March 15, 2020

With all that has been happening around us, it seems unbelievable the responses that we are seeing. I want my response to be balanced as my whole life I’ve seen extremes from one end to the other. It would be easy for me to fear the “what ifs” causing me to be in a “flip out” mode or I could pretend this doesn’t exist, being “flippant” about it.

                          flip out: to become crazy or very excited or angry

                                                                                                  

                                  flippant: lacking proper respect or seriousness

First of all,  we know this virus exists and as with any illness, it could become serious. On the other hand, we could act somewhat crazy thinking that we must hoard things like toilet paper. This has sent some into an unnecessary panic; whereas, then everyone feels they need to go out and buy an extra roll of toilet paper…or two…or three…or four…or more!

From my perspective,  these are my thoughts to think on.

First of all, as one who struggles against anxiety, it would be very easy to focus on the negative. I specifically found myself dwelling on “the map” earlier last week. I could easily focus on the percentages of disease versus death, and I found myself fixing on the calculations. Personally, that is not helpful for my mental health nor those around me. Why would I want to instill fear into another, especially a child, who looks to you for their stability? How I respond will most likely affect those around me. If I flip out, my children most likely will, too. Not only that, coming unglued could cause tension in other relationships as well.

It’s been just over ten years that my family and I experienced H1N1, also known as the Swine Flu but it was the Spanish Flu back in 1918. My blessings were sick for a good week, and a couple days after they got sick, I was feeling it coming on with body aches, and for me, were comparable to when I had mononucleosis. The difference is that as my family got better, I got worse because the virus attacked my lungs. I was down for a good seven weeks and within six months after that, I recovered as much as I could at that time. Long story short, I was told it ruined my lungs permanently. I write this to say I could easily flip out over this because I have “reason” to. Over the years, especially when the flu comes, I do think about 2009 and the physical pain it brought to me, and sometimes I will start having anxious thoughts that I need to immediately take captive or I will be easily overwhelmed. I can have peace that passes all understanding knowing WHO has numbered my days and I do not have to fear tomorrow. I refuse to allow the “what ifs” to freeze me.

Next, I want to represent WHO it is I believe in well. Is how I’m responding being a good witness to what I really believe? Are those close to me seeing me pray over this situation, having faith that nothing will come to me or those I love without first going through my Sovereign God who loves me so very much and will use everything I go through for my good and for the good of those around me?

I personally believe if we didn’t have media, we wouldn’t have this uproar of panic. We would go on with our lives as we normally would.

And let me just say, I am blown away at how “good hygiene” is having to be stressed. I guess I thought everyone washed their hands after using the restroom or before they ate.

So, here’s a Public Service Announcement:

PA  LEASE STOP the spread of germs and WASH your hands.
Stop biting your nails to boot!
There are many fun jingles to learn SO if you need a refresher,
JUST GOOGLE IT!

I have taught all my children to make the most of every opportunity as we don’t know when our last day here on earth will be. I want us to be making a difference in all we do and enjoying life! This lesson has obviously stuck with my littlest as the other day she shouted when we were driving home, “Let’s seize the day!” YES!! She’s got it!

And worry, panic, and flipping out is NOT of God; it is of the enemy. Who are you allowing to move you? PRAY, PEOPLE!

Last week, I heard a great quote regarding the atomic bomb, and I am replacing the word “bomb” with “virus”. I am confident, if you read the following and realize the importance in this, you and your family can enjoy your time together, as you should already have been doing before all this came, not allowing fear to overcome you.

“The first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are going to be destroyed by a virus, let that virus, when it comes, find us doing sensible and human things — praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts — not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about viruses. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.”                                                                                               CS Lewis – 1948

Blessings,
Jennifer