It has been almost a year since I heard the term COVID-19 pandemic. Although I was familiar with what constitutes a pandemic, I never thought I would experience one as such. This pandemic leaves a mark on us that we will not soon erase. A beloved aunt that passed away several years ago voiced a saying when various situations would happen. She would say, “Who would have thunk it!” And I say today I never visualized such a time as the one we live in today. Who would have thought it? Even with the creation of two vaccines and others in the making, it may be quite a while before we return to any semblance of normalcy. It appears that the clouds cover the sun with no way for the light to shine through. But, let me tell you. Change is coming!
Along with issues we face, one can only wonder what will happen next. The last week or so before I wrote this post and even the day of writing it, I had several conversations with individuals experiencing various kinds of heartache due to relationships- some personal, marital, and job-related. The day I wrote this post, one of my dear neighbors lost a close relative to COVID-19. There is nowhere to run except into the arms of our Savior. Many individuals ask when this will all be over. No one can answer that question but God. Nevertheless, I believe. Change is coming!
Undoubtedly, many people are experiencing stress, affecting their relationships with others in the family or outside the home. Having minimal outlets to get rid of the stress is causing strained relationships. Most importantly, how does one survive and hold onto their sanity? You can’t give up. Keep encouraging each other. Children need encouragement also. My heart grieves at times for my granddaughter because she has not been face to face with her classmates since March 2020. Virtual learning with grandma is her new reality. She wonders when the coronavirus will go away, and everything becomes normal again. I can’t tell her when, but I do tell her, “Change is coming!”
Furthermore, let me remind you to use this valuable time when outside activities are limited to gain a closer relationship with your family. Build parent-child, spouse, and other personal relationships while you have a chance. I understand the toll this pandemic is having on relationships, mostly personal and marital ones. Life is uncertain, and our keeping is only because of the mercy of God. It is heartbreaking the sadness and loneliness that so many are experiencing. We all have our share. You can’t look at the news consistently because it only adds to the bleakness of this season. Fight for your sanity, your peace of mind, and fight for yourself by taking care of yourself, spending time with God, and appreciating being alive.
As I conclude, I am focusing on brighter days. Although there are days the sun doesn’t shine, it is yet in the sky. Seasons come and go, but stand firm and don’t give up now or slack up being safe and precautious. I want to live and not die. Don’t you? We all must believe that we will see the fulfillment of the promises of God. Change is coming whether it appears so or not. And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: Daniel 2:21. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “The End of the Line!”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie
So encouraging at a time we all need it most. Thank you!
God bless you and look up toward the hills from which cometh our help. All of our help comes from the Lord! Stay encouraged, and may the grace of our God sustain you in the days ahead.
Amen! As the Bible says, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”. For each of us personally, the “night” may be just only one night, or it could be a short or even a long season in our life. But we must keep the faith and never give up. I too believe that “Change Is Coming”. And when this is all said and done, Lord willing, we too can look back and say, who would have “thunk” that this would have turned out this way. It is fruitful to keep looking for the Light from Heaven and looking also to be a vessel of “that” Light. Thank you for allowing this Light in you to help encourage others. To God Be ALL the Glory! Blessings to you Sis. Thanks again for sharing such rich words of encouragement!
We must keep the faith and never give up no matter what it looks like, what it feels like, or what it appears to be, because God is in control, and no pandemic or any catastrophe can separate us from His love divine, and care for us. Stay encouraged, and thank you for the many words of encouragement you send my way that uplifts my heart. May God’s love, peace, and joy encourage you always. Thank you so much for sharing the bright light within you!