Hey friends, I hope this finds you healthy, positive, and not stir crazy! As you can imagine, thanks to COVID19, I’m rattling around my 500 square foot Greenwich Village studio apartment in a Corona Quarantine stupor! (#StayHomeChallenge)
Things here in Manhattan are truly, unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The sun is out, it is a beautiful, picturesque day — the ones we New Yorkers salivate for in the dead of winter — and yet the city is a ghost town. People are all holed up inside, fending off the coronavirus by sheer will. The bars and restaurants are closed, shops dark. The only things open are the fearless bodegas, grocery stores and pharmacies. Taxis are all vacant. Buses empty. There wasn’t even one person on the ferry from New Jersey I saw come in.
I’ve gone running every day, and even then – the only people out are walking their dogs, many in face masks.
But the most eerie thing of all, is that all of the churches are closed. Which for many is an unperceived effect of COVID19, but for someone who has literally never missed Catholic Mass in my entire existence – (except for once in Iceland) – I really felt the extent of this quarantine, as I watched a livestream of a random mass in North Dakota from the comfort of my couch in PJ’s.
And that got me thinking a lot about this whole pandemic.
I think the whole “why” question is on everyone’s mind. Like… why is this happening? How did we get here? How is it possible in the 21st century that we are not sufficiently prepared for a pandemic of sorts?
Especially here in America, the attitude is almost arrogance…How can a virus bring us to our knees like this? We’re Americans, damnit!
I mean, I’m guilty of it too! This week I’ve found myself annoyed that the only way we can control this novel virus is by literally locking ourselves away from the world!
But sitting on the couch, longing to be at an actual church, I realized how much I missed God. Maybe it was the foreignness of the priest’s North Dakota accent, maybe it was the fact that I’ve been social distancing for almost a week straight, or maybe it was because I was feeling scared and anxious about this whole ordeal, but my need for God has never been more.
I’ll admit, I’ve been pretty lax in my relationship with God in the last several months. He’s been Someone that I just visit on Sunday at church, maybe a little prayer here and there. But with the fast pace of life, and my own -admittedly- often selfish existence, I’ve given God the backseat.
And I was thinking about it, and the times in my life when I’ve been the closest to God, were when my world was crumbling around me. During my recovery from anorexia…where I literally had to rebuild my life, I clung to Jesus. To go from 78 pounds, terrified of food, trapped in a destitute existence – to where I am today as a healthy and thriving young woman…I depended on Him every single step of the way. Every terrifying moment at inpatient. Every morsel of food I was petrified to eat. He was my strength and my rock. And I wouldn’t have my recovery without Him.
And then during my mother’s stroke, watching my dad carry her lifeless body, praying that she would live, He was there for me too, in a powerful, tangible way.
It took those dire tragedies to truly solidify my relationship with Christ in a life changing way.
The truth of the matter is that He is always there for us, but pretentiously, it took a life-or-death moment of need, for me to really earnestly turn to Him.
And only looking back now, from a state of hindsight and perspective, can I see the silver lining in all of that, and be grateful for the lessons I had to learn the hard way.
But sitting there watching Mass on a frigging laptop, I thought to myself, how cruel of a joke, that at this time of fear and uncertainty, we can’t even go to church.
Part of me wonders if there’s any shred of truth in that? That maybe this is being allowed as a way to bring people back to God?
Not that God is causing Corona. Or that this is some rathful exercise by a jealous God. No, not at all.
But I wonder if this is going to be the “recovery/stroke/dire moment” for a lot of people, that brings God back into the picture.
Because, let’s face it. The world has all but left God behind. And I’m guilty of falling prey to busyness and self-focus, and convenience, too. I mean, my faith life recently has been checking off a to-do list item on Sunday, along with laundry, meal prep, and changing the sheets.
We’ve created an existence where we don’t need God: We’ve “mastered” science. Have access to every possession or comfort in this world. We want for nothing. Take nature for granted. Food, shelter, running water, clothing, technology — we are incredibly comfortable, and seemingly masters of our own universe.
Coronavirus is a wake up call that we are not in control.
That’s why you’ve got people buying enough toilet paper to supply a small army: it is something one can control.
But toilet paper isn’t the answer.
It’s recognizing Who’s jurisdiction we are actually under.
Look, I’m not saying that this is something that prayer itself is going to change, or that if we all “come to Jesus” that Corona is going to *poof* disappear.
No. I believe in God and I believe in science. Wash hands. Social distance. Get a successful vaccine circulating.
BUT. I also pray that this is a wake up call to people — myself definitely included — that we are not God. God is God, and He is ultimately in control.
And I pray that one day, when we all are, God willing, on the other side of this – healthy, happy, and with an economy that didn’t crumble – we can look back and say, that was the moment that solidified my faith. That when the chips were down, I found strength in the One who is in control. Not in my ability to stock up on canned goods and toilet paper.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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291 responses to “A Corona Wake-Up Call”
I agree that fear has led us to hoard toilet paper, hand sanitizer and the like…but this past weekend, my pastor said something I won’t forget: Hope is not psychological, but it is theological. His point was that when our hope is in God, we can have assurance that the end result is His victory, and that should not be cause for fear. When we ransack shelves for disinfectant, it’s because we are operating out of emotion, not the power of the Holy Spirit.
thanks so much Lauren for sharing this powerful response. wow – how truly profound. taking this one with me. Thank you so much!!!! amen! Hugs and love xox stay well!
Hey! We got no loo rolls in the UK and unlike old Donald duck over there Boris Karloff ain’t shut the schools yet🤣
oh gosh, well may the force be with you! – but seriously, stay well Kenneth! Hugs and love xox
Old Boring Boris announced today ‘ travel when only necessary’ We’re supposed to be going on holiday (up north for a week in less than a fortnight) so don’t know where I stand insurance wise
Interesting. I hope you can get your money back! Hugs and love xox
Thanks cos I may need it to stock up those loo rolls 🤣
hahah
What is this toilet paper obsession about?? Is the world going crazy? Afaik it is the CHEST that gets infected, not down south.
So true! hahah — i think it’s just one of those things that people feel some sense of control with. it is wild to say the least
Great point! God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind. And since that’s true, then fear must be a lie whispered in our ear by the enemy. And he is so wrong!
I enjoyed this read and I agree the desire for Christ as it is for toiletries and day to day activities, has diminished amongst the masses. I’ve always had a desire for Christ and the more he gives off a spiritual awakening I tend to love him even more. May God bless your heart and mind and continue to bless your fingers and mind to keep putting out meaningful and spirit filled messages. God Bless❤️
Thank you so much Leslie! That is so beautiful. Amen – God bless you as well my friend. Stay well! Hugs and love xox
That is so insightful and very well written. Things in Australia are going crazy, like it’s the end of the world! I saw footage/s in Melbourne supermarkets (Coles and Woolworths) people literally fighting over toilet paper! That is definitely not human behaviour. People were even ‘stealing’ toilet paper from other people’s trolleys! What a shame! People think it is the end of the world. There have been flu’s that killed much more people than this coronavirus. But you are correct, it is definitely a wake-up call. Many Australians are now working from home and fear for their kids to even go to schools. What is this world coming to? 🙂
Great work, keep it up.
Thank you so much Philip for sharing your thoughts on this. I appreciate it so much. Gosh – that is so scary. yikes – and so sad. I will be praying you and your community! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Excellent post! He often opens our ears by affliction. Our Lord is always good, and always loving His children!
thank you so much J! Amen to that – always good, even when we can’t understand His ways! stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
AMEN! You are so correct! I truly believe, if we draw near to God, he will certainly draw near to us!!
