How to make powerful connections without saying a word.
When COVID-19 hit, and quarantine became the norm, many scrambled to figure out how to stay connected and keep going. This new reality upended many lives and simultaneously brought many people together. Familiar with video conferencing from my work, I used this technology to continue running our men’s small group.
Now, for the first time in their lives, these men could conveniently connect anywhere and however, they wanted. “Zooming” became the go-to way for us to connect. There are countless stories of social mishaps and distractions from our time together. However, despite the “connection,” there was still a feeling of being disconnected.
Curious about why many felt this way, I researched the reason for this feeling of disconnect. It turns out that too much reliance on video conferencing has psychological and physiological consequences. One of the results is “Video Conference Fatigue” or “Zoom fatigue.”
Int J Environ Res Public Health’s study states, “People who have recently used video conferences have felt new negative emotions such as stress, exhaustion, tiredness or worrying through the platforms, as well as general work fatigue.” One of the main reasons for these negative emotions is the amount of concentration and effort it takes to “read” a person without non-verbal cues or body language.
Non-verbal cues or body language is a form of communication where information is passed on without using spoken or written words. These forms of connections are eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture, personal appearance, the physical environment, touch, paralanguage, timing, and proximity between you and your audience.
We should not underestimate the effects of non-verbal cues, as many scientists believe that 70 to 93 percent of all communication is nonverbal. Although this may seem like a new development, Scripture written long ago advises us not to refrain from gathering with believers. Furthermore, the Bible tells us that it’s not only for our benefit but, most importantly, for others.
If you’re not in a small group now, take time today to connect with one. If there is none available, consider starting one of your own. After all, the most powerful connections you will ever make in your life will be unspoken.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
FAITH
Pray:
First pray for insight and understanding of God’s word. Then and most importantly, how to apply it.
Read:
Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
FIRE
Echo:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you?
Show:
How will you apply this to your life ?
FURY
Share:
How will you share this with others?
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