It happened again this week to me. In contacting a medical office, I was treated as a non-person, less than human. I would love to say that this doesn't happen often, but that wouldn't be true. Thankfully, it turned out they were just having a bad day as follow-up contact with that office was much better. Two others have shared similar experiences in the past couple weeks.
These interactions can leave us feeling less than human. To begin looking at isolation side effects, I want to share something that has probably been the biggest thing I have seen in both myself and others in the isolation no matter the cause of the isolation. Identity. By identity, I mean who we are and what defines us.
So often, we are treated as less than human as I mentioned above. By reason of our isolation and illness, we are typically on the outside looking in. We can't participate in activities or struggle to make ends meet.
It is easy for those around us to see only our disability or struggles and not to see us as people. We can be treated as less-than, forgotten, and looked over. Our needs are not understood. Other times, people will forget that we have likes and dislikes, needs, opinions, etc. just like "normal" people even though we are isolated.
In turn, we can begin to think of ourselves as less than and unworthy. In my kitchen, you will see this painting. I worked on it over the winter because I need constant a constant reminder of who I am.
Let me remind you of who and what you are, completely separate from whatever challenges you face:
- You are loved. Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16
- You are created with purpose. Psalm 139:14-16
- You are (or can be) a child of God. If you have any questions about this, please contact me!
- You are unique, special, lovely, precious, strong, and chosen. (See verses in painting above.)
- You have worth not because of anything you have or are, but because God loves you. There are many verses in the Bible that show this. I listened to this song on repeat during some of the hardest days.
- Your identity is in Christ. This movie scene sums it up well. (Please ignore the ads at the beginning.) Ephesians is an amazing book to study in relation to our identity.
The next time someone sees you as "less than" or the enemy makes you think you are not enough, please remember this. You have worth. You are loved! Also, practice
1 Corinthians 13, giving people the benefit of the doubt.
And, dear church friends, we can go a long way in helping isolated people feel their worth by speaking directly to them, listening, and including them any way that it is feasible. They would love to be able to help with anything they can and pray for church needs. Let them see that they are a valuable part of your church. Treat them as the precious person they are, seeing them instead of their disease. You can make a difference!
