Stand By Me
Our Fulling team recently gathered to watch and reflect on Stand By Me, a powerful video conference by Dr. John Delony that dives deep into the growing “loneliness pandemic” and how meaningful connection can change lives.
Here are some of our key takeaways and team reflections:
Different paths, same need for connection: Some of us still have friendships from childhood; others moved often and faced challenges forming long-term bonds. As adults, especially in remote work or post-parenting seasons, building new friendships can be tough.
Intentionality is key: Whether it's joining a life group, reaching out on Facebook, or reconnecting during visits home, we talked about the importance of putting in the effort to connect.
Loneliness has consequences: Dr. Delony shared staggering stats, like how 50% of people don’t have someone they can call in an emergency. Loneliness impacts both physical and mental health and can make the world feel more threatening than it is.
Friendship is a skill: It takes practice, vulnerability, and risk. Love and connection require us to show up, go first, and extend hospitality, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Say what matters: “I love you” isn’t just for romantic partners. We were reminded to say it often to our friends and family, before life gives us a reason to wish we had.
Connection over communication: Technology makes it easy to stay in touch but doesn’t replace the depth of real connection. We’re challenged to step beyond screens and into real shared experiences.
At the end of the day, we were reminded that relationships are everything. Success, health, and happiness all hinge on connection, and it’s never too late to reach out and build those bonds.
Conversation Questions and Food For Thought:
Are you still in touch with your childhood friends?
Are there people in your life you need to connect with more deeply?
Do you feel comfortable to call a neighbor or knock on the door to borrow something or ask someone a favor? Why or why not?