Strange Times

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To him be the power for ever and ever.  1 Peter 5:6-7, 10-11

What a time we’re living through.  The ripple effects of the pandemic have reached everywhere.  We’ve been asked to stay home.  Stores have closed to encourage people to stay home.  The store’s employees then have reduced income.  With reduced income, they may not be able to pay rent or buy food.  More people are seeking help from the Food Bank, which has to operate with fewer volunteers who may be in the at-risk group.  If a family has less income, church pledges may not be paid.  So churches have to determine how to keep providing spiritual leadership on a reduced budget, while not being able to bring worshipers together in one location.  The tentacles of the virus reach all aspects of life.

Even our language has been impacted.  Who had heard of terms like “social distancing,” “shelter in place,” “COVID-19,” or “contactless delivery” prior to the last few months?

It’s strange to realize that people all over the country are staying home, too.  Many talk shows are being aired from the host’s home, and they are doing interviews by Facetime or through a Zoom meeting.  There is no studio audience to react to the jokes.  Many of us have had to learn enough about technology that we can see our family’s faces or take part in a virtual happy hour. 

The pandemic has also brought out the best in many people.  There are numerous stories about neighbors getting groceries for neighbors, teachers driving by their students’ houses as a way to keep in touch, companies changing course to make masks or gowns for hospitals.

There are many unknowns—how long will we need to stay home? Will my family be safe?  When will we be able to hug a friend again?  

We may never understand the reason this has occurred, but one sure thing we can know:  God is with us and will help us get through this crisis.  Our world may look different when we get to the other side, but He will be there.  

Prayer: Dear Lord, We place ourselves in your mighty hand. Help us to turn over our anxiety to you because you care for us. We feel your grace and know that you will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. Amen.

Robin Hadfield