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Quarantine NYC – Day 21
I’m going to be honest, writing about anything other than NYC right now feels incredibly tone deaf. Disingenuous. Insensitive.
There was an 18 wheeler semi truck parked on my street today, in front of a hospital that’s on my block. It was an unusual sight. Not actively loading or unloading. Just parked. All day. Unmarked. Unattended. Out of place among the deserted streets with barely any traffic anymore.
I didn’t think much of it, until I turned on the news that night, only to learn that that hospital is now being used as a temporary morgue for the coronavirus victims. And that semi? It’s a refrigerated holding box for the bodies.
You turn on the news right now, and 90% of the coverage is about how New York City is, for lack of a better term, bleeding out from the impact of the coronavirus on the city.
Which is true.
But as I watch the coverage, and watch Cuomo’s news conferences, and the shots of reporters on the street, and montage images of Times Square and other recognizable landmarks…it is just striking to me that all of this coverage is really missing the mark.
I’ve been in NYC for nine years now, and the city has never felt this way. Not after Hurricane Sandy. Not after Trump was elected. It’s acutely different.
You see, if anyone ever asks me why I love New York, my eyes will always light up, and I’ll answer with two monosyllabic words: the pulse.
That is the “secret ingredient.” The “it factor.” The hutzpah that makes this great city what it is.
You step outside and there is a literal buzz in the air. It’s electric. From people chasing their dreams. Falling in love. Hustling. Beating the odds. Challenging their limits. And just flat out going for it.
And that, friends, is gone. Corona has flatlined that pulse.
The most jarring effect of COVID19 on the city: is the silence. It is truly deafening.
You walk outside, and you can hear the wind. You can hear the subway rumbling below.
Having lived here for so long, the noise has become part of my life’s soundtrack. In fact, I can’t sleep without it. New Yorkers love to complain about it, but the truth is, there’s a comfort to it. It gives me a sense of security. Of belonging.
That noise is no more.
Only it has been replaced by the haunting symphony of sirens. Blaring relentlessly. Crying through the streets at all hours, day and night.
Again, sirens have always been part of the musical make up of Manhattan, but not like this. Not to this caliber of consistency.
And every time I hear one, I offer a prayer for the person it’s rushing to help. A habit I wish wasn’t so repetitive.
But that tension I’m feeling in the air — that grip of suffocation everyone is feeling — is fear.
People are afraid. They’re holed up, trying to live their lives as normal as they can, but the undertone beneath it all, is fear of the this unseen enemy, whose power is uncertain and unchecked and not fully understood.
So we’re silently hostile with our personal space. We resort to selfish behaviors around food and supplies and toiletries. We look with suspicion on those wearing masks, or those not wearing masks. We judge. We don’t make eye contact. And a smile is out of the question.
But we’re all here. We’re all huddled away in our triple-digit square foot apartments doing our best to stay brave and stay positive.
But there’s a moment every night at 7:00, when the nurses and doctors change shifts for the day, when the entire city applauds these heroes on their way home from the hospital. People fling open their windows and clap. And holler. And yell. Some, like myself, bang their pots and pans. It’s a surreal moment of shared humanity.
Yesterday, I looked across the street at my neighbors who were all out on their fire escapes, and for that brief moment, we were all on the same team. We were all collectively exhaling. And truly seeing one another — seeing their fear. Seeing their emotion. Their hurt. Their release of anxiety through a flurry of clapping and hollering, as though the soul was flung out and escaping the barricades.
We’re entering into Holy Week, and it is truly surreal to be fasting from Mass, and from the Eucharist during Lent. There is something missing in my life that is truly so tangible. I long for Mass. I long for that peace and security and comfort found at church. I long for the literal pulse — the heart beat of my faith: the Mass.
That pulse that I’m missing in New York — that makes New York, New York — is that same pulse I’m missing right now as we enter the final preparations of Easter.
Maybe you’re feeling the same, too.
I think now, more than ever, is the time when we, as a faith community, all need to fling open our windows and start banging the pots and pans, too. We need to collectively let out that fear, that longing in our hearts that we feel as we’re prohibited from worshiping together.
Now is the time to come together as a faith community and hurt together. Release it together. Heal together. Hope together. Survive together. While apart.
Because the most insidious weapon that the evil one has, is to make us believe that we are truly alone. Isolated. Forgotten.
Friends, that is never the case. Not now, not ever.
We’re all in this together. And this week, as we walk through Holy Week, physically separated from our lifeline – our pulse – may we truly see one another in our humanness through it all.
And prove the resiliency of the Body of Christ.
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363 responses to “COVID19 – NYC: A City Flatlined”
Caralyn…It’s amazing (and not in a good way) that “the city that never sleeps” is so empty. I left NY about 3 years ago and there’s a part of me that is “bleeding” along with those who are still there. It is painful to watch it on the news. It is painful to read about. It is completely unimaginable. But here it is right before our very eyes. I’m missing it there and all of the people who give it so much life! I’m praying for all of you 😢
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and for your prayers! Yes – unimaginable, but here we are! Keeping you in my prayers as well! Stay safe! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and love to you xoxo
🥰🥰🥰🥰
😘🤗
I send you all my prayers and join my heart to yours as you shout out, clap, hoot, holler and bang pans in support of the medical staff and to release the fear within.
Thank you so much for your prayers. They are so so appreciated. Stay well! Hugs and love xox
That image of the truck? Unbelievable, yet horrifyingly real. I wish with all my heart that you had a federal lock down; I am grateful our country made that call.
As I write this, the sun is pouring down into my dining room (I’m supposed to be working, not browsing). I can hear the TV in the lounge (after nine days, it seems the other half is now watching soap operas!), my youngest walking around, the birds call and very little else. I am trying to embrace this quiet, but as you say, its odd. And off.
I’m thinking of you. X
Yeah it is truly horrifying. Stay well my friend. The birds remind us of that hope. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
My aunt lives in Brooklyn and I think of her often. I hate to hear how somber it is out there. My mom was just telling me how horrible the news reports are. She’s doing better btw and is back at work. I hope your brother is well also. I will be continually praying for NYC and everyone around the world.
