C.O.V.I.D 1:9

C.O.V.I.D 19
Christ Over Viruses and Infectious Disease

Joshua 1:9. My life verse. I have loved this verse since I was a teenager and suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks. I would say that this is a time period that we could all begin to suffer from anxiety and panic. Here is what i hold onto though: God tells us in Joshua, 

"Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (NIV)

This last week has brought about some crazy changes for us all! In my own necessary outings over these last few days I have ran into and talked with some of the most beautiful people, as we visited in all of the long lines everywhere. I have seen some great examples of compassion and kindness to others on social media with people stepping into help where it is needed, by sharing baby formula, wipes, diapers and food for elderly people who couldn't handle the stress of going out this weekend. I have been blessed to escort sweet elderly people across parking lots as we walked into stores together, and they shared some of their own experiences of uncertain times to me. I also saw fear though. Lots of fear. At one of the stores I came face to face with a young woman who is blind and was so filled with fear over this circumstance she was visably shaking. So I reached out and just gave her a steady hand on her arm for a minute while we waited at the register. We visited for a minute and I realized that giving her a moment for composure helped me to gather some strength too. So while we shouldn't be shaking hands, don't forget the strength and courage we gain through a simple touch.

We are not called to walk through any of this alone. As I have been scrolling through my Facebook I have been praying for you when your name comes past my news feed. So many of you are heading into uncharted territory with having home school suddenly thrust upon your shoulders, and can I just say I am actually EXCITED for you! Here is why: God has given you, and all of us an unique opportunity in this situation to pour into this next generation in ways that we probably haven't made room for before now. This is a moment Moms and Dad's that we can forever imprint memories, hopes, dreams, togetherness, and belonging into the hearts of our children. We have an opportunity to learn together and grow together through some very uncharted territory in our generation. Go forth and do this! Make memories, laugh, play games, read together LOTS, spend time mastering a new skill together. Pray together. Nothing is more precious than those little voices praying. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you need help figuring out how to survive this new to you thing called home school, don't be afraid to reach out! Let's video chat, ESPECIALLY VIDEO CHAT! We need to see each others faces and hear each others voices. If you are a Grandparent whose kiddos are public schooled please share my info with your kids if they need help. If I can't direct them to the right resource I have a Community around me to draw upon and who can most certainly get you where you need to go.

Last, Take heart! God has this under control. The WORLD is chaotic, but God isn't. Do you need proof? Just think about that snow this weekend. Nothing else quite drowns out background noise like falling snow. I pray this week brings you beautiful moments of peace as we wade through this flood.
Psalm 91
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”