There has been a major fracture. I’m not talking about broken bones; I’m talking about the line that runs between you and your loved ones, between you and your neighbours, between you and what you were made for.
We never thought disconnection would become the major problem of our times. Each technological revolution was supposed to increase connectivity. Cars will connect villages to cities, went the logic. Instant messaging will connect distant family members, thought most educated people. An internet connection will connect us with more news and entertainment, said the tech giants. More machines will save us from time-consuming tasks so that we can enjoy our families and friends, the corporations promised.
Oh, how we fell for it.
We filled our lives to the brim with these revolutionary technological products. Our houses are now filled with machines, our eyes are filled with news and entertainment, our weeks are filled with car journeys, our minds are filled with details about the bills we pay for these services, and our inboxes are filled with emails from insurance companies who we pay to look after the mess we’ve made.
We did gain some things, to be fair. Lots of things are easier, some things take less time, and plenty of things work better. We gained the world, you could say. But we lost our soul.
We have allowed the breakdown of community at every level of society.
It's everybody’s fault. It is the government’s fault, because they have let important values slip away, instead preferring to look progressive in the eyes of the world. It is the corporations’ fault, because they pummelled us with advertising and let their moral compass go awry. It is my landlord’s fault, because he disconnected himself from this property and his tenants’ lives. It is my neighbours’ fault, because they preferred convenience and luxury over quality time and unity. It is my fault, because every day I make small decisions that nudge me closer to a disconnected dystopia rather than walk the long, difficult, narrow road that leads to truth, love, and life – and therefore, real community.
The fracture is getting worse, and an almighty rebuild needs to begin urgently. It truly is the task of our times: to build resilient, wise, hard-working, loving communities who know what is true and stand on it together.
You might think it’s not urgent, or you might think it’s not possible. But it is both.
Hear this: there is another life, and it is reachable. But you have to want it first. Allow me to paint a picture of what it is that we are missing.
Imagine you and a close circle of friends and families live within walking distance of each other. It's already a revolutionary idea, isn't it? But it gets much better. You all work together on shared land and you grow your own food together. You live in your own houses and come together for extravagant feasts.
It's still real life, and it's not all rosy, but something strong has developed amongst the group. You love them so much that you constantly want the best for them and do what you can to help them; week in, week out. And they love you back. In fact, they not only love you but they listen to you. They encourage you. They even point out your flaws, sharpen your character, and forgive your mistakes.
Together, you have power. I don’t mean the ugly, domineering sort. I mean true, good power. The power to know the truth, build shelters, grow food, heal diseases, make beautiful art, raise healthy kids, and work satisfying jobs. Your life has balance and rhythm. Indoors, outdoors; work, rest, play; plan, build, achieve; eat, drink, sleep.
Ah, but what if there was only one way to get to that life? What if the route took you over dangerous terrain, through dark valleys, around long and lonely diversions? What if the destination was hidden far off in the mountains, behind peaks taller than you’ve ever climbed? What if the truth of how to attain this life was buried under the rubble of generations of pain and secrets? What if, to reach that distant country, you had to face your own shortcomings and conquer your own fears? And worst of all (for some of you), what if you had to surrender your life to the one who created you? Would you still go in search of it?
Would you seek it above all things?
Hm, now that’s a question worth wrestling with.