Unprecedented
If you have been living under a rock, you are the only person currently not affected by COVID-19. As it unfolds, we are constantly asking ourselves if we are over-reacting or under-reacting? It can be very unsettling, even for normally even-keeled temperaments, and completely unnerving for those who already struggle with anxiety. I’m sure we all agree, this is bad and there is a real reason to be concerned. What’s worse is that this is unprecedented, we have no real way of knowing how this is going to shake out.
An all too common sight in recent weeks. Never expected toilet paper and pasta to become so precious, but now…
Security is an illusion, apart from Christ. I was reminded of this by a dear Diva, Lori, this morning. Right now, businesses are closing indefinitely, jobs are being lost, everyone is struggling with scarcity mentality when they enter the grocery store, we are further isolating ourselves from society, nothing is as it was just a few weeks ago. The things we trusted in, and even took for granted, are slowly ebbing away from us. Even so, God is not in heaven wringing His hands saying, “What are we going to do?!”
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?
- Jeremiah 32-27
But what’s left? That’s the real question. If you have ever faced and survived a real life-changing crisis, you already know that what is left in the aftermath is what truly matters. Focus not on what you don’t have today, but what you do have. Here are some ways to help make something good out of something truly difficult.
Project yourself forward without fear. In Celebrate Recovery, they have a chip ceremony at the beginning of the meeting. When I first started to attend, and was at my most broken, I would picture what my life might be like in each time frame. I could imagine that there would come a time that I could feel whole again. Would it take 1 month, 3 months, a year, 5 years? I didn’t know when, but I trusted that it would happen. For a brief time, I would have relief from my crushing life. I knew things would never be perfect, they never were before, but I knew I could be Reasonably Happy again, and I am! That is how I know we are going to get through this now. Trust that God will sustain you through any changes coming. If you don’t know the Lord, find a Christian you trust to discuss, or email me at reasonablyhappydiva@gmail.com.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight - Proverbs 3:5-6
Changes can be opportunities. Say this out loud: “I am not my job and it is not my life; It is a means to provide for my life”. If there is a job change in your future, remember, you have survived job changes in the past, isn’t it most likely you will again? Isn’t it just as possible that it could become a change for the better? You may find a career you never considered, but love.
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
You are stronger than you know. Humans have an enormous capacity for resiliency, as long as they have hope and peace. You have heard of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but have you heard of Post Traumatic Growth? It’s a magical thing that happens when some people face unspeakable pain. They find a way to make it mean something. This is how so many laws have been changed, and charities have been created. Some people will turn inside themselves and their pain will magnify, others will turn outward and create change so that others will not have to experience that same pain. They make society better for all of us. The only person who can decide how you will respond is YOU. It still won’t be easy, but it is worth the effort. In the times you are weak, God is more than able to uphold you.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
Is this the end of the world? Not likely, we need to remind ourselves of that over and over; this is temporary. Eventually, there will be a vaccine, the spread will slow, and life will return to a new normal. It will be rocky, but you don’t have to do this alone.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. - Isaiah 43:2
For people far from God this may feel like the end of the world. What better time than this to share the GOOD NEWS? We have hope in Christ that transcends all our discomfort, fear, and pain. There has never been a more important time to convey this to people who don’t know this peace that surpasses understanding. (Phil 4:7). You carry the vaccine for their soul, fortunately, there will never be a shortage of that!
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.
Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. - 2 Timothy 4:2
Find a way to stay connected. I’m not sure what I would do without my Wednesday night Chick Chat ladies. We are good at texting and encouraging throughout the week, but not seeing them for weeks or months would be difficult. I have come to rely on their wisdom and encouragement, so we are already making plans to meet virtually with apps like Zoom.us. We are designed to be social. If you can’t be there in person, find another way! I’ve had to do this while long-distance dating my husband for 5 years, and now with important friends and family back in Oklahoma, since I moved to Iowa.
Sidebar: why are there only beets and kidney beans left on the canned veggie aisle? Blech!
Take advantage of this wonderful modern age we live in. I love to keep up with my Divas on Facebook anyway but especially now. Try to use social media wisely, though. Try to keep it encouraging, there is enough sad in the world right now. I’ll confess I have had to stop looking at Facebook a couple of hours before I go to bed each night because the images of empty grocery shelves stress me out.
Our church recently started Live Streaming our services on Facebook. It was initially intended for members who are shut-ins, ill, or who are traveling, but what a great time to have it up and running! If your church doesn’t have a live stream, find one of the many out there. I’d even recommend ours, Oakland Nazarene: https://www.facebook.com/Oakland-Church-172983466227354/ Pastor Dave King does a great job, but I may be a little biased. 😊
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return
is drawing near. – Hebrews 10:25
Look for ways to serve. Studies have shown that serving others is so good for the mind and body, it can ease symptoms of stress and depression. Tapping into our gifts and passions builds self-confidence, energy, and strength and serving others can be the best distraction from our own worries. Find safe and reasonable ways to serve; it could be as simple as making a list of people you know who may need a little extra help. Do you know any elderly people who could use someone to pick up prescriptions or groceries for them? Any parents who are needing a little help while the kids are out of school? People who live alone and may feel isolated? If you see baby wipes on the shelf, grab a pack for some young parents you know. (Don’t grab twenty, they are in high demand right now.) If you don’t want to leave your house, text or make a phone call to check on someone else. It doesn’t take much to get outside of your own head.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
– Proverbs 17:17
There may be specific needs that some people have that are challenging with the supply chain disrupted. I know my daughter-in-law, Sam, is needing specific vitamins and can’t find them. She mentioned it when I checked on her this morning, and we had them here. Oh… did I mention she is expecting and going to make me a Gigi this fall??!! Another unprecedented activity! Which brings me to my final point.
Focus on what’s right! There are still so many wonderful things happening all around you, be blessed by them and dwell on these things. Share these blessings with others and give them hope as well. This will help you mitigate stress & spread hope. Babies are still being born. The snow is melting. People are falling in love. God is still on the throne. You should be Reasonably Happy, even now.
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.
– Deuteronomy 31:6
Find reasons to rejoice! This is a profile view of the little one I call Chicken Nugget, who is going to make me a Gigi in the fall of 2020. Kinda looks like my son, Alex… ;-)