You Are Never Alone

I woke up this morning filled with gratitude. Over the past few days, I've had the honor of engaging in several meaningful conversations that reminded me of an essential truth: life is all about relationships and helping others succeed.

We are deeply interconnected, as reflected in Paul's words:

"And whenever one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." — 1 Corinthians 12:26

When one of us wins, we all win. When one suffers, we all suffer. Yet many times in life, this doesn't always feel true, does it? I remember countless moments where I felt completely alone in my suffering, particularly during the past 18 months while dealing with the betrayal and loss of my parents, friends, and family.

If there's one lesson that should be added to the list of universal laws, it's this: if you want to know who your true friends are, start a business.

Recently, I reached out to someone who seemed to be experiencing similar challenges to what I faced a year and a half ago. My simple words of encouragement cascaded into an exchange of referrals, feedback, and advice. Most importantly, I learned their story.

Despite attending junior high and high school together, I had no idea of our similar experiences. Though we weren't close then, I had always admired their apparent strength and confidence. They projected such assurance that I never suspected the adversity they faced at home. Based on their friend group, I had assumed they enjoyed a very comfortable, upper-middle-class upbringing.

This revelation made me reflect on my own childhood years. I, too, felt isolated then. My family dynamics were unusual, to say the least. While I maintained an image of success—one my parents worked hard to preserve—the reality was more complex. My achievements in school and extracurriculars were genuine, but they weren't the complete picture.

What appeared as confidence and success on the outside was actually a protective shield for inner brokenness. From age 16 to 26, I used marijuana not as a social activity but as a constant escape. I would smoke even when I didn't want to be high. Like Paul's words in Romans 7:15: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

It took years to understand why I engaged in behavior I didn't even want to do: I felt alone. I believed no one understood my struggle, my pain, my trauma. Escape seemed like the only relief.

This recent conversation reminded me that we're never truly alone. We feel isolated because we try to protect ourselves with false images instead of standing firm in God's Word. What if, instead of using carefully curated personas, we used vulnerability as our shield? What if authenticity, rather than conformity, became our mirror to the world?

When we feel alone, it's simply a sign we need love and connection. Instead of withdrawing, reach out to someone. Share words of encouragement. Express your appreciation. Watch what happens. Not only will you break the chains of isolation and loneliness, but you'll discover what I've learned: you are never, ever truly alone. We are all in this together.