“Make the loneliness go away,” we say to God. But there is a loneliness that is intrinsic to our humanity. Even with family, friends and satisfying work in abundance, you’re likely to find yourself at moments struggling with feelings of emptiness and loneliness. Try as you may to fill that loneliness with more people, more stuff, more activity, nothing satisfies. The more you try, the more insistent it is. Stop it. Consider the possibility that this strange ache in your soul is designed to drive you to the edge of mystery. Loneliness can be an invitation from God to draw closer to the flame. In your loneliest moments you come face to face with your truest Self.

Think back to a time when you felt the loneliest. Describe what was going on in your life at the time. What things did you turn to in an attempt to fill the loneliness?

–Renita Weems

Read the introduction to this journal