I’ve been under house arrest for a month now. Whenever I get antsy, I remember Anne Frank and her family remained hidden in the secret annex for twenty-five months. I am being asked to quarantine safely in a comfortable home where I can work from home, still get a paycheck, finally catch up on unfinished projects (at least that’s the theory), with endless entertainment and options to connect with distant friends and family in so many creative ways. Friends leave groceries on my doorstep. I’m being asked to sit on the couch and watch Netflix. As an introvert, I sometimes enjoy social distancing too much. Although I am at very high risk if I should catch covid-19, I am certainly not among those in great hardship. I am grateful every day.
My heart is breaking for those who
are ill and dying
have lost loved ones
are lonely and isolated
are hungry
do not live in a safe place or with safe people
are separated from friends and family
are trying to do jobs, family, education, ministry, and life in a whole new way
have lost or may lose their jobs or business
are facing tremendous financial issues
fight fear every day while they work on the front lines
Any of my disappointments or cancelled plans pale to nothing beside what others are experiencing. Nevertheless, all of us may be encountering grief stemming from so many losses. Some of us are struggling with loneliness, depression, fear, sadness, uncertainty, and disconnection. If we ever needed a reminder that we are not in control, it is now. If there was ever a time when we needed to lean into Jesus, it is now.
In the midst of all this, I have an unshakeable hope. I see good things happening. I see people
working harder to connect
handing their fish and loaves to God
getting creative
finding renewal in beauty
sharing waves, smiles, laughter, joy, and hilarity
appreciating the small and big things in life
realizing the power of genuine connection
valuing relationships
looking for ways to help
checking in on others
making a real effort to worship
working together as a planet
dropping divisions and attacks
surrendering their arrogance and easy answers
sacrificing personal comfort for the greater good
spending time with family
leaning into God in an intimate connection
getting back in the Word
clinging to Jesus
Some deep changes only come out of suffering and loss. May we each emerge from this challenging chapter as different people, people of perseverance, proven character, hope, and love.
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Much love,
Linda