Oh gosh I will be praying for her and for you. Thank you Kyndra – for your prayers and for sharing your heart. Stay well friend. Hugs and love xox
If you’re in New York to talk about anything other than New York would be tone deaf 🥺🥺 Sadly the same thing is happening in Italy, Spain, now Florida were I am, other parts of Europe, and so many other places. Its horrifying and seems unreal. Like a nightmare that doesn’t seem like it’s going to end anytime soon. It breaks my heart. Also upsetting to see people not taking social distancing serious and putting elderly and other people at risk. You are right, we’re all in this together and that’s the only way we’ll get through this. Together we stand, divided we fall. Coronavirus has no face and it can take anyone and we all have to remember that! #onelove Stay safe my friend and God bless.
Thanks Lane, yeah our city is hurting right now to say the least. Praying for you and your community. You’re so right. One love! Stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
You’re very welcome 💕💕 To see New York that way is truly heartbreaking. I think Mr. Cuomo is doing an excellent job though. You guys will make it through. Thank you my friend! 💕🦋
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I do too!
My heart goes out to New York Caralyn <3 Hang in there! I hope this will pass and the city will be back to its beautiful self again. I have the same feeling about Seattle right now. I've been here for 13 years. Its hard but stay busy with other things. As much as it sounds Insensitive, it helps us stay sane and better for our mental health. I know you feel like you want to do something, but it's out of our control. Only thing we can do is stay home to help the medical staff and community. Stay safe and be well my friend <3 much love, humility, and respect. Muayyad
Thank you so much Muayyad. I so appreciate your kindness. Praying for you and your community as well! Amen – we need to do what we can!! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome Caralyn. Thank you. Same to you xoxo
xoxo 🙂
Thanks for sharing this post! Stay safe 😉
Thank you so much!! I appreciate your kind words! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
You are brilliant. The emptiness is seen here in Staten Island whenever I go out for a ride as I did last night. I only have to watch out for the deer. It’s a ghost town. But not comparable to the bright lights of the city. I imagine that one poignant moment when 7 hits and people clap and bang pots and pans as very therapeutic and needed in a time like this. I just took a listen to a emotional Nine Inch Nails song that captivated how we feel. I’ll share. You can listen if you want. It is exactly what we need.
https://youtu.be/ehNXOIpRr6c
Oh my gosh thank you so much Derek. Yeah the city is eerie. Especially today with the whipping wind. I’ll have to check out that song. Thanks for passing it along. Stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome Caralyn. That part about the truck outside where you live was mind numbing. :(. That’s what we are facing. The virtual unknown. We need music and unique things to hold onto.
🥰🥰🥰🥰 yeah mind numbing for sure
After Jesus was crucified his disciples huddled in fear for their lives. The only thing that dissolved the fear was seeing their Savior. As you so aptly wrote he is the only cure for fear. But more than the Corona virus he died so we need not fear the pandemic of sin. Wonderfully written again Caralyn. All New York needs to read your words. Thanks. John
Oh aka what a powerful perspective. Thank you so much John for sharing that!! Wow what a kind thing to say. Stay well! Hugs and love xox
I’ve been holding back on making an entry since this whole COVID-19 crisis began. Part of my dealing with it is to do it silently with a stiff upper lip, Much like our parents and grandparents did for the Second world war. I know things will never be the same, but there’s something at the back of my skull that says things will get better. Wonderful things happen when you spend time on your knees. We will get through this. May God bless you for sharing and dealing with this unique point of our history in a wonderfully simple way- sharing Good News.
Thank you for sharing that. Yes I believe you’re right – things will get better. I’m choosing to hold onto that hope. Stay well friend. Hugs and love xox
We are all praying for this to pass too! Take care🥰
Thank you for your prayers! I’ll join you in those prayers! Stay well friend! Hugs and love xox
Virtual hugs, love, and prayers coming your way 🙏
Thank you for all three! Especially the prayers! Know that you’re in mine too! Hugs and love xox stay well x
We are all doing our best 😘
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Wow. So hard to believe this is really happening. Thanks for sharing, and stay safe.
Thank you so much Erin. I know. It is so unbelievably devastating. Prayers for the world. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
I don’t want to say that I doubt it will happen, but when it’s all over, I hope we all will have better perspectives on life and one another. God’s grip – Alan
Thanks for sharing that, Alan. I hope you’re right – that we all come out with a better perspective on one another. stay well. Hugs and love xox
Beautiful, well written.
aw, thank you so much my friend. stay well and stay safe! Hugs and love xox
I suppose long distance electronic hugs are still okay. And all the best for you, especially health and safety.
yes! i’m all for them! right back atcha!
I’d say “Let go” and focus on what you are feeling. If you are a glass of water right now, that water isn’t still, its agitated. It will be ok. We are going to get through this.
Hold on tight and focus for once on your own internal pulse instead of the external pulse.
xx
you’re so right – we will get through this. thank you for your words of encouragement! Hugs and love xox stay well x
Beautiful, amen! Praying for you sister and all of NYC! God bless you all!
thank you so much Ryan for your prayers! Our city definitely needs them! God bless you!! know you’re in mine too! stay well! Hugs and love xox
It’s crazy to think how one virus has had this huge of an impact on such a vibrant city. Really well written, thank you for sharing! Sending love and good vibes from the West Coast 💕
you’re so right about that Morgan – it is literally mind boggling. Thank you for your kind words. Sending big big hugs x stay well x
Thank you so much for sharing this heart breaking picture of what you see these days. Thank you for the joy you remind us to feel in the victory we have in Christ!
thank you so much for your kind words. You’re right – there is victory in Christ. may we all hold onto that! stay well. Hugs and love xox
It sounds like that ‘pulse’ is very much alive and well within you, lovely lady. You’ve got this. 🙂 Sending so much love to you and that beautiful city of yours. I’ve felt that pulse, and it really is all the lovely things. xx
what a kind thing to say, thank you Brooke. I so appreciate that! hope you’re staying well! big hugs to you xox
Stay safe, we have Covid19 Prayer time at 19 hundred hours each night, will specially pray for you and NY.
