on Silver Linings...

What is happening to our world? 
If you're like me, you might be asking this question a lot lately. 

Today, I just got word that my county has put out the "stay in place" order. Anyone else singing, "I'm so lonely, oh so lonely?"

Ha.

Well, I'm not entirely lonely. I actually have more people around than I'm accustomed to now that some of my family have been laid off their jobs until this virus scare is over. 
The news is all bad news and more bad news. (I have strong feelings about the media's involvement in all this, but I'll not spout that here.) Still, it seems like everything bad that can happen is.

But I'm here to tell you that this simply isn't true. 

I'm not going to make light of our serious situation, because it is, very serious. But through all this, I've witnessed some amazing things. So, let's wipe off our dirt-smudged glasses for a little bit and take a closer look at what's really going on. 

My church had to stop holding services, has yours?

At first, I was upset and a little mad about this. However, this has not stopped my church family. As a matter-of-fact, it's caused them to step higher and face the challenges of getting the Word of God out. 

• We've started live-streaming services, something we never thought we had a capabilities to do before. Guess what, folks, when there's a need, there's generally a way to fulfill it. 
• Some of our members have bravely started going on line to use their talents and bring encouragement to fellow shut-ins. They've sang, given mini-sermons, shared crafts for kids that are stuck at home and many other little things that helps bring people together, even when we're all apart. 
• Our life groups haven't been able to meet, but we're working on meeting through Zoom and doing group chats. 
• We gather together in our homes, in small groups, (where it's allowed) to watch Sunday services on the computer. (Which I've finally figured out how to get to show on my big screen tv.) Never knew how to do that before, either. 

I find the human spirit amazing, how people will reach out and not let circumstances get them down. This is temporary. I promise, it is. But the heart of people who care for others and want to show kindness, that doesn't fade away. Those small acts make a world of difference to people. 

​

Here are other amazing things I've seen,

• Music artists giving free concerts from their homes.
• Authors offering discounted books, reading parts of their stories on-line, and in general using their talents to encourage others. (like writing uplifting blog posts) =) 
• People sewing masks for medical workers.
• Stockers in grocery stores being hailed as America's heroes, along with those in the medical, delivery, and other fields that often are overlooked and ignored. 
• Oh, and so much more...

So, yes, this is a scary, and troubling time. Yes, there are hoarders, thieves, and others who will take advantage of people already struggling. Yes, there's a virus that is making people sick, causing some deaths, and shutting down society. Yes, there are arguing politicians that are pushing their own agendas (on both sides, I'm afraid), and I can go on and on about the bad stuff.

But...
There's so much good. Isn't it better, more pleasant, more uplifting to look at the good things people are doing?

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Philippians 4 :: NIV - MIT

​Here's another truth: God is faithful.
He takes care of his own.
He is in control. 

I believe there is a reason for everything. I do. I'm a born-again believer who has dedicated her life to serving the Lord and I believe that my path has been set by Him. 

This is a good time to exercise your faith. If you are bound at home, make the most of this opportunity. Pray harder. Spend more time with the Lord. Read his word. There is all kinds of encouragement found in His love letters to us. 

Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.15He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.16With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.""Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.15He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.16With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

I had to add the complete chapter because every verse is a strong promise. And God never goes back on his promises.

Does this mean we won't get sick? Not necessarily. But whatever we face, we can face it with Him at our side. And yes, I'm not worried about getting sick. I do my part by staying home like our officials have asked, respecting what my government officials are telling us to do, washing my hands, and do my best to keep the restricted distance from others. 

And then I trust God to take care of the rest. And in that, I'm able to find peace. You can, too. 

Soon, this too shall pass.

It will. And church will open its door again. Jobs will return. We'll start rebuilding our lives and going on our marry way. But lets not fall back into habits that aren't good for us. Let's use this time to get quiet, get with the Lord, and figure out what's really important to us. What we really want out of our lives. 

What are your thoughts? What blessings can you pick out of this crazy mess? Where have you seen people stepping up? In what ways have you seen God come through for you? Share them below. 

With much love and cyber hugs,
Stay safe and find a good book to read.
J. Castle