Hello, friends! A new Monday and a new week. I hope this week is a little more normal than last week. I believe it’s been hard on all of us. The uncertainty of what lies ahead, the constant barrage of information, the hysteria of a pandemic and of course the hoarding. No disaster would be complete without the clearing of shelves in Wal-Mart and the like. At least we tend to laugh at ourselves through the frustration. Facebook has been full of funnies. But seriously, I have been thinking…
I readily admit I was quite anxious last week as each day unfolded. I found myself not only anxious but angry. Angry because I’m not sure who to believe and most importantly what I believe as I sift through too much information. But then…
I’m reminded that many times in the Scripture the words {But God} appear and the focus turns toward Him. Whether that be that He is coming to the rescue to change a circumstance, reminding his people exactly who He is or simply a reminder of His presence in all circumstances and that He sees and acts. Maybe He doesn’t act as I would prefer but nonetheless, He is sovereign and He has promised to never leave me or forsake me. I can release my anxiety and fear and rest in Him because He is trustworthy. Even in the midst of a pandemic.
Further, after I watched a few videos of people who contracted coronavirus, I listened to their experience and recovery. I was encouraged. By Friday, as I drove into work my anxiety had dissipated. I was further encouraged when I listened to our Texas governor, local county officials and the President speak because I heard the resolve of leadership to calm the public and rally resources to face the days of trouble ahead.
I decided I wasn’t going to be ruled by fear. Though I want to act responsibly I know I have to go on with life. In that vein, we had planned to go out for breakfast on Saturday morning. And we did. We spoke to our server and she confirmed the business was slow. Sadly, this is her income to help support her family. She needs the hours and tips. She didn’t say that but it’s easy to put the pieces together. My husband noticed she took food out to a homeless man sitting in front of the restaurant. We spoke with her about him and she said he tried to give her a dollar tip, which she didn’t take. We doubled her tip. We stopped and spoke to the man and gave him money for his next meal. I asked him if he needed a hand sanitizer and he said yes. I gave him one of ours. The homeless in our community are vulnerable too. They don’t have the resources to stay clean. I’m sure they live in your community as well. It’s easy to forget about them and/or ignore them but I do believe they are vulnerable as well.
I also did a little research because I’m that kind of person. I was reminded about N1H1 {Swine Flu} which was also a pandemic during 2009-2010. That was the timeframe when my husband was deployed to Iraq. I served at the local USO at DFW. Every soldier had to be tested before going back overseas. As a volunteer, I do not remember being panicked or even thinking about canceling my shift. I don’t remember hoarding anything. I remember that I didn’t contract swine flu either. I’m trying to take a lesson from myself and remember those truths.
In the meantime, I’ll take this situation seriously but I will also try to laugh at all of us when appropriate. Just a little humor to lighten the day.
Friends, please do not lose heart! Be encouraged because the Lord cares for us and see us!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
Friends, remember the less fortunate and those in need at this time!
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” ~ Matthew 25:40
Friends, we would do good to pray for our leaders and those who shoulder decisions for our health and safety.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. ~ Hebrews 13:17
I hope you have a beautiful week! Take heart…there will be trouble in this life, but I {Jesus} has overcome the world and he offers us his peace. I for one, am taking that free gift of peace.
Blessings, Carrie
Kat says
You my dear friend, are so wise and encouraging. I too remember the last “pandemic” and we survived! Your blogs are amazing and I’m so thankful I get to call you my friend! Schools in Iowa are shut down for 30 days, what on earth will I find to do for that long? I look forward to reading your blogs that’s for sure! It’s going to be hard not to get caught up in the hype. I love you!
Carrie says
Hi Sweetheart! Thank you for reading! I hope the weather is getting nicer so you won’t be couped up inside for those 30 days. That’s a long time! Love you too!
susan says
Yep, I get it. I’m thinking positively, too ~ it all happened so suddenly, but life goes on. Ironically, we’re studying survival of the fittest in science! I love your colorful graphic.
Carrie says
That is funny about studying the survival of the fittest at this particular time. Have a wonderful week, Susan!
Lisa notes says
The memes have been such a welcome anxiety-reducer for me too. We all still need to laugh from time to time, maybe now more than ever.
Carrie says
Laughter is good medicine. I’ve noticed that in my stress, I’ve been laughing harder than ever. Go figure. 🙂
Marilyn D says
Nice job on your blog Carrie. Thanks for sharing. Saw your dad yesterday before I left work, was smiling and laughing.
Carrie says
Thank you, Marilyn! I’m glad Dad is doing well. I miss seeing him but thankful he is being well cared for.
Tanya says
This is just the kind of positivity that needs to be circulating right now. I did the same thing looking up info about h1n1. More cases and deaths, but I barely remember it in the news at that time. Of course, we didn’t have social media then. Take care and stay healthy.
Carrie says
It is crazy out there and I really don’t want to be a part of it. I’m more concerned about those who will surely suffer because of the closures, etc.
Karen, the next best thing to mummy says
I am trying to stay positive, but it is difficult as a stroke survivor I am considered one of the vulnerable #dreamteam@_karendennis
Carrie says
Oh goodness! You take care of yourself. Hugs.
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
I just read from another blogger, she said we need to calm down and use common sense. Sounds good to me! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 10, open March 1 to 26. All entries shared on social media if share buttons installed.
Carrie says
Yes, we need to remain calm even though it is a struggle to do so.
April says
I enjoyed your stories. These are such strange times. #happynowlinkup
Joanne says
I tend to keep jumping back and forth between feeling quite anxious and talking myself back down also keeping Swineflu and the Sars epidemics in mind. Though the hoarding is starting to drive me nutty as it seems like store are unable to keep anything at all in stock.
Leslie Susan Clingan says
This is an example, to me, of the posts you do best. Of course, your style posts are always lovely. And you shine in everything you style. But this is the real Carrie we love. You and Dale have such big hearts. Thank you for sharing your blessings with the waitress and the homeless man. We are all in this together. And coronavirus doesn’t discriminate.