Thank you so much Veronica! your prayers are so appreciated! know that you’re in mine too! sending big big hugs xox stay well x
Very heart warming and sad at the same time is your post. It most certainly reflects the feelings of so many of us. May God bless you in this time of uncertainty.
thank you so much Russ – yeah our city is hurting right now. thank you for your kindness and prayers. know that you’re in mine too! stay well! Hugs and love xox
It is so strange when a major city flatlines isn’t it? I am also a city girl. I lived in London for around ten years. When I first moved here, it was so quiet I could not sleep. London like New York is also a bit of an epicentre. I love London. Refrigerated trucks kind of give us a picture of the stark reality don’t they? You have however never missed a beat with your blog, despite the cockroach incident and the refrigerated truck parked outside. Carolyn you are probably a beacon of hope to more people than you realise.
you’re so right about that. oh wow – i will definitely be praying for you and for London. stay healthy and well my friend. i appreciate you words of encouragement. xox
I really appreciate the prayerss. I will always love London, even if I no longer live in The UK. I am praying for you too.
🙂 absolutely xoxox
Prayers for you & all of the New Yorkers… in the silence. Let those moments of community embrace you deeply!
thank you so much Kim for your prayers, they are so needed. know that you’re in mine too! stay well! hugs xox
“Company”, a Sondheim musical placed in NYC, used the guitar to emulate the bust signal on the telephone – I was lucky enough to play along in the orchestra – and if that be-de-beeb, be-de-beep, be-de-beep, etc., was lost the play was lost. You had to keep up the pace. And if the pace slowed down you doubly hard to pick it back up. -Jeff
This is the best piece you’ve ever written. Or top 10. But then again, I love everything you write. I love you, sweet friend. I loved the way you united us as Americans, as God’s children, as humans.
Beautiful. Haunting. Compelling. Thank you for sharing your heart and your perspective.
Praying for you and your city.
oh gosh thank you Melissa, what a kind thing to say, I am seriously so touched. Thank you for your prayers – they are so needed right now during this time. knowthat you’re in mine too. stay well. Hugs and love xox
I posted this on my facebook page and it was immediately shared. I read this to my Mom over coffee this morning. She said, “If there’s a book written about this, her blog should go in there.”
thank you for sharing it! oh my gosh, i am so humbled! one thing’s for sure — there is going to be LOTS of books and movies about this time, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how it’s depicted 10,20 years from now. Hang in there Melissa! big hugs to you xox
Big hugs!
oxoxoxoxo 🙂
Beautiful written post. Poignant. I can hear the silence, I can feel it. I know what you mean about the pulse of NYC, even though I’ve only visited once for a weekend. I couldn’t sleep those two nights for all the noise and excitement, but that was OK with me. It was exactly the way it was supposed to be, except it wasn’t as mean as I expected. (Not that I would have minded the meanness…Ha! Just kidding. Kinda.) Remember this, when you feel alone in your gigantic, wonderful, brutal beast of a city. If the Lord is willing, it will come back, just as it always has. Just as our Country will. And, the rest of the Country will follow, just as it always has.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Peace,
Pam
thank you so much Pam, I so appreciate that. Yeah the quiet is just a constant reminder of what our city is going through right now. Amen – it will come back. we all will. becuase God is good! stay well my firend. Hugs and love xox
I’ve lived through several events that have made the world collectively stop and pause. The gas shortages of the 70’s, Reagan being shot, the Challenger exploding, 911, Wars, disease… this one has been taken more seriously earlier. In that is good and bad, the good news is all of this lock down will “flatten the curve” time is on our side. The bad news is the unbelievable crush of information.
Reagan got shot? 911? There was no twitter, You tube was in its infancy. For all my younger friends out there youre going to be okay, relax, take stock, reintroduce yourself to your faith. This will pass.
Hi Karac, thank you for sharing that – you’re so right – this will pass. stay well. Hugs and love xox
So appreciate you sharing your powerful and personal experiences – be safe friend
thank you so much for your encouragement. we will get through this! stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
How are you? Is it really terrible there? Hope you are well. Stay safe.
thanks Randy – yes things are hard but we’re going to get through this. stay well. Hugs and love xox
One of the best posts I’ve seen and read. I read a news article about the temporary morgues and reading your blog I can’t imagine seeing it all first hand.
Thank you for sharing.
oh gosh thank you Krystle, that truly means so much. yeah it made me catch my breath. thanks for your kindness. stay well. hugs xox
I will be praying for you, for all of us really. Even in south Louisiana, 100 miles from New Orleans where I live, the virus is starting to become a visible reality. We have been staying home and only curbside shopped once so far. I have continued doing what I normally do in my relation with God. I learned some time back that I can’t trust myself. I have to keep myself immeresed in spiritual songs, sermons and reading His Word to control my flesh. In doing that I’ve grown closer to God and He at times makes me aware that He’s much more aware of me than I ever thought possible. I know our situation is not as dire as yours yet but short of a miracle by God, this could be only the early stages of this crisis. We Christians have a Blessed Hope that even if our body perishes, our eternity is beautiful. Hard times are not wasted in the economy of God. For some, they will finally discover Him. Baby Christians will mature much faster. Mature Christians will be finely honed to a truly set apart instrument for God’s Hands to use. All Christians are “Greatly Beloved” by our Dear Heavenly Father. The church has always be refined through tribulation of some type.
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.
Daniel 10:11 And he said to me, O Daniel, a man “Greatly Beloved,”
Now are the days to find the Daniel in us while fully understanding God’s unwaivering Love for us.
Hi Tony, thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. You’re right – there is hope in Christ that we must cling to right now. thank you for sharing your heart. Praying for you and yours. hang in there. Hugs and love xox
Ah, Caralyn, that read like a breath of fresh air. Amen and amen! I love that New Yorkers are cheering on the medical heroes at shift change. I had to stop in the middle of reading to go share that with my family.
