I’ve been quiet about the recent world-wide pandemic of COVID-19.  For me it really strikes a nerve.  The feelings of isolation, the unknown and protecting myself are all too familiar.  You see I’ve been through this all before in my own life.  I wonder..maybe for once…the rest of the world of ‘normal’ people can see how it somewhat feels like to be a chronic illness sufferer?

Being chronically ill means missing out.  Being chronically ill means staying home to protect yourself from whatever illness is ‘going around’.  Being chronically ill means isolation, whether we want it or not.  It also means no cure, no vaccine and seemingly no end in sight.  It means ruined plans, an unknown future, loss of pay, loss of relationships, and people who ‘just don’t get it’.

I see as a nation, as a world, how we worship our health and our healthcare system.  How fear drives so many decisions.  Because if we don’t have our health, we don’t have ‘anything’, right?  I’ve been dealing with sickness for over 17 years.  I’m still here and have countless blessings not only right along with it, but because of it so, personally, I beg to differ.

Maybe now that our lives have been forced to slow down we will see the everyday blessings right in front of us that we all too often ignore?  Maybe family dinners together will become commonplace again?  Maybe family game or movie night will become a permanent thing to look forward to?  Maybe instead of racing here, there and everywhere we can finish that book, actually rest when we need it, and get out and enjoy God’s beautiful creation!  And our pets…they can get the attention they crave when we are out and about without them.  I know our sweet little Molly Bear is happy that everyone is home more!

All this being said, chronic illness isn’t fun and it is a constant struggle.  I wouldn’t wish it on anyone…nor do I wish anyone to be ill with the Corona virus.  It is important to social distance to slow the spread of this contagious disease and submit to those who govern over us. While it brings up a lot of feelings for me personally, my illnesses are not deadly…though it can feel like it…so I am merely making comparisons to my own personal experience and how our lives being stopped as a whole has been experienced by many people on an individual basis out there.  Let’s use this experience to see things from their perspective.  God promises to use all things for good and He doesn’t waste anything.  So what can we learn from this?

I do hope and pray that COVID-19 stops spreading and that treatment and a cure is found.  I pray for our over-worked, selfless doctors, nurses, lab technicians and support staff to be protected and find rest.  I pray that our economy will bounce back and people can get back to school and work.  I pray that this will be a reminder to ‘normal’ people what being chronically ill continually feels like and that it will bolster within all of us compassion for the those suffering.  But most of all, I pray that as a people we will look to God, not the government or our healthcare system, for rescue.  He is here, and He is listening.  Stay safe, stay healthy and stay focus on Him, my friends!

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.