About 10 days ago, America was turned upside down because of a fast-moving virus, Covid-19. On Thursday, March 12, I went to the grocery store to do my normal grocery shopping. There was plenty of water, toilet paper, food, and household cleansers. The very next day, with every news channel constantly talking about what may happen in the next few days, I decided to go back out to the stores and grab a few extra essentials, "just in case".
I've never seen anything like it. Seemingly and actually overnight, there was a mad dash from the public to panic buy as if a blizzard was coming. The shelves, which just the previous day was stocked, were now empty. It was honestly one of the most frightening things I've ever experienced. I began to buy things that I wasn't even sure I needed. The sense of urgency to buy dry or canned goods was heightened. I looked for toilet paper, gone. I looked for disinfectant wipes, none! My anxiety was through the roof thinking about the days as a kid when we literally had nothing to eat in our house and that was NOT going to happen to me and my family. My fear and anxiety overtook me.
I know fear is irrational at times but being in a crowded grocery store where everyone had a look of worry and panic on their faces affected me deeply. When I came back home, Mike looked at me and saw the distressed look on my face. Now usually when one of us is down, the other is there to lift up, but this time I drug him down with me. The fear was contagious.
About a week later, I listened to a message from a beloved pastor who said something that even today I hang onto. He said this, Be persuaded by the Master, not the media. I wrote that down and quickly put it on my fridge. This helps immensely because I tend to be a news junkie. Especially during times like this. Not watching it would cause me much more anxiety than watching it but this short statement works as a filter for me as I watch the news. Remembering who really is in control has been a great comfort to me!
Along with this life-changing message, I was reminded of scripture like 2 Timothy 1:7 and
Romans 8:15.
These are scary times. It's okay to acknowledge our fear. But it's not okay to allow that fear to overtake us. Jesus said in John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Let's let the "peace of God, rule in our hearts" as best as possible. By God's grace and strength, we will overcome this. Be safe out there friends:)
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