My youngest daughter, Christa, is home for spring break from college.
Only it’s not the spring break she planned on.
It’s not the spring break hundreds of thousands of college students planned on.
After I wrote that last sentence my husband, Rob, Christa, and I paused to do some quick mental math and decided the sentence should read “millions of college students.”
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has demolished expectations around the world.
Christa arrived at Denver International Airport four days ago with two suitcases and two backpacks. One backpack was full of college textbooks and weighed so much I was scared to try and pick it up.
Christa’s happy to be home … and she misses her life back on campus. These ongoing circumstances are not what she ever imagined for her freshman year in college. She’s sleeping in her bedroom at home, with a lot of her belongings in her dorm room at Bethel University in Minnesota.
Classes? Canceled. Volleyball practice? Canceled. Time with friends? Canceled. Her two jobs? Canceled.
I like to say there’s no pause button on life. But the events of the last few weeks feel as if an unseen hand hit PAUSE on life, doesn’t it?
And we don’t know when the START button is going to be activated.
Uncertainty in the short-term is uncomfortable. If it continues to linger, uncertainty – doubt, insecurity – tends to invite fear.
I think we would all agree that times are uncertain right now. We’re all asking questions like “Will the store have what I’m looking for?” (It will if everyone will be reasonable) to “When can I go back to work?” to “Am I going to get sick?”
We just don’t know.
And we’re all scared. To some degree or another, we’re scared.
There. I said it out loud.
I don’t want to be scared. I don’t really believe in a giant unseen hand. I believe in God who has proven to be trustworthy again and again, but yeah, this whole COVID-19 thing? It has scared me.
When I get scared I take a deep breath, admit it, and choose to trust God, not my emotions.
Maybe I laugh at a funny meme or read an encouraging post or listen to a favorites praise and worship song. (Right now “His Banner Over Me is Love” is a favorite.)
And repeat, repeat, repeat.
You know what else I’ve decided during this time of uncertainty?
I’ve decided to listen.
Everyone has their own story, their own feelings, about what’s going on. I know mine. I want to know others’ stories.
We are connected by our stories.
Yes, we’re spending time in our homes. A lot more time than we ever imagined. Our normal routines have been interrupted for who-knows-how-long. But we can still connect with each other and share our stories. Our fears. Our hopes. What’s working for us during this time of “social distancing.” What’s not working.
Tell me how you’re doing. I really want to know … I want to know you better.
Choosing to Face the Effects of Uncertainty http://bit.ly/2xHVK2E #coronavirus #hope Click To Tweet 'Uncertainty is the refuge of hope.' Quote by Henri Frederic Amiel http://bit.ly/2xHVK2E #uncertainty #coronavirus #hope Click To TweetJUST A QUICK FYI: Things I Never Told You, book 1 in my Thatcher Sisters Series, is on sale for only $1.99 — the e-version. The Best We’ve Been, the final book in series, releases this May, so this is a great time to start the series or re-read book 1. Just click here or on the image below to take advantage of the sale.
Comments 23
Fear’s a roaming grizzy bear,
fear’s a nameless curse,
fear is, well, I am not there,
for friend, I’ve seen much worse.
I’ve seen what man can do to man
when both sides won’t agree,
and seen the genocidal plan
from which we’re never free.
But I’ve seen, too, the green of spring
arise from mass graves marked by rope
and saw, above, the bluebirds swing
on star-bright wings of risen hope.
So take your fear in love-shared hands,
to the One who understands.
Author
Andrew: I anticipated your words, my friend. If anyone understands hope in uncertain times, it is you.
Praying for you, today and always.
Beth, thank you so much! Praying for you and yours, too.
I’m using the remainder of my GI Bill benefit and am now one of the millions of college students who will finish spring semester online. I’m also someone who’s (barely) in the age bracket considered to be at risk. I’m also a public health professional who understands what’s needed at this time. Even so, it’s not easy. On the positive side, I will have the cleanest house, garage and gardens and I hope to get in my craft room for some scrapbooking and card making. Feeling blessed that I have the resources to do so.
