cover image The Path out of Loneliness: Finding and Fostering Our Connection to God, Ourselves, and One Another

The Path out of Loneliness: Finding and Fostering Our Connection to God, Ourselves, and One Another

Mark Mayfield. NavPress, $16.99 trade paper (208p) ISBN 978-1-64158-339-8

In this insightful guide, counselor Mayfield (Help! My Teen Is Self-Injuring), founder of Mayfield Counseling Centers, examines the connection between spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical distress. Referring to Adam and Eve in Genesis, the author writes: “Loneliness directly decreases spiritual health and relational community because it’s a basic repurposing of the original lie.” In the first section of the book, he identifies factors that intensify the “epidemic” of loneliness, such as the drive for success, dependence on computer screens, and the desire to belong. Mayfield engages readers by sharing personal experiences, including a suicide attempt and experiences of severe bullying as a teen. In the second part of the book, Mayfield emphasizes that “loneliness is most prevalent when there’s an absence of connection or attachment,” because God designed people to need connection. He then presents solutions to empower and equip Christians who are willing to change, citing guidelines from Isaiah 61 and explaining six postures to help those struggling with loneliness. Finally, Mayfield challenges Christians to adjust preconceived perceptions as they minister to the lonely, but also stresses the importance of establishing boundaries to prevent potential burnout. Christians seeking deeper connections to others will find many actionable ideas here. (Sept.)