Family, old friends and new, current and former work colleagues have been contacting our family for weeks, and in recent days the inquiries have greatly increased. The tiniest gestures have been a huge blessing to all of us, even just a quick text, so thanks to you all. Some of the recent FAQs:
- Are you ok?
- Are the boys ok?
- How is Amy doing?
- When is your next family dance video?
- What is it like living in Italy right now?
- Why is one location worse off than another?
- When will everything go back to normal?
We respond with truth and as optimistically as possible. We are and will be ok because no matter what, we know the end of this story. We have all that we need, and what we need isn’t shown in the cover photo.
People, beloved, not numbers
When we look at the numbers of Covid-19 new cases and new deaths on a daily basis we must remember each “number” is a human being. Someone’s friend, beloved, a husband or wife, a grandmother or grandfather, a person who once laughed and brought joy to others, children of God. Many people are dying alone, in fear, human lives snuffed out by a wave of destruction.
Will you join me in praying for those who are sick, alone and afraid? For those who have lost loved ones and the mourning is being done in isolation. For those at the greatest risk, including the homeless. For our leaders to have wisdom. For truth to be known and shared.
The greater pandemic and a cure
Today there’s a greater pandemic that much of the world doesn’t know about. Its way worse than Coronavirus. God’s word says that if you get it, and by the way, everyone eventually gets it, then death is guaranteed. And the sickness is called sin, and it, unlike the Coronavirus is literally killing everything in this world. It is destroying homes, destroying lives, destroying hope, the future. (Mike Baker, Eastview Christian Church, 15-Mar-2020)
The only cure for the sin virus, and our only hope, all we need, is the blood of Jesus. I confess to putting too much of my hope in the things of this world: Money, things, fun, power, success, and even health. All of these things are temporary and none of them can save us, no matter how much we have. No amount of money can buy our eternity. It has already been bought and paid for, but we must choose. Run from God or run to him by putting our faith in Jesus.
Fulfilled, rested, renewed, comforted
Will you also join me today in reading Psalm 23 out loud? Yes, out loud, I dare and even beg you. Something supernatural, even indescribable happens when we read the scriptures out loud. Are you feeling lost, stressed, worried, hopeless, and tired of all of this? Cry out, He is listening and ready for you.
Psalm 23 (NLT) – A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
This uplifting five minute video was another recent blessing and source of comfort. Check it out! Psalm 23 – A Meditation