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Why Our Present Matters

May 3rd, 2019
Jesse Orenge
By Jesse Orenge read
Posted in Culture

People today are more lonely than ever before. It’s safe to say, that at various points in our life, we have experienced loneliness. Imagine how many of our brothers and sisters experience loneliness as well!

Loneliness is described as a state where one feels alone and nobody seems to care about who they are. It may cause one to disengage from other people and possibly become isolate. Ultimately, loneliness may cause us to forget about the way God sees us; that we are desired and loved. Thus, it is important that we ask ourselves what God desires of us at these moments in our lives.

It is important to understand that loneliness is God’s gentle way of encouraging us to seek Him. It’s a time for Him to challenge us to see if we are willing to unite closer to Him first, along with the people around us. Therefore, it is important that we adjust our response when we experience loneliness. How is this possible?

Intentionality. Intentionality in our present moment is the cure to the loneliness that is abundant within our culture today. I mean how many times have we walked around and seen people glued to their phone’s. Or how common is it to see people listen to music paying no attention to those around them? Why do we do these things? Are we using our phones or listening to music in these moments out of necessity or to escape loneliness?

Honestly, take the time to ask yourself the following questions. How intentional have you been this week? How many times this week have you walked around with your head high and just smiled at the people you passed by? Or when is the last time you held the door open for someone and politely said “hello, how are you today?”. When’s the last time you put your phone on “do not disturb” while hanging out with family or friends? Or when’s the last time you opened up to your friends or family about how you genuinely feel?

You would be surprised of the effects our actions have. Do we realize how invaluable these moments are? That we will never get these are moments again. Because the human person is the most valuable gift here on earth. Our authentic presence in our daily encounters with people allow them to experience the love that they were created for and remind them that they are important, valuable, desired, and that someone cares.

I challenge us to find ways to interact and be more present to the people we encounter on a daily basis. Guys, let’s respond with intentionality in every moment of our lives. I am going to fight this battle for intentionality, will you join me?

Jesse Orenge
Jesse Orenge

About the Author

Jesse Orenge is a 2017 graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a BS in Biology. He grew up in Minnesota spending time with his family and friends, enjoying summers on Lake Minnetonka and indulging in any sporting event he could get his hands on. Jesse learned about CP at the Seek Conference from a fellow missionary Joshua. He is highly interested in the teachings of Saint John Paul II and was ecstatic that the mission of the CP aligned with Saint John Paul's teachings leading to a desire to want to be involved with CP in some capacity. This led to an eventual yes to the Lord to serve Him as a CP missionary. "Love means to will the good of the other. We live in a society that lives in opposition to this truth and it is necessary that this truth that is love be made known and depicted through actions, thoughts, and words. For this reason, he desires to reveal to his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ the unconditional love of our Lord.


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