2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Version (KJV)
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Blessings, Georganna
Thank you so much Georganna!! What a kind thing to say. Amen – He always will be there for us! Stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
So that’s what I was wondering. Can you go outside and exercise during this quarantine? I can handle being at home if I’m allowed to walk my dogs and run but I wasn’t sure if that was allowed?
thank you Lindsey! Yes – as of now, we are only being told to social distance ourselves. There is no curfew or lockdown in place. So i go jogging while being cognizant to remain 6 feet from people. stay well! Hugs and love xox
I hope that you are doing fine. In the part about turning back to God, I recently heard a preacher say that many people are hear God from behind them. Why are they hearing God from behind and not in front? His answer is because they turned their backs on Him. As you mention, maybe this is a wake up call.
thank you JB, I appreciat that. interesting!! oh wow that’s a powerful message. stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and love to you.
xxoxoxox 🙂
🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
I miss church too. There’s something about corporate worship that restores hope and brings glory to God in ways individuals can’t. And yes, cling to our Father in heaven. 😉
you’re so right about that – there’s something really beautiful at church you can’t get anywhere else! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Xoxoxo. Since the hugs and kisses are virtual, social distancing 😉
hahhaha right on!!!
Seriously, though, once this blows over, if I am ever in NYC, it will be for reals. 😉
🙂
Every now and then we all have to readjust…….”But with the fast pace of life, and my own -admittedly- often selfish existence, I’ve given God the backseat.”
God has an amazing way of slowing us down, in order to help us refocus.
you’re right about that – and sometimes readjustment can be painful. thank you so much for this. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
painful, but well worth it…. Take the leap, turning away from all that besets you….
Therefore Caralyn, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares or besets us, and Caralyn, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking DAILY unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God…Hebrews 12:1-2
yes!!! run with endurance! that is so encouraging. thanks again my friend. Hugs and love xox stay well
We’re in this race together, and we’re part of that great cloud of witnesses, cheering and encouraging each other on!!
Amen to that. Xoxox
This: https://www.aish.com/sp/so/Finding-Meaning-Amidst-the-Coronavirus-Panic.html?s=mm
Thank you James. Hugs and love xox
After hearing how so many people in service industries are going to be out of work while travel shrivels up and restaurants close, my first response is gratitude to God for being in a doable situation. Even after going to the grocery store today, where it quickly became apparent that those of us late to the game – like me – may have to survive on junk food, because everything else has been taken. The butcher department? Empty. I couldn’t find so much as a can of SPAM! No hot dogs, nothing.
Still, I’m thinking gratitude first even while I’m starting to get nervous about how bad this might get. And I mean the hoarding. I’m more concerned about that than the virus! Gratitude for my job, for my medical bennies, for not being infected so far… whatever I can think of.
After that, THEN I start on my wants and needs to bring to God.
My church is still having services so far, but they are only offering individual cups. No common cup until this is over. Common sense precautions go a long way. If you church is closed, well, the internet is a substitute no matter how poor. How far are your friends from you? Have your own church with them, because wherever two or three are gathered, etc.
Definitely in uncharted territory! All the best as you continue to cope!
oh gosh!! i’m sorry Jeff!! The good news is that groceries get shipments often, so hopefully if you check back tomorrow you’ll have better luck! you’re right – there is still a lot to be thankful for. i have been keeping you and your family in my prayer. Stay healthy my friend. uncharted territory for sure! big hugs to you and your girls xoxox
Thank you, Caralyn. You remain in my prayers also! So far, we remain healthy. Julie is bringing her computer equipment home tonight to work from home until things start getting better. My plan is to be at the grocery when they open, and we’ll see what we can find! Stay well!! Hugs back!!!
Oh praise God! I’m glad Julie is working from home too! xoxox 🙂
Your post was right on spiritually and intellectually. Thank you for always keeping it real. Also, your consistence in your blogs posts, keeps your readers informed and spiritually uplifted and challenged. Thank you! 🙂
thank you so much!! i’m so glad you enjoyed the post! stay healthy my friend! Hugs and love xox
The way this played out, if there’s ever a diarrhea epidemic, the stores will be out of nasal spray… I did think it was quite funny that churches were closed along with all other non essential services… 😉
hahahha oh my gosh that is funny Jim! i do appreciate humor in all of this! stay well my friend xox
Good writing hope people well hear the Lord through all this
thank you so much! i surely hope so too. it is a blaring fog horn if you ask me! stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
We must return to putting God first in everthing and know he is control stay safe
you’re so right about that!!!
Such a well written post which touched on how many of us are thinking. This morning I turned a page on my Gratitude Journal and it read “I transform my fear into faith by trusting the the Universe has my back.” I thought that was so apt in our current troubled times. Sending you love and peace. xx
hi Miriam, oh wow, thank you so much for your kind words! oh wow — what a powerful and timely message. i love that. thanks for sharing. stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
Great post during these uncertain times my friend. Fear and panic when acted upon produces some impulsive behavior for sure. I myself have retreated to me inner world of spirituality that allows me to have conversations with my soul’s voice coupled with faith in God. Since I have been on this healing journey for 10 years, I understand the importance of keeping this muscle strong and in daily practice so that I maintain a clear channel. It’s like a vitamin, we don’t just take it when we aren’t feeling well but daily to maintain strength and resilience. I’m not perfect and have defin6fallen away from my practices but experience has taught me that it’s easier to keep going, prioritize what keeps my faith and hope strong so that that muscle continues to grow stronger and stronger.
We are human, we have feelings that flow through us and are naturally imperfect. However, the more we stay grounded in a spiritual (for me) practice that incorporates a belief that a higher power is ruling over all, the more clear reality is. It’s taken me years to learn this and I can feel the difference when I stray. For me I am choosing to let love guide me, radiate from the inside out while allowing fear to fall away. Fear does not rule my world today. With trust, belief, hope and of course faith …..we will all rise. Love & light to you my fellow recovering friend🙏😊❤
hi friend, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. You’re so right about that — we will all rise with trust, belief, hope and faith — what a powerful, powerful message! Hugs and love xox stay well!
I really enjoy your perspective on things and find pleasure in throwing in my own 2 cents. We are all connected and that’s the big lesson here for our planet right now. This virus is not discriminating who it affects. We must all work together, in love to get through it with patience, kindness and always love😊
hi friend! oh my gosh thank you so much for your kind words! amen – work together! stay well! Hugs and love xox
In 2000 I read a book called “Betrayal of Trust: The Collapse of Global Public Health” by Laurie Garrett a Pulitzer Prize winning author. True then, true now. Great book. Decided to re-read it. This COVID19 pandemic will seem like child’s play once other viruses are released from the thawing permafrost and the viruses there that are millions of years old. One of the problems with COVID19 is the lack of an integrated Public Health Network to fight the disease.
As to why this is happening now. Many indigenous prophesies – Mayan, Aztec and Hopi have already predicted this. New mathematical calculations of the Vedic texts of the Yugas now say that the Ascending Kali Yuga is ending in 2025 followed by a 300 year transition period to a better period. The Kali Yuga is about divisiveness, greed, people feeling separate, wars etc. The Ascending Dwapara Yuga is less so – peoples moving more toward being more moral…
When cycles end, such as the Climate Crisis, the terror produced by the fires in California where I live, floods, hurricanes rising sea levels and the COVID19 pandemic create terror producing events. When people are afraid and panicked then revert to fight or flight behaviors, that’s what has been building over the last 15 to 20 years. Try not to get polarized into this or that camp. Work at being compassionately neutral. When I facilitate peace in myself and allow that feeling to grow I have found that over the years people are attracted to that peace especially when I don’t have agenda. Feel it, be it or not.
