By Nancy Virden (c)2020

One week ago, my son, Jon, had just been diagnosed with Covid-19 and my son, Tim, and I had an uncomfortable conversation. In both cases, my imagination took a course of its own and had me feeling worried and depressed. Asking for clarification from Tim brought relief, while good news of Jon’s recovery over the next few days was a blessing.

During the last week of December each year, we collectively enter hope or apprehension depending on the mood of our imaginations. Without statistics, maybe half of us look forward with optimism, while the rest wait for the next bad news.

Did you know it is normal to feel anxious and sad when the world is in a pandemic? Of course it is. We are not all that adept at change and prefer life somewhat predictable and comfortable. We want to feel in control, a sense that has been missing this year.

Early in the pandemic, I took back some control by starting online prayer groups for selfish and unselfish reasons. Selfishly, I knew that isolation can be a tough challenge for my mindset. Unselfishly, I wanted to really pray for our country and the world. These prayer groups have placed me in social situations three times a week. Church classes on Zoom added more.

It seemed senseless to sit around bored, so I wrote two books and led three Bible classes. Someone said they would not add this past year to their age because they didn’t use it. Ha! As appealing as that idea is, I can truly say, I used 2020 well.

What of 2021? If we have learned anything, it is that we are not in control over anything but our reactions. Hopefully, many whose imaginations used to ruin their mental health have learned to take life one day at a time. What special relief it is for anyone to have discovered that God is faithful and in charge.

I have lost a friend to Covid-19 and watched as others experienced greater loss. Here in Ohio, one in twenty persons have been diagnosed with the virus. Denial is fear stuffed away out of sight. Acceptance of reality, that life is full of struggles and God is with us through it all, is the attitude I will carry this last week of the year, between the has been and not yet.

God willing, I will see you on the other side of New Year’s Eve and we can praise God together in 2021.

– COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Proverbs 15:15-16

For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.  Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

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.

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 prevention 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!

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