Virtual versus connecting circles
I continue to be amazed at how many read this blog or will give me feedback that a certain topic touched them. Today, I received a text from a friend sharing something she journaled last night. In typical God form, it fell right in place with recent events in my life…love these Godwinks.
She shared that we (the world) used to connect with each other-intentional connection, when we would put forth effort with hand-written cards and letters, actual conversations. She is one of those people that still sends me cards and it always seems to be at the perfect time and when I need it most. We have a small group that continues to stay connected even if our time serving together in the military has passed. We don’t chat or text everyday, but we do drop in on each other and check in.
She also shared that although our circles have gotten bigger with technology and our ability to reach across the world in mere seconds, our connections have decreased. How often do you find yourself not really taking the time to read a text or what may be underlying in the text, but instead just give a thumbs up, or worse yet, don’t even read it? When is the last time you sat down and wrote a handwritten note, a simple thank you or thinking of you? We have entered the world of likes and hearts, but have lost our emotional connection with people with a simple click.
I shared, after the passing of our Uncle, that our Aunt would send articles and handwritten notes when she saw something that reminded her of us or something that may be of interest. She took the time to know what we enjoyed, what we cared about and kept a look out and shared whenever she found something she knew we would appreciate.
I know this post may seem bleak, but as I mentioned, here are two people that still send handwritten notes. This blog is just a reminder, a nudge where we can all do better. My friend sent me much needed stickers that our entire crew had on our trek poles as we climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro-they simply said IGY6 (I got your 6, you are never alone). We needed that reminder as we did all we could do to get off that mountain safely.
Today, those same angels on earth that saved my life in Tanzania are at risk themselves. In a recent election, it was reported that many had lost their lives, communications were shut down, and civil unrest and military were active across many towns. I heard from many of them today for the first time after attempting contact for days. I am thankful they are safe, thankful that although our circles are large and across the world, we are still deeply connected from that shared experience on the mountain.
Finally, my day ended with a simple thing. Dinner with our extended framily (a friend and her daughters) where we laughed and enjoyed each others’ company. We spent time on the back porch and just talked. We were in no hurry, no agendas, we just simply connected. Like my friend shared, it has been too long since we connected like this because life is too busy. Tonight, we made the time.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord…Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13, NIV). Devoted is defined as giving all or a large part of one’s time or resources to a person. God calls us to be devoted to one another-this is not achieved by a simple click or like, it is achieved by taking the time to love one another, spend time with each other, picking up a pen and sending a simple note-just because.
Today, and everyday, I encourage each of you to not just expand your circle and focus on how many followers you may have, but really engage with your circles. I pray that you take the time to get to know the people around you, find what interest them, find a way to connect.- even if only virtually.
One response to “Virtual versus connecting circles”
kennethwhite
Nov 4, 2025 at 8:48 am
Thank you Cristina for this post. It’s confirmation for me regarding a project at church I’ve recently been asked to participate in and one of the key strategies I will be suggesting. The project revolves around discipleship.
I will be suggesting we must promote being in relationships with each other first, then those outside our circles, for the project to be truly successful. I will be suggesting that checking a box is not enough – especially in today’s culture and chaos. We must shore up “our tribe” by being in honest, transparent and supporting relationships with each other, and ourselves, before taking on the world for the Kingdom.
