Are You Having Doubts?
I am afraid this post may be a bit of a ramble. But, if you know me and my writing at all, it should all pull together. I think better in a ramble. So let’s give it a go, shall we?
Join the club!
What club, might you ask! The one where membership is achieved by asking, “Is this ever going to end?” THAT club.
Let me preface my thoughts with this paramount truth. I am empathetic with those who have suffered loss during this China virus – I am terribly sorry for any type of suffering you have gone through.
But, I have just about had it. I’m not feeling bad for myself but I am feeling it for my grandkids and yours. Covid19 has changed everything.
Everything, but…
The faithfulness of my God has not changed. God is not taken by surprise over any of this. He not only saw it coming, He knew it was coming.
Yet, our struggles are real. A child who does not learn well virtually. Children who are now home without any adult supervision. The ones who are home and in abusive situations – what are the answers to all of these situations?
The Other Day
I saw a post on a school teacher’s FB and he was looking for book sponsors. He will be teaching virtually and decided each month to gift his elementary students with a new book. Because of book fairs and other programs, he is able to give each of his students a new book each month for the cost of approximately $25. My friend was looking for sponsors. I jumped and so did many others. Finally, I felt a strong sense of “doing something.”
What else is possible?
So, I’ve been thinking, “What else can regular people do?” And, came up with a very short list – if you have ideas, perhaps, we can make a longer list and share on social media. IF we get a good thing going, I will make a printable and we can share with others.
- Volunteer at our open libraries.
- Help your neighbor by (perhaps) sitting with small kids while they (try to) learn online.
- Perhaps, a working neighbor would hire you as a full time proctor for their learn-at-home children.
- Bake or cook for families who are being heavily impacted by this inconvenience.
- IF your local school is open? Volunteer.
- Are you especially gifted in a subject? Volunteer or hire out as a tutor.
- $upport programs such as the book-giving I mentioned above.
- Get involved with something worthwhile.
- Nursing homes are probably great sources of need.
- Lead a local, public prayer gathering.
Get focused on something else
I have a niece, with two children under 2 – the quarantine rattled her and became a great source of anxiety and fear. She turned that energy into a positive and got involved with a local effort to end human/child trafficking. Her group held a walk in downtown Charlotte to bring public attention to a child-trafficking pandemic. My niece is becoming a knowledgeable voice to end this vicious world-wide travesty.
And, we must remember
And, do our very best to not walk in fear. There are 365 references of “do not fear” in God’s Word – one for each day. Let us look them up, write them down, plaster our refrigerators with index cards!
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3.3
Your turn – ideas?
Share your ideas in the comments and LET’S DO SOMETHING!
One More Thing
I am a techy dweeb – I don’t know a lot about plug-in’s, etc. BUT, this I do know. I would love you to subscribe to my weekly email – it is an inside look into this life of ours. IF that is something you would like to do just email me. [email protected], with your email address and just like that I will show up in your in-box every Wednesday morning.
I like your suggestions, but
“China Virus”?
I didn’t think this was a political site.
Disappointing.
I am sorry you feel that way. We know the virus originated in China, why would this reference be so offensive? THIS IS NOT a political site but a faith-filled site and my faith influences all things in my life, including my politics. I don’t know how else to express this. I remember years ago, I was asked if my faith “even” influenced my vote? I said of course it does, it influences everything in my life.
Great post, Friend!! And, yes, the virus originated in China. I’ve heard it referred to this before on many non political platforms.
I did not think I was using hyperbole. Thanks for confirmation, Tammy.
Well, sister, I believe the plague has caused all of us anxiety and fear for many. Someone posted the other day when the vaccine comes along how many are just going to hop on the train for the ride to the shot givers. Not me for sure.
Some are offended by the word “China virus” but we know China is a huge hater of the USA. Is that political? Not at all, just truth.
I receive it as truth.
