A Seismic Shift ~ Valerie Ronald

 

The vast airport terminal echoed with the footsteps of an occasional person walking by me, otherwise it was eerily silent and empty. A massive shutdown of air travel in March of 2020 happened days before I was to return home from Vancouver Island to Manitoba, but I managed to secure a flight. A microscopic enemy, COVID-19, held the world hostage in the grip of a pandemic. During those early days as reports of rising numbers of infections and deaths flooded the news, we had no idea how deeply and permanently this virus would affect us all.

Like the rest of you, I adjusted to social distancing, wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer and doing without most of my usual social activities. However, I was accustomed to living a simple, quiet life so it wasn’t a huge change. In fact, it prompted a decision I had been praying about for some time, of whether I should retire from my job. After returning from out-of-province and self-isolating for two weeks, I realized that I would rather be home where I could pursue my writing goals and focus on ministry at our small church. Also, as a cancer survivor with an auto-immune disease, I was more at risk of contracting the virus if I continued to work with the public. Having the blessing of God’s peace made the decision to retire an easy one.

What impacted me more was the effect on my emotional and spiritual life caused by the seismic shift inflicted by COVID-19. Yes, I admit to grumbling sometimes about the inconvenience and isolation, yet in some ways the good results outweighed the bad. Health issues caused me to tire easily, so being home allowed me to pace my activities and rest when I needed it. Having adequate rest improved my creative and cognitive abilities. I revelled in having time for my favourite activities of reading, writing, photography and painting.

In assessing news and events related to the pandemic from a Christian worldview, I considered how I could speak God’s truth effectively into a panicking, fearful world. The answer was a simple one ˗˗ by living it. 

Walking in peace, not panic.

Fostering faith, not fear.

Holding out hope, not hysteria.

Within my modest circle of influence I intentionally increased my words of affirmation, found ways to encourage those in service sectors, checked in with family more often and prayed with friends over the phone or Zoom. Small, everyday acts done with great love ˗˗ the love of Christ. The pandemic intensified the need for, and significance of, kindness and compassion in a world on edge.  

Not long before Jesus was crucified, He spoke to His disciples about what was to happen to Him and to them. The disciples found much of His message baffling, so He concluded with words of reassurance. 

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)  

Can any of us fully understand the complex events and unseen forces affecting our world today? We wonder if they are portents of the end times predicted in scripture ˗˗ earthquakes, famines, pestilence, wars and rumours of war. I do not have a thorough understanding of biblical prophecy, so when I read it I do so trusting in God’s providence to fulfill His will perfectly. Meditating on what Jesus said to His disciples in the above passage helps put things in perspective. Firstly, He did not say, you might have trouble, He said, you will have trouble. It is a given in this life. Then He encouraged them with these hope-filled words, but take heart! I have overcome the world.    

His exhortation is worth repeating to our own weary souls when the troubles of this world weigh us down. It appears COVID-19 is with us to stay. And war is more than a rumour, it is a grim reality. Only in our Savior, Jesus Christ, can we find and share peace, because He has overcome the world through the power of His cross and the completion of His plan of salvation for all who believe in Him.   

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) 

   More of Valerie's work can be read on her blog.

   https://wordpress.scriptordeus.com/

 

Thoughts on the Pandemic by Marcia Lee Laycock

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

I remember my mother telling me about the Spanish Flu that struck the world on the heals of World War 1. She was an infant, brought to Canada at the age of two months in 1919, so the memories are not hers, but repeated stories her mother had told her. My mother was born prematurely so she was considered at high risk of catching and dying from the virus. That kept my grandmother totally isolated for long stretches of time, venturing out only when they ran out of food. Fear was rampant and no wonder – it is estimated that somewhere between 50 and 100 million people died during that pandemic, most over a two year period, though the pandemic was still in evidence ten years after it began.

The current numbers for Covid 19 are approximately 6 million deaths worldwide, since tracking began in 2020. We all are aware of the hording that took place at the beginning of the pandemic and the supply chain issues currently causing problems across the globe. For most of us seeing bare shelves in the grocery stores was a shock. Chicken livers were the only meat in our local stores at one point. I went home empty-handed. I have lived in the third world so such things weren’t entirely new to me, but seeing it happen here, in Canada, was enough to rattle me.

