what are you thinking right now? how is your life being impacted by these crazy times? are you doing okay?
it's weird, isn't it?? i hope you're doing okay. i think it helps to take things a day at a time.
i'm just in this surreal headspace. it's all just too surreal. like, really, restaurants are closed? i'm not advised to leave my apartment and church and small group and all the things are cancelled? i can't go to the gym? what even is a routine anymore? and will i ever wear jeans again? ;)
i am thankful for God's incredible provision for francis and i during this time. we are both very thankful to be able to continue working and be healthy. we definitely recognize that many families are suffering without incomes because of all of this, businesses are suffering, many are sick and scared, and scary things like domestic abuse is way up because people are left at home with their abusers. it's kind of overwhelming. i was praying yesterday about this virus' impact, and i didn't know what to say. "God, heal everybody and make this go away." can i say that? is that something He'll do? is that naive? praying about this actually stressed me out a bit. i don't know where to start, and i still struggle with what to ask of God. i've found myself asking God to make things a lot less devastating than they are projected to be, and to provide all of our daily "bread and water" (basic needs). maybe i need to pray bigger. guys, i don't know.
here are the things i know are true:
. there are lots of people helping. good things are still happening. communities are helping each other out, kiddos are writing positive chalk messages on sidewalks, churches are donating money and services to those in need. families are ordering take-out from restaurants just to help them stay afloat, schools are bringing meals to kids' homes throughout the week, i heard of a coffee shop in minneapolis whose landlord is offering them a free month of rent, medical professionals are working tirelessly and sacrificially. good things are happening, and i believe God's finger is in all of them- big and small. we are created in God's image and any inclination towards love and service in our hearts is because God made us like Him.
. this will not last forever. i'm not sure what 'normal' will look like after all of this, but there will be a time where we can all hug each other again and go out without fear.
. Jesus is still LORD. God has not stopped being God. and He is trustworthy in all things.