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What is Presence?

 


If you’re a Christian you have heard of God’s presence, but what is presence, and how can we give our presence to other people? Presence is about connecting to other people in a full and embodied way. The danger with technology is that we can exclude people from our physical presence even if we are present with them in the room. You have heard the saying “give me your attention” but being present for others is not just a brief moment, but a continuous sustained presence which takes ability. Being physically absent, and withholding your presence from someone, feels almost the same!


Life demands that we remain present for it, you have heard the saying that this  person has “checked out” of their life, but when we “check out” on other people, it can be just as much disastrous. The reason why we want to be present for our lives and others is because we have one life and whether we know it or not, it is passing us by. Part of building family, faith, and relationships, is being fully present for other people. Those who don’t do this may have a problem of being open and vulnerable for some reason. They might be trying to protect themselves from being hurt, but they close themselves off from open people, who might be able to provide healing for them. It’s dysfunctional to do this. 


The reason why a lot of people feel alone these days is because people are less present for each other. The ones who are present, sometimes end up being excluded and isolated because they are open to closed people who unfortunately no longer want their presence! It’s a selfish way to live when you are with people but intentionally close yourself off to them. This is when presence is not really presence. 


There is comfort in presence. A good Christian knows there is comfort in God’s presence, but we can provide comfort to our friends and our families, and those closest to us, when we give them our presence. Not withhold it. This is Mike.   


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