The need to belong…
The need to belong, to be known, and to be loved, is found in all people and all cultures. It is vital for our mental health, our happiness and our ability to lead a fulfilled life….
The need to belong is so strong that it can impact people in many ways; people can be unwilling to let go of negative relationships. We see this in cases of domestic abuse, relationships where we know we are being taken advantage of and yet stay. Or even cases of criminality where the people we surround ourselves with are influencing us negatively. The need to be known, and needed, and to be part of something, can overshadow the knowledge and wisdom to walk away. As humans we spend our lives looking for opportunities to connect.
It is said that there is a loneliness Epidemic, and it doesn’t take long to work out why… With family breakdown and changes to the family unit over the years, an increase in divorce, and the pressure for both parents to pursue careers, we have seen a change in the way society engages with children and family. The phrase - ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ - seems somewhat alien now.
“This lack of social structure and safety has pushed young people to seek satisfaction for their longing to belong from others, often leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.”
This lack of social structure and safety has pushed young people to seek satisfaction for their longing to belong from others, often leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
County lines is a perfect example of this; it is rife in our towns and villages. Young people and vulnerable adults being taken in by groups of people by offering a sense of belonging and community, but want to exploit them.
Social media and changes to technology is another reason we are feeling more isolated. Gone are the days of having a chat with the postie who has been delivering your post for the last 25 years, along with the ability to have conversations with people as we go about our days, due to the increase of self-service tills and automated services.
The need to feel connected to others is so strong in humans, that the lack of it can cause a decline in health; not only mental health but physical health too.
Scientist will tell us that this desire to connect comes from evolution, a survival instinct, and safety in numbers, but as a Christian I know that it comes from God. We were designed and created to be in relationship, not just with him, but with each other too.
We are called to bring together people, the least, the last and the lost. Jesus is a perfect example of how we are to gather people, include them, and love them. Jesus instructs us, “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). The bible talks about how we are one body and we all belong to each other. (Romans 12:5)
Grace House exists for this purpose. We know that being part of something is key to being able to flourish and live meaningful lives. At Grace House we want to show women that they are loved, worthy of love, and have something of value to offer.
Our hope is that through this we will see GROWTH, RESETTLEMENT, ACCEPTANCE, and COMFORT, and that they will ENCOUNTER and develop healthier relationships rooted in a solid and stable environment.