And the isolation from friends and family had a profound effect. Though I am an introvert who loves my alone time, the longing to be with my children was an ache that was new and not at all welcome. I wept to see seniors peering through windows at their loved ones who were not allowed in to visit.

All of these things have given me a new appreciation for the privileges we so often take for granted. I treasure my time with family and friends much more now and make an effort to be deliberate about pulling myself out of my hermit-like lifestyle.

I savour my favourite foods and thank God for them in a way I never had before, knowing even the basics could disappear at any moment.

The world has now become a much more tentative place – a place where things could change quickly and without remedy. That does create a certain insecurity in us all, but it also has benefits.

We acknowledge the source of all our benefits more now, I believe. We turn to Him more, the words “thank you” more likely to be on our lips. In a sense, many of us have become more like those in the third world, whose dependence on God is in evidence moment by moment. Though that lifestyle can be stressful, it can also drive us to bow before God as we see his provision for our needs. We turn to scriptures like Matthew 6:25-34 where we are admonished not to be anxious but to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV). And we learn to trust.

Yes, the pandemic has been hard but as it has pushed us out of our comfort zones it has put us on a kind of pilgrimage. And the scripture says, “What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage … (Psalm 84:5, ESV).

****

For information on Marcia's writing/speaking/teaching ministry visit her website

 

Something more.. By Vickie Stam

Here I am - I feel as if I am being swallowed up by our Covid pandemic. This widespread frenzy is truly challenging me. I desperately want to get back to visiting with family and friends - to feel alive and not just living. I know, it probably sounds a little overstated and somewhat whiny. 

The truth is that I long to sit in a coffee shop with my pen and paper or laptop and simply people watch. I look forward to seeing the affection that someone has for their early morning cup of java. Watch their face light up when they take their first sip. I can almost hear those obscene slurping sounds that used to annoy me or take in the tinkle of a spoon one too many times rasping against the porcelain mug. Oh how wonderful that would be! 

Those little opportunities that I once took for granted are now pushing their way into my thoughts. They weigh heavy - like a burden instead of something I hope for. Who would have thought that something so trivial would mean so much to me? Such an intense desire to be where people can once again interact.  

Without even knowing it, a room full of strangers can set in motion the seeds for ideas. Colours come to life, a fashionista trying to start a new trend introduces a character. Whispers, rumblings and hummers all have a way of stirring the writer in me. They provide the backdrop to a multitude of stories. 

I must admit that I have lost my zeal for writing. My lack of interaction to have silenced my passion. This road to recovery feels so long. Each day I need more patience to ride it out.

I can't say that I was one of those people that was allowing my life to wear me out. I never could function at high speed. Now I feel as though I am ready to go full steam ahead and this too feels odd to me. 

I'm asking God to refresh my heart, renew my spirit and encourage me along this extraordinary path we're all on. New beginnings are on the horizon. Though I am thankful for the quiet times I have had over the past year, I am ready for something other than Covid.

   

Silent Night, Holy Night by Lynn Dove

 The second wave of Covid-19 is hitting us especially hard here in Alberta.  My small town of Cochrane has had over fifty active cases and a staggering number of people have been diagnosed province-wide with the virus.  To combat the spread, our Provincial Government is forced to place more restrictions on us.  On the minds of everyone is, "How do we celebrate Christmas this year?"

We are told that we can no longer have any kinds of indoor gatherings other than those who live in the same household together.  We cannot have outdoor gatherings with numbers of more than ten people, and even if we keep the numbers to ten outside, we must all wear masks, keep distance from one another, and not share food.  Keeping in mind Alberta temperatures can dip to -25 degrees Celsius, so meeting outside may not be an option.

I have three married adult children and five grandchildren.  Including my husband and I, that makes thirteen loved ones whom I had hoped to gather on Christmas Eve for our dinner and gift opening.  There is the strong likelihood that we may not be able to do that this year due to the Covid restrictions.  For my husband and I, it would mark the first time we would be alone for Christmas since our children were born.  

And it is breaking my heart.

