coronavirus - Jeannie Waters, Writer & Speaker

The Undertow of Fear

March 31, 2020Jeannie Waters26 Comments

When a dangerous undertow at our favorite childhood beach pulled my little brother, Ed, under the water and further from the shore, he almost drowned. Inside the vicious swirl of water, an older cousin fought relentlessly yet futilely to free Ed from the monster’s grasp.

Nearby sunbathers and swimmers mocked the cries of my loved ones because they weren’t far from the shore. How could they be drowning?

A young man, unseen by people on the beach, saw my brother and cousin from the second-floor window of his apartment. From a high vantage point, he realized they were in peril.

He ran down the stairs, across the hot sand, and into the salty water risking his life to save my brother.

With hope of rescue, Ed grasped the hand of the stranger. The man who saw the whole situation from above, was a blessing from God.

As we navigate the waters of the Coronavirus, this vicious enemy threatens to ensnare our attention, fill us with fear, and rob us of peace.

Try as we might, we cannot escape the reality of the pandemic. Fighting the onslaught of the virus with knowledge and caution helps protect us. Health professionals and government officials work to stem the tide of this invisible enemy.

However, no human effort can turn fear into peace.

There is One who sees all aspects of our lives from a high vantage point and knows our need for rescue and peace. The Lord Jesus Christ gave His life on Calvary that we might have a personal relationship with God once we confess our sins and surrender our life to Him.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Romans 10:9-10

He’s holding out His hand to you today. If you don’t know Him, He offers forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with Him now and throughout eternity.

To believers, He holds out His hand to offer peace and freedom from the undertow of fear.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27

When an overdose of news assails us with facts and predictions, what can we do to focus on the peace of Christ? When we hear of loved ones or others who are sick, how can we respond?

Here are ideas that help me:

Create a prayer list. Include those who are sick, healthcare workers, and government officials.
Incorporate physical activity into your schedule. Walk outside or exercise indoors.
Read Scripture daily and memorize verses about God’s protection and peace. Click the link to see a beautiful gallery of encouragement from my friend, MarilynNutter .
Share good news you hear in this difficult time. Here are heart-warming stories I’ve heard:

A neighbor ordered food for a hearing-impaired man who couldn’t call or pay. This act of kindness provided a nutritious meal and gave peace to a gentleman anxious about dinner.
Two friends of mine made fabric masks for my daughter who is a healthcare worker. The masks gave her an extra level of protection and lessened her fear.
With quantity limits and short supplies, one shopper purchased an item another person needed which relieved anxiety and resulted in gratitude.
A teacher friend spent eight hours today helping students via email. She cleared up misunderstandings and explained new content so the education of her students could continue.
My neighbor delivered groceries to an elderly couple relieving their fear of leaving home to shop.
Sunday School class members mailed restaurant gift cards to a lady who broke her leg enabling family members to purchase carry-out plates.

God offers peace to defeat the undertow of fear, and He allows us to minister peace to others.

Please share how you seek peace from God or good news you’ve heard about people reaching out to others.

Bible verses are from the ESV.

Love Closes the Gap of Social Distancing

March 17, 2020Jeannie Waters39 Comments

She clutches a balled-up tissue, staring out of the window at the empty visitors parking lot. A tear slips down her cheek.

No visitors allowed for…how long did they say? Did they mean family? I can’t remember. Will Julie bring my jellybeans and bananas and a new magazine? I’ve already read the last one. What if I run out of medicine?

How many elderly folks confined in facilities or in their homes experience loneliness, fear, and isolation while the country practices social distancing? Do they understand the current news or are they confused about why no one is coming?

Others, not so elderly, stay confined due to health concerns or fear of being in public. My heart aches for all of them.

Yet, what can we do when visits are prohibited or limited in some cases? As Christians, what responsibilities and privileges do we have in this dilemma?

Let’s look to Scripture for answers.

And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
1 John 3:23

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:35

How joyous our hearts will be when we reach out to those who need love and assurance! God will receive glory when we minister to others in His name.

Consider the list below for ways we can extend love while being safe during this period of social distancing. I hope you’ll add to the list in Comments.

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Loving One Another During Social Distancing

Call.

Make a telephone call. Hearing a human voice will add cheer to the day. Tell the person when you plan to call back and ask the best time of day.

Shop.

Call before you shop or order to determine if you can select items for someone who cannot go to stores. Add a card or treat to their bag.

Visit through the window.

As some are doing, call from outside of the window so the dear one you’re visiting can see you while you chat. Seeing a loved one or friend is soothing to a troubled heart. If you can’t visit in person, use FaceTime if the other person is able.

Write a letter.

Mail a card or handwritten note. Some of us maintain connections via social media, but some elderly or ill people cannot manage the technology.

Send artwork.

Mail children’s artwork, scribbles, or letters. Tuck pictures of the children in the envelope.

Mail a cheer-up package.

Mail or drop-off a cheer-up package. You might include a small tube of hand cream, family photos, a magazine, a large print devotional book, or candy and cookies treats. (Check dietary limitations first.)

Send flowers.

Have flowers delivered or drop off a bouquet from your yard if possible.

Ship a music CD.

If the person has access to a CD player, mail or ship a CD of hymns.

Share Bible verses.

Design simple cards with Bible verses that offer comfort and the joy of the Lord. You could punch holes in them and add a ring or twist tie to hold them together. This is a perfect time to remind Christians of the Lord’s presence. It’s also an opportune time to share His love with those who don’t know Him yet as Savior.

Illustrate and frame a verse.

If you aren’t artistic, choose an image from Pixabay or other sites that offer free pictures. Print the verse on or near the picture and place it in a frame.

How can you close the gap of social distancing for someone who is lonely or fearful by sharing the love of Jesus? Please, please, please share ideas in comments below. We can all check back during the week as the list grows.

Love one another.

Bible verses are taken from the ESV.