This is the new normal. God helps those who help themselves.
1. Time to work together for the common good, find places to agree and make changes where all peoples benefit (at the very least all Americans to start)
2. Ask open ended questions to begin a dialog to help solve problems with others. Listen.
3. Even if the Climate Crisis seems destined to kill us all off the very least we can do is work to relieve the suffering of the people around us. Offer help. Listen with compassion. Work at being at peace in the midst of chaos.
There is much more of course
Hi Kai, thank you for sharing that. Wow – that is scary. Yes – time to work together for sure, and problem solve for the good of all! stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
Love this, Caralyn! I’m the Community Life Pastor at Evangel Church in Scotch Plains, NJ, and we closed our building to all events and meetings starting this past weekend until further notice. We have LifeGroups where people gather in homes for fellowship and Bible study and have shifted them to online meetings via video conferencing. We streamed our Sunday services this past Sunday. COVID 19 has changed all of our lives but the Spirit still moves! We’re not a Catholic church, but you’re welcome to tune in to our services on Sunday at evangelchurch.live.
Hi Roy, thank you so much for sharing that. Gosh, i’m sure that was a really tough decision, but it was wise. I will have to check out your live stream!! thanks so much for the encouragement. stay well! Hugs and love xox
The service is streamed at 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 5pm. It’s great to be able to watch online but we have a beautifully diverse church and it’s sad not to be able to see everyone.
oh perfect!!!! awesome! thank you!
Communing with God isn’t confined to a church, God is with you 24/7–you are His child! Jesus Christ is God’s Son. The churches being closed does NOT prevent you from being in God’s presence, just close your eyes and know He is with you now.
you’re right about that! God is not confined to a place! I do miss the community though!! stay well friend! Hugs and love xox
I’ve seen some of my angry atheist friends sharing things like “If God is so powerful, then why does he need to cancel church? Can’t he protect his people from coronavirus?” While I don’t think that is necessarily how God works, it is a valid point. And it’s scary.
What concerns me is the implications for the Constitution and freedom. Even some of my friends who are normally very mistrustful of government are cheering on all the mandatory quarantines and being just as condescending to people who disagree with them as my other friends who are always condescending to people who value freedom. As far as I can tell, this is a legitimate public health threat, but it’s scary that all it takes is a perceived threat to get people to surrender their freedoms and give the government more power. It’s like the quote from whichever Star Wars prequel it was (2?) where Padme said “So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause.”
oh gosh, that’s not a helpful response from them during this time of uncertaintity and fear. thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. definitely something i hadn’t thought of. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
As usual, a beautifully written post. Thank you! I love the comment “When things get hard, warriors are born” Out of adversity, we are strengthened. My doctor said, he hoped that those who have will help those who have not. That has always been my observation during natural disasters, People do rally. I just hope that spirit continues.
oh gosh, what a kind thing to say, thank you Jolie! yes! we are strengthened! amen. me too. stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
You too!
xoxox 🙂
Caralyn, you sound like you’re getting on the page I’ve been ranting about for a while! Perhaps you and millions of others are ready to re-calibrate and focus on the fact that the human race has gotten too big for its britches as the old saying goes and feel too high and mighty or are living day to day like machines that don’t think so good, even though they are under the deluded false impression that they have the world by he, excuse the expression, by the balls! I’ve been saying this in many of my blogs too, how people are way too self-serving and arrogant and they went beyond ignoring God, but they instead decided to play God, be their own world upon themselves and figure they can do as they damn well please, and butt out everybody, even God! Don’t anyone take me wrong here, I can see why people got this way in our modern materialistic high tech world of convenience, being lulled into an almost zombie like pace and style of living; but we’ve had serious wake up calls before (9/11) and people don’t ever seem to learn or get their shit wired and make up their minds that they better live on the straight and narrow from now on. They just slip back into their old habits as soon as the dust settles and the dark cloud passes us by! I’m sorry to say, but I think it’s going to take a lot more than a COVID-19 scare to shake the “bejesus” out of enough people to come clean and fess up! Look at our National Seat of Power with people like, Schumer, Pelosi, Schiff, Nadler, Feinstein, Maxine the Crazy Machine and so many others that are so corrupted and dirty there is no going back now, they are going to die wicked and greedy pigs! Sorry, I hate to be morbid under such sad conditions but I may cool off and get back to seeing the light shining through, not the clouds, but though “human consciences” hopefully soon and have wonderful things to report to anyone who will listen.
I do think there are still so many people that want to do the right thing and make a good world that is in tune with what Jesus told us to do when we was here. But, we have way too many bad people running things and that has to change I think before enough substantive change can occur! Sorry, people are ruining this world, so we better pray harder than ever to be delivered from this madness, especially for the sake of all the innocent kids and babies! I hope it is going to change for the better, I do!
God Bless!
thank you Lawrence for sharing your thoughts on this. I pray that we can all come together and everyone be okay! stay well and hugs! xox
I don’t believe we’ll ever master science or rely on it for the final answer. That’s the thing about good scientists is not to state the concrete but ask better questions. Of ourselves, of all things. God, didn’t raise a hand. We did it to ourselves.
Now, this is my personal opinion about faith vs science. I would much rather my doctor go to premed than seminary before a surgery. As one does put faith in them, when they are needed.
ask better questions — that’s very true!!! and i am right there with you. thanks for stopping by. stay well, friend. Hugs and love xox
I was a bit of a jerk while getting surgery. 😂 Too much time and not enough attachment to binge watching things. I read the journals on my illness and critiqued the hospital. We changed, the protocols I nudged. I said Stanford does it this way. It’s better and cheaper. They listened. 😂
Glad they listened
We are both in high risk groups for this. So is your mom. I don’t make many friends but I think if you lived closer we could have disagreed more often in person. If I don’t make it I liked our conversations over the years. Even the ones where I really just wanted to never read anything you said ever again. 😂🙌🏽👍🏻
haha oh gosh. we’re going to be okay 🙂
I’m okay either way. As long as it gets fixed.
👍🏼
Trump. Runs a tight ship as far as public services. We’ve had, a strain of coronavirus since 1960. That’s when it jumped to humans. I’ve relied on public health services most of my life. Minus, the decade or so I had my own businesses. Those were cut drastically this term. Which, is how…I mean I just got out of the hospital. Then, this? I was rethinking if I’ll be okay. I really don’t think so. If I had to choose between my treatment or my kids. Or, some other kid’s sitting in those dingy waiting rooms. I think I’d just walk out and let them have my spot. You’re right, this is America. This is also choices that citizens in third world countries have to make everyday for their healthcare. I think, that’s why we don’t get the flu vaccine because some of us have healthcare. It’s also why some of us still die from the flu because many do not have healthcare.
You have a good heart
Perfect loves have tragic fates.
poetic
Shakespeare, Sonnet 116.
Gotchap
It’s what I got from it. I guess, love could be a virus as well. Makes one all strange and odd to everyone around them. “Why did you pick him?” “But, she’s—.” 😂 We should, in those moments be never cured of love and may the virus last a lifetime.
👍🏼
What is the value of human life? That’s, our government in response to disasters. Before that, our value may have been zero because of the protections that were removed in place of Wall Street profits. Then, Amazon cleverly removed a layer of stores that would normally be open in crisis. Now, Amazon chooses to limit us and what we buy in this crisis. Ha. It’s all. Very strange
That’s definitely a question on everyone’s mind
That is definitely a question that this whole thing has raised.
