I've been hesitant to want to share much on social media because I believe my response to each person's question is uniquely formed for the person who is doing the asking.
I do not believe this is the time for a 'one-size-fits-all' response, but varies depending on with whom I'm conversing.
In 1 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul expresses the freedom in Christ has has found that allows him to eat food once thought to be unclean. His caution in these two chapters is not in the freedom of this discovery as much as in the self-limiting posture he chooses to make on behalf of others. While he may be perfectly content eating meat sacrificed to idols, to someone else, this action would inhibit them from hearing about Jesus and thus being a stumbling block to faith. "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9
As we navigate these uncharted waters of quarantine and care, I would encourage you to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance as to how to guide and care for people. While some activities (like going to the grocery store) may sound harmless to you, it could be a health-risk for others. We cannot shame someone for grocery shopping just like we cannot judge someone else for continuing to go to work.
Some people need to be strongly encouraged to practice self-care by self-quarantining themselves for their safety and health. Perhaps you fall into the category of 65+ or a compromised immune system or you are the care-giver of someone with that description. I would hope you are giving yourself permission to stay home. Please reach out to others in your circle-of-care to run errands and gather groceries for you. I've noticed this age demographic does not want to burden others - but this is not the time to be a super-hero and serve others, this is a season to care for yourself by self-isolating. God, I pray you would surround people who identify with this description with your peace as we feel afraid and vulnerable. I pray as we reach out for help and put our trust in other people that you would surround us with circles of support and care so that each of us can "feel" you near, even in this time of intangibility.
Others suddenly find themselves being overloaded with additional responsibilities. Many are being asked to work the same number of hours, but now from home while they are also tending to children, children's school work, and feeding a house-full of people three-meals-a-day. I pray for the moms and dads in this stage of life, that you would give us strength, energy and compassion as we calm the anxiety of our children, sooth souls with warm meals and coordinate schedules to still get our own work done. Give us an extended level of grace as we stumble often, but continue to keep pressing onward. I pray for peace in the home and for relational tension to be eased. May Your Spirit abide in our homes.
Some people are looking for a place to help. They may find themselves within the range of a "COVID-19 Healthy Person." Many agencies and non-profits need people to help. Our schools are continuing to provide lunches/breakfasts for children in our community. Our 'older' or overwhelmed neighbors may appreciate someone to go to the store for them. This is your opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a very tangible way. If you don't already know your neighbors, introduce yourself and offer your services to help them stay safe. I pray for discernment as we listen for what You are calling us to do and how/who to lean toward during this season. Show us one or two with whom we can make a difference.
For others, the fear of this situation has been crippling. Too much news can indeed be too much news. I challenge you that whatever negative you are inputting, to be equalizing (or go beyond) that amount of positive input. Positive input can be going for a walk, listening to music, petting your dog, reading your Bible, sitting in silence, writing in a journal, taking pictures, painting a picture, writing a poem. Give yourself time to process. We can't process if we're constantly inputting. Make margins to protect your emotional and mental health as you give yourself permission to take care of yourself by going for a walk or writing a card. Remember especially, that you are not alone. God, I pray Your presence would calm anxious hearts. Give us permission to turn off our televisions and instead listen to our heartbeats and focus on You. Quiet the noise around us so we can hear Your steadfast voice reassuring us that You are near.
This is an unprecedented time in which we are called to care for one another and ourselves. I have heard many encouraging stories of people helping other people. I am praying this crisis can bring us together as a collective group and not pull us apart as individuals.
Let's continue to care for the marginalized, the weak and the vulnerable - but have discernment to know who's who. Who needs to be encouraged to help and who need to be encouraged to stay home.
Let us not throw shame or judge others - we don't know their story.
Let's remember to love like Jesus - wholeheartedly and creatively.
May God's peace, presence and power be with you as we walk through this time together. Keep reaching out. We need each other now more than ever.
Connie
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
