Invited: The Power of Hospitality in an Age of Loneliness

Loneliness, even if it is considered the new normal, still harms us in ways both psychological and even physical. As author Leslie Verner points out, our Western ideology of individualism and independence seems to foster separation from our communities in ways that leave us feeling empty. Her book, Invited challenges us to change that.

Verner writes from a strongly Christian perspective, supporting her suggestions with stories and scripture from the Bible, which emphasize hospitality as a form of love. She talks about big and small ways to show hospitality. Maybe it is having someone new over for dinner or a playdate. Maybe it is hosting a refugee family for a while. Maybe it is just making a little space in your life to invite someone to do what you are already doing. Or maybe it is just taking the time to really listen to someone. She reminds readers of the importance of receiving hospitality as well, and of the value of solitude and renewal. Most of all though, she extends a call to act, to stretch a little and notice those already around us to whom we could open our hand and heart. The cure for our loneliness is making a connection to cure someone else’s.