Yes! And over all and underneath it all, we need so much prayer. I was so touched today by the interview setting with the President in Kenosha, WI (the city closest to us.) The Pastor and his wife who had been invited for that interview called the intercessors to step up and pray for this world, and the people around us. I’ve been feeling the urgency of it too!
Bettie, there is an urgency – a deep calls to deep urgency to pray for God’s mercy.
Encouraging post to look around and see where we feel comfortable sharing our talents. I’ve volunteered to give our pastor’s wife some time off of virtually schooling her children so she can run errands. I still have to gain some confidence in this COVID environment. I’m just spreading my territory and it’s still a little nerve wracking.
Janis, but you have stepped out of your comfort zone to help Mrs. Pastor — that is huge!
It’s so very biblical for us to look outside ourselves for ways to help others when we are tempted to fear and live small.
And you’ve even given us a list of ideas! There is so much good to be done!
THANKS, MM. Do you have any ideas to add?
Political? Not at all. It is a China virus and referred to that way by many.
Your list is wonderful…….WONDERFUL! I have been doing #4 on it almost from the beginning of this “mess”. One of our close friends brought her sister out of a nursing home where the China virus was and is caring for her in her home (sister is totally invalid)…..cooking for them gives more time for Marilyn to care for Beth without the distraction of planning and shopping and cooking meals. It’s been a joy. I’m going to take a closer look at possibly “doing” some of the other suggestions. Thank you as always, Susan.
Kathy, I so much appreciate your encouragement and confirmation. Keep on cooking and baking – it is definitely one of your gifts!!!
These are great ideas. Some places might have rules that wouldn’t allow some (some nursing homes have not allowed visitors for a long while, but some are now, with masks and distancing or visiting outside).
But I love the idea of turning our thoughts from our fears and/or frustration to actively doing something to minister to others.
One thing is good old-fashioned snail mail. I’ve gotten more cards since all this started– just notes saying, Hi, we missed you, hope you’re doing well, I appreciate you, etc.
Something that might help students is if a grandma, aunt, friend, etc., offered some kind of reward or incentive. If a child doesn’t like reading, maybe offer something for so many books read. Or if a child dawdles, offer incentive to get tasks done in a certain time–a small toy or outing or doing something together the child likes.
There are SO many YouTube videos and online resources on just about every topic–maybe someone could spend some time with a child with trouble in a certain area while the mom does the regular home school work with the other children.
FABULOUS ideas, Barb. Thanks. I am going to compile a more comprehensive list SOON.
I like your list of tangibles. We don’t refer to it as the China virus since we have a student from China living with us. I doubt if the Spanish were offended by the moniker Spanish Flu but who knows? I do know that Satan is behind three things: death and disease; politicizing a pandemic; and, fear. Oh and discouragement. I was discouraged yesterday for no good reason—certainly not from having young children at home trying to learn on Zoom. But I had to pray my way through.
To add to the list: invite people to porch or yard. Even one at a time. And listen. People are isolated. And in the evening, need to get away for an hour . You are doing that already. That’s when I hear of something tangible I can help with. Tho sometimes I’ve already done it unawares , by the invitation and by the listening. And muffins never hurt.
You have given me something to think and pray on , which is always a good thing. To expand your list, poll some teachers and pastors.
I will and THANK YOU, Sue!!!!
I’m with you, my friend, on all counts here. The virus originated in China, why is that offensive and/or political? Was Spain offended because of the Spanish flu or Hong Kong because of the Hong Kong flu? So ridiculous. Anyway, your suggestions to reach out are great but here in my state, we are still under strict restrictions (seems redundant, doesn’t it??) and we cannot go to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. to volunteer. Still we find places to do our part to help wherever we can.
Cindy, I am familiar with PA’s stringent rules – my cousin lives in Lancaster. I know YOU and know that you are watching grandkids and doing everything you can to lighten loads. Thanks for commenting.
Always on point Susan. I love reminders to think of others, as being of service to Him takes my mind away from fear and helps me to stay focused. I remind myself to keep looking up and seek Him and His plans only. I don’t see anything political in your post at all, but only encouragement and honesty. I appreciate your willingness to share your feelings about important issues and letting us take a peak at your life. Your posts have blessed me for years.
