“Well I hate to see this evening end, God only knows when I’ll see you again. Send a fax or send me a letter or give me a call that will even be better.”  From I’m Alright by Jo Dee Messina.

On the way in to the office this morning, I was flipping around on the radio and heard this country song from way back in the 1990s. I don’t usually listen to country, don’t know many songs, and of the songs I do know I don’t know the lyrics too well. But, this tune is pretty catchy, and so I began to listen more intently. I laughed at the “send me a fax” line; it was so last century. I’m surprised it didn’t say anything about pagers…or telegraphs.

The story of the song is that the main character, sung in first person, has struggled in the music industry but is doing ok for herself. It’s the setting that got me, and caused me to think about worldview things. The setting is that this main character has met an old friend. He has made it in the business world, acknowledged by his wearing a three-piece suit. As the singer concludes the song, she sings the lines above as if to say, “We need to stay in touch.”

My worldview ponderings seized on this song’s message. We were created for community. In Genesis 1-2, the creation account demonstrates this truth. God created us for a relationship with Him. Adam and Eve walked with Him each day. God created us for a relationship with creation. God told Adam to “fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over it.” We also were created for a relationship with each other. God also said, “It is not good that man should be alone.”

In our culture, we are increasingly turning our back on community. We have isolated ourselves through technology (think: cars, air conditioners, burglar alarms, cell phones, and earbuds). In the same movement we have attempted to redefine community (think: Facebook, chat rooms, and Twitter). The problem with these types of community is that they lack human interaction: a touch, a hug, shared tears, medicinal laughter.

Even in church, where we are supposed to “love one another,” we have opted for an anonymous experience. It’s tough to “love” when we don’t even “know.” So, find somebody you don’t know and introduce yourself. Experience one of the purposes we were created to enjoy. And do it for Jesus’ sake.

I’m alright. It’s a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight, so I guess I’m doing alright.
Oh, oh I’m alright, got a good ole friend here with me tonight, so I guess I’m doing alright.