Spreading FHL-3

Isaiah 41:10 New International Version (NIV)

 So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 With the spread of COVID-19 many Americans are struggling with fear and despair. They are unsure of what actions should take place in the following days. Not only are we facing the spread of a virus but we are also facing a spread of fear and anxiety.

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid.” C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis noted that grief and fear are similar. After Bryce’s car accident, I had fear about driving, fear about losing others, fear about what my new normal would look like, and fear of the future. Facing this fear required me to return my focus to faith, hope, and love.

Isaiah 41:10 reminds us not to fear but to trust God because He is with us. Fear often is associated with the loss of control. Our assumption of control is built on a shaking foundation. The reality of our lack of control is revealed in the light of loss or tragedy. We were never in control but we serve a God who was, is, and will be.  

In the face of tragedy we also face the loss of hope. When we lose hope, our attention focuses on the negatives in each situation. Yet hope turns our vision in a new direction. I was repeatedly reminded that God provides hope for the present and the future.

As the COVID-19 spreads, we are encouraged to implement social distancing. Schools and businesses are closing and more families are moving into isolation. As I faced grief, I was tempted to push myself into isolation too. In the face of a deadly virus, physical isolation is an important step in slowing the spread of the virus. Physical distancing is important but social distancing can have negative impacts. We must continue to stay in contact with each other even when we are physically distant. Love means caring for others and not only looking out for our own needs. Sharing each other’s burdens is an important element in surviving grief as well as surviving times of national crisis.

We do not know what the future holds. We assume the COVID-19 virus will continue to spread in the coming days. 

The virus will spread.

Fear will spread.

Anxiety will spread.

Selfishness will spread.

Blame will spread.

I would challenge us to spread FHL-3 faster than the virus. Instead of joining a world of fear, despair, and anger we can choose to spread Faith, Hope, and Love. 

F - Spread faith by looking to our God who is in control.

H - Spread hope by placing your hope in a God that loves you. Know that trusting God doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen. It means that we trust Him even if they do.

L - Spread love by caring for others. While the world turns to hoarding supplies and looking out for themselves. Look for opportunities to serve others during this crisis.

Whether we are facing a national crisis or loss and pain, above all else these three remain