May 2020

I mentioned elsewhere in our newsletter about some of the Covid-19 effects on us here in Jamaica. It seems that this is something that is overwhelming and all-encompassing. We, you and I, can’t get away from it. It surrounds us on all sides. It limits where we can go and what we can do. You can’t turn on the TV or radio or get online without being smacked in the face with non-stop coronavirus talk. It can be depressing like a heavy blanket hanging over us night and day. I know it has changed what we have been able to do in Jamaica. It has stopped groups from coming in to help. It has stopped us from getting away periodically for our sanity. It has stopped our ability to even get out of the country by the end of our 90 days. For some of you it may mean a loss of a job and financial uncertainty. It might mean a feeling of being trapped in your own home. It might mean you are ready to trade your kids in on some new ones. The impact on all of us has already been enormous. Many are ready to get back out into the world. They feel the need to get out before they smother either financially or emotionally. And my personal belief is that we have to get back out (with precautions for the vulnerable) before we feel even greater repercussions from an economy that is bottoming out. All this and we haven’t even mentioned not being able to assemble in places of worship. It does feel very gloomy. So, what can we do? And I ask myself this question every day.

           Obviously, it should ultimately drive us to the source of our joy and strength. It should be a signal to turn to the Great Comforter. I don’t know what non-believers must be feeling during this time, but I know that we do not suffer as those who have no hope. We have great hope in the Lord that goes beyond the hope to get back to normal. In case you didn’t know, we are working on our third different flight back. Originally it was May 8 and now it is June 7. We are praying and praying that God would allow us to be on that flight just so we can have a quick break. But what if those prayers are answered with a no? We will continue to rely on Him. We may not fully understand but our trust in Him will not be shaken. I have found myself here lately asking God if He could just give me a break. Do YOU ever feel like that? Like God, I get that this is a season of testing, but how about the chance to just come up for air for a minute. Just a time to regroup and refocus without something else happening or someone else needing something. This morning my prayer was met by our neighbors, right outside our always open window, with a jackhammer going non-stop. After I fought the urge to scream, I almost had to laugh. God was just saying I’m not done molding and shaping you. And He’s not done with YOU yet either. It can be painful and trying and tough, but it will all be worth it. I know it will for you and for me because I fully Trust HIM, and I know He hasn’t lost control.

            As I finish this up I was just thinking about the boys here at Noah’s Ark. They might be the least affected by this virus of anyone in the world. Their biggest challenge and complaint is . . . I’m bored. I’m pretty sure if you have kids you have heard that too. It just reminds me of how many things we have that we take for granted. These boys are well taken care of with food and shelter and clothes and people that love them. They have room to get out and play and they have others to play with. And since we are doing our own small worship each week with me preaching, church is a lot shorter than usual. Ha. Life is actually pretty great for them. As it is for most of us. But it’s all about perspective isn’t it? It’s ultimately about contentment. “We will not be simply appeased, but pleased, because our deepest joy does not rise and fall with what we have” (Philippians 4:11). 

           EoS. End of Sermon. End of Blog. And just so you know, I was writing mainly to myself today, but I hope God uses it to speak to YOU as well. Blessings.