I told my son that shelter-in-place would last four weeks back in March. “This is just temporary — to help flatten the curve.”
Now, a new school year is beginning, but Josh’s first day in high school and Caleb’s first day in middle school will happen behind a screen through distance learning. The COVID cases where we live in California rank the highest in the country, and it’s still climbing.
When civil unrest exploded with the news of George Floyd’s murder and violence broke out across our country, I told my sons, “People are angry. They’re hurting.”
Overwhelmed by it all, my son exclaimed, “The world’s falling apart! People are dying, and injustice and violence are everywhere. What will happen to us?!”
I looked at his fear-stricken face, eyebrows contorted with worry and anxiety. His brother, sitting next to him, waited for my response too.
What should I tell him? I looked out the window and whispered a breath prayer, God, illuminate my heart.
I replied to him, “Son, I know you feel afraid. I feel afraid sometimes too. It’s very normal. We’re all facing something no one in our generation has ever encountered. When we feel overwhelmed by what we don’t know, it is important to tell yourself the things you know for sure. These are truths that will keep you secure, grounded.”
I went on to tell him that there is a lot I don’t know, but I can say with 100% confidence that this is what I know:
1. We are people of faith and purpose, not panic. God loves us and always takes care of His people.
So many Christians throughout history have faced danger, death, imprisonment, starvation, and evil. The ones who rose to the challenge of their times were the ones who remembered who they were and where they were going.
God has a purpose for us to be alive at this time. We can also rise to the challenge of our generation — whether we are frontline workers, teachers, scientists, or simply neighbors focused on how to help and comfort others.
God also never forgets us in our suffering. He gives us family, friends, books, creativity, nature, and many other beautiful gifts to help us get through hard times. For every hardship, I’ve found God always provides small ways to release our stress. He uses these things to give us peace, joy, comfort, and encouragement for ourselves and for us to offer it to others who are suffering too.
2. We can choose goodness, even in the midst of evil. I think about the many wars that have been fought and how evil can feel overwhelming. There has been so much death and suffering, and yet some of the most powerful stories came from the survivors who lived on to tell their stories and live life fully. What will our story be during and after this pandemic? What stories will we go on to tell in the future?
As we fight our own war on this pandemic, let’s focus on the good we can do. Perhaps, one day, we’ll tell a story to our children’s children, just like people who survived through wars told theirs, and they’ll be able to see that good could always be found in the midst of evil.
3. This world is a place we’re simply traveling through. Remember that we are ambassadors for Christ. Just as some ambassadors get assignments in countries that may not be the safest, we also need to remember whose we are and where our home really is. This world is not our final destination because heaven is our true home. We just need to do our best while we are on assignment on earth, to help the people we meet here, and to represent our loving Savior well — so well that people will long to go where we will one day go as God’s people!
During this season of sheltering-in-place, it’s the perfect time to plant and nurture seeds of kindness, gentleness, love, joy, and peace and to develop who we will be when things settle into some sort of new normal.
4. You are salt and light! This is your time to shine. When this pandemic is over and a vaccination is discovered (and it will), the fruit of the Spirit we’ve nurtured during this time will blossom, and others will be able to see it. They will be blessed by your presence and friendship because of the light you shine.
5. This too will pass. Though it seems like there is no end to this time, it will one day end. So as we wait, we must grow strong in our faith — to learn to endure. We need to lean on the truths of the Bible, be in prayer, and share our worries with others because we are not alone.
God loves us — that hasn’t changed and this I know for sure.
I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
What are the truths that keep you grounded in faith?
Michele Morin says
Thank you, Bonnie, for allowing us to listen in on your reassuring words. I am a lot older than your sons, but I also need frequent reminders that “pleasures forevermore ” are only “at his right hand.” In the meantime, we wait–in hope.
Sue says
Thank you, Bonnie!
Bonnie Gray says
Have beautiful day, Sue!
Bonnie Gray says
We need to encourage each other through times. Love your wait-in hope perspective, Michele!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Bonnie,
This segment really jumped out at me, “This world is not our final destination because heaven is our true home. We just need to do our best while we are on assignment on earth, to help the people we meet here, and to represent our loving Savior well — so well that people will long to go where we will one day go as God’s people!” Pastor Tony Evans (a prominent black pastor) said recently, “If one nation under God becomes one nation apart from God, expect consequences.” 85% of Americans don’t believe that the the Bible is the inspired word of God (and we are the country of believers). This too might pass, but it’s not going to pass without people making a choice to turn back to God. We need to be focusing our gaze on Jesus. We need to be representing our Savior well. We need to realize that we are but strangers passing through and be about our Father’s business because we don’t know the day or the hour of His return. So we wait in hope and expectation meanwhile being His ambassadors in a world that is desperately in need of His love.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bonnie Gray says
Thanks for sharing the words that inspire your faith, Bev. It’s wonderful how God is speaking to us from different ways – and you are one of His ambassadors!
