By Nancy Virden (c) 2020

This nation, as well as many others, is full of people stepping up to save each other.

Manufacturers are switching their processes over to make ventilators, construction crews are building medical centers and families are sewing masks. While teachers and parents scramble to continue the education of the next generation of leaders, executives too try to conduct a sense of normalcy over the internet.

Six times a week I am in online meetings. It is better than absolute isolation, and not as good as face to face gatherings. You may have similar feelings.

Serenity Prayer

God,  grant me the serenity to accept those things I cannot change,

the courage to change those things I can, and 

the wisdom to know the difference

One of my sons is in an essential business, building parts for semi-trucks. His schedule has not changed at all. My other son is laid off for the duration, albeit paid. Many of my friends are out of work or working from home. Some are scared. 

Wisdom teaches us we are no one’s savior. Healthcare workers and first responders do their best, governments also, and still no savior to be found. As much as we may long to change another person’s difficulty,  we are powerless against the new coronavirus.

Do you recall after one of the tragedies last year, some people started to complain that “sending thoughts and prayers” was a meaningless sentiment? Ineffectual thoughts are the ones not followed by decisions and ineffectual prayers are the ones that go unprayed. 

Serenity requires a level of acceptance. Courage demands action. Wisdom is when we take it all to the One True God in prayer. According to a meme on Facebook, worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change. This works against serenity and courage.

The meme continues: Prayer is a  conversation you have with God about the things He can change.  This is wisdom.

Today’s Helpful Word  

Psalm 66:16-20

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer.  Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

 

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

*** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright (c) 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.., Carlo Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.