Being single is not alone.

Whether by choice, or force,

or no other option,

times of solitude aren’t isolated.

We all have – in fact, need –

times in our lives

where solo is “what is” –

chances to reinvent,

or reverse what’s wrong,

re-fill our “giving well”.

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But restoration never happens

when we buy the lie of isolation:

no one else is there.

Not only is God ever with us,

but other hearts are eternally intertwined

with ours, with laces of love,

or horror, or sweetness

or penetrating pain

that never goes away.

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We were created connected

with the right to choose

who we let in our sanctuary,

and sometimes it seems only loneliness

will be our soul-mate for life.

And yet lonely isn’t alone.

God said, “I will never leave you”

and always partners us with people

who understand that separation

can be a place of healing or hell.

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We are the only ones who decide

where we visit, hide, or abide.

God, help us reach out of our pain,

or at least stand in the open door.