PS – my church is hosting a virtual Seder plate this coming Wednesday night. Let me know if you’re interested. It’s roughly what our Lord would have been doing just before His arrest and crucifixion, making it beautiful to me. 🙂
Oh Heather you are too sweet. Thank you so much. Yeah it’s the best moment of the day!!! Those health workers are real life heroes! (My brother is a doctor and definitely one too!) oh wow that’s beautiful – id love to virtually attend! Thank you!!! Stay well 🙂 Hugs and love xox
You stay well, too! I’ll send you a link once I get the details about the Seder supper. 🙂
awesome!! 🙂 xoxo
I DM’d you on insta but just in case, here’s the link: https://facebook.com/events/s/family-passover-seder-meal-exp/241491826973131/?ti=as
Oh perfect! Thank you! Yeah my DM inbox is quite a mess hahahahhaha thank you again!!
You captured this so powerfully on multiple levels. This has shaken us so much, but I don’t think most of America has felt the impact you have being in the heart of one of the most affected areas. Thank you for articulating this so well!
thank you so much Matthew – yeah it has really caused a full stop here in NYC. It is sobering to say the least. thanks for stopping by. big hugs and stay well xox
😢 “The city that never sleeps” is in sleep mode. The must influential city in the world-symbol of prosperity and fashion. 😙 We will never see life as it was-prosperity, image, pursuit, and those characteristics that make New York City. After this seemly plague has passed, we will see things with much more gratitude, generosity, and gentleness. And we know…
And we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. -Romans 8:28 🙏
you’re so right – it’s hibernating. i pray that it passes soon. amen – God will find a way to use this for good. stay well. Hugs and love xox
Crazy times indeed. Thank you for always being a hopeful voice in the madness. Stay safe!
surreal times. thank you for your kindness. hope yo’ure hanging in there. stay well! Hugs and love xox
I think one of the most heart breaking images I have seen is a photograph of Times Square completely empty, devoid of a single, solitary soul. It spoke so definitively to what this virus has done to humanity. Your description of the semi truck being used as storage for bodies is gripping and painful. Our faith is surely being tested. But, if we believe in a loving, merciful God, we know that we are not forgotten – no matter where we live or how bad things seem at this moment in time. God is with us and will carry us through. If nothing else, this virus has brought home what is truly important in life.
I am Canadian and I am praying for the people of New York City, as well as people around the globe. Stay healthy. Stay safe.
Hi Carol, thank you so much for your prayers and kindness. yes! i will join you in those prayers for the world. Amen – He will carry us through. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
Thanks so much hon. Sending much love and a whole lot of hugs back to you.
xoxo 🙂
Beautiful post. You pinpointed what it is about New York that we love. I can’t wait to be back in the city with it’s pulse. Thank you.
Thank you so much Laura, I so appreciate your kind words. Yes! it will come roaring back, I’m holding onto that hope 🙂 stay well! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, remember that God is never surprised. New York has been through this before and will recover. And as NY is suffering today, other cities around the world will likely also suffer.
However, God has shown us in the Scriptures that this will not be how this world ends. And for those of us who know Him intimately, we need not fear death.
Be of good cheer! Our God reigns over sin, sickness and death
He is RISEN!
you’re so right about that! He is never surprised and He reigns! that is such a comforting thought. thank you for the reminder! hope you’re staying well! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful, honest post, Caralyn. I’ve visited New York a couple of times and can understand the pulse you’re missing at this time. My prayers are with you and all of New York, as well as our entire nation. We will get through this. This is a very special weekend for my family as it is General Conference weekend in my church. You’re welcome to tune into any of the sessions. We will hear our prophet’s and apostles’ messages and they are always uplifting and encouraging. I’ll include the link to check it out, if you wish: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng
thank you so much Camie 🙂 I so appreciate your kind words and prayers. and yes! i’ll have to check that out! thank you! Hugs and love xox
I am REALLY looking forward to Conference and am ready for new revelation.
🥰
So good! 😭🙏🏻💕
Thank you so much Charity 🙂 I appreciate that! stay well@ Hugs and love xox
Bless you! I’ve always loved your writing – but with this piece you have touched my heart deeply and given voice to the soul of what we are experiencing as a nation, and a word. Stay safe and stay positive. Your faith and spirit are a shining light. Lifting prayers for you, and us all!
Aw, thank you so much! wow i am so touched by such a kind comment — i am humbled by your generosity. thanks for the prayers. know you are in mine too! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Well Said!
thank you so much!!!! i appreciate that. stay well! Hugs and love xox
Such strong writing, I agree, and may you get through these times with your hat on your head. On silence, one business coach on YouTube, when I needed help on how to vocalize the impact of the crisis on our worksite, had a video for how to relay the impact to people utilizing you.
While risking letting out a secret, the coach’s advice wasn’t unlike what I’ve heard before. He reminded business guys that to add impact and urgency to a message, drop in a “dynamic silence.” Relate what’s going on and give it silence to help it hit home.
Maybe insignificant contrasted with what you’re passing on, but that’s the parallel I drew. Fascinating to read your thoughts. Keep up the stupendous blogging!
oh my goodness thank you for such generous words Odell. Dynamic silence — what a profound idea. thanks for the encouragemetn. big hgus xox
God Bless you. Thank you for sharing your story and your faith. Stay well, stay strong and in love and light. ♥️🙏
thank you so much for your kind words! keeping you in my prayers, Collette! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Beautifully written, love your honest thoughts! Feed that pulse-vibe through Him above…get deep into His word and thrive on every piece of it..this is truly a time of amazing opportunity to draw closer to God like never before. I can’t imagine how eerie it must be seeing the firsthand effects but we have the beautiful gift of knowing our God as Lord and Savior. I honestly don’t know how people are getting through this without the peace and comfort of being grounded and connected to Him, my heart pleads for them and those who are suffering the initial impacts of this virus. Blessings to you, stay safe and healthy!!!!