Beth Williams says
Bonnie,
Great conversations. I’ve ruminated on Psalm 23:5 Yea though I walk through the valley of shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod & staff they comfort me. We will walk through this There is an end to all this pandemic. God will rescue us like He did the Israelites. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you & not for harm. To give you a hope a future.” He has mighty plans for each of us. We must wait & see what they are. My mantra lately has been this John Wesley quote: Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. Shine God’s light & love in this dark world.
Blessings 🙂
K Ann Guinn says
I love that John Wesley quote, and it’s so appropriate for these times! Thanks for sharing.
Bonnie Gray says
Love your John Wesley quote — it’s beautiful how we’re all connected to each other as sojourners on this journey of faith. Thanks for sharing, Beth!
Ida says
❤️
Bonnie Gray says
have a beautiful day, touched with God’s peace, Ida!
Barbara Cooper says
Thank you. This is just what I need to hear today.
Bonnie Gray says
thanks, Barbara! may your heart be touched with God’s love today. have a beautiful day, friend!
Irene says
Thank you! Wisdom here.
Bonnie Gray says
thanks, Irene! may you have a beautiful day, touched with God’s peace, friend!
Penny says
Thank-you Bonnie for sharing your heartfelt words and encouragement with us .
Blessings to all,
Penny
Bonnie Gray says
Thanks so much, Penny! May you feel God’s presence, touched with his love for you today!
Judi says
Bonnie
Your son’s are very blessed to have you as their mother. You spoke words of wisdom for them but also for this post as well. Thank you for sharing and by the way I am a grandmother and very much enjoyed your post.
Bonnie Gray says
I had to think of the words of encouragement that God whispered to me – and that is what I could share from what touched my heart. So wonderful the words lifted your heart too, friend! thank you, Judi!
Susan says
Thank you so much, Bonnie! What an important message for all of us to read today. Josh and Caleb are so very blessed to have such a loving and wise mother who would give such excellent spiritual advice to them-and to all of us. God’s richest blessings to you and your family. You have enriched my day enormously.
Bonnie Gray says
that means so much to my heart, Susan! That the words that lifted my heart has lifted yours as well! Keep shining your light, beautiful sister!
K Ann Guinn says
Thank-you, Bonnie, for sharing these life-giving reminders. The comfort you gave your sons is the same assurance we all need during theses unprecedented times. God is with us, it will someday be over, and most of all, God has a PURPOSE for each of us during this time. I keep on saying that if we all just long to go back to “normal” and don’t learn or grow from this experience, much of our work in this hardship will be wasted. I truly believe God is trying to show us (and our families, and churches, and countries, etc.) new things that we would not ordinarily have seen. And yes, we are to be a light, a kindness, a small haven of peace to all those around us, too. God help us to trust and listen to him as we lean on him in this time.
Bonnie Gray says
What wonderful reflection and insight, K Ann! You are a kindred spirit and beautiful soul! Keep shining your beautiful light! so wonderful the words that lifted my soul lift yours as well! have a beautiful day, friend!
Becky Keife says
So grateful for your words and these powerful reminders today. Love you, friend.
Bonnie Gray says
love you, friend! you’re a gift!
Carol says
You are here for such a time. Your boys will remember this wisdom. The Truth of God’s Holy Word is what has helped me through many rough moments. I have been praying through the Bible for my grandsons for over 3 years, since their Dad demanded a divorce from my daughter. I am now in Revelation. Not a mistake, I believe. I am taking it slow, to absorb every word. So thankful for having begun before recent events. Thank you for all you do to encourage!
Marcia Greene says
Thank you for these encouraging words of wisdom. God bless you and your family.
Marcia Greene says
Thank you for these encouraging words of wisdom. God bless you and your family. He is our keeper and our protection.
Lisa says
Thank you, Bonnie. You and your family have been in my prayers for peace and protection as i have prayed for California in Jesus’ Name, Word of God. I thank Him for His Fatherly protection and provision for His people from sea to shining sea in Christ. I will share this kind article with a friend who enjoys good stories too. I pray she will be encouraged and find a kindred in you. I thank God for how He communicates with more and more people through your faithful prose.
Jennifer says
Thank you Bonnie for these encouraging words. My friend Lisa shared your website and as always it was in Gods perfect timing. Not only have I been challenged with the pandemic (I was an essential worker) and civil unrest in this country, I lost my 24 year old son in June to cardiac arrest. It would have been unbearable if it wasn’t for Gods strength, love and promises that have carried me through this tragic ordeal. Even as I continue to grieve, knowing His Word to be true, I have peace. Peace I will see my son again, peace that God loves me, peace that this too shall pass. I am not saying this is easy, I cry everyday for my loss but God has been there and this article you wrote just reminded me I have more work to do before I see my son again. Bless you and your work.
Jennifer Strouse says
Thank you so much for the encouragement today. It followed my pastor’s message today on what path am I going to follow when I come to the fork in the road whether it be relationally, morally or financially. And it follows the John Wesley quote that was referenced earlier. Many blessings to you.
Connie Rowland says
Hi Bonnie, Thank you for this gentle reminder to be salt and light during this difficult time we’re living through. As you so rightly point out, this to shall pass. And I pray we will use our time here on earth, our temporary home, for God’s glory! Praying blessings over you today!