Right off the top, thank you for all the loving care you've lavished on me in recent days. Comments, prayers, emails, texts, cards ... I feel so very blessed that you're walking with me through my health crisis with such warmth, concern, and spiritual strength.
You guys are the absolute best, so gracious, so kind. Bless you for the ways you've reached out and touched my heart.
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Who would have dreamed a week or two ago that we'd find ourselves right in the middle of such an immense international crisis. Not one of us is immune from its impact. Our lifestyles, our habits, our expectations have been drastically altered, whether we like it or not.It's all so surreal, like a bad dream that we hope to wake up from. Except this is no dream, this is real life and it's staring us right in the face with enormous ramifications that we've yet to fully grasp.
I'm hearing you're concerned about your parents, children, the grand-kiddos. You're wondering when testing for the virus will ever show up in your area. You question if you should get together with a friend ... or not. Your job looks like it might evaporate. You're more than a bit concerned for your loved ones who are on the front lines. Your church is figuring out how to minister creatively and powerfully in these days of extremely limited gatherings.
And when will there be toilet paper and those sanitizing wipes on store shelves again? They are nowhere to be found.
The roads are empty, the stores {and libraries, oh no!} are closing, cancellations abound, our calendars are clearing ... and just when I was starting to feel like a lunch out might be a distinct possibility, well, the restaurants are no longer serving meals.
I had to think more than twice before venturing out to a doctor's appointment yesterday ... and the front desk had a mask on me within 90 seconds of walking through the door.
As one granddaughter has been fond of saying, 'plans change.'
Indeed.
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I love the first chapter of Joshua, the sixth book of the Old Testament. This mighty man of God is mourning the loss of his leader, Moses, God's giving him orders to head to the promised land ... and giving him vital commandments and huge promises for the daunting battles ahead.
And over and over again, four times to be exact, God commands his beloved servant to 'be strong and courageous.' Verse 6. Verse 7. Verse 9. Verse 18.
In verse 9, we see that God knows Joshua so well that He understands that if Joshua isn't already terrified and discouraged, he'll probably head in that direction ... and He reminds Joshua that He, God Almighty, 'will be with you wherever you go.'
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You might not be terrified right about now ... or that might be what's most true about you. Maybe worried or inconvenienced, discouraged or concerned fits you better.
How about scared? Overwhelmed? Anxious?
Whatever, you'll find no judgement from me. I absolutely hear where you're coming from. I've often been amazed at how fear and faith co-mingle, how anxiety and trust somehow hold hands in the darkest of times. God understands, He knows we are human and fallible, broken and frail, even as we're loving Him deeply.
God alone knows what our future holds. No scientist or politician or pundit really has a clue. I'm finding great solace and immense peace in that truth, even as I am quicker to turn off the TV with its endless anxiety-producing drone of information, speculations, opinions, and pronouncements.
We move forward, trying to be wise, yet generous. Caring for ourselves, yet sensitive to the needs around us. Leaning on Jesus much more than our own understanding and trusting that He'll clearly guide us closer and closer to His loving, faithful heart ... no matter what happens next.
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How's the coronavirus impacting you and your family?
What are you learning in the process?
What's your prayer request?
Linda
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linking with
I told the folks Sunday: "Faith not fear; Praise not panic." That should be our mantra for the length of this pandemic. I refuse to be fearful of going out and engaging with people. Unfortunately, they are taking all those away from me. :) But I'll just have to find other ways to communicate. You mean actually talk instead of text or email? :) Hope you are being safe in all things Linda.
ReplyDelete'Praise not panic.'
DeleteNow, THAT'S a mantra worth claiming. Love it.
I know you're pastoring well, friend. May we all get a bit more creative in reaching out. Praying for you right now ...
I would describe myself as somewhat ill at ease some parts of every day with occasional forays into panic. :-) I was just reading this morning in Michelle Bengston's book about anxiety that we don't deal with fear and anxiety once and then, lesson learned, never have to deal with it again. Rather, we have to remind ourselves of the truths of God's lovingkindness, omniscience, omnipresence, wisdom, and so on.
ReplyDeleteI think some people are fearful (thus the panic buying), but others aren't taking it seriously enough. In our state, we're advised but not required yet to avoid eating in restaurants. Yet as I drove past a few today, their parking lots were almost full. I guess some people aren't going to restrict themselves until its mandatory.
My husband and sons are working from home, and I am thankful their jobs allow them to and they still have enough business to keep working. Our church has less than 50 people, so we met Sunday, and wiped everything down before and after. Since they have lowered the recommendation to gatherings of no more than ten, I'm assuming we won't meet this Sunday. But I haven't heard for sure. Otherwise, we're staying close to home. I'm only going out to the grocery store. Thankfully all our supplies are covered, and hopefully by the time we need more, stores will have some stock back in.
