A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
By Barbara Dahlgren
It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago I had never heard of COVID-19. Not being good with acronyms, it took me aw hile to figure out that coronavirus disease and COVID-19 were the same thing. I’m a little slow when it comes to acronyms. I just knew it was bad, easily caught, and posed more of a danger than most of us would admit. Finally, I read a breakdown of the acronym that helped:
- CO: Corona
- VI: Virus
- D: Disease
- 19: The year the virus was discovered in China
Actually, coronavirus itself is not new. It’s been around in one form or another since the 1960s, but the pandemic strain we are currently experiencing can be traced back to 2019 in China. It is definitely a pandemic instead of an epidemic. Epidemics are regional but pandemics spread over continents.
Also it’s good to note that the name coronavirus has nothing to do with drinking beer. Corona is a Latin word meaning crown. When this virus is examined with an electron microscope, the little virions or virus particles give the appearance of a small crown.
Most of us know the main ways to keep our families and communities safe. In addition to coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, plus sanitizing everything you touch or even think about touching, I found this brief list from Consumer Reports quite helpful, balanced, and not obsessive.
- Follow federal and local guidance to slow the spread of the virus. Stay home as much as possible, and practice “social distancing” if you must go out.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly—for at least 20 seconds each time.
- Don’t hoard supplies, but be prepared for a potential quarantine. Check in on neighbors who might need a hand gathering essentials.
- Stay informed but be wary of rumors you hear or read on social media.
I’m sure we know the media is not necessarily our friend. We need to ask God to help us differentiate between news reports and political commentaries. If not, we will be in panic mode all the time.
During this time, some of us might be a little more isolated than usual. We can use the time for Bible study, reading, listening to positive podcasts, nature walks, gardening, household projects, etc. Stay as connected as you can to others via email, snail mail, face-to-face internet chats, and telephone calls. Extra prayers are needed—not just for loved ones but for leaders who have to make tough decisions affecting many lives, for those in the food industry keeping us supplied, for delivery people, for hospital staff, for those living from paycheck to paycheck, and so many others.
Always remember you serve an amazing God. Although church doors may be closed due to lockdowns, church attendance is way up due to the online livestreaming of church services. The world may focus on the negative, but we should focus on God. I’m reminded of the following story.
The missionary Gladys Aylward led 100 orphaned children to safety over mountainous regions in war-torn China in the 1930s. During this ordeal, she was so exhausted she thought she couldn’t go on. One of the children reminded her of the story of Moses she had taught them. Gladys said, “Yes, but I am not Moses.”
The child replied, “Yes, but God is still God.”
Our lives might be in a constant state of flux, but God is still God! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! These thoughts bring me great joy in times of turmoil.
*****
Dear Omnipotent God, Creator of the universe, Giver of life, Protector of my soul, Provider of my needs…how wonderful to know that You are still God. You are the God of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I’m so thankful that You are my God and I don’t have to worry. I can trust You in times of trouble because You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
