By Sheree Craig
I am a mother of two amazing children. Over the years, the two have received discipline, guidance, and love. Each has experienced countless tears, numerous moments filled with anger, and quite a few disappointments. Life has handed trials and struggles to each of my children. At the end of the day, through it all, they each know that my husband and I are next to them cheering them on in life.
One of the time periods in each day I cherish most is dinner. We make a point to gather around the table, pray together, and enjoy a meal together. Our conversations vary in content. We laugh a lot. We share our day. This time spent together reminds each of us that we are not alone in this world. We have one another to return home to after our day in the world.
The years have passed quickly, and both children now present as small adults. The discipline has decreased. The guidance has increased. The love is overflowing. Tears still fall from time to time. Anger and frustration creep into a few situations. Disappointment in this world remains. To watch my children process through the world with such maturity, calm spirits and wise decisions warms my heart. I cannot put into words how proud I am of each child. I cannot explain how concerned I am at the same time for their safety. They venture out in this world alone facing adult decisions, alone to stand strong when facing trials or going against the majority to do the right thing. Alone. . . are they really alone?
Are any of us alone in this world? At times it feels like it, right? We feel no one else struggles with or understands the emotions inside our minds. We feel secluded in thought. The year 2020 has not helped with feelings of isolation. We are now forced to stay at home and remain 6 feet apart. Fear increases to be near others. Are we really alone?
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).
My dear friends, we are not alone. We have our faithful Father alongside us in this world. The world looks completely broken if you sit and watch the news. The world looks completely confused if you scroll through social media. 2020 has brought a whole lot of struggle into our lives. We cannot even smile at one another now because of masks. We are encouraged to avoid embracing one another to prevent spread of this deadly illness.
The enemy wants to use this time and bring darkness to our spirit. We must outsmart the enemy and speak Truth into our spirits daily. Isolation and social distancing increases risk for mental illness. It increases the triggers to revert to old patterns of coping. Stand strong, dear friends, and lean into God. He waits with wide open arms to comfort, love, and guide you in this world. Take heart, He has overcome the broken world.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The closer we grow to God, the more our spirits mature. God guides, loves, and disciplines to prepare us for Eternity with Him. God desires for us to be a vessel for His Light in the darkness of our world. Just as we sit around a dinner table as a family and share our day; God wants to sit with you and hear about your day. He wants to help you through every little and large thing that comes into your path. He cares about you. He loves to converse with you. God desires for your heart to know full well He is always present.
Invite God into your day. He is here to guide each step. He is here to help process each emotion that enters your thoughts and spirit. Yes, restrictions remain in this world including social distancing; but, dear friends, you are never alone or isolated. God is with you. God will protect you. God will help you through trials of any kind. Lean on Him. Talk with Him daily. He will listen. He will cheer you on in life.