In my heyday, I could shoot a pie plate at about 200 feet with a handgun. It looks like, the end of your pen. They, also weren’t pie plates. I have wanted to avoid those confrontations outside, in the “real world.” It may be, the choice of others to defend themselves accordingly. It is, fear. Fear, is hard. If the world goes mad that is also, a choice.
👍🏼
Outstanding insights.
Thank you so much. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Peace. 🙂🍃
xoxox 🙂
This weekend I had a terrible spiritual thought and I pray I’m wrong: Satan is laughing. What better way for evil to get a foothold than to use an event such as this…isolate people from each other (even getting them to do it on their own), cause fear and anxiety on a worldwide scale, and finally close the churches. I have never witnessed the mass closing of churches before in my life. Pray is right. We have turned our backs on God time and time again. It seems fitting that Easter is around the corner. We need a rebirth, a revival, and we need it now. Stay safe, my friend. Good luck finding toilet paper. Keep reaching out to people and stay close to God.
Thank you Lisa for sharing your heart on this. Amen – a rebirth and revival. I don’t think it coincidence the timing. Stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
And I agree – the evil one is for sure laughing. Isolating people is his best tactic. Jesus has power over him though!!
Thank you Caralyn, I needed to hear this! My mom, sister, and friends keep reminding me that I’m not in control, none of us are. So very true. I need to take a deep breath and pray. Makes me feel a ton better. xox
Hi Jenny Marie! I’m so glad this resonated with you 🙂 amen to that – i will join you in that deep breath and prayer! big hugs and stay well! xox
Thanks, you too!🌸
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I live in a retirement resort on the Sunshine Coast Australia where we usually host international water events and its a tourist trap because of the close proximity of miles of prime beaches and of course the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo. My daughter and her family are visiting from California and are watching the world news with alarm. They wonder about all the restrictions returning to the US and how it will affect their return. They were amazed to see supermarkets being cleaned out every day here and around the world. Supermarkets here stock up two days a week for the aged and have that set aside exclusively for the aged who have to prove it before they can get in showing documentation. It’s a good system as everyone gets a chance that way. They restock through the night for every day and shelves are full. But most of the favoured foods are cleaned off shelves by afternoon. The world has gone mad! There is no reason for this as you can have your things delivered to the door if quarantined any time of the year.
oh wow! i’m glad your daughter is there with you. yeah – it is a jungle out there. stay well! will be praying for you and your community! big hugs xo
BBB,
I was asked a few times why we closed our church this past Sunday…
We streamed live, but here is a great response from Martin Luther…
Questions have been asked whether Mountain View Presbyterian Church was backing down in fear by closing its doors on Sunday morning due to the Coronavirus.
Hard to believe Martin Luther had a great response then and a fabulous response now…
500 years ago, in the midst of an epidemic (the Bubonic Plague), the great Reformer Martin Luther wrote the following in his letter, ‘Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague’:
“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us.
Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it.
I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.
If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others.
If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”
Continue to Laugh often and Fear not!
David!
Hi David, thank you so much for sharing that – wow it is truly a powerful message. i needed to read that today! stay well! Hugs and love xox
It’s a different reality at the moment but one things remains the same… Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Hugs (at an appropriate distance!!🤪) right backatcha!
yes He is! xox
I recall in 1999 the Y2K issue was afoot. People took their money out of the bank, there was a mild panic. This is far more severe then that but essentially we have a virus that makes people sick and a extreme reaction to it. We had bird flu, sars, swine flu on and on, every couple of years.
This will pass, and the good that comes out of it is it will reveal for many of us our true character. Are we selfish? Are we empathetic? Regardless of what god you worship, they are watching.
you’re right – Y2K was another wild time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. this will pass. stay well. Hugs and love xox
I thought 9/11 here was the worst thing ever. And it probably was. I saw it from the Bayonne side. 🙁 then I thought about the Hurricane Sandy and how much damage and impact it caused for us here in Staten Island. Fortunately, we live in a elevated area and had minimum damage. But so many other families were badly affected. I remember me and Dad took a drive to our old neighborhood by the water and it was devastating as was the whole area by the beach. I’d never seen anything like it. I felt sad.
I guess this is going to test us even more. And well, I did gym for the final night until who knows. Now, it’s outdoors and getting into better shape. I went 3 straight days. So I’ll have to get more creative. And do my part to stay safe. I got my music though to get me through and my sanity.
Oh wow thanks for sharing that Derek. Yeah those were devastating times. Yeah we’re going to have to get creative in terms of health and fitness for sure! Stay well ! Hugs and love xox
Well, I must say… I was struck by your statement of missing God. It is something to realize how busy we all find ourselves. Even those who are about the work of God sometimes work so hard at doing God’s work that we leave him out of it. When God says “be still and know I am God”, he means it. Peace and Grace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fear not, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer, so you are never without God. But we all sometimes ignore Him…
Thank you friend – yeah it can be easy to take His incredible gift for granted. And amen – the HS lives in our hearts. He is always with us. Thank you for the encouragement. Stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
Ah Caralyn more wisdom from you. Wish that this could be shared with everyone. And you know what? God doesn’t need our churches tho he uses them. He wants our hearts. And I know he has yours. Thanks. Stay strong. John
Thank you John. You’re right – He is not confined by four walls. I do miss the community though!! Thanks for the encouragement. Stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
Hugs Beautiful! You light up NYC even in its darkest days in years!! You light up every dark space everywhere.
Something I want to share that I wrote weeks before Corona Virus
Such Times
Vibes are just going
crazy these days
so many directions
of so many ideas
of so many opinions
of so many views
going in extremely
opposite ways
so that so many
who were friends
for so many years
now are fighting
now insulting
immersed in anger
shedding tears
no one agreeing
or at least
mutually seeing
that what should be
important is the
common wellbeing
that used to be referred
to as “the common good”
while now so many say
“not in my neighborhood”
while knowing perfectly well
that are not doing the best
that they could
that are not doing what they
rightfully should
as if we were back
to when so many wore a
cowardly white hood
so many are toppling over
where humanity
unity
understanding
and tolerance
all formed a mutual
community
and all honorably
once stood.
~Miguel
Hugs and Love!!!
Aw thank you Miguel, I so appreciate that. And wow what a powerful poem. Thank you for sharing that with me. Stay well my friend!! Hugs and love xox
<3xoxoxo
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xoxoxo
I agree that this is a come to Jesus moment for the world. We live too comfortably and conveniently on our own. This is a shake up, wake up to turn our hearts to God, repent of our selfish ways and follow Him, our Father, God, Creator. He so wants a relationship with His creation. I have fallen into the same patterns and repent daily for taking everything for granted and ask for forgiveness from letting fear enter my heart and mind. Thank you for such a great post. Be well, my friend.
Thank you friend. Yes a come to Jesus moment for sure! Amen to that! Stay well friend! Hugs and love xox
I’m with you, Caralyn. I join you in prayer, “May this be a wake up call to people — myself definitely included — that we are not God. God is God, and He is ultimately in control.” Bee safe. Bee well. God bless you. <3
Thanks Jan – yes! There’s power in prayer! Stay well my friend!! Hugs and love xox
We certainly have extra time on our hands we need to make good use of it with some extra prayers
Yes you are absolutely right! Thanks Alice for stopping by! Stay well!! Hugs and love xox
Well I have been wrong about everything to do with this virus so far -so I probably shouldn’t say anything. I will just thank you for your uplifting post instead.
