Fear vs. Faith

Can you believe that thirteen months ago, we were behind the closed doors of our homes? Life as we knew it stood still. I remember ordering groceries and being concerned that I would catch Covid from the brown bags delivered to my door. I sanitized all the door knobs, counter tops, and ordered as many cases of wipes and hand sanitizer bottles that I could get my hands on. My hands were raw from using so much sanitizer. My husband ordered the N95 masks to insure he could send some to his daughters who are physicians practicing in hospitals with very little protection.Today, I have more face-masks than shoes as a result of trying to find the perfect fit.

During the past year, families and friends have lost so much. Our world has been turned upside down to the point of many being scared and often paranoid to be close to others... afraid of what might happen next. There will always be something next...so to survive, we need to learn how not be fearful and continue living a joyful, productive life.

Fear's power shuts us down, causing many to become paralyzed and sometimes to the point of not being able to function in their day to day life. Fear is unbelief that takes hold of our emotions. John 16:33 says that in this life we will experience many trials and tribulations. For every difficult and challenging event in my life, my relationship with God grew. Why...because I have spent more time in prayer and reading my Bible!

So what has happened to our faith that we are unable to feel joy under these circumstances? America has long been a nation of faith with a love for God. What has changed...have we lost our first love? Faith is believing in what we can't see. Faith is the gift from God that assures us of His love, and how He will care for us no matter the situation. Fear and Faith can never exist together! The only way our faith can grow is by having a desire to learn about God and how much He cares for us. Covid will not be our last challenge...there are many others mounting up on the horizon. So today and everyday, I need to remember that when I become fearful, I simply need to focus on two things. Study God's Word and pray. These two actions will always build up my faith in Him which allows me to let go of my fears.

What will you choose today?

Amen

Two vaccine shots down... nowhere to go but up!

In early March 2020, Mark and I traveled to New York City to meet the people who would be handling Annie's wedding in August of 2020...little did we know that we would not be returning to the Big Apple anytime soon, much less having a wedding in August. We all have stories about the year of Covid-19.

I actually purchased a Covid-19 puzzle for all my children as a reminder of what we all went through this past year.

For so many, it has been a year of filled with fear of the unknown and the possibility of getting Covid-19. Depression for teens and loss of learning for so many children attending public schools that failed to adapt their schools so that children could safely return to in-class learning.

Many have experienced a family member with Covid, someone dying from Covid, working from home with little ones underfoot, the loss of a job, and lets not forget that most of us have not had much fun. What have you missed most of all this past year?

Here are the top ten things that I have missed!

10. Ice cream cones at McDonalds

9. Travel anywhere

8. Having birthday lunch with close friends

7. Dance lessons

6. The Cabaray piano bar listening to John Jonethis play while chatting with friends

5. Civility and kindness in our country

4. Attending my Church

3. Seeing my son, daughter-in-law; my bonus daughter and son-in-law

2. Seeing my grand-daughter in over a year

1. Being maskless

How thankful I am for the hard work done to create these vaccines at such a rapid pace! These vaccines will ensure that we can return to living our lives. I have had my two shots and look forward to being 2 weeks past the second shot next week. Many are still frightened to take the vaccine, but I would encourage everyone to consider all the vaccines we have take over the years that have protected us from other diseases. Together as a nation we can ensure success, and put the pandemic behind us. I'm ready to unmask and live my life to the fullest...how about you?!