Thank you so much friend for your kind words. Amen – He offers the only real comfort. Praying for you!! Hugs and love xox
We are all praying for New York! I can’t imagine the silence. It’s even oddly quiet in the suburbs of Middle Tennessee…just a piece of a splinter of you are experiencing. And the sirens. Just a little more frequent, and a lot more persistent because our minds go to fear. Continue turning to prayer. God is bigger. And your entire country, the world in fact, is praying for you and your magnificent city.
Thank you so much for your prayers! You’re right – God is bigger! What a comforting reminder! Thanks for stopping by! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
One of your best posts ever. Stay safe and healthy.
Oh my gosh thank you so much 🙂 stay well my friend. I appreciate you stopping by. Hugs and love xox
This post and your IG story is chilling. Makes me so sad of all that this virus has stolen. I can’t imagine NYC quiet. When I visit my son there, it’s the pulse that you talk about that is so energizing. And yes, I’m longing for Mass and the Eucharist again. While the live stream brings me peace, it’s just not the same. Every day this virus seems to get grimmer and normalcy seems so far away, if not impossible. Thank you for pouring your heart out. We WILL get through this and our faith will be stronger because of it. Praying for you Caralyn. 🙏🏼❤️
Thank hokey so much Lisa for reading. Yeah – NYC is truly surreal. It is chilling to say the least. You’re right – it’s close but literally nothing can replace the true presence. Praying for you and yours during this Holy Week. Thank you for the prayers. Know that you’re in mine too. Hugs and love xox stay well x
My heart breaks for you, NYC and our world. Thank you for this compelling and honest firsthand look at what is happening in NYC. I pray God will remedy COVID-19 while guarding you and all home you hold dear. Psalms 23, 27 and 91 are my essential reads right now.
Thank you Ada for your prayers and kindness. Amen. There is comfort in those psalms! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
As a woman who was born and raised right out6of NYC, your post had me in tears. First sadness and loss because it is palpable that electricity you wrote about there. Then of joy, happiness for the love and unity in God. We are all one in this and we know that through God all things are possible. We will get to return to life and we will all be a bit better for it.
It’s truly magical how resilient New Yorkers are are to know you guys are in unison every night makes my heart skip a beat. THAT’S the city I know and love. Doing it all together. We shall overcome, together. One heart, one mind, one body and one city at a time. Sending you so much love❤❤❤❤ this post is my favorite one from you yet my dear👏🙏
Aw thank you so much my friend. You’re so right – we shall overcome together. I love that. Clinging to that hope. Stay well friend! Hugs and love xox
So nicely and precisely penned down. It’s a real scary moment globally, but we will come out of it no matter what. Just hold high your spirits. Stay home and be safe. Prayers and thoughts. K.
Thank you so much K for your kindness and prayers. Yes! We will make it through! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for such kind words. Hopes and prayers for the world over to strengthen the fighting spirit. Loads of love to you too. Stay safe. K.
Yes!! For the world!!!!
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It hit it on the nail – the city lost its pulse. Only it’s not just NYC, but most major cities. I grew up in Queens and am worried about my friends there. We will get through this, eventually. My family almost always says a family prayer each night, and as we pray for EVERYONE affected that only the Lord knows, His Spirit is in our home. I miss attending my church service too, and wonder if the desisiples of Jesus Christ felt lost after his death on the cross after performing so many miracles. I am focusing on my blessings, especially my church’s General Conference this weekend.
Than you so much Jennifer. I hope you have. A great time at the conference! You’re so right – focusing on blessings is so important! Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Wow. I mean, wow. I can’t imagine how eerie it must feel to look outside and see that truck, and to know why it’s there. I mean, just, wow. I have never been to New York, but I can understand just what you mean about that pulse; it’s the pulse of life; the pulse that keeps us going. That pulse of life that we all miss so much, as you know, is nothing other than the Eucharist. I heard a priest on T.V. say that if there is any good that can come out of all of this, perhaps it is that there is now a thirst for Christ like never before. People desire the Mass and the Eucharist, and now that it’s gone there is such a void in our lives. Maybe after all of this, people will return with even a greater fervor than before. I don’t know. Fear is overtaking this country. Well, as St. Padre Pio said, “Pray, hope and don’t worry.”
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. You are so right – I also pray that our thirst for Christ be renewed!! Stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
Hi my lovely friend, this is a good post and unfortunately this is happening all over in many places. Busy cities and streets turned into ghost towns and rather quickly at that. Stay hopeful and safe, and 2 Timothy 1:7 is a good scripture especially right now. I’ve been writing about the virus on my other blog but to be honest, I’d much rather write about anything else just to keep sane and somewhat upbeat despite all that has befallen us. Much love and peace and be safe, careful, and prayerful.
Thank you so much!! Amen – staying vigilant in prayer is so important right now! Stay well friend! Hugs and love xox
Your very welcome and I agree with you indeed, take care and much love and peace!
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I’ve never been to New York, but I’ve been to other big city downtown’s and sort of know what you are talking about. I’m sure LA and Denver are no comparison. When I first moved to California from our little quiet town in Alabama, I couldn’t sleep because it was so darn loud and noisy, so I get it. Now, the evenings here, when the traffic noises are deafening silent, it is kind of eerie.
Thanks Jolie – yeah the soundtrack of major cities is so different. I go back to Ohio and I’m like – how do you sleep with it so quiet?! You can hear trains in the distance and birds chirping!! What is that?!? Haha stay well! Hugs and love xox
Whoa! That’s insane for New York… my friends and family getting hit hard right now too – they are in Massachusetts … here in California we have been hit hard as well and are still being hit… it’s hard.
Please stay safe! Post when able – loved the photos cause this is now our history and no one is ever gonna forget these moments or these images.
– also sometimes I have to post about something else because I need my mind taken away. So I like both – I am curious to see what others are going through – makes me feel connected… and the images are like none I’ve ever seen… it reminds me of that documentary on the discovery channel? About life after humans?
And then I also sometimes have to take a minute away from everything. It’s just hard to keep a balance.
