By Sheree Craig
During the early chapters of my life, I planned every detail and wrote every word. I rehearsed the schedule of events and predicted the happenings of my surroundings. This planning and preparing comforted my broken spirit. I did not have a relationship with or reliance on God at that time. I relied on the world for guidance, peace, and comfort.
My immature spirit believed burying the pain was the perfect answer: numbing from life through my eating disorder, excessive exercise, and working to control all situations. When these did not work, alcohol numbed out the pain. I walked around numb, immature in spirit and broken. Striving for control in an unpredictable life leaves someone constantly anxious.
We cannot numb from life. We cannot plan every detail in life. We cannot control others, our surroundings, or the chaos in this life. I have learned this the hard way. Trust me. And I am still learning.
Growing closer to God created an inner peace that cannot be shaken by this world. People disappoint. Chaos happens. Plans change, and life throws daggers. God does not disappoint. God calms storms. God guards and protects from the daggers in this world.
The current daggers of this world came fast and with extreme sharpness. Layoffs present financial challenges. Empty shelves at the grocery cause a scramble for basic needs to be met. Illness striking you or a loved one leads to a fight for physical life to be sustained. Pivotal moments in the lives of our children being canceled leave immature minds to process incredibly difficult emotions. Stay at home orders prevent loved ones from consoling one another as a death occurs. Funerals are being limited to 10 people. Weddings are being canceled. School is canceled. The list goes on and on.
As a nurse, I am seeing the daggers firsthand. As a granddaughter I experienced a dagger when I was unable to attend my Memaw’s funeral. Even worse, no family was able to be with her in the last days of her life. As a mom, I am seeing the sadness in my son’s eyes as he cannot spend the last few months with his best friends who are leaving for the service next year. My son cannot get his license due to shut down of the DMV. I also see the sadness in my daughter’s eyes as she cannot play basketball right now.
Every individual is being affected by the Coronavirus in some way. My heart breaks and with each difficult story. I become concerned. I become lost in the fight from time to time, unable to find a way to help.
Dear friends, there is hope in this situation. There is good that will come out of all this tragedy. I pray we become a nation that reaches to God, seeks His Truth, and walks in peace with His promises in our thoughts. People are beginning to realize how important human interaction is for emotional health. People are reaching out, helping others, praying together through social media, and coming together as one nation all in this together.
It is valid to be angry, sad, and frustrated in this situation; but dear friends, we need not fear.
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man (Psalm 118:5-8).
The Coronavirus is real. The tragedies in this world are real. Your feelings are valid. Let us work together to shine hope in the trials and tribulations of this world. God is present. We must let others see Him and feel the hope He is offering. Though chaos storms around us, He is the peace that will calm you and strengthen you to take one step at a time through each day.
The stay at home ruling is real. It is tough to stay at home and be told that your normal can no longer take place. Dear friends, it is for the good of others that we stay home. That does not mean we cannot shine the light of Jesus. We must become creative in spreading His light and hope into other’s lives. We must continue to pray harder than the devil can work!
We are #inthistogether and we will come out strong. Approach the Cross daily and lay down every thought, pain, sadness, and struggle. He will carry you through this and provide a peace that passes all understanding. With love dear friends, stay healthy!
