2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Last night on our 10:00 p.m. local news, there was a feature about Cristina Pappadake-Gomez, a young woman in Port Chester, New York. Her father, Gregg Pappadake, succumbed to COVID-19 one month to the day after being hospitalized with the virus. Gregg Pappadake – who delivered medications – was considered an “essential worker”. I don’t know exactly how or where he contracted the virus. His daughter noted that he was hospitalized 25 miles away from his home, and the doctors updated them by phone.
Now, Christina Pappadake-Gomez wears a mask that says, “My dad died. That’s why I’m like this.” She hopes it will raise awareness about the importance of wearing masks and believes her dad might be alive today, had there been more emphasis on wearing masks earlier in this pandemic. Christina has made it her mission to encourage others to wear a mask, noting… “Anything I can do to stop the spread, flatten the curve, to allow someone’s father to walk them down the aisle or someone’s grandfather to be there for their kid’s baseball game, I’ll do it.”
I have thought a lot about how I would feel if someone related to me died of this virus. I think I would be incredibly angry. And while I’m not sure where I would direct that anger, there is a good chance that a lot of it would go toward those who refuse to wear a mask, social distance, wash their hands – or acknowledge that we have a deadly crisis on our hands. It would be hard for me to find a “silver lining”…or maybe even a purpose such as the one this young woman has discovered. I’m just being honest. I know from past experiences that God would strengthen me…that He would help me to find His unfolding grace and face the future – even if I felt like I was falling apart on the inside. And maybe today, you do feel that way – if only a little. We’ve been “at this” for a while now, and the stress and frustration are taking a toll on all of us.
I opened my copy of Jesus Calling* this morning and read the entry for July 31st. In God’s infinite wisdom and perfect timing, the entry reminds us not to get upset with ourselves…that it is “human” to feel overwhelmed by all that is happening. Instead, we are called to remember that Jesus is with us and within us. He will fill us with peace and courage in the depths of our soul. When we sit quietly and call to Him, these blessings will rise to the surface and propel us forward.
I’ve been making a mental list of things that are happening now that may become the “norm”…things that might be blessings in hindsight. I am praying that we will become more aware of our surroundings…that we won’t take so much – or so many – for granted. I am praying that we will be more careful about our personal hygiene for the long haul…less materialistic…more intentional about everything from how we wash our hands to how much excess we have in our lives – to how precious a simple phone call or porch visit with a friend or loved one can be.
I’m praying that this pandemic will show us the value of each experience as an educational opportunity – that we will come to recognize the chance to teach our children valuable lessons in a myriad of ways that do not involve a physical classroom. At the same time, I pray that teachers will become a more valued commodity – along with essential workers, from medical staff to emergency personnel to the person who handles your groceries and all delivery men and women.
I pray that God will show us that we are more resourceful and self-sufficient than we thought…that He can help us figure out a lot of things that we would have thrown up our hands and called upon somebody else to do for us. I pray that we are turning more to God to find answers…peace…courage…consolation…and wisdom – and that we are listening. God is showing us what to do – and how to get out of this mess. And He is using the heart-wrenching losses of women like Christina Pappadake-Gomez to demonstrate His grace – and make a difference.
Look around. What do you need to do today? Where can you serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to help make a “new life” out of this crumbling disaster? People are watching…what can you do to show them the presence of Jesus in your own heart – and let them know that He is available to them, as well? This is the day for us to all put on a “mask” that tells the world whatever message God wants us to convey. What will yours say?
©2020 Debbie Robus
*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com
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