Author
Barb:
Hello, friend. So glad you joined the conversation today. You’re experiencing this crisis — because it is a crisis on so many levels — in numerous ways. Back in school? What are you studying? And I’m rearranging the house, too — my office, to be specific. And counting our blessings? Always a wise choice.
Beth, I love, love this post. And that quote is so true. Uncertainty can lead us to fear, or it can draw us toward hope. I’m so thankful our unseen Father saw this coming way before it arrived on planet earth. And He sees how He’ll bring his children through. We just need to fix our hearts and our eyes on Him to know His hope.
Author
Jeanne: I’m thankful for our friendship because our conversations always point me back to hope. Always lead me back to my faith. Times are uncertain, but God stays the same. (Hebrews 13:8)
Beth, I think we’re all scared at the uncertainty of the future. Some of us will readily admit it while others fear voicing it. Honestly, I have chosen not to give into the fear, which is easy to do. Don’t misunderstand me when I entered the grocery store and the shelves were bare it gave me pause, but I mentally reminded myself people ran out and bought a lot of stuff and trucks will be coming with more. I chose to be proactive and not give into the panic. My son is like your daughter doing online college courses, but they are blessed to be able to continue their education. As he has asthma, I made sure we refilled all his meds for just in case. I am in the middle of cardiac rehab, and even though I know it’s important for my health, I’m taking a step back. I can do the same exercises at home. I would never want to infect someone unknowingly, most of the participants are in their 70’s or older, and walking into the hospital also puts me at risk. I have not over bought at the store, but my house has food. I changed the times I shop to a less crowded time, but as you stated that’s not always easy. As for home, now don’t laugh, but I have decided this is the best time to get more organized. Lastly, I remember my faith in God. If there’s ever a time I feel alone or uncertain I know there’s a book of instruction called the Bible I can open anytime needed.
Author
Katrina: It sounds like you’re making so many good choices. Adapting. Taking care of yourself, your family, your health. And making positive choices with your new schedule. Most of all, your life is hemmed in with faith — and that undergirds everything, doesn’t it?
Color me weird if you must, but these uncertain times leave me excited and encouraged at so many cases so far with God’s redemptive fingerprints all over them. People “stranded” one to two thousand miles from where they expected to be but ending up in exactly the right long-term family circumstances. Renewed family times and values with the dust blown off of them almost like when Hezekiah cleaned the temple and led the people in a rededication. While I’m sorry for the hardships people are facing, I see this as a reality check to help us get back to the basics in so many areas of life. I’m believing many people will discover or rediscover that God alone is our secure anchor, and where our nations and world end up on the other side of this crisis will be better life-value circumstances than when we entered this trial. It’s almost like the Hebrew children emerging from the furnace set free with their ropes burned off after being in the presence of the fourth man who was in the fire with him. I already feel His presence, see accomplished answers, but also expect and pray for many more life-changing steps forward on a worldwide scale.
Author
Dee: Your words are a breath of fresh air to me — and I’m certain to many others reading them. Today’s been a hectic day, with Christa hearing that her college is closing for the rest of the semester and then having to take one of our dogs to the vet. I’m weary as we make plans and deal with an injured puppy. But we stopped and prayed and asked for God’s promised wisdom in the midst of all the unknowns right now. God is present in all of this — as you reminded us.
At times like this I cling to scripture verses like the 91 Psalm and Isaiah 43:1-3. And the ones that say, “it came to pass…”
Loved your meme.
Author
You are so right, Pat. We are in the midst of difficult times, but this, too, shall pass.
My oldest’s grad school program is planning to go online after the two-week break, but the middle’s university hasn’t made a decision what they’re going to do. They said they will reevaluate on April 6. And, because the restrictions hadn’t been in place nationally, he went on Spring Break. grr He said he will drive home next week.
