The use of words is fascinating at times as we make attempts to describe certain actions or phenomena in our efforts to communicate ideas.

For example, there was a time where not many would have entertained the idea of using a word we refer to as googling. On the surface it sounds weird.

Googling, by definition is the search for information about someone or something on the Internet using the search engine Google. 

The past few weeks have given birth to or heightened the use of another phrase quickly becoming very apparent to all of us on a daily basis. In recent days we have married to distinct words, social and distancing, to form the phrase social distancing. 

In an interview conducted by the Advisory Board, Asaf Bitton, a primary care physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and executive director at Ariadne Labs, referred to social distancing in the following manner.

“The most basic definition (of social distancing) is keeping at least six feet between you and another person. It’s a practice that has been around for years, but we need to be clearer about what the concept means and focus on physical distance as opposed to social isolation.”

The interview stemmed from an article Dr. Bitton wrote entitled, Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day. I would highly recommend reading and referring to the article as he outlines several key steps one should take as we individually and collectively heed the necessary protocols to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus.

Like it or not, the use of the phrase is now embedded into our consciousness. A trip to the grocery store last night and another to a big box store today reaffirmed this new reality in strategically placed signage.

The shelves at the grocery store were sparsely stocked and people were keeping their distance from each other. 

The experience at the big box store was interesting in the fact that we were ushered into the building via a maze constructed of wooden pallets, made our way to the checkout counter in choreographed fashion, and exited the store via another wooden maze. Personally, the manner in which it was orchestrated gets my vote for the new normal.

Dr. Bitton’s emphasis on “physical distance as opposed to social isolation” is something on which I would like to hone in. 

I think it wise we tune into the precautions we all need to take at this time. Hopefully, if we all do our part we can get through this thing sooner than later.

However, we can do our part to remove the social isolation factor in each other’s lives.  

There is nothing stopping us from calling a friend or a relative and checking in on them. 

This week we received a “How are you doing text?” from two of our pastors. They made it a point to reach out and care. It was a welcome moment in our day.

I got a call from a new friend at church who lives down the road from me.  He took the time to leave me a message indicating he was simply checking in and wanted to let me know he cared.  Heck, he even offered us some of that rare commodity flying off the shelves these days called toilet paper. Who knows, this offer might come in handy in the end!

We also got a call from one of the staff members at our financial advisory firm to simply ask if we were OK. This call was not expected and was a pleasant surprise.

We made a few calls or texts ourselves. They were not life altering communications to another. However, it was a moment to pause, consider someone else, and to let them know we care about them.

It did not take long in either case, but it spoke of being present without being physically present.

We are encouraged that “…a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24 New Living Translation)  

As we navigate the new waters labeled social distancing, now more than ever, you and I are called to be real friends.

As I close, it is reassuring to know:

“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles”. (Psalms 34:17 New International Version)

As God is available to us, let’s go the extra mile and make ourselves available to each other especially during this time in our lives. 

Let’s remove the distance by being social in new and meaningful ways.   

What can you do today to reach out and touch someone in a meaningful way?