Thank you so much – yeah it’s an unprecedented virus for sure! Stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
Carolyn, I gather there is quite an issue there in New York. Take care of yourself.
Yeah scary for sure. I appreciate that. You too stay well xox
Thought you would enjoy my son’s take on the situation. https://bowjamesbow.ca/2020/03/16/quarantine-jour.shtml?fbclid=IwAR0srUiiC6ckRPaYG99mwzBkO0bL9wS5MYoBFanVKQ0poGIACc_AcHz94mU
Oh wow thank you for passing that along. I look forward to reading it. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Loved this! I too missed my church on Sunday. The fellowship is so beautiful to me. And you are right, He is in control! Let us draw close to Him, not just now but at all times. ((HUGS)) to you ❤️
Thank you Sharon!! I know – I missed the community!! Yes yes yes. Stay well friend. Gg
*hugs
It has not gotten quite like that in my city but I can see it coming to that. My hope is to show the love of Jesus during this time. As someone who has asthma and chronic illness I need to be careful. The thought of staying home both excites me and concerns me. Excites me because I can finish a book I am writing. Concerns me because I worry about my refugee friends.
That is a beautiful hope. Thanks for sharing that. Praying for you and your community. Stay well friend! Hugs and love xox
“We’ve “mastered” science.” … that is the kicker, we know so little, we are literally this little marble floating in a random arm of one of a billion galaxies…. so what do we know? next to nothing, and we have to surrender to that, as “in control” as we think we are, we aren’t, it is a hard pill to swallow (especially from a secular perspective), I come at it from a different tact than you but the thesis is really the same, the universe is much bigger than all of us, some say it is naive to believe something is bigger than us, the older I get the only reason I can see or believe in is that there is absolutely something bigger than us… I could be wrong, but I am OK with that… at a time like this I have no choice but to just submit to chance, being in the middle/been in of all the hotspots (nyc, hackensack, teaneck, new rochelle), Faith hope love… maybe this is a time for all three.
You’re so right about that – it’s time for all three! Stay well David. Hugs and love xox
Well if you gotta be stuck…that’s a pretty cute apartment to be stuck in!
hahah thanks Johanna! my mom helped me decorate 🙂 she’s talented! Hugs and love xox stay well!
Thanks! You, too!
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Thanks for naming that the KING of the universe is what life boils down too! There’s a song I sang in my High School choir called “Give Me Jesus.” The main lyric went like this… “You can have all the rest, but give me Jesus.” I appreciate how you called attention to His greatness and how we can forget about it until our world puts us on our knees.
thanks so much L! Oh wow – i love that lyric! so powerful! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for this. There’s a hope that lies beyond us. You beautifully explained that as you stayed transparent about your own shortcomings.
you’re right about that – there is always hope! stay well! Hugs and love xox.
Interesting read! Coincidental that I opened up a draft of mine which I haven’t looked at in months and the title I gave it was ‘Another Wake Up call’ – nothing to do with COVID19 but! 😊 and the first read I come across is yours titled ‘A CV wake up call’.
Im still struggling with the TP craze- are TPs meant to stop the spread od COVID19? Oh well! You take good care of yourself and as you say, maybe it’s time to stop fearing and letting God take control.
thank you so much! what a coicidence! 🙂 yeah – it’s bonkers! stay well, friend! Hugs and love xox
My dear friend Caralyn,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the coronavirus.
Regarding the coronavirus, I have just written a poem about it, which I would like to share with you.
Take care, my friend in these difficult times.
Hugs and love
Didi
Mankind: from a caterpillar to a butterfly
Time is ripe
To change mankind
Into something better, higher
Pupated world
Within the cocoon
Of a virus called corona
Giving birth to a new world
Accompanied by pain
Morphing life
Changing consciousness
A butterfly of beauty
Rising in the air
Flying beyond boarders
Mankind in the light
Shining bright
In new dresses
Up to the light
Humanity, in the corona
Of higher consciousness…
DidiArtist, 17.03.2020
thank you so much for sharing this poem, Didi. you’re so talented! stay well and stay safe! Hugs and love xox
You too, dear Caralyn – thank you 🙂
Now we have had to isolate ourselves from other people to be sure not to get that virus as it is also risky for me.
Stay healthy, my friend and take care, please.
From heart to heart
Didi
🥰🥰🥰🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you for your post. It is so true. I guess by not being able to go to church we are challenged into a very personal relationship with God. May your journey with God grow in depth and faith, may you know him like you have never known him before. God bless you.
thank you so much friend. Yes! I pray that for yours as well! stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
Hi there from Australia.
Yes, these are challenging times. And you’re right, toilet paper isn’t the answer. Out hope in Christ is.
I also stumbled across an uplifting message from the Park Avenue Syagogue addressing the ‘why’…
While we don’t have a direct answer, we do have hope in the Word.
Blessings.
W.
Thanks Wayne, you’re right – hope in the Word! stay well! keeping you and your community in my prayers! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for this post. I am totally with you. We celebrated a 20 people service in my little church in Germany last Sunday, not knowing if we’d be allowed to do so next Sunday. It was such a blessing for us. I pray that people will (re)learn what’s really important these days. Spending time with the family, looking after each other, playing with the children, singing together and – most of all – refreshing or starting the relationship with God. That includes finding out that He is not the responsible source of what’s happening right now, but He will use the situation to gather His children. Stay safe and stay blessed!
Hi Sylvia, thank you so much for sharing that – yeah what a powerful service that must have been. yeah i pray that too. Yes! stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, so often it is not in the good times but the hard times we reach out to God. When we are doing well, we depend on ourselves instead of God. It is when adversity comes that we come face to face with our need of a close relationship with our Lord. This virus will not last forever and we will come out of it knowing our God loves us and is our refuge and shelter. Love and hugs!
Thank you so much 🙂 You’re so right about – He really is our refuge and shelter. that’s so important to remember these days when we’re scared. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
You are welcome! XOXO
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[…] https://beautybeyondbones.com/2020/03/16/a-corona-wakeup-call/ […]
Thank you for the linkup! Hugs and love xox
I loved this post. I feel exactly the same. I am reading Psalm 91 and find this most reassuring at this time. I am also praying with my family and that is helping too. Thanks for your beautiful blog.
aw, good I’m so glad it resonated with you. i’ll have to add that to my list. I’m going to light a candle and have some quiet time with God tonight — Psalm 91 will be my devotion! thanks for the recco. stay well friend..Hugs and love xox
I love the idea of lighting a candle! I will do that too! I’ll pray for you to keep well and that God will bless you and make His face shine on you during this time. Thank you for replying and I’ll look forward to reading how you are getting on. love and hugs from the UK. Xoxo
Aw yay! Thank you!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you for sharing this. In God we trust. x
thanks friend. yes! in God we trust! Even when times are rough! Hugs and love xox stay well x
Once again, you’ve read my mind and unearthed my secret. I, too, have felt only a distant relationship with God, but that is slowly changing. Prayers for you, Caralyn. Stay well.