2020 is a year best forgotten I suppose.  I keep hearing people say it was the "worst" year ever!  I would imagine to many who are experiencing financial hardship, grief, isolation, and anxiety brought on by this pandemic, 2020 may be the most challenging year some have ever faced.  I can't say that personally.

2020 was my "recovery" year from my battle with cancer in 2019.  I celebrated strength, stamina and my hair returning!  My youngest daughter was married in July, and my fifth grandchild was born to my son and daughter-in-love the day before the wedding.  My husband and I managed to get out camping quite a bit to combat the Covid blues.  Just being able to enjoy the great outdoors kept our minds off the stresses brought on by forced lockdowns.  We took long drives, exploring sights we had all but taken for granted before Covid forced everyone to change travel plans.  My oldest daughter and son-in-love sold their house quite unexpectedly and are now building their "forever" home only ten minutes away from us.  Although we do not know what will happen in the days or weeks to come, my children still have jobs, we all have homes, and we all have our health.  All things considered; I certainly cannot call it the "worst" year for us as a family. 

Setting up my Christmas tree this year, I put on a DVD with a compilation of all my favourite Christmas hymns, carols and songs, to force myself to get into the spirit of the season.  I tried to sing along to some of them, but admittedly my heart just was not into it until I heard "Silent Night".    

"Silent Night", written by an Austrian priest named, Joseph Mohr just after the end of the Napoleonic Wars, was an attempt to bring a sense of hope to his little congregation who had suffered through twelve years of war and were now experiencing bitter cold and widespread famine.  Mohr hoped that the song's message of peace and of God's goodness in giving us the Gift of His Son, would speak into the hearts of those who were experiencing such hardship in 1818.  

"Silent Night" has always been one of my most beloved Christmas songs.  We sing it every Christmas Eve at church and at home.  It describes so melodically what my Danish parents always called the night before Christmas: "Hygge Aften".  

"Hygge" is a Danish word used to acknowledge a feeling or moment.  "Aften" is the Danish word for "evening".  Many of my Danish relatives will tell you that "Hygge" cannot be translated adequately into English because there is no one word to describe it.  To experience a sense of "hygge" is to be fully present in the moment, to recognize the blissful feeling of tranquility; to be in a state of perfect peace.  The Nativity scene, with Mary embracing Baby Jesus in her arms while He sleeps in heavenly peace, is the closest I can come to describing a visual representation of the first perfect "Hygge Aften". 

"Silent night, Holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin, mother and child

Holy infant, tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace." 

My husband and I are already thinking about how we might be spending this Christmas without our family gathered around us.  I know we will profoundly feel the silence of the night, without our children and grandbaby voices and laughter around us.  It will be a far different Christmas than the one I had thought we would have, but I am still determined this year to experience "Hygge Aften" with the same sense of wonderment as I do every year.  I will purposefully immerse myself in quiet contemplation of what Christmas is all about.  I choose to fully embrace the Joy of the Season giving praise to God for the incomparable Gift of His Son given to us on the most holy of nights.  

The song "Silent Night" alludes to the fact that the first Christmas was not at all what was expected on that starry night over two thousand years ago.  Although the Saviour of the world was prophesied, no one expected a King would be born in such lowly estate, with angels heralding His birth.  The shepherds never imagined that a baby lying in a manger would be their Deliverer and mine as well.

"Silent night, Holy night

Shepherds quake, at the sight

Glories stream from heaven above

Heavenly, hosts sing Hallelujah.

Christ the Savior is born,

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, Holy night

Son of God, loves pure light

Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!

Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!"

The first three verses of "Silent Night" I know so well, but it is the rest of the song I seldom sing that have a poignant meaning for me this Christmas as never before:

"Silent night, Holy night

Here at last, healing light

From the heavenly kingdom sent,

Abundant grace for our intent.

Jesus, salvation for all.

Jesus, salvation for all.

Every year I pray that friends and family will accept the Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ, and that the Good News will bring the promise of Hope to a lost and hurting world.  Singing the last two verses of "Silent Night" becomes my heartfelt prayer for 2021, that each of us would be reminded that God is in control, no matter our circumstances.  I pray for that peace that surpasses understanding as we celebrate, each in our own way in 2020, and look forward with great anticipation to the New Year ahead.

