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Stephanie J Thompson

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You are here: Home / Sacred Connections / Why Connecting With Others In a Self Absorbed Culture Makes an Impact

Why Connecting With Others In a Self Absorbed Culture Makes an Impact

January 5, 2017 by Stephanie 12 Comments

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They say that the Eyes are the windows to the soul. Without a spoken word, a brief glimpse shares a synopsis of a stranger’s life story.
The exhausted single mother-sitting alone on the train during the required commute to her place of work. Knowing that her day is just beginning and the refuge of night time is a long way off.
Frantic eyes of another cry out for discernment-will that mistake cost me my job?
The cashier, despite her condescending tone, speaks of loneliness. What may have lead her to such a state?
Squished eyes filled with joyful anticipation as a child sees his parent in the pick-up line. The school day yields to the refuge found in the familiarity and comforts of home.
How often do we speak into these conversations of the eyes? Does the daily agenda dictate glancing at a device that cannot reciprocate?
Have we become consumed with entertainment rather than connection?
One smile; One wave;
While looking into the eyes of those we pass by and may never see again, we speak of value. Despite any words echoing otherwise behind those eyes, one connecting gesture conveys “Your. Life. Matters.”  In that moment we are reminded that there is no “we” and “them.”
God’s image is present.
(this is a post written for the Five Minute Friday writing community.)
http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/ )

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Comments

  1. mghollis38 says

    January 5, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    This is a beautiful post. I’m reading it for a fourth time to make sure I soak in every single word. It also goes well with the word “intentional.” Connection must be intentional.
    Hugs,
    Melinda
    (Visiting from FMF)

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    • Stephanie says

      January 5, 2017 at 11:02 pm

      Thanks Melinda. I agree-intentional. Because of our culture, looking into eyes does not come easily.

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  2. Andrew Budek-Schmeisser says

    January 5, 2017 at 10:57 pm

    What a lovely and moving post, Stephanie!
    My strongest connexion is with stray dogs – taking them into my arms and whispering, “You’re safe. NO ONE will ever hurt you again.”
    They have a forever home with us, which is why we can field a couple of canine football teams. The house is noisy, but there’s love here.
    #2 at FMF this week.
    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/01/your-dying-spouse-255-why-not-give-up.html

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    • Stephanie says

      January 5, 2017 at 11:04 pm

      Thanks Andrew! Our two dogs came from the shelter. They spoke in their own ways of feeling loved immediately upon being welcomed in our home. I wish I could rescue all of them. Bless you!

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  3. Tara says

    January 6, 2017 at 12:17 am

    Stephanie, this is beautiful! I’m so glad you joined us at FMF this week. Our eyes really are the windows to our souls and tell so much about each of us. I’m in the 9 spot this week.

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    • Stephanie says

      January 6, 2017 at 10:58 am

      Thanks Tara. I felt a little “disconnected” over the last two weeks without our FMF parties. I will hop over to your spot later.

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  4. Jeanne Takenaka says

    January 6, 2017 at 12:21 am

    Stephanie, what a beautiful post. Your words ring true. We traveled over the Christmas break, and as I watched people in the airport, on the planes, almost everyone was engaged with a device of some sort. It’s easy to escape into the world of our devices, and miss the engagement that our souls crave. Thank you for the reminder that when we gaze into another’s eyes, we remind them of their value. LOVED this.

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    • Stephanie says

      January 6, 2017 at 11:00 am

      Thank you Jeanne. I don’t have a smartphone so I don’t get enticed as easily but I still find myself caught up in mind clutter that I miss the opportunity to look around me.

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  5. Denise Lilly says

    January 6, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    This is a really beautiful post! It’s so easy to be absorbed in ourselves and forget to connect with the everyday people we come in contact with.

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  6. Gayl says

    January 7, 2017 at 11:25 pm

    “While looking into the eyes of those we pass by and may never see again, we speak of value.” This is so true! What a beautiful post! Blessings to you!

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  7. Anita Ojeda says

    January 15, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    What a beautiful reminder, Stephanie! I’m going to make an effort to really look at people and not just nod and say hello!

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    • Stephanie says

      January 15, 2017 at 9:27 pm

      Thanks Anita!

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When my first child was born 20 plus years ago, I envisioned taking just a few years off from my role as Pastor of Youth and Family. While that didn’t exactly unfold as expected, God used my gifts and skills in other ways. Read More…

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