We
are living in a changed world.
In
the space of a short few weeks the virus, that most of us have only heard
about vaguely from other parts of the world, now the buzz word on everybody’s
lips. There is barely a conversation where it is not mentioned. This plague,
like some medieval horror from our worst nightmares, has spread like a wild
fire. Consuming the entire world in its wake. Changing our realities.
Instantaneously. Shaking the very core of our existence.
Human
beings are strange creatures. Panic
buying, stock piling and mass hysteria - suddenly at the order of the day. The
air is thick with fear, anxiety and speculation. Words like "social distancing" and “self isolation" suddenly part of our daily vocabulary. We have been preparing for "lock-down".
Yet we have no idea what it is that needs to be done. A concept so foreign, the
very word making us scramble in panic. One only a rare few has ever had to
fathom. Yet it now has the entire world in its grip.
This
virus is showcasing the very worst of humanity. Selfishness. Greed. Paranoia.
Fear. Ignorance.
And
at the same time, the very best. We are seeing acts of extreme selflessness.
Generosity. Unity. Hope. Faith.
It
is 4:00 am. My 2,5 year old scrambles into bed beside me. She snuggles up close and
falls asleep immediately. I don’t sleep well with them in my space. But today I
don’t take her back to her own bed right away. Her even breathing calms my
anxious thoughts. That same breathing terrifying me all at once...
I am
terrified of what all of this means. Of the isolation we have to endure. Of
being kept away from family and friends amidst this frightful time. The stress,
uncertainty and frustration. Of being self-employed at a time like this. Of emotional
distress, financial loss and economic failure. Of inadequate medical
facilities, care, supplies and staff. Of a world that will be unrecognizable at the end of this. Of possibly not being there for the end of it. Or having to
sacrifice a loved one to its horror.
Yet
I am so very grateful. For loved ones: family and friends, even though we are
apart. For my family that is with me, where I can hold them close. For my
health and that of my children. For their warm little bodies in my arms. For a
home filled with their love and laughter (and often crying and fighting). Of
tight hugs and sloppy kisses. For the support of my spiritual and fitness
families. For a home with space and all the amenities I could possibly need at
a time like this. For a little bit of outdoor space and a glimpse of nature out
there, blissfully unaware of how much (in the blink of an eye) it has all
changed. For being able to see the sunrise, mountains and vineyards from my window. For
the financial capacity to be prepared to some degree, even if means going into
debt. For food on the table. For shelter and security. For being so much more
fortunate than so many others out there, especially at a time like this. Where
mere weeks ago it didn’t possibly seem enough. When I thought I had the world
on my shoulders...
And
my heart bleeds for those who are not as lucky. For the homeless and
unemployed. For those who live in the townships and squatter camps. On top of
each other, with no personal space. For those who live hand to mouth. And cannot
afford to stay home without an income. For people who will not have food on the
table or a safe place to live. For the children of the less advantaged. For
those who will be completely alone or without support. For people in abusive,
destructive relationships. Or in the midst of a horrible divorce. For those
that will have to tolerate the unimaginable. For those whose health are already
compromised. Or who falls under the “high risk categories”. For sick and
vulnerable children. For the elderly. For our government and those making the
hard decisions on our behalf. For healthcare and essential workers. For those
who will get sick or have to be hospitalized. For the families who will be
directly affected.
It
is 6:30 am. My 5 year old crawls into bed with me. She is warm and sleepy beside
me. Her body melts into mine. I hold her tight. Content in the moment... My
youngest bursts into the room and wrestles for her space in the bed. For a few
minutes we are packed tight like sardines in a can. My heart swells and
expands. Bursting with love for my little people. And all is well in the world.
Social
media has, in recent weeks, exploded like the virus itself. Nearly every single
post paying tribute to this thing that is consuming the world. Some are
positive and uplifting. Many are concerning or downright terrifying.
Compounding our worries. Driving our anxieties. Fueling our fear.
One
post in particular (source unknown) has stood out for me:
How
great is our God. We're on lock-down by government arrangement from 26 March
2020 and the Bible verse Isaiah 26:20 says “Go home, my people and lock your
doors! Hide yourself for a little while until the Lords’s anger has passed.”
The
timing is surely His. Amazing!! The Lord commanded a lock-down during Passover in Egypt... when the Angel of death passed over the Israelites when protected
by the blood of the lamb - Thursday the 16th of April is when Passover ends.
As
you all know that's when our lock-down is lifted... 21 days is on April the
16th. God’s timing. Incredible. Amen and Amen! We are all protected. Stay at
home. Be at peace. Our God is in control and He knows what He's doing. Thank
You Heavenly Father!
The
world is facing a war with an invisible, yet very deadly enemy. Satan has
unleashed his powers of destruction on the earth. Yet he is not the all
powerful one. Nor the omnipresent.
“For
God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has
given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal
discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and
self-control]. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His
prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to
preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God
[for His power is invincible], for He delivered us and saved us and called us
with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set
apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal
merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and
grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus
before the world began [eternal ages ago],”
Today,
as we as South Africans face uncertainty and fear. As our nation has just
embarked on Day 1 of this mandatory government enforced lock-down. I urge
you to keep your eyes on God. To be reminded that He has not given us a spirit
of fear. He has given us all the tools that we need to deal with this situation
in which we now find ourselves. With personal discipline, a calm mind and
self-control. He is our Father. Our protector. And we are His children. He has
called us with a holy calling, to a life of purpose. Even before the world
began. Or according to the New Living translation (NLT) “before the beginning
of time”.
In
the time ahead, slow down. Be still. And know Who your God is (Psalm 46:10).
Live with purpose. Be intentional. Focus on that which is really important.
Draw near to God again. Listen for the gentle whisper, that still small voice
(1 Kings 19:12). He has not abandoned the good work that He has started in you
(Philippians 1:6). Find (or rediscover) your calling. Hold your loved ones
close. Love like you have never loved before. Stay home and stay safe.
It’s
all about Grace. mx
#coronavirus
#covid19
#bestill
#livewithpurpose #holycalling
#besmart
#besafe #stayhome #flattenthecurve
#considerthehighrisk
#considerhealthcareworkers
#consideressentialworkers #consideryourlovedones
#consideressentialworkers #consideryourlovedones