The youngest’s school district just gave a book, ONE book, to read over the two-week break. They sent a survey yesterday to assess the online access of students–one would think they would do that at the beginning of the academic year. They are feeding all students, regardless of need, if they report to designated spots. Fortunately, we’re not in need, but it’s a great resource for families.
So, I’m frustrated, worried, trying to remain calm in knowing this will eventually pass, but the mom in me will still be concerned about everyone’s safety. Our state was one of the first to start restrictions… my husband is working from home and underfoot.
I am glad I anticipated in advance and filled the pantry and freezer–not a hoarding amount–to get us through a few weeks. Looks like it will be more, but the grocery stores remain open.
Prayers the Lord will guide us through this time of strange and unknown factors, keep us healthy, and glad we live in a country where we are informed.
Author
Denise: I understand all your concerns. Know that you are in my prayers — and that we can lean on one another, and lean into our faith during this time — just as we are doing. Waiting on others to make their decisions is tough. But Christa’s college just decided to close the college — and now we are scrambling to accommodate their request that students get their belongings out by March 28. And praying harder.
I became a widow and a member of the most at risk group 4+ years ago. Spending time alone is not new to me now. I would be climbing the walls if these crazy self isolation periods have happened 5 years ago.
Having never been alone on my own before my husband passed I have learned to fill empty time with learning time. Read, study, listen to great speakers on tv and radio are good ways to fill your brain with stimulating activities.
House cleaning and those little maintenance projects keep you moving.
Yard and garden projects will make you feel like you are improving something for the future.
Looking ahead brightens your spirits.
Dance like no one is watching!!! Great exercise.
Bakers can bake and put it on the doorstep of a family with an encouraging note. Just a wave, no contact.
Stay in touch with people that may be concerned about you. Let them know you are ok. It will help them and lift your own heart.
Check on your friends with a call. Emails and messages are ok but hearing another human voice is important.
Talk often to God. Out loud, only HE is listening. Same thing with singing.
We can can get through this experience and come out the other side better. God is with us and we can take comfort in knowing HE is in charge.
Pray for our leaders to make good decisions and stay healthy.
Thank you so much Beth for this gift. Just writing these things has made me feel excited.
Author
Sandy: You offered so much wisdom to all of us. Thank you, sweet friend. I encourage you to share this on your Facebook page. I would share the post.
Beth, thank you for this post. My hubby and I are hunkering in place with our dog, Paigey. I have not yet felt much fear. We have enough to eat for the moment, enjoy being in our home and frankly, I’m appreciating this slow-down time which is a change from my normal busy schedule.
However, I am concerned for my 98-year old mother who broke her ankle a week ago, is in an assisted living center where we cannot visit her now, and who often cannot hear us on the phone. I know this time will be extra lonely for her even as she relies on the Lord.
So many are being impacted more directly than we are at this time, although we know, as members of the high-risk group, that can change at any time. So we pray, certainly for those we love and for our nation and the world, for those in medicine and in ministry, in essential service industries.
And when fear comes, as it very likely will, we will go back to Psalm 139, especially verses 5-10:
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Author
Carol: Thank you for sharing those comforting verses with all of us. I am so thankful we can lean on one another. It encourages me when we share what strengthens us with one another … Praying for your mother. I so understand.
I love this post so much. There is so much truth! My life is not impacted much, as I tend to be a hermit, but I am learning new things like ordering groceries online, doing church online, and teaching my parent’s how to do the same. (through email, of course! ) My mom’s not in good health, so this is difficult for me, as I had been visiting weekly. I am setting up zoom within the family so we can stay better connected together. Such new experiences for all. God is a good, good God. Amen!
Author
Sherrinda: I know, as an introvert, we are okay with the “stay home” directive, right? But the ongoing stress? The concern for others? So hard. And learning to let go of the anxiety and choose to trust … that’s the lesson I am learning.
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