What a crazy world we are living in right now. I am 38 years old; I am old enough to remember the Gulf wars, the Oklahoma City bombing, the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, the Columbine shooting, September 11, bird flu, SARS, swine flu, and the financial crisis of 2008, just to name a few. But none of these resulted in what we are experiencing right now.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Born and raised all my life in the south, we have also experienced MANY major weather events that resulted in destruction, the shut down of schools and businesses, and economic difficulties. Again, nothing resulting in something of this magnitude.
I grapple to wrap my mind around the possibilities of schools being closed for the rest of the academic year. Thankfully, our state has only closed schools until early April, but with more cases of COVID-19 being reported each day, the probability those school closures will extend is highly likely.
Businesses (especially local and small businesses) are already feeling the sting. It's mind boggling to think "oh, I'll just run out to the store and get XYZ...," only to realize, you CAN'T.
Don't get me wrong, I am in support of the decisions we have made as individual states AND as a nation to halt as much as possible to #flattenthecurve.
My heart aches especially for the elderly, the people already sick with other illnesses, and children who cannot possibly understand the uncertainty of the world around them. As all this began here in the U.S., my mind went immediately to those situations. I was reminded how BLESSED my family and I am, in so many ways.
Then, I read something on Instagram about an organization sharing resources and asking for prayers for individuals and children that are having to practice social distancing or being quarantined WITH THEIR ABUSERS. Oh. My. Word. I had not EVEN thought about that. My heart sank. I am moved to tears as I write this. How horrendous. Whether it be physical abuse, mental abuse, verbal, or spiritual, the thought of someone having to be in the constant presence of their abuser for weeks on end shook me.
As my anxiety over this situation peaked, I reminded myself to take a breath and ask myself "is this something I can control?" No. "Can I control how I react?" Yes. "Do I know who holds the future and promises a life more abundant?" ABSOLUTELY, YES! When I cut all of this down to brass tacks, I am left with hope because of my personal savior, Jesus Christ. Psalm 18:2 says: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.” I stand in that today. I am comforted by that.
Does that mean I am flippant about what is happening all around us, walking around with not a care in the world? No. Of course not. God also gives us brains and expects us to USE them! I stay abreast of the national and local news, I am taking precautions the CDC recommends, I am checking in on those around me I love and care for. And most of all, should something happen to me, I know my heavenly home and the good Lord is waiting for me and is a FAR better place than this worldly earth will ever be.
Along with everyone else, I have moments each day during this trial where doubt, uncertainty, and anxiety still creeps in. I have to stop and remind myself of God's promises and His relentless love. I pray. I encourage you to do the same; to find comfort, hope, and peace in the midst of this storm. It's not the first; it won't be the last.
I would love to know your thoughts on this and what you and your family are doing to weather this storm. Please share any favorite scriptures that comfort you in uncertainty! May God bless you all during this time!