I've had my share of time with this noun. It crept in, and before I knew it, I felt alone. In truth, I wasn't alone. But inside my head, I told myself I was alone. For me, being alone caused me to go to the extreme and to go into hiding. To type this, or say it out loud, is really crazy, but that's what happened. I have a wonderful, caring husband, friends with whom I socialize, and friends with whom I work. All while hiding, all while feeling alone.

It wasn't until I joined a small group that I realized I was in hiding, and I decided to make a change and come out of the dark. As I write this, I am about to celebrate one year out of hiding! And life is more full than I imagined it could be.

Societal Statistics on Feeling Alone

Even as our world becomes increasingly connected through social platforms, many of us feel more isolated and alone. 1. In 2025, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults say they felt lonely all day yesterday—the highest number in two years. 2. Surveys also show that 30% of adults experience loneliness at least weekly, and 10% report daily loneliness. 3. Meanwhile, globally, loneliness has been called one of the significant public health threats—tied to heart disease, anxiety, depression, and even early mortality, with a risk factor level comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 4. On a societal scale, loneliness erodes social cohesion and costs billions in lost productivity and healthcare burdens. In short: our culture’s shift toward digital, individualistic living has left many of us craving one simple thing... real togetherness.

That’s exactly why community—where we connect with God and with others—isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential.

Out of Hiding!

God didn't create us to go it alone. We are wired for connection... connection to Him and connection to each other. From the beginning, Genesis 2:18, The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” It was never God's intent for us to be alone. He always intended for us to have someone to share life experiences with.

When connection is missing, with God and others, life feels out of tune. Yes, we can grow in our faith independently. Still, real transformation occurs when Scripture is studied, shared, and embraced within the context of community. That's where encouragement, accountability, and friendship all come alive. In this connectedness is where we come out of hiding and truly start living.

In a small group Bible study, we don't just read Scripture—we wrestle with it, laugh over it, bring our doubts, and celebrate revelations. It's a place to be real, to be seen, and to let your faith be strengthened and sharpened. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." That's connectedness. It's true community! God, shaping us as we walk together.

Community also equals comfort. Life can be heavy—full of big decisions, sorrow, and happiness. But when people gather in Jesus' name, the load we carry becomes lighter, and the celebrations sweeter. That's the power of being connected—to Him and others.

What's Coming This Fall

I'm thrilled to be co‑leading two Bible studies this fall—and you're invited:

• Freedom (Mondays, starting September 8, 2025)
  Freedom groups are designed to help believers move from the experience of salvation to the abundant life that Jesus desires for them. (This study helped me start the journey out of hiding!)
• The Right Kind of Strong (Tuesdays, starting September 3, 2025) — by Mary Kassian
  In The Right Kind of Strong, Mary Kassian unpacks what it means for women to be strong in a biblical way—not by culture's standards, but by God's. She identifies seven habits that can drain a woman's spiritual strength—like letting "creeps" into our hearts, being ruled by emotions, or never practicing what we preach—and helps us turn those into spiritual disciplines that foster true strength in Christ.

Invitation

Here’s the beautiful thing: no matter where you are on your journey with Jesus, there’s a place for you in either (or both!) of these studies. If you’re longing for a deeper connection—to God, to others, and to yourself—you’re invited.

• 👉 Freedom meets Monday nights, starting September 8, 2025
• 👉 The Right Kind of Strong meets Tuesday nights, starting September 3, 2025

We’ll gather weekly to dive into God’s Word, lean on Him, and grow together in faith and friendship. Bring your Bible, bring a friend, and come just as you are.

P.S. I know what it feels like to hesitate. I’ve been there. But if you step out, I promise—you’ll be welcomed, seen, and invited into community with me and others.

Deb Long | 205-447-3476 | Deb@CallTodaysHome.com

Footnote:

1 The Times. /Gallup.com
2 Psychiatry.com
3 TheScienceSurvey.com
4 Who.int