Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions. We have lost the art of connection and relationship, and it's hurting us. On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton and his guest, Dr. Mark Mayfield, continue discussing Mark's book The Path Out of Loneliness. He reveals that we can trace the pain of loneliness back to original sin, which separated our first parents, Adam and Eve, from our Creator. Thankfully, God's sovereign plan to redeem us through Christ's death is the key to our restored relationship with Him. Indeed, our Heavenly Father has not only relentlessly pursued a relationship with us, but He wants us to be Heaven's salve in a wounded world of broken people.

Mother Teresa once said, "The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved." Indeed, 54% of people surveyed feel like no one knows them well, while 36% said they don't feel like they have anyone to turn to. On today's edition of Family Talk, licensed counselor Dr. Mark Mayfield confides that at his lowest point years ago, he kept himself busy to avoid his growing anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, which were driven by painful loneliness. In a world where we are increasingly isolated by the pandemic and the lack of connection caused by technology, Dr. Mayfield points to authentic fellowship with our Creator and purposeful engagement with friends and family as the true answer.