MAY 2020

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From the Pastor’s Pen

During this time of sheltering in place, I am often amazed at the creativity and resiliency of the human spirit.  God truly has created us and we are “fearfully and wonderfully made!” I believe this is especially true when it comes to ways to cope with adversity.  Each of us deals with stress in different ways, and we look for methods that are healthy and fulfilling. For me personally, music is one good way to get through things and humor is another.

Like many of you, I have turned to technology to help stay connected with the world.  In my searches for information on the condition of the country and the progress made on the Covid 19 front, I came across some wonderful videos put together by talented musicians – just ordinary folk having fun in creative ways. Rather than sitting and moping, they have used this down time to tap into their talents as a way to help others deal with the uncertainty of the future.   These good folk reached out on social media and shared their musical creations - complete with positive messages and a healthy sense of humor.  Parodies of classic songs with comic messages that poke fun at our narcissism, our ego-centric selves have made me laugh, and laughter is a great way to release anxiety and stress.

We are reminded that “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” in Proverbs 17:22.  The Bible further instructs us that laughter is of God.   The Lord “… will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy” Job 8:21.  Keeping a sense of humor is imperative during these stressful times as decisions are made on how to re-open our country and our lives. Finding comedic release helps us to cope with life.  There is a poster that I enjoy that says “What is important is not that the glass is half full or half empty.  What is important to remember is that the glass is refillable.”  Right now things seem rather bleak, but we will get through this with God’s help.  We will refill our glasses as the curve continues to flatten and we learn a “new normal” way of life.  

Please know that we hope to see you face to face in the new future, and that we are here for you.  If there is a special need for prayer that you have, please call the church with what your needs are and I will add them to my prayer list.  If we can help with food or running for prescriptions or medical needs, please let us know.  In the meantime, use your masks, wash your hands, and keep your sense of humor and delight… it is a gift from God.

In gentleness and peace,
Pastor Sue