Be still my heart – Jan, thank you for the encouragement. xo
This is a great list, friend. Nursing homes might be a bit of a struggle. I know we can’t go into our local nursing home without a mask, temp check, etc right now. 🙁 I understand calling it the China virus because it originated in China. However, I won’t call it that as I’ve been reading and engaging in a monthly discussion around racism. The term can be seen as racist because people use it to sling hate and racism at the Chinese people. I know you’d never use it in this way. It’s just personal preference and I still love you….even when we disagree.
xo
An inconvenient truth. The virus originated in China. The virus escaped China. Or, God forbid, released from China on purpose.
How does a country that is suppose to be modern in medicine and research allow this to happen?
On top of that, they were so callus that the rest of the world was not warned. Millions have suffered. Hundreds of thousands have died. Many dying alone because of visitation restrictions.
Families turned upside down. 20 million children depend on school lunches for at least one meal per day. Churches, ministries, communities all across the worst affected states are attempting to replace them but it’s a seemingly impossible task.
Depression, anxiety, despair, job loss. For thousands hope has been killed by a virus that could have been stopped at China’s border.
Billions of dollars in loses revenue to countries, businesses boarded up, dreams of the nations youth dissolved.
Alcoholism and drug use skyrocketing due to being quarantined for months on end. As a result child abuse normally detected in a school setting are no longer discovered.
Power hungry politicians use the virus to control the masses while telling people, “It’s for your protection.” Churches forbidden to meet, forbidden to sing the praises of the Living God.
A China virus. That’s the nicest name it can be given. Let’s be real. Call it what it is. But as the writer of this blog pens so well, “Do something to help in Jesus’ Name.”
I so appreciate your words, Ms. K. Thank you.
It’s the China Virus”! No ifs, ands or buts! And personally, I believe it was released on purpose! And I live in a great and free country that allows me to feel that way and say it! But moving right along Sus….you are, as usual, on point and offer some great suggestions! I especially like #8…Get involved with something worthwhile! This has me thinking…..and asking God for guidance. Holy Spirit….❤️ Thank you Susan for your insight and always making me think!
Sandy B…THANK YOU!
These are great tips. I’ve recently been thinking on something similar: whether maybe to start a Bible study or something similar virtually. The corona virus has made me think “Why didn’t I think of that before?”
Ashley, there are lots of good things that can come out of this. It’s time to think outside the proverbial box.
This virus has caused a lot of anxiety and depression along with a lot of other things the media fills our heads with. This has FORCED my family and I to find PEACE and HOPE through all of this “madness”, and its been the biggest blessing to my home and family. Because there is one excellent source to peace and hope; and that is our one and only Father! I regrettably admit that he may not have been my focal point but our countrys struggles have placed him in the center of my family lives and its been the greatest gift of all! God needs to be the center of our homes, schools, and nation.
It truly is a blessing. Proud of you.
We can mail cards to seniors in our local nursing homes that are limiting visitors. Beautiful post. I babysit so the mom of my niece and nephews doesn’t have to take them shopping and we do an art project. Blessings sweet friend. Diana
Thanks, Diana – and that is so helpful to the MOM!!!!
As a teacher teaching at a boarding school that is open, we could especially use PRAYER! Prayer for safety (so far, no one has gotten the virus once the students arrived three weeks ago), prayer for patience–our school board insists that we all keep wearing masks–even though we’ve been in quarantine with each other for over three weeks now, and lots and lots of love to give our kids–they don’t get to go home until December 4.
Anita, being familiar with the set-up there – I totally understand the need for PRAYER. I’m going to stop right now and pray for all of you.
Great post and yes it is important to look beyond ourselves and circumstances, no matter how hard they are and see the need then step out to meet it. That also is not always easy as people hide behind their masks,.(no pun intended lol)