A few months ago, I enjoyed a great time of fellowship and food alongside fellow brothers at our retreat. It was a great group of men gathering to study, learn, and encourage each other. The weather was unpredictable, but regardless, we made due. We were all there, bracing the elements together.

Today, the uncertainty and the chaotic result of the COVID pandemic continue to upended most everyone’s plans. We scheduled to have another retreat around this time, but that’s now postponed due to state-wide restrictions. As an alternative, we’re meeting online through video chat, but many men have expressed it’s not the same. They miss the uniqueness of gathering together in person.

To their credit, a study found that something as simple as a handshake can have a personal impact on someone. An experiment done by researchers at the University of Chicago and Harvard found that negotiators who shook hands were more open and honest, and reached better outcomes. “That feeling is something so rare, you cannot communicate it digitally,” says René Shimada Siegel.

Like this experiment, study after study finds that face-to-face interactions are vital to both physical and mental health. Not surprisingly, Scripture teaches us we should continue to gather. Let’s do what we can for now under the rule of law, but pray for the right time and way to reunite in person.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Hebrews 10:23-25. 

Pray:

What limits you from gathering with fellow friends or brothers during this time? Be real; be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Pray and ask God to help you find a responsible way to get together with other godly men. Be specific.

Share / Show:

Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.