Hi Amy! oh i’m so glad this resonated with your heart. It gives me comfort to know that God is steadfast and unchanging. Even though our hearts may not feel that same fire we once held, God has never wavered in His love for us. And will always receive us with the warmest, open, arms. He doesn’t social distance 😉 But for real — praying for you, my dear friend. stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you, Caralyn, for sharing your thoughts and feelings, your memories of dire moments and your learnings therefrom. As I reflect on your words and recall my life’s experience, it seems that we humans, surely, I need learn and relearn this lesson of God’s ordering, indeed, owning all of life, which is to say that we do not. Somewhere in this – that it seems to take difficult times to remind us of this – given how repeatedly obvious this reality appears to be, I perceive an irony. Again, my thanks to you.
thank you so much for your encouraging words. You’re right – God is the author of life and sometimes we need to recalibrate our perspective. And that is sometimes a painful process. stay well my dear friend. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for creating this. God is incredible, always creative in His opportunities to connect with us.
thank you so much friend. i agree! He is incredible and always there for us, calling us to Himself. stay well. Hugs and love xox
“Coronavirus is a wake up call that we are not in control.” Yes. That is the key. And I think like you said our response to that reality determines our outcome. Are we going to be led around by fear, or are we going to respond to God and what he is doing in the midst of this. One path leads to freedom and one leads to bondage. It’s like Peter walking on the water. As soon as his eyes were off Jesus he began to sink. I love reading your blog. Especially when it aligns with what God is doing in my life and in the rest of the world.
Thank you so much Dan! You’re right – we have to choose the path of freedom. thanks for stopping by! stay well! Hugs and love xox
This is so true and so well put. The answer is in God not man. We have our part but can’t be weighed down by this whole thing. God is in control and it is one of many wake up calls I have seen. We are too busy and too complacent and many are too hostile toward the gospel when all we want to do (and we don’t so that enough) is share the good news so that others can have that joy and peace that we have. I too miss being in church, but God is with us wherever we are. We have access to the Father through the Son, whether in church or at home, but always in our hearts.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”
2 Timothy 1:7-10
thank you so much for this heartfelt response, Dave. that is one of my favorite verses. thanks for sharing. stay well! Hugs and love xox
I wonder why people are hoarding toilet paper but no one seems to be touching the toothpaste???
hahah right? i bought a tube yesterday — no issues!! favorite brand and everything! haha
My church isn’t closed yet in Canada but I fear that is the direction we are heading. You see photos of Priests celebrating mass in the fields of war from days gone by and makes me wonder if we have gone really soft in our understanding of Eurcharist. If anything we need Eurcharist now and we need the Word of God and the Light of Christ in our lives now. While it might not mean going to church with 100 plus people (because that is frankly irresponsible) but surely we could be more creative as a church and especially from our leaders and pastors, to tend to the pastoral needs of their flock– and communion is one of those things. I am sorry that you are left longing for church but remember that Catholics have always maintained that longing is a sign of “already being there” and there is such a thing as a spiritual communion.
This might also be a time for you to explore the liturgy of the hours. http://universalis.com/
Thanks Eric for sharing that. You’re right – sadly I think we take His true Presence for granted. We need it now desperately. Praying for you and your community. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Just as I sent the comment to you my pastor texted and told me that masses were officially cancelled. Here we go… I hope you are well and you will be in my prayers as well my friend.
Oh wow, I’m so sorry Eric. Hang in there. Prayers!
No need to be sorry for me, we are literally in the same boat it would seem. This is truly a universal (read CATHOLIC) problem for the whole church today. We all need to hang in there together. 🙂
Amen. We need to band together while apart
And who knows, in the process we all might actually feel closer to each other and the Light of Christ. That is certainly my prayer!
Yes! That would be a beautiful silver lining!
This is the Lentiest Lent I’ve ever experienced. What an incredible opportunity to live in the desert of His love, to draw near to the Well Spring of Life, to make sure we’re prepared to meet the one Who loves us so much. God bless you Caralyn.
The Lentiest Lent for sure! Amen to that. Stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
well said, and stay well!
Thank you so much Jim! You too! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Awesome post friend. A pastoral friend and I were discussing the same thing this morning. You can buy all the paper goods you want. But it will do you no good if you do not realize Who is really in control of our lives. With the approach of Easter we really need to give God a lot of thought. The only goods are God’s grace and mercy. Those you just cannot buy. They are a gift from the Almighty. I like the 23rd Psalm that says yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me. And in this hour we all need to be reminded that Jesus is with us even until the end of time. Blessings and Peace.
Thank you friend – amen – you cannot buy His grace and mercy. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Hey Friend: was wondering if you would be interested in doing a guest post for me in the next 2 weeks?
Shoot me an email 🙂 beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com 💛
Amen. Blessings, Lydia
Thank you Lydia! Blessings to you as well! Stay healthy! Hugs and love xox
This is so poignant.
Thank you Laura, I’m so glad it resonated with you! Stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
I’ve just got the call that the services at my church won’t be going ahead. I am going to struggle without my church.
That sense of community, of belonging will be missed even for a few weeks.
But ultimately God is in my heart. So it will be OK.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that. I agree. We’ll have to flock to the virtual communities and our telecommunication with loved ones during this scary time. Stay well friend. Praying for you! Hugs and love xox
I think at times like this a sense of community is required to get us through. But people seem inherently selfish. The stock piling of soaps, handwash, toilet paper, sanitary products etc. Means that the vulnerable will go without.
If people could open up their heart’s to Christ they would see we should be supporting each other. Love thy neighbour and all that. But instead it’s a free for all.
You’re right about that. It’s quite sad. Stay well friend x
It’s starting to hit Upstart New York as well. People are stockpiling stuff like bottled water, canned food, and toilet paper. Only the brave are going outside.
Oh gosh – yeah it is pretty wild and scary times for sure. Praying for you and your community. Stay well friend. Xox
Thanks, I wish you and yours the same. Many from NYC are heading this way. There’s no toilet paper here neither. LOL!
Oh gosh – yeah people are fleeing the city!
This is good stuff, girl! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much TaVon! I’m so glad it hit home with you. Hope you’re doing well! Stay healthy my friend! Hugs and love xox
Are you sick? Is anyone you know sick? Is anyone in your block dead from this virus? Why are you a prisoner in your own home to someone else’s fear?
Hi Steve, thank you for your questions. I am practicing social distancing in order to help flatten the curve, in an effort to give our hospitals the best chance of successfully managing this pandemic. It’s a sacrifice that the government is urging us to make to protect those most vulnerable, that, if this thing runs rampant, would overextend resources and medical facilities so greatly that they wouldn’t have a hospital bed or ventilator or the care they’d need to survive. I hope that answers your questions. I am not sick. Nor my loved ones, praise God. But i pray for those who are. Thanks for stopping by. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
It can be hard to think of God all the time-especially when everything is fine. I mean, we don’t go to the doctor unless we’re sick, or go to a mechanic unless our car is making a noise that the car radio can’t cover up, or go to the store unless we need to buy something, right? Our world is all about supply and demand. Or, more accurately, demand and supply. We seek when we need. But NEED is not what God is about at all! Our Father just wants to be CHOSEN and loved. He wants relationship and our heart. I don’t think we go to church to hang out with God for an hour or so. I think we go to listen to someone help us get to know and understand God better, and to spend time with like-minded people with whom we can share encouragement. A friend once shared that as she was listening to a sermon on “praying constantly” and whether or not it’s possible, her 8 year old daughter daughter said, “I talk to my daddy all the time.” It’s helped me so much this past year to stop thinking of God as a service provider and start seeing him as my Abba. Sure, I tend to run to him with problems still, but now I imagine what it would be like to be able to talk to my earthly Papa (if I’d ever had one), sit quietly and talk out loud if possible. I just say things like, “I’m really scared about getting this bill paid. (BUT!) I know you love me, and you aren’t surprised by this and you already know how it’s going to work out. So just remind me of that when I worry and give me the reassuring peace I need while I wait. I love knowing I can depend on you no matter what happens. You’re a good Father.” I don’t have family to call when my husband makes choices or spends money and he has no idea if we can afford it, so this relationship has been wonderful! And I think this, balanced with a proper reverential fear, is all God wants. Everything else comes naturally after that. And, yeah, God always wins! If he could speak everything into existence, he can certainly handle my short, little life. 😉
Thanks for this encouragement. You’re so right – He wants to be chosen and loved. Amen. What a beautiful response. I’m very touched. Stay well friend. Hugs and love xox
Be safe out there! These events are always a good reminder of remembering God, considering our ways, and staying focused on Him
Thank you Benjamin!! You’re right about that! Focused on Him! Thanks for stopping by. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Laronda, a woman in my Bible study made it all clear to me when she said that we need to treat God like we treat our father (if we’re lucky enough to have one around or alive). Take His hand and know that he will safely get us to our destination. When we were little, we had complete trust (if we were fortunate) in our parents. Have the same faith in God. When I thanked the woman for her reflection, she said her words came directly from the Holy Spirit. I believe her.
