Human Being Human - Maintaining our core qualities. Annette Olivia Brown, author.

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Human Being Human


Within this era a different type of mindset is being facilitated,  an “isolation mindset.” This “isolation mindset” embraces solitude with a heightened use of technology for communication.  We need, however, to acknowledge our core human characteristics, our  biological distinctions and it is paramount that we also sustain our divine essence and spiritual selves.

“Then the Lord formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being… It is not good for the *man to be alone.  I will make a helper as his complement…”   Genesis 2 verse 7 and Genesis 2 verse 18. (NIV).

The author of the book of Genesis narrates the first formulation of a human being.  A significant connection is highlighted.  God is our Creator and ultimate life-giver.  Our heavenly Father molded human beings and placed within us a spirit, a life giving source that is directly connected to God our Divine Creator.  It takes faith in this God and the inspiration of His Holy Spirit to discern the full extent of any scripture.  We can all, however, decipher the general content of scripture and here, God is described as our Creator and the source of our living souls!

“What makes us human? A simple answer from a genetic perspective is our 23 pairs of chromosomes containing countless genes. However, as most of us realize, this definition falls far short of appreciating the complexity of our minds and existence. As members of the human species, we possess a unique set of features that defines our reality and sets us apart from all other living beings on Earth. 
                                            
Being human encompasses a rich tapestry of qualities that shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions… five of the most important qualities of being human: consciousness, empathy, creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose.” 
“What makes us Human?” Dr. Robert Brooks (www.drrobertbrooks.com)


We are social beings. During early childhood we develop an acute sense of self,  we branch out into interactions with others and most of us develop significant behaviors, such as empathy for others.  Our cognitive behavior and development has been proven to become more adept by our social interactions with peers.  There are so many other factors that support and highlight the premise that humans thrive in interactive social contexts.  Why then do we seem to be pulling away from in-person social interaction?

Our resilience is built from all of the social and mental challenges we face overtime.  Social interaction is a resource that can be used to build resilience through encouragement.  There are of course negative sources of social interaction, however, these factors and challenges can also foster resilience in an individual.  Resilience is defined as:

“the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.”  Dictionary - Oxford Languages.

There have been a multitude of worldwide challenges, most notably, within the last five years.  Challenges from natural disasters, famine, politics, war, crime and so much more.  The “capacity to withstand” is a tool that we need to utilize in these trying times and our ability to recover needs to be strengthened and not minimized.

“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will  withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” Ecclesiastes 4:12.


Of course, we can develop a capacity for individual resilience against daily life challenges, especially in specific areas that affect our unique journeys in life, our occupations, our family dynamic.  The scripture above articulates the added benefits in the dynamics of partnership and groups.  This practical truth for physical apparatus is also true for our spiritual dynamics.

In our pursuit for the meaning and purpose in life, let’s seek until we find and knock until the door is open to us. Each person should embark on their own spiritual journey, yet it shouldn’t be isolated.  We are here for one another, granted one needs to connect with relevant groups and individuals.  Most of all, our Creator God is available and ready to communicate with us through prayer.  

As we search for the meaning or deeper meaning and purpose of our spiritual selves we will get closer to discovering our true selves.  God’s Holy Spirit, Scripture, other individuals and communities of faith are active and available.  

Let’s continue to be and to exist as humans.  Let’s thrive in our morally best selves and nurture the qualities that allow us to be human.





Annette Olivia Brown is author of “ Encounters and Reflections - Can you hear me now?” and “Encounters and Reflections II - It is written”



Resources:
Bruce, Dr. Roberts.
https://www.drrobertbrooks.com/what-makes-us-human/#:~:text=Being%20human%20is%20a%20multifaceted,pursuit%20of%20meaning%20and%20purpose.

Holy Bible. New International Version.







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