Hi everybody, I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written. I felt the need to write a new blog this week. I want to encourage everyone during this unprecedented time in our history!
I’ve had lots of thoughts and feelings during the last few weeks, as I’m sure many of you have! I’ve had to filter the fear, worry, anxiety and uncertainty in my own heart as I’ve listened to the latest news reports, or scrolled through all the social media posts. I’ve come to settle on a few things through the last couple of days and this is what I want to share with you.
It’s funny how the New Year started and amidst new vision and new resolutions, this “Thing” bombarded us all and came out of nowhere! And now we find ourselves in a new normal.
There are some constructive things we can do during this season. We are all in this together!
1. Value your Loved Ones
Maybe you do, but I want to challenge you to up your game. You may be doing well, but children and adults alike can become afraid of all the information we are hearing. Let’s turn off the news and gather as family and care, really care, and ask each other how we are doing. Listen to the dreams and visions kids have for the future. Encourage each other to create a Vision board in your homes. This will send a message to them, and maybe yourselves, that we will get through this!
Say “thank you“ more often, say “I love you” more often. Call that relative you haven’t talked to in a long time. I just contacted my brother, after a three-year time period, and we had a great talk. Now that we have the time, find creative ways to bless your family.
2. Laughter really is the best medicine
Humor has seen my husband and me through very tough times. Joy helps you emotionally and physically. It’s a scientific fact that it’ll boost your immune system. Find reasons to laugh. Put in a funny movie as a family and laugh together. Joy equals strength and sustains you. It’ll help keep fear away and helps you maintain a good attitude no matter what. If you’re stressed or sad, tell someone so they can encourage you and listen. The best one to talk to is God, Himself. He’s always available and cares for you.
3. Keep a Thankful Heart
Besides family, go out of your way to show appreciation for people in general. This invisible enemy knows no economic or social boundaries. It’s affecting the world. Think about that! When I go to the grocery store, I make sure to thank the workers stocking the shelves, from six feet away! The medical community, who are on the front lines of this, need our support. Gift cards for gasoline and carry out food would go a long way in showing our support for them. I check in on a couple of nurse friends and tell them I’m praying for them and ask them if there is anything I can do for them. If we all did this it could be a huge show of support!
4. Love your Neighbor
Checking in on the elderly in your neighborhood and bringing groceries not only helps them but helps you! Texting friends you know and letting them know you’re available to bring dinner or run errands shows the practical side of God’s love. We are putting together a meal train for friends who are being affected by this virus. Just do it, reach out, safely. Another thing we are doing is making handmade cards and artwork and sending them to a care facility in our area. Others are making masks. Do whatever is in your hands to do. Who are you and what talents do you have that could lift someone during this time?
5. Give
We are called to give generously and give to your local church. Give support to your pastors who are the pillars navigating us all through this season. I’m so very thankful for mine. They have been strong, supportive and encouraging during this time. They have come up with creative ways to keep us all connected. Our pastor does daily broadcasts and encourages us with the Word every morning. You can contact me to tune in and listen. Send your pastors your support and thanks. Don’t stop tithing and giving! And most of all pray for them; they are carrying all of you in prayer and in their hearts.
6. Tune In
I’ve been upping my worship time and lowering my tv time. Worship helps me stay above the circumstances. Focusing on God and His Presence brings the peace amidst this storm. Staying in the Word of God and watching or listening to messages helps me realize how big God is, and that we are victorious in Him. This is all temporary and will pass away. Praying for my leaders, my family and for revival has been more focused and intense during this season. I can’t help thinking that “God is fixing” to do something great around the world.
Well, I hope this helps, and it’s funny how petty things don’t seem so important anymore. Honoring God and loving people are central in my life. Let’s do this well, we’ve got to go through it anyway, let’s go through this well my friends. Love to you all.