That is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing that. So incredibly comforting!!!! Stay well friend. Hugs and love xox
Well said. I think what we can pray about is that God will soften hearts of those who might otherwise be inclined to not turn to him in a time like this. It is always times when life itself is threatened that the need for faith becomes most obvious. And we should also pray that not only those who might turn to him now, but we, too, won’t go back to our former ways once this crisis is behind us. Keep up the good work!!! And your apartment is lovely (assuming the first picture was of your place)! Stay safe!!!!
That is a beautiful prayer, Galen. Thanks for sharing your heart on this. haha thank you! yeah my mom helped me decorate 🙂 stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
This tragedy should remind us all that we live in a fallen world infected by the ugliest virus of all – sin. Our only hope lies in believing and trusting in our Lord Jesus Christ.
You’re so right about that Rollie – amen. Jesus is our hope! big hugs to you, stay well! Hugs and love xox
As a Jew, I interpret “coming to Jesus” more metaphorically than you do, but the basic point is the same: If you trust in God, you know that this life is just one part of a much longer and more beautiful journey. That keeps things in perspective.
Thank you friend. Yes! We must trust God! Hugs and love xox
Nice to hear a first hand account of what NYC is like. Yes, we are led back to closeness with God because of what we suffer. And as always church is not a building put people coming together to worship. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” So you can worship God alone or with a few people and it will still be going to church. Blessings.
Yes! Happy to provide the update. Amen – still going to church. I wonder if live-streams count?! Haha joking but also not! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Great post Caralyn! Is that a picture of your home? Looks like a grand place to live. Congratulations and Godbless!
Reid
Thank you so much Reid! It is! Haha thank you – it’s literally 500 sq ft so that literally all of it! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Wonderful post from a beautiful mind in a stunning room. WOW. I wanted to be there.
I am feeling blessed about where I am, thankful to watch the birds pairing up to create new homes, and see buds opening on shrubs and trees. The world is a marvel and I pray that being in forced stillness will open eyes to the awesomeness of nature.
Perhaps this is the true message, the wake-up call, to step back – take an extra moment to smell the coffee – smile – and welcome each new day.
Embrace the possibility to stop existing and start living – this could be the start of a brave new world. With pollution down in China and fish being seen in Venetian canals, who knows where we could be heading.
Air hugs to all! X
Thank you Marilyn. I will join you in that prayer. stay safe my friend. Hugs and love xox
There is a cure – double blind study proven.
HCQ
+ a common antibiotic
+ 4-6 days.
HCQ stands for hydroxychloroquine. It is a well known malaria drug. It’s been around for some 50 years.
Azithromycin is the antibacterial drug. It’s been around for 30 years.
Interesting! I hope you’re right! Thanks for sharing that! Hugs and love xox
Yes, it was on Fox. Tucker Carlson.
The original formula was from China. The Coronavirus has been a major deal over there
Someone’s going to write a novel about it. 😎
Oh wow
Great post. People really do need Jesus.
Thank you Amanda 🙂 yes we all do! Hugs and love xox
[…] You can read her entire post here. […]
Thank you for the linkup! Hugs and love xox
I’ve come to the conclusion that, just as God allows human beings the ability to exercise free will, he also allows a certain amount of chaos in the world and in our lives. Anybody could be a good person if we were constantly assured that nothing would ever go wrong, that we would never lack for anything we need or want, that problems would magically go away without us having to actually do anything or even be inconvenienced, and that we would always have someone to tell us exactly what to do in every situation and watch us like hawks to make sure we did it and did it right. The real test of life, I think, is the uncertainty itself. It’s what we do when we’re not quite sure what to do and who we are when nothing is going right and we’re not sure where it’s all leading or when the worst of it is going to be over. I think these are the things that make us who we are.
Sure, we all give in to despair sometimes, we get scared and angry and wonder why this is all happening to us because it really isn’t fair. Sometimes, we hold back because we just don’t know what to do, and sometimes, waiting as patiently as we can is actually the best decision. That’s the nature of the uncertainty. I don’t like it, but it’s not about what I like, just about what I’m going to do about it. Am I going to act with restraint even when I’m panicking inside, or am I going to shove others aside as I rush around in blind panic? Am I going to take advantage of opportunities to do something useful when I can, or am I just looking to take advantage of other people? Am I going to try to be as understanding and empathetic with others as possible, even while I’m suffering myself, or do I look at the suffering of others as some kind of personal inconvenience to me because I just don’t want to deal with it? Do I consider how the things I do impact people around me and plan for them as best I can, or do I try to deliberately ignore the idea of consequences because I don’t want to be stressed or bothered at the thought? These are the choices everybody has to make, in one way or another, what we do in life’s toughest circumstances shows who and what we really are.
So, yeah, I’m pretty scared, but I didn’t really expect that I wouldn’t be. I’ve known for some time that there are many things that I can’t control, no matter what I do. I complain, but that’s never gotten me out of doing what I need to do to deal with things as best I can.
thank you so much fo this powerful reflection – lot’s of foo for thought. yes – those are some serious choices we all have to make. thanks for stopping by. stay well. Hugs and love xox
Great words of wisdom! I’ve been reflecting on how it’s bringing families closer, making us slow down our busy lives, and growing closer to God through these times!
Thank you so much! You’re right – that is at least a silver lining to come out of this! Stay well friend! Hugs and love xox
Not to trivialize this situation, but compared to many difficulties that have and will come, this is mild. God uses the big and the small, the mundane and the panic to draw us to Him, or back to Him in the case of us believers. Thank you for a clear-headed and heart-felt evaluation of where you and we are at. May your sheltering prevent you from getting the disease and may you be infected with a deeper love for the Savior.
You’re right – this is definitely mild compared to the trials many people face wily. Thank you for your reflection on this. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
This is indeed a great piece.
Just like you’ve said it is a wake up call for us as believers to realign ourselves to our Maker.
God Bless you for this insightful piece. Grace to you
Thank you so much My friend. Amen! Align ourselves to Him! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Your story is extremely inspiring. You are a truly dynamic person.
Oh my gosh thank you David, that really means a lot! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Remember that the church is not the building. If you have made Jesus Lord you are a temple of the Holy Spirit which means you are the church. The beautiful thing about the love of God is that even though your focus may had been somewhere else he is drawing you to his heart once again. He meets you there and wants you to get to know him and fall in love with him all over, getting back to that FIRST LOVE! I no longer attend catholic mass but I do go to a wonderful nondenominational church if you need a service to watch. Awesome article! Praying you go back to the father and you fall in love with him like never before!