I'm guessing this is true for many, Barbara -->'somewhat ill at ease some parts of every day with occasional forays into panic.'
DeleteSo well said!
The more honest we are with ourselves about how we're REALLY feeling ... and are free enough to sift through those feelings with someone safe and non-judgemental, the healthier we're apt to be in the long haul.
This I know for sure!
I am glad you are safe and cozy at home and that your husband and sons are able to work from home. What a blessing.
Thanks for your encouraging words, Linda! It's strange how we can be so far apart yet our experiences with this can be so similar. Over the last two days I've gone from having a very busy couple of months ahead to having almost nothing in my diary and that's not something I find easy. But I am trying to stay positive and focus on helping my church find creative new ways to minister and serve our community during this time. Praying for your continued recovery and that you and your family are safe.
ReplyDeleteI love how you're turning your focus to ministry and service. If people were ever scared and broken and uncertain, this would be the time. I am confident God is going to use your giftedness in unique ways, Lesley.
DeleteBless you as you bless others!
Good encouraging post, Linda. Thank you. Praying for you about your health and the current situation world-wide.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine who is a taxi driver is working from home. You phone him to say you want to go somewhere; and he tells you how to walk there.
God bless.
I bet he does!
DeleteLaughter helps in uncertain times, doesn't it. Thanks for sharing some here, friend ...
My first reaction was anxiety, but then I remembered who I am and prayed. Peaceful calm has once again reigned in my heart. Thankful for a Loving God and the sure assurance of tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Remembering whose we are. Thanks for that sacred, powerful reminder, Lulu. Your visit today is like a great big hug!
DeleteI hope you're doing well ...
People live and people die,
ReplyDeleteand it's always been that way
so there’s no good call to cry
nor let things get in the way
of the time you have, right now
(for it will not come again);
embrace the suck and thus learn how
you can, yes, embrace the pain.
These doleful days, they will soon pass
and what they make of you's your choice;
you can behold spring's new green grass
or give fear and sorrow voice.
When this time is history,
it's you who frame the legacy.
Honestly, I've always struggled with embracing pain - physical or emotional. Not necessarily spiritual.
DeleteI admire people who do and I know God uses everything in our lives for good. But embracing the pain has been a challenge that I've never been able to rise to.
Just sayin'.
And you know I admire that you've been able to do so ...
We can always find words of hope and encouagement from God's word. Thanks for sharing those from Joshua. And thankfully, when we aren't feeling strong or coourageous we can know that we are still loved by God. Glad you're sharing your words with us. Take it slow, friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes! We are still loved by God no matter what our emotions are whispering or what circumstances crowd around us.
DeletePraise Him.
Your ever-supporting and nonjudgmental tone here always makes your blog a safe place to be, Linda. Thank you. I identify with this so much - "I've often been amazed at how fear and faith co-mingle, how anxiety and trust somehow hold hands in the darkest of times. God understands, He knows we are human and fallible, broken and frail, even as we're loving Him deeply." That kind of describes how we're dealing with this crisis, too. I'm in the high risk category because of lung disease and my husband is at risk, too, because of age, so we're being cautious. It seems this is bringing out the worst in some people and the best in others. It's so sad to hear of people stealing from the disabled or other things out of desperation, but it's uplifting to hear how others are stepping forward with love and kindness. I'm so grateful you're picking up strength, my friend, and I pray you recover further. I pray you and your family may be kept from the virus. Love and blessings of God's healing, strength, and peace!
ReplyDeleteYep, cautious is my watchword, too, Trudy.
DeleteAnd yes, I've heard more than a few stories of people ripping off masks and hand-sanitizers even from the faithful medical practitioners that are there to help them.
'When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.'
Amen.
Dear Linda,
ReplyDeleteSo, so happy to see your post. I hope you’re recovering, gaining strength, and allowing others to care for you as you always care for everyone else.
Thanks for writing. Your words always offer me comfort just where I need it most.
You remain on my prayer list. My heart too.
Barbara
I'm glad you find some comfort here, friend.
DeleteMost of us want to specialize in encouraging one another daily ... in whatever venue God gives us. I know there are people out there who are eager to serve in hands on ways.
That's such a boost to our spirits and our communities and churches.
Thanks for taking the time to write - to encourage others as you take care of yourself. Hope you are feeling stronger each new day!
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time, right?
DeleteAmen!
Linda, first of all, I'm so glad you are feeling better!!! This virus is affecting us greatly as our ages put us in the most-at-risk population, and Danny has a preexisting condition. We are being cautious and careful, but I refuse to cave to fear. I love what Bill said above: Faith, not fear; praise, not panic. It's perfect in this time of crisis and uncertainty. God will give us the courage, as He did Joshua, to move forward by trusting Him.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend, and I'll continue to pray for you!
