Does Social Distancing Seem Unnatural?
Are you wrestling with the new normal, imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, that requires distance instead of closeness, separation instead of togetherness, telecommuting instead of working on-site with your team?
As grateful as I am for Zoom, we intuitively know that face-to-screen interaction isn't what we were created for.
And as much as I enjoy Netflix, Hulu, & Disney Plus, our souls weren't made for binging. And if I have to watch Frozen 2 one more time, I might get lost in the woods, on purpose.
Social distancing, although vitally important and necessary for today, will become more and more unnatural over the long-haul; one of the many reasons that we hope tomorrow comes quickly.
So, what do we do about it?
First, in times like this, it helps to understand why we may feel as though there's something about distance that isn't best or even healthy.
In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, we see how much social proximity matters to Jesus. Quick summary:
5:3 - Jesus stepped into the boat with Peter.
5:13 - Jesus touched a man with leprosy.
5:15/19 - Huge crowds came to Jesus to be healed.
5:29 - Jesus attended a party, eating and drinking with sinners and social outcasts!
In one chapter alone we get a glimpse of the rhythm and rhyme of Jesus' life, and insight into what we we created for.
You see, when you can't...
Work in the same space as your people (Peter's boat was the vehicle of his occupation)
Extend compassion through presence and appropriate touch
Gather with larger groups for worship, prayer, and spiritual/emotional revitalization
Or get around a dinner table with the people you love
You feel as though you're missing something because you actually are. We were made for more!
Specifically, we were made for proximity.
That being said, with this being our new reality we have the opportunity to create revolutionary experiences for social interaction in spite of our need to remain distanced from one another. And I'm excited to see it happening all across our city through vibrant, accessible, and interactive small group gatherings, online worship, and growth experiences.
At the same time, as we connect digitally, there are powerful opportunities for us to come together, even for a brief moment, to extend unprecedented compassion and care to our neighbors around the Metro!
As we continue working with leaders to determine high-impact ways for us to partner together, we've identified three powerful opportunities for you, your family, team, or congregation to make a difference in the days ahead by addressing the most basic needs of our neighbors!
Open Door Mission is hosting a drive-thru drop-off donation drive to receive much needed supplies as they continue to serve some of the most vulnerable women, men, and young people in our city. Follow this link to find out more about Open Door's needs. You can deliver them on Saturday, March 28th from 9-11AM.
Abide is currently focused on meeting the physical needs of families and children in North Omaha. Follow this link to learn how you can partner with Abide to bring the hope of Jesus to our neighbors.
Food Bank of the Heartland is experiencing a significant increase in demand for food. Today, they are purchasing 70% of their food for distribution, whereas in a typical month they have 70% donated. To find out more, follow this link.
One city leader said to me that "social distancing is a reality, but emotional distancing doesn't have to be."
My hope is that as we practice proper self-care, we will find ways to join Jesus in the work he's doing all around us, and in doing so discover meaningful, soul-filling connectivity in spite of the distance that separates us.
If we can serve you or your congregation in any way, please reach me directly at jed@withinreach.com.
Grateful,
Jed Mullenix
Within Reach // CEO
To access up-to-date resources, tools, and best practices for church leaders and their teams, check out our COVID-19 leader resource. Here's the link.