I’ve tried to start this blog about 10 times but, honestly, couldn’t find the words. What we are all facing right now is unprecedented. There is so much going on that it’s hard to know where to start.

 Here in California, like in so many other states, we are being asked to stay home and only go out for essentials. For most, those lines are a bit blurry but it’s understandable.  A family member said to me yesterday that people don’t like being told what they can and can’t do. That is so true and completely describes me as well. I’m not rebellious but it’s hard to give up the freedom we so take for granted daily. Like going and getting something as inane as paper products. I have to be honest with you. I’m completely baffled at the toilet paper issue. But I’ll leave that alone.

 What I did want to write about is what I’ve learned after just a week of what is now my new normal. I pray that it brings some perspective as well as hope to each of you as face this together.

 In this midst of this I’ve had to really come to terms with what is most important to me. I’ve been forced to get some perspective as I’m faced with possible financial issues, closure of all that is important to our ministry and being isolated from family and friends. So many things are put on hold and it’s been hard to deal with it most days. The thought “I could be doing this, this needs to be done, I have this I need to see about” has forced me to prioritize things. What is most important in this moment? The answer came to me as simply, that my family and friends are safe and well and that I can find ways to be the hands of Jesus. Honestly nothing else matters.

 We must find ways as human beings, to be kind to one another. What can we do to help a neighbor that can’t get out of the house because they’re not well? What can we share with those around us to help get through all of this? What creative ways can we be of service to others? We are all gifted in ways that can be used to bring peace and hope to those in our circle of influence. Can you sing? Share a video that can bring some joy to all who can see it. Can you bake? Offer to bake something for an elderly person who can’t get out to buy groceries. Good with animals? Maybe you can offer to walk the dog of someone who can’t get out. Yes, we have to wise about exposure but I promise that there are things you can do to help. You just have to be creative.

What I’ve been telling my friends and family, and honestly myself, the last two days is to turn off the news a bit. Put down your phone. Get out and get some fresh air. Put on some uplifting music whether it’s worship songs or reggae or jazz. Whatever will lift your spirits and get your mind off of the news cycle. We have to understand that when you’ve got hundreds and hundreds of news sources having to fill 24/7 airspace, they will do whatever they can to draw you in all day long. If you listen well, it’s the same thing over and over again. Just turn it off. Call a friend. FaceTime with a family member you haven’t seen in a long time. Grab a book. Watch a movie. Or even better, get your Bible out and ask God to speak to you. I promise that He’s waiting to give you the peace that you need.

None of this trivializes what is happening. It’s scary. Both my parents and my in-laws fall in that elderly category and I’m thousands of miles away from both. There’s a helpless feeling that sets in when I dwell on that fact. But I know that they are in God’s hands and that He will make a way to meet their needs. None of this changes what is happening around me but it changes ME, the only real control I have right now. I can allow all of this to send me spiraling down a path of fear and hopelessness but I won’t allow it. I read, I listen, I plan for how to deal with possible financial fallout, I keep things in stock that we will need if we’re faced with a true lockdown but most importantly, I pray. Past that, I leave my future in God’s hands. I have to. I have no control over the “what ifs”. When I feel like I’m losing my footing, I find my way in the early morning hours of my prayer space and I talk to my Father about all that I’m concerned about. I hold nothing back because I know I don’t need to. He already knows what my fears are. And then I tell Him that I trust Him, that I know He has me and that He loves me. I don’t say it for His benefit but for mine.

So, dear readers, as I end this blog I say this to each of you. Do some deep soul searching and ask yourself what is most important to you in this moment. You might find like I did, that some priorities need to change. I have communicated to more friends and extended family this week than I have in months. That was a wake up call for me. No matter how busy we are, we have to find time for those that we love most. Say the words, send the text, do the things that you keep saying you’ll say and do when you have time. Reconnect now and make a promise to yourself and build it into your busy life to do in on a regular basis.

Take some time to rest. Not only physically but emotionally as well. Take this time to find some balance. Reach out and be a blessing to those around you.

You’re going to be ok, dear reader. God has you and He has never failed.