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