Cautious and careful and refusing to cave to fear.
DeleteYep, this we can do! And double amens to Bill's wise advice --> 'Faith, not fear; praise, not panic.'
I really appreciate your prayers, Martha. Please continue ... and I will do the same.
Bless.
You sound good, friend. Love your new accessory....
ReplyDeleteBummed that the pool is closed because taking a walk is painful with tendonitis. That is my only issue so far. Still working at office but might do some work at home. I am out and about cause I don’t fear germs for some odd reason.
Just read something interesting. This epidemic is like a rehearsal. We are practicing to get things in place because there will always be epidemics and maybe we really need to work at this to get good at it
Obviously, I had no idea how to put it on properly, but I guess it did the trick.
Delete* sigh *
A rehearsal, huh? Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Meanwhile, I'm missing you and hoping you are fairing well.
"I've often been amazed at how fear and faith co-mingle, how anxiety and trust somehow hold hands in the darkest of times. " This line brought comfort to me Linda. Thank you! I, too, need to turn off the news more as recieving every update may not be the beneficial to my mind. God alone knows the future. And we can still be His light in time of this chaos by keeping our hope in Him. I am still learning this and can intentionally start to shift my focus on His promises rather than the negative news.
ReplyDeleteLove this, Lynn -->'recieving every update may not be the beneficial to my mind.'
DeleteNo truer words were spoken. I'm limiting my use of the phone for news pretty much in the morning and the TV at night. I seem quicker to go to a quiet room and pick up a book or take a rest.
Works for me.
I'm thinking of you often, dear Linda, and trusting alongside you for your complete healing and also for protection for all of us. I speak Psalm 91 over my family every day. Speaking God's Word is so powerful and so comforting. God bless you, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful needed reminder to pray Scriptures for ourselves, our families, those in our world.
DeleteLove Psalm 91.
And I'm so glad you're here with me this week, Cheryl!
It's amazing how our lives changes so drastically so quickly! I think of you, Linda and pray for God to be with you, comfort you, and keep you safe. I am worried and anxious. I try to limit my exposure to the non-stop news cycle to once a day. Your granddaughter has it exactly right: plans change.
ReplyDeleteDear Lord, I lift Laurie up to you right now. You understand her worry and anxiety and You love her so deeply. Hold her close to Yourself and give her peace in the midst of the craziness.
DeleteFor Jesus Sake ~
Amen.
Sending a hug your way, friend ...
Can you pray for our team here in Liberia? As far as the virus is concerned, we have only 2 cases in Liberia and precautions have been in place for a hwile. But we have some famlies needing to get back to the states and Switzerland and flights are being canceled. Pray for them to get flights somehow or to have a peace about staying. I just took a walk because I was feeling all the stress. Fresh air plus God is always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteDear Lord, We lift up TJ and her friends. You know their needs and desires and deepest concerns. Speak peace to each of them in a powerful way so they'll know without a doubt that You care deeply for them and that You will make a way forward.
DeleteIn Jesus Name ~
Amen.
It's been a while since I've visited with you, Linda. I hope you're feeling stronger and better. Thank you so much for sharing such sweet encouragement even in the midst of your health crisis. God's promise to be with us through it all is for me the sweetest promise in the Bible, and the reason we can be strong and courageous. Blessings to you, my friend as you continue to lean on Him for health and strength.
ReplyDeleteCarlie, welcome back! I'm grateful you've joined us as we make our way through this challenging time. And oh yes, He never leaves us and He never forsakes us.
DeleteBlessed indeed ...
I love this. We can hold both worry and faith in God at the same time. It's called being human. So many times we doubt our faith if we have an inkling of anxiety. Thank you. And thank for linking up with Grace and Truth. laurensparks.net
ReplyDeleteLauren, hi ... I'm glad you found something here that spoke to you. Yes, God understands our worries, anxieties, and fears. And He loves us tenderly, powerfully, fully.
DeleteI'm so grateful!
Like a bad dream. Yes, Linda, that's it exactly how it feels for me too. So comforting to read your thoughts about faith and fear co-mingling ... that stew is cooking in me, sometimes more vigorously than others. "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief" is my prayer, along with "thy will be done." I'm thankful for your voice, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThose simple prayers, the cries of our heart ... yes, He sees, she listens. He answers.
DeleteIt is a strange time we are living in. Right now, its minor inconveniences for our family. I am trying to take advantage of some downtime to get a few things done and spend time with loved ones. I don’t think I am too worried. However, I don’t seem to be sleeping much at night, so something is going on in my head. Great post thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up. Maree
DeleteI've been inspired by those who have lists of projects they're working on. Makes so much sense. A super use of time, pent up energy, and a positive focus!
Delete