Jesus in the Pandemic...

I enjoy the companionship of a Malawian sister each weekend (sadly not these past 2). And during this pandemic, her presence revealed my inadequate understanding of the other. The suffering. The poverty. Daily life.

I consider myself an empathic person. Yet I come up lacking in this; I have never experienced poverty. Or wondered if my basic needs would be met. My current “suffering”? Less access to fresh produce. Half my usual beans and lentils. The contemplation of rag usage should the pursuit of toilet paper prove unsuccessful.😳

When I asked my Malawian sister what she ate each day, she replied, “Oh, with some cornmeal, onion, tomato, and cabbage, I am so satisfied and happy!” Really?... Satisfied? Happy? She even said “content”. What a picture. Her family lives in an impoverished country. And yet she is content and happy with the little she is able to secure.

In the middle of a pandemic, well known Scriptures take on new meaning. Often our hearts become more open and teachable. And the disconnect between what we say we believe. And how we actually live. Becomes glaringly obvious. 

Matt 6:11 “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Our daily bread. Daily. No more. No less. 

My hope is that we grasp the significance of living out this Truth. It would change our communities. People could grocery shop without standing in long lines in the early morning. Employees could help customers find items; instead of perpetually saying “sorry, that is out of stock”. Pictures with angry, sad, and bewildered captions would cease to crowd our newsfeeds. 

If you know Jesus; then I invite you to join me in being like Jesus in the pandemic. We can pray before we grocery shop. We can ask; what is my daily bread? It is probably a lot less than we believe it to be. At least that is what my Malawian sister and the Holy Spirit helped me discover. And I’m humbled and thankful they did.

Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer Veggie Tales

Lost in the Space of Fear...

“Danger Will Robinson. Danger.” “Warning! Warning!” I can still hear his voice in my head. Robotic. Monotone. Male. Oh please tell me I am not the only one who remembers robot B9 from Lost in Space. I loved that show as a kid. And I think I know why.

Imagine having someone perpetually on alert for you. Like a personal bodyguard. Imagine the felt safety. Absolutely no surprises! No sneak attacks. No disaster without first a forewarning. Ah...what a gift.

When fear is a constant companion. When trauma knows your name. Well...then the thought of a robot sounding a precursory alarm...it’s kind of comforting. Almost magical.

But what happens when the robot begins to rust? Or some internal control goes haywire? Yikes! Depending on a fallible system may induce even greater fear. 

How do we adequately deal with fear? With anxiety? With our need to control? 

The Truth is; God is infinitely superior to a mechanical being. And yet too often we fail to acknowledge that He...and He alone... is our safety. We are hidden in the shelter of His wings (Psalm 61:3-5). He holds our hand (Isa 41:13). He promises that He will work all things together for good in our lives (Ro 8:28-29). He calls us by name. We are His (Isa 43:1). Every hair on our head is numbered by Him. There is not even one sparrow who falls to the ground without His notice (Luke 12:6-7). And knowing that He is intimately shaping every single day of our life (Ps 139:16)...that knowing can...dare I say should...dispel our fear. 

Dearest beautiful masterpiece of God - May we be absolutely overwhelmed by His lavish love for us. His knowing of us. His sovereignty. His acute awareness of our fear. And resolute desire to dispel that fear. 

I will be the first to admit. Life can be hard. Even harsh. And yes...sometimes not knowing tomorrow. That can be scary. And yet our life in Him is full of such unfathomable goodness. Moments. Seasons. Of great joy. Despite the hardships. Or. Better said. Within the difficulties.

Beloved Masterpiece - We are a witness to the world. A world mired in fear. That knowing the God who flung the stars into place. The God who causes the sun to rise and set each day. Knowing that God. Changes the anatomy of fear in us.

So do not be afraid. Take courage. Have faith. And remember. Even when things come unexpectedly crashing  down around you. He knew. And He already made provision. In Himself.  

Do not fear,  for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isa 41:10).

In this world you will have many troubles. But take heart.

I have overcome the world (John 16:33).