Hi friend – thank oyu os much for sharing your heart on this. You’re right – that first love!! thanks for your prayers! know you’re in mine too! Hugs and love xox
Very beautiful. Continue to stay healthy and safe. God bless!
Thank you C! You too! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Hi BBB with you 100%, from the outset when people have asked me my opinion on the circumstances surrounding the virus, I have responded saying that it is a big wake up call for the human race and the way we run our lives, I believe it is time for each and everyone of us to honestly appraise the way we live by looking deep into our HEARTS.
We need to appraise our organisations, education and RELIGION, concepts and traditions based on man. You like so many at this time must be missing going to church.
I have been saved 11 years and went religiously to church for many years, in fact, I gave up what I believed was my dream job, God given, to study the bible at my then church for 10 months but have not been inside one now for at least 6 years.
Should you read my posts you will hopefully see my spiritual growth continues as the Holy spirit is true to his nature and teaches me all there is to know about Jesus.
Now I have never met you personally but today our HEARTS have been brought together bonded spiritually by the same spirit, had this crisis not come about that probably would not have happened, I understand your need to go to church and I would not be where I am today if my HEART had not experienced my church life.
However, my greatest spiritual growth, which I am hoping to write about on my site, came about when I discovered a website called, ironically, Rediscovery of the HEART, every thing that is believed and taught there is based on ancient-Hebrew and nature.
To cut a long story short, Larry Napier the founder of rediscovery of the heart is from Nashville, he became my earthly spiritual father and mentor and is due to circumstances presenting on Sundays starting at 11am eastern time.
He generally sends out a link by e-mail to join, while reading your post my HEART was prompted to write, maybe it is something you should check out, I know it will bless you immensely.
May God bless you and keep you, even when you a far away, Jesus will always be there, taking care and looking over your HEART. hope to see you Sunday.
Hi Ian, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. God bless you friend! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Hi BBB, the log in code for Rediscovery of the Heart on zoom is Meeting ID: 586 677 093 starts in 4 mins.
Oh gosh I missed it!! I’m so sorry!!! But thank you for the info! Hope it was a terrific experience! Hugs and love xox
no worries no need to apologies, it was very good, maybe another time..
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🥰
Hi BBB, hard to believe a week as gone by, zoom in on Meeting ID: 586 677 093 i do believe you will be truly blessed.
Hi Ian, thank you so much!! i know – the days are long, but the weeks fly by. crazy how that happens. happy happy easter my friend! Hugs and love xox
You’re right…sometimes it does take a disaster to remind us who is really in control of our lives, and who we can lean on in all our times of trouble. I also hate not being able to go to church at this time, as that is a steadying influence in my life. But my church is live-streaming their services (and then saving them so we can watch at any time), so that helps. But more importantly, I’m more aware of God in my every moment than I have been in a long, long time. Thanks for this post!
Thank you so much Ann. Amen to that – being aware of His presence is a powerful this! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful! He is good. saywhatblogger.com
Thank you Mary! Yes! He is so good! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Wow, so much truth here! I have also been taking this time to work on my relationship with God. I am a worship leader, and even I confess that I often put many other things before Him. I am thinking of this time as a reset, or a sort of soft re-boot. I also don’t think it is coincidence that the projected peak of this virus in the US, a predominately Christian country, is right around Easter. The enemy is loving this, but our God is so much stronger!
I saw a quote the other day that said something like “It’s time to let the world know that church was never about the building.” That to me is so powerful. Now that our buildings are closed, we must BE the church without the comfort of four walls surrounding us. Let’s get on it brothers and sisters! We have work to do!
Thank you so much friend. Oh wow I love that quote. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Great Article, I have family in Brooklyn and have NY has been so in my prayers. I had a friend share a video with me the other day that gives me good perspective in these days. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CPg_8O4r7Y Brad Gray is a Pastor that leads tours through Israel and has a very unique perspective…
Thank you so much 🙂 I’ll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Thanks for sharing that video! Stay well. Hugs and love xox
You wrote like everything I’ve been thinking. So good! Praying for you and your city/state!!
aw thank you for your prayers. know that oyu’re in mine too! stay well!! hugs x
As a teacher of God’s word this is something I constantly battle with people. I know I’m called of God as a teacher, because I have the opposite problem. I could spend all day sitting under a willow tree talking to God and never get anything else done. I love to study, pray, write, teach, etc. But I am constantly the odd ball! I see my fellow Christians so distracted and busy and constantly praying on the run, if at all, with God not in the back seat, but in the trunk! If only we could wake up! After 9-11 we went right back to more of the same. And sad to say, I’m afraid this time will be even worse. We shift into hyper-drive. So what will come next, because we refuse to learn? And will NYC be an epicenter for third time? What does this mean? Surely people have an idea of what it means, but don’t say it. I pray you don’t lose this awareness you are now feeling, because then you will be one more person truly AWAKE. But it will be so easy to fall back into your old ways. A word to the wise?
Hi friend, thank you so much for this powerful perspective. You’re right – there are times I find I’ve put faith in the trunk too. Stay well. happy easter! Hugs and love xox
So young to have learned the lessons of life! Yes I agree with all you say and my hope and prayers are that when things go back to normal, that this Nation does not forget God AGAIN. He is in control and HE is ALWAYS there for us through the good and bad! AND one other thing, NEVER FORGET – Things (good and bad) happen for a reason and if we accept that premise we can live through anything. Hubby and I are living testament to this one at our age – 75 and 76! This has been an extremely tough year and we were waiting for my husband to have a Heart Cath and Aorta Valve replacement when they shut down all “elective surgeries”?
Things that happen for a reason for us – Hubby accidentally shot himself in his hand on New Years Eve, 2 hand surgeries later by a miracle military doctor, then they discovered that his Aorta Valve was in Serious condition, but therapy on the repaired miracle hand needed some time for healing and we needed relaxation time before the Heart surgery – and along came the “VIRUS” which has given us that time. So always remember that “Things Happen for a Reason” and that they will eventually be revealed to you as our has!
Have a Blessed Easter – you have a beautiful life ahead for you – live it!
hello friend and happy easter! thank you for your wonderfully kind words! oh my gosh! i’m so sorry to hear that happened to your husband! i’m glad hes okay!! stay well! Hugs and love xox
I believe in God but I also believe that God is everywhere and within us so for me, there is not a need to go to a place of worship to pray or speak to God. My beliefs have evolved to be more spiritual rather than religious and respect everyone has their own thoughts on this matter. I have seen the devastation in NY as well as Europe, UK and my home country and it is truly saddening. It is a wake up call and hopefully we will emerge awakened and emerge into a ‘new’ normal. One where we remember all living things are connected – human, animal, earth.
thank you so much for sharing your heart on this! yes – God is everywhere! i appreciate your thoughtful response! Hugs and love xox
Peace and blessings, stay safe and well 😊
Absolutely love this post, my same thoughts, well said. God keep and bless you!
Thank you so much!! So glad it resonated with you! Stay well friend. Hugs and love xox
Hang in there. We are on day
26th in SA. I’ve only been out of the yard twice in that whole time, and one of them was to refill a script.
I’ve found the harder I tried to cling to what I knew as Normal the more anxious and depressed I got. The more I just accepted this as a new reality and made the best of it, the days flew by and I worked where and when I could. I hope the people of US come to that realization quickly… It can never be business as usual for a while. Sending more love and strength to you ❤️
Thank you friend, i really appreciate that. I’ll be praying for you and your community! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for the light that you share. You bring freshness to the air.
oh my gosh what a kind thing to say! thank you so much! Hugs and love xox