Last February we thought Covid restrictions might mean a challenging few weeks. Then we thought it would extend into a tough few months. As we approach the one-year mark of pandemic, lockdowns, cancellations, losses, upheaval, separation, conflict, heartache, and massive adjustments to whatever the “new normal” is supposed to mean, we have need of endurance. And a game plan.
Some of us have been in tight lockdown for almost a year.
Some lives have barely been ruffled by the mayhem of 2020/2021.
Some friends are actually enjoying many aspects of quarantine life and social distancing.
Some of us need to continue strict quarantine measures.
Some of us have already been released into the wild.
Some of us are battling discouragement, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and other insidious side effects of the last year.
Some are reeling from various losses of the last twelve months.
People are weary, grieving, lonely, fragile, anxious, frustrated, angry, discouraged, and looking for someone to blame. We’re tired of it all. We’re exhausted. We all need a dose of hope.
I certainly do not have all the answers. I have dear friends far to the right, far to the left, many moderates, and a few out there on the really weird fringes. Some are celebrating with renewed optimism. Some think the world is ending. In many circles, we've lost a lot of credibility. The venom breaks my heart. I must confess I myself have actually harbored some uncharitable thoughts toward one or two of my fellow humans.
No matter what people say or post, I try not to rise to the bait. No one is going to have their mind changed by a Facebook rant. I have no desire to debate politics or policy with anyone. I try to be an encouragement without rubber-stamping anybody's inflammatory comments. I have enough drama in my life without entering that fray.
As believers and followers of Jesus, we are called to be the Body of Christ in the world right now more than ever. It is definitely not easy. The needs are many, the mountains seem insurmountable, and God has set the bar high.
A few thoughts, aimed first and foremost at that very fallible woman who lives in my mirror:
May we stop the name-calling. “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:22) Yowza. Tough words, Jesus. You mean it’s not all right to be vicious just because I think I’m on God’s side? You mean I shouldn’t be nasty just because they are clearly wrong and I am obviously right?
May we learn to listen. “The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17) As a wise friend says, my perspective is always incomplete. It’s a matter of where and to what extent. Is it possible that I do not have perfect understanding of all aspects of the situation? Could I learn anything useful by listening to another’s experience? Listening does not mean agreeing. After hearing another’s position, I may still hold firmly to my original stance. Or I might shift my opinions a bit. But listening is a powerful way to demonstrate respect and love to another person made in the image of God. As we try to solve the multi-faceted issues of the entire planet, it might actually help.
May we find ways to serve. God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2) What “loaves and fishes” can I contribute to the cause? How can I help contribute to the financial, mental, emotional, relational, educational, and community needs around me? “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” (Fred Rogers) When people look for the helpers, may they find the Church working hard among them. May followers of Jesus lead the charge in feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, healing the rifts, and finding solutions to tough problems.
May our identification with Christ make us Christ-like. Like Christ. Genuinely. “Holiness is not ‘holier than thou’ or religious perfectionism — it is simply a life that works well because we’re rooted in another world, the Kingdom of God. Holiness is the power to act as we ought, to be response-able, able to respond with appropriate power to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done.” (Dallas Willard) Individually and corporately, may we be transformed into the life of Jesus, rather than the Pharisees. May we know God rather than just know about God. Can Jesus change a life? The world desperately needs to see and experience Immanuel, the Word become flesh, dwelling among us.
What about Psalm One? What about me? What can I bring in the way of fish and loaves? “But Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!’" (Acts 3:6) I am trying to help people walk through the loss and grief and conflict and isolation and Whack-a-Mole of the past twelve months. To foster authentic community despite physical distancing. To help people lean into Christ. To freely pour our lives out before God. To renew our souls through time in the Word and prayer. To keep our heart alive towards God. To bring timeless truth of Scripture to bear on the issues of 2021. To train us to live in Christ and be the Body of Christ to a world that needs Him. To provide a bit of laughter during the stress.
God has set the bar high. For this we need Jesus. And for this we have Jesus. “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
Much love,
Linda
P.S. I so appreciate all your kind messages! Despite a few hiccups, I am slowly getting my strength and stamina back. Covid does not release its grip willingly. So grateful for all the prayers, cards, encouragement, meals, gift cards, chocolate!, creative surprises, fun photos, goofy videos, and tremendous friendship you have shown during this tough season of illness and loss.
Psalm One WILL meet face-to-face again. I so miss the Days of Refreshing, the Refocus and Refuel Retreats, the Soul Care Retreats, our Bible Study in the Barn. In the meantime, don’t wait! JOIN US…
Tuesday Bible Study (for men and women): Now, no matter where you live, you can come to the Psalm One gathering for support, encouragement, life-giving tools, and time together seeking the Lord. You don’t have to live in Ohio. This is for men and women, lay and clergy, married and single, any church, anyone who can join us at Tuesday nights at 7:30pm ET (that’s Wednesday morning for some of you!). We are currently in Ephesians. Anyone is welcome, whether you are there every week or once in a blue moon. Sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study
Pastors’ Wives: We are so enjoying being with authentic friends who understand life in the ministry. The Sisterhood of the Fishbowl is having a wonderful time together Thursday nights at 7:30pm ET. Such a great group. No risk, no travel, no cost, no slippery roads, from the comfort of your own home, Covid hair and pajamas welcome! We are currently learning and practicing tools to jump-start our spiritual lives and strengthen our walk with Jesus. We are always glad to see you whether pop in once or are there every week. Pastors’ wives are invited to sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives