When Disruption Knocks Dealing With Corona-Virus

When Disruption Knocks – Dealing with Corona-Virus

I finished my retreat preparations with over a week to spare. What a relief to have time to prepare my heart and rest well before the weekend arrived. Then we began dealing with Corona-Virus.

When disruption knocks, life can change quickly.

 

In just a few days, social-distancing is a word. Grocery shelves are bare. Schools closed. Toilet paper is the next Tickle-Me-Elmo, and church services are live streamed. And, yes the retreat is canceled due to the Massachusetts governor’s mandate of no gatherings over twenty-five people.

Anyone else have whiplash?

Disruption Causes Anxious Isolation

It’s easy to be fearful in the midst of the unknown. We feel isolated and anxious seeing the news reports. Yet in the middle of the chaos, there is God. I keep reminding myself that this is not a surprise to Him. I can trust Him one day at a time as I navigate the unknown and crazy changes.

As we huddle in our smaller groups with six feet between us, we can feel alone. Conversations have tunnel-visioned into everything related to the virus. Its spread. The tumbling stock market. Quick changes in retail and restaurants. And questions about what the future holds.

What we need more than anything is hope. And, it needs to spread it faster than the virus.

When Experiencing Disruption, Look for Hope

There are some positives popping up on Social media. Free access to educational material for kids while schools are closed. Free virtual museum tours, library downloads, Kindle book offers, and many resources to help while we care cooped up at home…especially with kids.

What we need more than anything is #hope. And, it needs to spread it faster than the #CoronaVirus. Click To Tweet

People are reaching out to neighbors and become community.

Over 2,000 years ago there were a group of people who out of fear huddled too. Jesus, after three years of walking among them, was put to death on a cross. They were confused. They felt alone. And they feared that the powers-that-be would come after them too. So they hid behind closed doors (John 20:19,26).

This story is not a direct parallel, of course. And I am not saying we should not heed to call to social distance. I think the call is prudent as we see the virus spreading world-wide. But I think there is a common thread we can pull—the thread of hope.

Jesus’ disciples had no idea what was happening. They only knew that Jesus was arrested, tried, and executed. As He lay in a cold tomb it appeared hope died with Him.

But, God…

In the darkness of the tomb, He worked out His plan for the world. Instead of death, Jesus rose from the grave and hope lived.

Disruption Causes a Struggle With the Unknown

We have no idea how this pandemic will affect us. We are trying to hold back the tide but we need hope too. And so do those around us.

This is more difficult while we stay at home. Isolation can be depressing. So what can we do to spread hope? How can we be the church and Christ’s ambassadors while we are distanced from one another?

How can we be the church and #ChristAmbassadors while we are #SociallyDistanced from one another? Click To Tweet

I hope you will share you ideas here (scroll down to leave a comment).

Here are a few of mine:

Gather virtually with one or two others to share encouragement, prayer, and needs. We have amazing tools to enable this to happen. 3-way calling, texting, Skype, Facebook video calling, and Face Time are just a few. This virtual support will fight the feeling of isolation.

Call someone you know who lives alone to check on them. Do they need anything—food, medicines, etc? Sometimes just being able to talk with another person is the best encouragement. To know they are not forgotten.

Post encouraging thoughts on social media. Share other’s thoughts to your pages. We need positive words right now—scripture, humor, and insights.

Be sure to get outside. Take a walk. Envision your garden plans. Get sunshine and fresh air. It goes a long way to feeling healthy both physically and emotionally.

Send packages to your grandchildren. Often because of risk factors we are not able to see them in person. Or in my case, they are also across the country. Their schools are closed and their parents are probably going bonkers. So send a care package with a new book, a game or puzzle, and maybe some favorite snacks. It will: be a highlight of their day, share your love, and raise their hope-meter a little.

Be aware of needs that arise. For instance, friends asked if we could send their special needs son a birthday card. Due to risk factors they were unable to see him on his birthday. Those cards will be a bright spot in his day.

Pick up extra items at the store for your local food pantry. Peanut butter, jelly, baked beans, tuna, and other staples are in need all around us.

Ask for help. Don’t be a lone ranger. We need one another, and the enemy uses isolation to sow his lies. Don’t let him.

Dismantle Disruption with Hope

We are only one week into this isolation and may have a long way to go. But reaching out will boost hope and let people know they are not alone.

Many of us will not be able to gather in our churches this weekend. If your church doesn’t have live stream capability, look online to find a place to hear the word preached. There are several churches in my area and I am happy to share a link if you need it. Also, tap into some worship music. It calms the soul.

Whether we meet in a church building or not, we need to know WE ARE #TheChurch. It is up to us to #ShareHope Click To Tweet

Whether we meet in a church building or not, we need to know WE ARE THE CHURCH. And we can share the love and hope of Christ outside its walls. This crazy chaos is the perfect opportunity to think outside the box. Already I am seeing amazing fruit. So…

Don’t fear

Share Hope

Be the church

Watch what God will do

As Easter approaches, this story of hope is even more vivid. God defeated darkness and death and breathed new life over the disciples. The Holy Spirit came to dwell in every believer in Christ. The Emmanuel (God with us) that came as a newborn baby, became the God of hope that never leaves us.

Tomorrow may seem dark. But He is the still the light of the world, showing us how to be His people.

So, when disruption knocks, let hope answer the door.

When disruption knocks, let hope answer the door. #Coronavirus challenges the world. Click To Tweet

Thinking of you all during this time!!

Jeanne

 

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