"Silent night, Holy night

Sleeps the world in peace tonight.

God sends His Son to earth below

A Child from whom all blessings flow

Jesus embraces mankind.

Jesus embraces mankind.

Silent night, Holy night

Mindful of mankind's plight

The Lord in Heav'n on high decreed

From earthy woes we would be freed

Jesus, God's promise for peace.

Jesus, God's promise for peace."

Amen!

(read more of the history of  the song, "Silent Night" here: https://theconversation.com/the-humble-origins-of-silent-night-108653) and the translations of the song: https://www.stillenacht.at/en/text-and-music

(This post was originally published on December 7th, 2020 on Lynn's blog: "Journey Thoughts")

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her at lynndove.com 

Word of the Year Review by Susan Barclay

photo by Charlemagne (Pixabay)

In my January 4th post I shared that my word for 2020 was "centre." I shared the sentiment that by "[centring] my life and thoughts on Christ, I [would] also be ready for whatever comes my way." 

I wonder if any of us could really be ready for what 2020 has brought? A global pandemic, violence and chaos in the streets (especially in the U.S.), an election year (also in the U.S., but the outcome of which will ripple around the world). I don't think anything short of a prophet whose reliability had been tested and proven true could have prepared us for the waters we've been passing through corporately.

photo by wjstokhof0 (Pixabay)

I recently said to my husband that the only good thing that has happened this year was our trip at the end of February/beginning of March, just before the pandemic hit and everything started to shut down. Although, prior to our coach and cruise vacation, I'd been doing a pretty good job of centring, starting my day with the songs Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus and As the Deer Pants for the Water, and spending time in God's Word. I'd continued my practice of scripture writing, using the SOAP method. But as often happens when I am out of my routine, as the days of our tour passed, my habits were cast off and set adrift. 

I caught a cold in Florida, felt it coming on as we watched the Toronto Blue Jays lose to the Pittsburgh Pirates at the Dunedin Stadium. Returning to Canada, I called in sick to work and was advised to contact my Public Health department for instructions. Public Health told me to self-isolate but that I didn't need a Covid-19 test as I had not travelled to a high-risk area. By the time my self-isolation period was over, my workplace had closed. 

You would think that with so much spare time now available, I'd have buckled down on the centring, but no. Like many, I was like a ship without a sail. The only aspect of focus that continued unabated was the scripture writing. The rest of my time was consumed with working on my novel, writing blog posts, staying connected with online prayer groups, participating in Zoom book club and life group meetings, trying to declutter my home, doing the usual tasks of dishes, laundry, meals, dusting and vacuuming, walking the dog, running back and forth to deliver groceries to my mom in Toronto, helping my young adult children where needed, and repeat.

photo by smaus (Pixabay)

Just before I returned to work in June, my mom fell. She tore her rotator cuffs and broke a vetebra in her spine. I had to bring her home with me, take her to physiotherapy appointments, help her work on her mobility, and all the other things that go along with eldercare. In September she had a pacemaker insertion, followed by a six week recovery. More running back and forth to Toronto. All sense of normalcy blown out of the water. 

Somehow, in all of this, I managed to attend to one verse from that January post, Philippians 4:8, quoting it to those with sinking, stinking thinking, and in doing so, to myself as well.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

At last, toward the end of September, the larger concept of centring returned. What was the prompt? Looking forward to this November post? Beginning a 12-week spiritual disciplines class? Commencing a 9-month spiritual autobiography course? I'm not sure, but I'm glad my sails were finally hoisted. I know I need to be centred on Christ, that if I'm not, my life gets out of control and I stop relying on His strength, trusting in my own. 

I guess in a way I'm back to square one on this, but that's okay. With the year we've had, we need show ourselves grace and that's what I'm going to do. For next steps, I'm going to revisit the different areas I identified in that original post and how I might centre each of them around the Lord in a way that pleases Him now: family and friend relationships, church and online activities, writing, work, and personal.

