Hello everyone,

Every day we hear of more cases of COVID-19 being diagnosed all over the world.  We praise God for the government employees and medical staff that are working tirelessly to contain and stop this virus from spreading and killing more people. We know that this virus is serious and therefore we should be following all of the recommendations from the World Health Organization and yet, we find ourselves asking these questions, “What does this really mean for me personally?”  What do I need to know and do to protect myself and my family? As believers, how might we be showing and sharing God’s love in the midst of this world-wide crisis? How should we cope in a panicked world?

Let’s Remember What We Know

Worry is not our friend.  Panic is not our way. Worrying about COVID-19 will only increase our anxiety and make us weak. It takes the same energy to worry as it does to PRAY. One leads to peace, the other to panic. Jesus calls us to respond with prayer and faith in him Matt. 6:33–34.

Scott Shaum, author of the Uninvited Companion (2017) shares with us that often times when we are faced with a crisis we spend a lot of our time asking God why this is happening.  We know that we have a heavenly Father who is always pouring out his love, life and care and yet at times life can become really difficult. It’s in those moments that we ask, “Why does God allow us to experience pain, disease and suffering?  God knows that our suffering is painful but he also knows that our suffering can be used for good.  So, how should we respond when God doesn’t take away our suffering?  Shaum claims that when we find ourselves in the midst of a difficult or fearful situation, instead of asking “Why God, is this happening to me?” what we really should be asking is “How God, am I to walk through this with you?”  It is our personal and relational response toward God in the midst of suffering that defines who we are in Him and what we believe. This is how God helps us to become resilient.

Spiritual care

• Spend time alone with Jesus praying and/or just talking to Him.
• In a journal, tell God what you love about Him.
• Ask God to tell you what he loves about you.
• Choose a book of the Bible to study in depth using a concordance.
• Grow in self-compassion – treat yourself like you would treat someone else.

Emotional care

• Making a list of all the positive ways you see God working in the midst of this crisis.
• Don’t let negative thoughts spin around in your head. Let them out.
• Understand what triggers your anxiety and learn some healthy coping skills.
• Listen to uplifting music – Christian, classical, pop, jazz.
• Find a quiet time or place to enjoy your coffee or tea.

Physical care:

• Sleep –Get some much-needed rest and sleep-(8 hours a night).
• Practice some deep breathing. Draw in for 4 counts, Hold for 4, Let out for 4.
• Exercise – Go for a walk or run and listen to your favorite music.
• Take advantage of the spring weather to plant a garden.
• Take a 30-minute bath with candles and scented oils.
• Drink more water and eat a healthy diet. Now is not the time for lots of sugar!
• Have a technology fast. Stop watching the news and updates of the crisis.

Creative care:

• Do photography or art that taps into your creative energies.
• Watch a You Tube video and learn to do a new craft.
• Search the web for virtual tours of museums and historical sights to visit.
• Organize all those family photos that you’ve never had time to do & make a slide show.
• Create a brand new recipe to try out on your family.

Mutual care: 

• Schedule a regular Skype call to family or friends back home.
• Have a board game night with your family or watch a comedy on Netflix.
• Organize a dance contest in your living room with your family.
• Invite the children to cook a meal.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly with a phone call or Skype.
• if someone if feeling anxious about the crisis, offer to pray with them over the phone.
• Build a virtual prayer team of co-workers, friends and family to pray for each other.
• Write a letter to someone and let him/her know how much he/she means to you.

I believe that God is working all things together for the good.

I believe that nothing can separate me from the love of God that is mine in Christ Jesus.

I believe that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

I believe that his grace is sufficient for me, and that his strength is made perfect in my weakness.

I believe that he who began a good work in me will bring it to completion.

I believe that nothing can take me from his hand.

I believe that Christ will never leave me nor forsake me.

I believe that in every circumstance the Holy Spirit is my comforter, counsellor and helper.

I believe that God will use trials to refine me, make me stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

I believe that God is faithful, and will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear, but will also provide a way of escape. 

With love and blessings,

ECM Member Care Leadership Team