In noticing Mr. Snowden's responses to news reporter, Brian Williams' questions, one can plainly see that he is a very intelligent young man, and from all indications, wants to do what's right in the matter. Whether he is guilty of espionage or not, remains to be determined in a court of law.
When asked what he missed most about not being able to live in the United States, Mr. Snowden quickly responded, "My family, friends, and home."
Isolation from family and friends for any length of time, is not an easy thing to endure, and for this reason, I feel a real sense of compassion for Mr. Snowden. As we recall, the apostle John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos for his faith in the only true and living God, but he kept himself busy, receiving the various visions recorded in the book of Revelation for our spiritual benefit.
Even worse than being exiled to a remote island, is the life of a prisoner in solitary confinement. In this type of environment, there are a number of mental issues that soon occur because of the lack of social engagement. God knew this when He created a "help meet" for Adam, in order for him not to have to experience isolation, resulting in loneliness (Genesis 2:18,21-25).
Because of my late wife's passing from this life fourteen months ago, I can fully empathize with Mr. Snowden's situtation in Russia, as I have experienced loneliness myself. My advice to him as well as anyone else who experiences isolation, or self-imposed solitary confinement, for whatever reason, is to keep both body and mind active in helping others along life's way.
Dear reader, there's a biblical principle that in essence says, "Whatever we don't use, we lose" (Matthew 25:24-29). Let's determine in our mind that there will be no solitary confinement for us as God's children, for there is much to do in the kingdom of God (John 9:4;1 Corinthians 15:58).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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