COVID-19 For such a time as this

In 1982, my last grandparent passed away. Bobby and I had been married a year and we were asked to clean out her apartment in a retirement community. The family had come in and picked up the china, photos, and silverware. Cousins had grabbed mementos and all that was left was “stuff”. Our family told us to keep anything we needed as a young couple and donate the rest. It sounded simple enough but the experience changed my perspective quickly. I am reminded of it today.

My 23-year-old self found cabinets stuffed with margarine tubs, jelly jars, newspapers and lots of cards/stationary/notepads. The tv show, Hoarders wasn’t around yet but I would have referenced it had I known. Canned goods, soups, potted meats, and beans were stored by Pet milk and bulk rice bags. I was so arrogant and silly boxing those staples up and throwing away the food containers. My husband and I made many juvenile comments during the purge.

I went home that evening and started telling my parents about the day. I was sarcastic and smug as I joked about the surplus I had found. My mother looked at me and said quite firmly, “you don’t know what she went through”. She explained that my grandmother lived through the Great Depression and had three children to feed. Blanche had often gone without to put food on the table. She had taken in laundry and ironing along with a fledgling photography business. My grandfather was barely eeking out a living as a printing apprentice. They knew what hunger was and promised themselves never to let it happen again.

They were of a generation that kept everything because “you might need it again”. They would not have understood all the things I have wasted in the 21st century. I think I understand my grandmother even better this week.

I am an avid reader and the WWII period is one of my favorites. The rationing, the Victory gardens, the community spirit, and the unbelievable sacrifices made for freedom make my momentary inconvenience seem shallow. We saw a great flux of people fill the pews during 9/11. We aren’t able to warm a physical pew this time around but through technology, we have the power to spread love, hope, and gratitude. Pick up the phone. Share your storehouse.

Pray without ceasing for the stricken and the exhausted healthcare worker. Smile at the grocery store worker. Give up your place in line. Drop an extra tip in the drive-thru restaurant. God will provide the rest by working in hearts. We can’t even conceive this side of heaven the seeds that are planted.

I don’t know what COVID-19 means for me, my family, my Church, my neighbors, my town or our nation. But I stake my life on the ONE who does. I do know that the body of Christ will rise up again and meet our needs. We are born for times such as these just as Esther was and millions of the redeemed before us.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:14

You are redeemed from this world.

You have the HOPE and the strength to use what Satan planned for evil to do Kingdom work.    Maranatha! Jayme