It’s scary and just really hard
But stay safe!! ✌️ be well! Be careful!!!
Thank you friend for your kind words. Yeah it is surreal here. Praying for y’all stay well. Hugs and love xox
You are NOT alone. You are the pulse of the city.
The earth is waiting for the sons/daughters of God to be revealed. Whether that day is near or far, you are a positive spiritual influence on the city.
Your presence in NYC helps to keep it together.
This will not last long. One more month and life will getting back to normal.
Thank you so much. Oh my gosh i am humbled by your generous words! I pray that is the case! Hugs and love xox stay well x
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My dear Caralyn
In these difficult times we become aware how much we all need each other in our isolation. Our thoughts are with all people who suffer, who do a great job in hospitals and in other places, people who are victims of this terrible virus taking their lives. When this time is over we all can hug with much love to each other, feeling humanity, feeling that we all are one in the One and that nothing can separate us from each other – as the drop cannot be separated from the Ocean. May our hearts come together and send this light to our Father, to hear our distress, to receive His grace for the whole mankind for a better world.
Today another aphorism:
Love beyond borders
when the virus does not care borders
Our love should also go beyond all borders…
DidiArtist, 03.04.2020
We all stand together, my dear friend Caralyn.
Love and light to you and yours
Didi
Thank you so much Didi for this beautiful response. Amen – may our hearts come together. Stay well my dear friend. Hugs and love xox
Thank you, my dear Caralyn 🙂
From heart to heart
Didi
xoxoxo 🙂
Thank you for your positivity through all this.
Thank you Greg. Stay well friend. Hugs and love xox
Here in London we are also in lockdown, but more and more I’m hearing of family fueds and rifts mended, people searching and coming to faith as the things they set their faith in prove inadiquate. Other’s faith is rekindled as they take time alone in solitude away from the weeds and brambles, the busyness of life that choke the seeds of God’s love. As the fire passes over I’ve heard many refer to the Passover (also coming soon) how the children of Isreal were told to hide in their houses with the blood of the lamb over their doorposts while the angel of death passed by. God did not send this but He is in it with us and bringing about so many Rom 8:28s through it. I try to keep my eyes on these, on the new life spring forth in spite of the death and knowing death in itself is not the end but the begining.
This is so beautiful! Praise the Lord! 🙂
🙂 xoxooxoxo
thank you for sharing that, Claire. Amen – we’ve got to keep our eyes on those. stay well! Hugs and love xox
Hi Caralyn, sending much love and prayers… keep well and hopeful! He is in control and He is a merciful and gracious God. ♥️
Hi Iris, thank you so much for your prayers and kindness. know that you’re in mine too! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Hugs ♥️
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https://sojo.net/articles/staggering … useful stuff… not panicking, just commenting…
thanks so much mari for sharing that! Hugs and love xox stay well!
Your description of the quiet of NYC is how I remember it on September 12, 2001 as I walked up Broadway to Penn Station at 5 a.m. There wasn’t a person or even a car in sight; only cops standing guard on street corners. I remember thinking that the terrorists had won, that fear had won. Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.
Hi Madeline! oh wow – i cannot imagine what that day must have been like. thank you for sharing that. wow. powerful. stay well. Hugs and love xox
Crazy that New York is silent. Im finding it very hard at this time to compute what is going on. Watching the news does make you feel connected and informed but too much of it and fear sets in.
Crazy how South Korea tested all its residents in a few weeks and isolated the people with the virus yet the rest of the world seem to be doing more talking than taking action.
Hopefully this gets resolved soon for so many reasons. Great post. 🙂
thank you so much for your thoughts on this. yeah, there’s a delicate balance when it comes to the news. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
All I do is watch the news. I’m worried, sad and fearful every day for everyone. Bless your heart, I hear about NY and knowing you are in the thick of it…I can’t even image. Prayers for you and everyone going through this. Stay well.
Hi friend, thank you so much for your prayers. know that oyu’re in mine too. what a time to be alive. stay well. Hugs and love xox
Be with God. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158337988124747&set=a.452400854746&type=3&theater
thank you friend – i hope you’re staying well. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for this report. I will be banging my pots and pans with you.
thank you so much Eric! yes! see ya at 7 😉 stay well! Hugs and love xox
Stay safe, and sane, Caralyn. This is when faith really counts—and is tested! And, BTW, 10:00 Mass Sunday from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame University on CatholicTV (download the app). Mass there is beautiful in person (my niece goes to ND) but almost equally peaceful and spirit filled via TV. Ted
thank you so much Ted. You’re so right – faith really counts right now. oh thank you! i’ve been live streaming Fr. Mike Schmitz’s masses from North Dakota! I’ll have to check out Catholic tV! thanks for the recco! stay well! Hugs and love xox
From your words, I feel your heartache. I’ve only been to New York City once, right after the hurricane. I remember the devastation there then. But even then, the streets were bustling, Times Square was packed and thriving. I can’t imagine now, your silent pictures. Here in Texas we haven’t been hit as hard, and praying we don’t. I’m praying for you, Caralyn, and your beautiful City and all your people. Together, we will weather this storm, as America United, trusting our God to lead us through, and we will emerge with hope and resiliency, as the Body of Christ, and as a People. Thank you for your faith and encouraging words. <3
thank you so much Mindy – yeah NYC has definitely been put through the fire on many occasions. Praying for you and texas! thank you for your prayers. we will all get through this! stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
Thank you too! Be careful out there and stay safe and well – much love to you <3
absolutely xoxo
We are feeling the affects of isolation but nothing like this. Our church is connecting online trying to ramp up opportunities to still be a community and bless the communities we live in even while physically separated. Thank you for sharing.
you’re so right – how grateful am i for those online connection opportunities. they definitely help. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
Good morning, it’s a difficult time in our lives . Laurie Baer
Oh my goodness, hi Laurie! Fancy seeing you here! 🙂 thank you for taking the time to read this. You’re right – this is a season of trial for sure. Praying that we’re shown exactly what it is we’re supposed to learn from this adversity. Stay well! Hugs and love xox Caralyn
Stay safe! 🌺
Thank you so much Cynthia! you too! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you 🌺
xoxo :).
