A week ago in the state of Missouri, where I reside, there was one case of COVID-19. My dad texted me that Walmart was out of toilet paper and wanted to know if we had enough. Utterly confused, I text him back that we were good on that. (Also, who decided that toilet paper was a hot commodity? But that’s another post.) I was gearing up for my kindergartner’s first Spring Break from school and making plans for the following week. Currently, my plans, and those of people around the country, have gone out the window. My week of fun including play dates and day trips have ultimately all been canceled. My son’s week off school has turned into him not returning until April 6th at the earliest.
I had been following COVID-19 off and on for the last few weeks. I knew what it was. I knew where it originated from and I knew it was starting to move into the United States. But things change when it goes from “those people over there” to your own community. Along with the pandemic, there is also an economic crisis not only for the stock market but also for local businesses shutting their doors. I began to hear about cases in my own area, which is now three as of today. It initially felt a little odd but not alarming. Then I went to the grocery store this past weekend, visiting three stores trying to track down baby wipes.
So I had a choice to make. Do I panic and give in to what looks utterly crazy or do I trust in the God that I know and my Savior that I have a relationship with? I am not personally afraid of getting the virus in my family and believe in God’s protection. I also believe in taking to heart the recommendations of the CDC like social distancing to slow down the spread of the virus. And let’s not forget proper handwashing, but preventative precautions can be done without fear. I think it is important to be informed but I am also mindful of how much news and social media I’m consuming. The more “in the know” I am, I find that overwhelming feeling starting to creep up in me. That being said, there are two things so far that have really anchored me in peace and I’d like to share them with you.
The first is Psalm 91. I think it’s important to remember that although God is a lot of things, one of them is a protector. The first three verses have really given my heart rest.
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
The second is a song that I heard a couple of weeks ago. It’s The Blessing from Elevation Church featuring Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes. It took me a full week to actually get around to listening to it. I first heard it advertised on Instagram, tried to watch it but there’s a bit of talking at the beginning and I think my kids were loud (typical) so I couldn’t listen to it. The second time someone mentioned it in a mom’s group that I’m apart of and how it really blessed them. The third time someone mentioned it in a different mom’s group that I’m a part of and how much it spoke to them especially as things really started to ramp up with COVID-19.
I listened to it (I don’t remember where my kids were at the time) and was suddenly filled with peace and faith. It helped me to recognize how bad I was actually feeling in the first place. I was reminded of the truth that God is for us and really does want the best for us. I’ve listened to that song several times over since then and it has continued to be a blessing. If you’ve already heard it, then you already know but if you haven’t, I encourage you to give it a listen and may it bring you peace.
I know that the pandemic of the COVID-19 will eventually be over but I am choosing faith over fear in the meantime. For me, this means taking things moment by moment and trusting in who I know God to be. How are you guys feeling about what’s going on right now? Do you have peace? Sound off below.