Unknown: An 8-Day Journey From Isolation to Deep ConnectionSample

There has never been a time in human history when people were as connected as we are now. We are connected through computers, devices, the internet, phones, and social media in ways that would have seemed like science fiction just a few decades ago. Every day we hold in our hands computers more powerful and more capable than the computers that took astronauts to the moon.

Yet, all the research shows over and over again that our loneliness, isolation, and disconnectedness are epidemic.

As a result, anxiety and depression have become so widespread that the medications to fight them are a common part of our cultural vernacular.

Almost everyone has the ability to connect technologically, yet mental and emotional health has declined dramatically. This has a physical impact as well. Poor or insufficient relational connection increases the risk of heart disease by 29%, increases the risk of stroke by 32%, increases the risk of developing dementia in older age by 50%, and produces a 60% increased risk of premature death.

In the suburbs, people pull into their driveways, push a button, and a door automatically opens for them to drive their cars into their garage. As we walk into the house, we push another button and watch the “bat-cave” close for the evening. We go inside to our automated kitchens, media rooms, and home-delivered food, which allows us to avoid interaction with anyone outside our home for the rest of the evening or the rest of the weekend.

In cities, many live cloistered and afraid. In fact, the move toward single-person dwellings in urban areas is increasing at unprecedented levels.

The persona of the single, self-styled, perfectly manicured, social-media-curated urban professional is often nothing more than a hollow facade.

This all flies in the face of what makes life truly worth living. As Professor and bestselling author Brene Brown says, “Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others; it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it, there is suffering." She’s so right. We are made to build relational bridges, yet our tendency is to build walls instead.

This devotional is not for everyone.

If you want to live isolated, alone, and unknown…

If you want to blame others for your lack of connection…

If you would rather live in self-pity about the fact that you were not taught how to have healthy relationships…

If you only want to hide behind a screen and take shots at others who are trying to live connected lives…

This devotional book is probably not for you.

However, if you want a life worth living…

If you’re willing to be honest about your fears and take ownership for your life…

If you want to take the relationships you have to the next level…

If you want to learn how to create healthy connections with your friends, family, and teammates…

If you want to become more successful in your professional life…

If you want to grow old with someone…

If you want genuine community in your life…

This devotional is definitely for you.

Welcome to the journey.