This made me smile. : )
Hi Elise! Oh good, I’m so glad! thanks for stopping by! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Beautifully written! Blessings!
Aw thank you so much Cindy! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Praying for you, and the fellow citizens of New York. It is eerie and almost apocalyptic. I am in Tennessee where things are starting to worsen. Hold your head up high and hang in there. This too shall pass. In the meantime read Psalms 91. It has helped me tremendously. God Bless you, my friend.
Hi friend, thank you so much for your prayers and kind words. Apocalyptic is definitely an accurate word. Praying for you! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Seeing that semi-truck parked in front would definitely give me the chills. May God be with you.
yeah it definitely gave me the chills. thanks for your kindness. stay well! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, another finely-crafted, poignant post. Your words encapsulate and express the sensibilities of an entire city and, indeed, your own. You also, without empty sentimentality, hold in the hands of your words the heart of hope. For all this and for more than I can name, I thank you. Be well, stay well.
hi Paul, thank you so much for your kind words – keep you and your community in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and love xox stay well x
Coronavirus has really changed how we live our lives. Presently in my home country Ghana,though not hard hit with high numbers, a number of measures have been put in place to curtail a spike. And one of the measures is a two week lockdown of two cities with majority of cases. I have been away from work for the past 1week and anxiety is always setting in. How long will this continue? I can only pray that this will end soon. Thanks for sharing your story.
you’re right it really has. praying for you and your community. stay well. Hugs and love xox
I feel for you girl. You are strong and will emerge on top when this has passed. You are in my prayers and in my heart.
Bless you. and Love.
thank you so much for your kindness and prayers. we all are going to get through this. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
You are welcome.
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Thank you for capturing the pulse of my prayers for places, especially NY affected by Covid-19. Having lived, studied and worked in NY as a Critical Care RN I remember the excitement when lives were saved and deaths stretched many of us to reflect in our lives. Now a pastor, I find Prayers are my best prescription and remedy for fear, hopelessness, sadness, distress and more. I encourage friends and foes to Park and Pray at 1:11 pm. Thank you Beauty. The pulse in NYC may seem flat but it’s never silent.
Hi Cleo, thank you so much for your kind words. you are so right – ther eis power in prayer! it is the ultimate remedy for those things! stay well! Hugs and love xox
You’ve inspired me to write about it in my next blog which I will refer to your blog.💕
oh good! i’m so glad! can’t wait to read it! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Caralyn! Living in an already quiet, small town suburb of Nashville, life doesn’t look like it’s changed all that dramatically. Hearing how the situation is in big cities (I can’t imagine how eerie finding out about that semi was!!) really helps me appreciate how other people are affected. I love that y’all are cheering for the nurses and doctors changing shifts! That must be such a special thing to watch.
thank you so much!! yeah the big cities are really taking a hit. yeah i love cheering on those heroes! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for sharing your heart with your observations on NYC during this crisis. With family in the city (Manhattan and Brooklyn), I hear the fear, the anxiety, and the powerlessness coupled with calmness, finding what works, and love for their community.You spoke to all of that eloquently.
thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. i’m definitely keep you and your loved ones in my prayers! Hugs and love xox !
Beautiful post, Caralyn. I am rooting for NYC. I think once they turn the corner, the rest of the nation will begin to feel more hopeful and confident about the future.
thank you so much Jim! yes! i am cheering for them too! stay well! Hugs and love xox
Praying for you and everyone, my heart breaks daily for all those who have lost a loved one.
thank you so much for your prayers! mine too – this country is hurting and needs lots of love. stay well! Hugs and love xox
I agree with you: This ‘silence’ is becoming so deafening now and is hard to handle for me too. We’ve also been hearing how bad it has been for New York City too, as well as LA and Florida. Here, our numbers are rising here too high as well. Even our news anchors came together on tv and all had spoken to our Mayor livestream.
When I heard how bad it has been in NYC, I thought of you and kept you in my prayers through this time. I stay quarantined in my home, but once you cross over a few streets, you’ll be back in Detroit. It’s sad that we’ve recently had lost a bus driver that had been coughed on by a passenger, and individuals are still trying to fight here in this danger. I had always been used to the noise from Detroit, but I am glad that people are following our mayor’s rules during this time.
Stay safe and keeping you in my prayers, Sis’. If you miss the NYC noise, there are many videos on YouTube that can help you relax… at least a little bit. Perhaps listening to some music from there. I heard a lot of smooth jazz music that was from there… which was pretty good. Even if you make one post a week, let us know that you’re doing okay. Well, as you have been doing and telling us. 🙂 Stay strong and remember that we’re fighting this coronavirus thing together.
thank you so much for your words of encouragmenent yes – music has been reall helpful! stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox
The calculus has changed during this outbreak. The refrain “give me some space” seems so quaint now that it’s becoming the new social code, at least temporarily.
We should be humbled. I know I am.
you’re so right about that. i am definitely humbled as well. thanks for stopping by! stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
this was a really really good post. Thank you. I live in Massachusetts where things are just starting to feel different. I was at the market today and people were in line to get INTO the grocery store. Plastic shields separate the shopper from the cashier and stickers mark the floor to remind you of your 6 feet, white papers on all the shelves tell you what you cannot have and what you can. It feels like a movie, but then in our homes it feels regular, Stores are closed, signs inform people of early closings parking lots empty, gas stations unused. But when I’m home it feels the same. i can only look at NY numbers on a computer screen, but you are eyes on the streets, you give a clearer picture of what is happening and it sounds a lot different than anything we have ever known or seen before except in a movie. thanks again. Good job. not that you need me to tell you:)
thank you so much!! I will definitely be keeping you and your community in my prayers. Yeah it surreal how this has changed little every day things. stay well! Hugs and love xox
I live in FiDi and it’s a ghost town! We haven’t left our building in about three weeks. Praying this ends soon!!
oh gosh – praying for ya Lyssy! I run through FiDi every day and you’re right – ghost town except for the occasional person walking their dog. It’s so surreal. stay well! we’ll get through this! Hugs and love xox
This is amazing, stunning, devastating to read. Thanks for sharing! Here in New Mexico, things are so close to normal that it’s hard to remember how bad it is elsewhere.
