Friday March 27, 2020
The day I was supposed to leave on my Europe vacation, but it got cancelled due to the Coronavirus-- something I had saved up for since graduating college 2 years ago.
The day Coronavirus took my last paycheck away from me. Applying for unemployment for something I couldn’t control was something I never expected to have to endure during my lifetime.
It was also the day I opened up to a random page in my devotional, and Jesus spoke to me so clearly, which changed my whole perspective about this pandemic.
It reads,
“Welcome these challenging times as opportunities to trust in Me and refuse to worry, for I am your strength and song. You are feeling wobbly this morning, looking at difficult times looming ahead, measuring them against your own strength. However, they are not today’s tasks- or even tomorrow’s. So leave them in the future and come home to the present, where you will find Me waiting for you.
Since I am your strength, I can empower you to handle each task as it comes. Because I am your song, I can give you joy as you work alongside Me.
I am always beside you and my spirit is always within you. No set of circumstances is too much for you to handle.” (Young, 2019, Pg. 277).
It’s now April 10, exactly 2 weeks after I wrote everything above. To be honest I didn’t know if I wanted to post this blog because I haven’t been able to wrap my head around this whole situation… but today I found myself, for the first time, feeling the weight of isolation from quarantine sink in. So I went for a drive, parked my car at a park, turned on my Christian worship music, and in that moment I re-read the up above message, grabbed my pen and just continued to write what my heart was feeling. (I apologize if everything beyond this is just a bunch of nonsense word vomit).
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The Coronavirus has affected us all nationwide, some more than others, but I trust God's plan is always greater.
What’s your reaction to this crisis? It’s so easy to be gripped by fear, and I am 100% guilty of this-- All i'm going to say is it really doesn’t help that the virus hit during allergy season! However, I believe this crisis is challenging us to react in a different way -- with faith in Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. HE can guide us through this as He continuously calls us to trust and believe, to have faith and not fear.
Each day I remind myself to live one day at a time while constantly praying for the health and safety of my loved ones, the authorities running our country & cities, the medical teams, the people at high risk, the elderly, the parents who are struggling to take care of their family, the already infected, and those who are mourning a loss-- who didn’t even get to say a proper goodbye.
Perhaps this crisis is a symbol in reminding us what is meaningful and meaningless. Perhaps, who wins the Superbowl, getting that new Louis Vuitton bag or getting obsessed with beauty trends, and perfecting our social media aren’t essential to survival-- perhaps the Coronavirus is Jesus trying to teach us what really matters!
Maybe Jesus wanted to use the Coronavirus as a lesson about equality. There are no ethnic boundaries within the 77+ countries contaminated. We are all created in the image of God, and we are all completely equal and weak without answers.
Or the most eye opening conspiracy for me is that maybe Jesus wanted us to realize who is actually in control. This chaos has proved we have lived our entire life with the feeling of being in control. Within an instant we were reminded that we are just guests on this earth, and an act of God can remove us in an instance, or in this case an easily spread and deathly virus.
How to Find Happiness in the Darkest of Times
During this unsettling time I try to find happiness by reflecting in a gratitude journal, I promise happiness can be found in the smallest places!
For example some positives of today:
Today I am healthy.
Today and everyday I know I have family that will love and support me no matter what
I am thankful for an air conditioned apartment, a working bathroom, my bed, the food in my kitchen, and running water.
I am thankful for the beautiful sunshine state I live in
I am thankful for a body that allows me to workout, dance, and sing my heart out
I am thankful for technology allowing me to still connect with friends through Facetime and Zoom, for being able to listen to cheerful songs, educational podcasts, and to be able to watch church services and fun movies online!
Today I got to help a local business by purchasing food to go
I am thankful for having extra time to get into things I didn’t prioritize before -- writing, crafting, reading, making business plans, cooking, etc. The things that actually make me happy!! Not being stressed at work (:
In 30 seconds I rambled 8 points that I am truly thankful for, and it gives me a new perspective on the life I am so grateful to be living. I realize some people don’t have it this well-- seriously, my whole heart goes out to all of you.
If you have a prayer request feel free to reach out to me, I would love to do my part in helping you.
My Praying Words for You
I pray that no matter what you’re feeling during these difficult times, that you know He is near. That his love is so tangible. That He holds every dream, every thought, and every hope within his hands. He is a God who sustains and a God who provides. I promise He will meet you right where you are. There is hope, and His name is Jesus!
You are not alone, and together in Christ we can get through this! Amen!
Xoxo,
Cami
Links:
If you want to buy the inspirational daily devotional that I recommend to everyone, you can buy it here. This is the gratitude journal I use.
Reference
Young, S. (2019). Jesus calling: enjoying peace in His presence. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
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