COVID-19

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.” ~ Mr. Rogers

These days, the helpers and encouragers have risen to the occasion.  Their offerings and gifts have been great reminders that we can do something, even though it may have to be in a way we are not accustomed to.  Because of technology, we are able to reach out in new ways.  It does take effort, but it will be well worth it.

I started to wait until the end of this pandemic before I posted a blog, but I don’t want to forget or miss one gift God provides during these days.

Things I want to remember:

School districts were quick to announce that they would still be providing breakfast and lunch for students in need.

Researchers who are working around the clock for a cure, prevention, and test for the Corona Virus.

Doctors, nurses, medical personnel, and those who clean and keep things sanitized, daily risking their lives to keep others well.

First responders, military, farmers, pharmacy workers, utility workers, and others who are doing their best to make it peaceful during these days.

Drivers, warehouse workers, grocery store workers, store clerks and others who are working around the clock to keep the shelves stocked with necessary items.

Teachers, who in a week’s time, have been expected to learn new programs and ways to teach their students virtually so that learning is still taking place and the students feel connected to their teachers and classmates.

People using their sewing skills to make masks for the elderly, doctors, nurses and others in need.

Governor Abbott waived trucking regulations in order for supplies to reach stores in a timelier way.

Stores opening an hour early for senior adults to make their purchases.

Automobile plants using their machines to make much needed medical equipment.

Churches livestreaming and finding ways to minister and keep connected by computer, letters, phone calls, adopting a senior, as  well as other methods.

H-E-B donated $3 million to local organizations who work with senior adults and low-income families to help fight the spread of the Corona Virus.  They are also donating $1.2 million to 18 different food banks in Texas, which will provide over 6 million meals.  Texas Biomedical Research Institute is also a recipient of donations.  Non-profit partners are also blessed with monetary gifts from H-E-B.

Alex Bregman, of the Houston Astros, donated 1,000 food kits to the Houston Food Bank.

J.J. and Kealia Ohai Watt donated $350,000 to the Houston Food Bank.

People sharing scriptures and encouraging words by way of phone calls, texts, messaging, Facebook.

Tallowood Baptist Church having families, preschool and children’s workers share a Bible story for children to listen to each night.

People making an effort to call neighbors to check in and see if they need anything.

Some college students formed a group called Invisible Hands Deliver which shops for and delivers groceries to the elderly in New York City.

Musicians/entertainers are sharing their talents for others to enjoy since their shows have been cancelled for now.

The family members of the Heston and Thornton families each praying on Facebook for each member of specific families that they know.  What an encouragement and reminder of the privilege and blessing of praying for others, especially during these days.

Young Irish dancers, 12 or 13 years old, dancing outside the windows of a retirement community, since the residents cannot have visitors.

Fast food windows do not take walk-up customers at the drive-thru.  Because most truck/delivery drivers cannot drive through these places, people are offering to take their order and drive through for them.

With my mom spending her final years in an assisted living home, I have been touched by the ways people are loving their parents and others during these days of not being able to be with them in person. 

One man goes and sit’s outside his dad’s window so he can see him as he talks to him by way of the phone.

A woman was pictured sitting in the freezing cold, outside her mother’s room, writing notes on legal pads so her mother could see her and know she was thinking of her.

A man holding a “Happy 67^th Anniversary” sign outside the window of his wife’s room of the Alzheimer Unit where she resides.  The care givers rolled her to the window to be able to see her husband and the sign.  It was the first anniversary they have been apart.  It is an event she will probably not know or remember, but her husband and care givers surely will.

Family that made a tic-tac-toe out of blue tape on the kitchen glass door so grandfather could still play a game with his grandson who was outside in the backyard.

Robert Mason, of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, took his daughter, Stephanie, to the Dollar General to buy needed items.  She asked her dad to buy all of the toilet paper in the store.  Robert explained that others would need the toilet paper as well.  His daughter replied, “We can get it and give it to people that need it.”  After buying a basket full, they stood in front of the store and Stephanie would ask people if they needed toilet paper.  If they replied, “Yes” she handed them a package.

Mr. Rogers’ mother was right.  In times of difficulty the helpers show up.  May we be among those who are counted as helpers.

God is our refuge and strength,

     a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Psalm 56:3

Lord, you have been our dwelling place

     Throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

     or you brought forth the whole world,

     from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Psalm 90:1-2

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4

 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

I Corinthians 16:13-14

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7