I’m keeping you in prayer, and joining you in long distance celebration of Holy Week!
Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words. They truly mean so much. Stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
an excellent and heartfelt chronicle. well done.
Thank you so much Tom, I appreciate that. Stay well
It is quiet here in Lake Macquarie NSW
The birds are amazing….already beautiful to see they are magnificent in voice.
Will be thinking of you at Easter. This will be my first since my elderly dad died. No doubt there will be tears. He died just before Covid 19 took off here. Am so glad he did not live to see this. His dementia would have made it difficult for him and when he was lucid he would have fretted terribly about his children and grandchildren
Hi Kathleen 💛 I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ll be thinking about you this Easter. I’m sending you the biggest hug my friend. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, your visceral description of the emotional vibration of NYC, faint though it may be breaks my heart. Even though all the streets in my little town (small city) in Northern California Wine Country is much quieter I feel the fear and the sadness, the grief of others everywhere.
This piece of yours brought me to tears.
I’ve been making essential oil blends as a carrier oil for healing / soothing grids for those in need by donation or just their good will. I have some to serve and by God I have been busy.
Stay well by the grace of God/Spirit and by Jesus too.
Thank you so much Kai – I’m so glad this resonated with you. Yeah our city is feeling that grief too. Stay well my friend. Yes! Will be keeping you and your community in my prayers! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for writing from your heart and giving us a window into your faith. As I have watched the mounting number of NY deaths, my heart breaks. Thanks for being “boots on the ground” and giving us a human perspective that we don’t get on the nightly news. For this pastor in Boise, Idaho it will add clarity to my prayers for you and your fellow New Yorkers. Grace and peace to you that overwhelms and drives out fear. ~Daryl
Thank you Daryl for your prayers and kindness. Means a lot 🙂 big hugs and stay well xox
NYC is in my prayers. Sending love from Trinidad and Tobago! ❤
Thank you so much for your prayers. They truly mean so much. And wow! Trinidad and Tobago!! Stay well! Praying for you and your community too! Hugs and love xox
I reread this this evening. It is truly powerful. I was surprised how much you love New York. I thought I was in a minority among Christians, loving our supposedly “sin-ridden cities. You captured the pining I have in my heart for London so exquisitely.
Oh wow thank you – I am seriously so touched. Yeah I love this city so much. It helped me reclaim my life during my recovery. Yeah I feel you. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
I have to afraid to look honestly, please keep your information and heart coming.
Thank Brian, I appreciate that. Yeah these are unprecedented times. Know that you’re in my prayers. Stay well Hugs and love xox
[…] reading the post yesterday by beautybeyondbones.com about the situation going on in New York City at this time, and interacting with fellow bloggers, I wanted to share this song and the reminder […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox stay well x
Very poignant! A pertinent commentary on the situation in New York.
Thank you so much Delores!! I appreciate that 🙂 stay well! Hugs and love xox
That’s a very accurate title to what’s going on in NY. I’m praying for y’all. Thanks for keeping on writing and stay safe!! ♥️
Thank you Ella, I appreciate your prayers! Hang in there! Hugs and love xox
I’m curious about the pollution levels. Is the sky clearer? Interesting, and a bit creepy, about the semi. Bought my first rosary the other day. I have a prayer rope but the knots are hard to deal with for my arthritic fingers. The rosary is easier to use. Lord have mercy.
Hi Melissa! That’s a really great question. I would love to know that too! I’ll be praying with you 🙂 stay well. Hugs and love xox
Wow! I’ve heard about the semi truck/morgue. I saw the video on YouTube. I’ve also kept up with Cuomo’s press conferences. These are scary times we’re living in. Praying for you <3 Please be safe!
Thanks Lisa. Yeah it’s a bit surreal. Thank you for your prayers. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I am so burdened for you and your city. Praying for you!
Below is a link to an article where I mentioned you. God loves you! And He loves NY! <3
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2020/04/02/thanking-you-with-whole-heart/
Hi Gail, Aw thank you so much — I am so touched. Stay well my friend. Praying for you too! Hugs and love xox
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The shaking….
“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain……Hebrews 12:25-27
Oh wow this is so powerful. Thanks for sharing. Hugs and love xox
Have Your way in our lives Lord!!
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Caralyn, email me at twelvestonespublishing@gmail.com when you get a minute!
Sure thing!
Hello dearest friend, how are you doing? We here in Cape Town are awestruck by what’s transpiring in the Big Apple. And we keep you folks in our hearts, mind prayers. How do I say “stay safe” when I don’t for sure how to myself?
Thank you so much Pete – I so appreciate your prayers. Know that you’re in mine too. Stay well. Hugs and love xox
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I’ve been thinking about you and hope that you are staying well! Sending many prayers your way!
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers! Know that you’re in mine too! Hugs and love xox stay well x
Excellent post. Thanks for giving the reader a vivid image and feel of what is going on in NYC and in your life. I totally understand missing church. Although I’ve gotten somewhat used to having to watch the liturgy, compline, and akathist through my church’s live streaming, it’s been difficult not being there in person, and especially missing uniting with Christ via the Eucharist. I’m preparing myself for Holy Week, which is a week after yours, I believe (Pascha/Easter is April 19 for Orthodox Christians), I’m still very saddened that for the first time since I came back to my faith in my mid 20s, I’ll be missing Holy Week and Pascha in person. But I’m strengthened by God’s ever presence and that we have our prayer corners and service books to keep up with the Holy Week services and Pascha and celebrate at home in our “little churches” for now. Stay healthy and safe. God bless!
Thank you so much! Yeah I agree – I miss the community and the Eucharist! Amen – His ever presence. Praying for you dear friend. Stay well! Hugs and love xox
Thank you! Prayers for you, too. xoxo
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