 PMThank you so much for this podcast Emily. Loneliness is real and you are right, we all experience it. It’s such a blessing to always have the One who loves me most with me 24/7–even when I don’t feel His presence. Thanks for the reminder. <3
Patricia S Ivie says
February 15, 2020 at 10:14 AMThank you for sharing your precious heart ❤️. I love that you speak softly and truly about faith practice. Lonely doesn’t mean unloved!
Rachael says
February 15, 2020 at 11:10 AMI’ve read most of your books. I read your blog for years. I’ve listened to several of your podcast. My heart and soul often connect with you thoughts, ideas and heart. You’ve made me think and given me comfort and encouragement. But today was the first time you’ve made me cry. I relate to loneliness as wife and an almost empty nester with 2 kids off to college and one last busy high schooler still at home. I cry not only because I connect with your words but because my hearts desire is to be and/or bring that love of Christ to the lonely. My heart hurts for those who can’t grasp that Withness of Christ. Oh may we be the hands and feet of Christ and bring His heart of love to others!
Sara Jane says
February 15, 2020 at 3:40 PM“Trust in ourselves as we walk with Him”… that’s my takeaway. I am not alone. I’m lonely and I’m loved. Thank you!
Marianne says
February 16, 2020 at 12:27 AMWow! I’m so glad I listened to your podcast tonight. 10 months ago I moved to a new place but my husband’s retirement (and ability to join me) has been delayed. I have experienced great loneliness! Making new friends and new routines (no more work) has been a slow process I will hold the reminder that lonely doesn’t mean unloved close to my heart. I am looking forward to my husband’s arrival in 6 weeks to begin our retirement life together. Thank you for your words! They blessed me
Ken says
February 16, 2020 at 8:50 AMI’m very blessed by today’s message.
Cheryl-Lee says
March 3, 2020 at 9:29 AMThank you Emily for saying yes, and sharing vulnerably about your own loneliness. Ironically, we can be lonely together. While listening to you I was reminded of the beautiful poem by Hafiz called “Absolutely Clear”:
Don’t surrender your loneliness
So quickly.
Let it cut more deep.
Let it ferment and season you
As few human
Or even divine ingredients can.
Something missing in my heart tonight
Has made my eyes so soft,
My voice
So tender,
My need of God
Absolutely
Clear.