God has been reminding me of truths from His Word: He is patient and long-suffering. He is good. He is working in this world, working in me, working in those around me, even when I cannot see or understand. His plans are not to harm me, but to give me a hope and a future. He's been teaching me to focus on what is excellent and praiseworthy, and I'm going to keep turning the prow of my ship to centring on the Lord through song and scripture, renewing my mind in a way that calibrates my inner compass. Meeting God in the morning is an important part of that, preventing the day's current from sweeping me away on its tides. 

  He's my lighthouse!                                      

photo by mollyroselee (Pixabay)

Unfurl the sails and let God steer us where He will. ~ St. Bede

_______________________________

You can find out more about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com

No Fear - Marnie Pohlmann

Have you ever been afraid?

Not the my-brother-jumped-out-and-scared-me-fear but life-changing fear. When-your-heart-is-pounding-so-loud-you-are-sure-everyone-can-hear-it fear. Running-through-prickly-brambles-to-get-away fear. Hitting-and-kicking-fighting-for-your-life fear. Unable-to-move-holding-your-breath fear. Wide-eyed, unbelievable fear.

I have been afraid. Childhood fear of a late-night visitor. Parent fear of my blue-tinged baby girl not breathing in her crib and fear of my unborn son not living to birth. Fear of my husband not living through a motorcycle accident, and of him needing a ventilator to keep breathing, and of him not beating cancer. I have been afraid for myself and for others.

Today, we see many people are in fear. Fear of an invisible illness. Fear for loved ones who are at risk. Fear of losing investments, their job, or their home. Fear of the change this pandemic is forcing in the way things work in our world. Fear of today and for the future, for themselves, and for others.

We hear both Christians and non-believers fearing this pandemic indicates the end times. We see people angry at the restrictions placed on their lives. We see them attacking the ones they love and those they do not even know. We hear of those who are taking drastic, fatal measures to end their uncertainty. We see hopelessness.

How did the disciples feel after the death of Jesus, before the women burst in to tell them Christ has risen?  Most of the disciples were gathered, hiding in fear. Fear of being arrested and put to death, as their Rabbi had been. Grieving all their expectations of the future that were not to be. Confused at the change of burying their Saviour brought to what they believed. Fear of what that loss meant for them, and for their community. Perhaps they were even hopeless.

But the relief when they finally understood what their loss had accomplished! Christ defeated death, has risen, and provided the only sacrifice suitable and needed in order to bring us once again into the presence of God. Sadness and despair ended when the Spirit of God brought power into the room, into these believers.

This was life-changing. This was world-changing! 

Some of you have recently participated in the season of Lent, and although we have since celebrated Easter, you may still feel that we remain in Lent. Sacrificing and waiting. Or do you feel like the disciples in those hours between Jesus’ death and the confirmation of his resurrection? Confusion, uncertain of what to do, and fearful. Even questioning if what you believe is true or makes any difference at all to your life, to the world?

I urge you to think instead of “the rest of the story.” Christ is risen. The Spirit of God is with us, in us. When the disciples experienced this the world was changed, and the difference it made in their lives is the difference it can make in our lives today.

Yes, situations that cause fear can and will enter our lives. Even as followers of the All-powerful, Sovereign God, we will still experience times of fear. Does fear in your life make you flee, fight, or freeze? These are common, expected responses, yet believers are not called to any of these responses.

God asks us to face fear by standing firm, being at peace, and sharing.

God said to Joshua, and says to us,

“Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.”

(Joshua 10:25a NIV)

Jesus said to his disciples, and this same message is to believers today,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the

world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be fearful.”

(John 14:27 NIV)

Whether or not we can leave our homes, we can still “go into all the world” to share the Good News. This is an opportunity to show, to live, the Hope we have. This Hope provides a changed life despite and beyond illness, isolation, and despair. As Christian writers, we already have the tools needed, in a time of socially distant relationships, to share this Hope.

Hope that is life-changing. Hope that is world-changing!

Friend, we can live today with no fear. Be confident in and share the Hope and Peace of God.

Pictures courtesy of Pixabay.com

Marnie Pohlmann lives, works, and writes in northern British Columbia, presently from home. While she has not posted on her personal blog, Phosphorescent, for a long while, perhaps the present pandemic changes to how we communicate will encourage her to share in that way more often. After all, this post suggests we as Christian writers are called to do just that, each in our unique way.