An Ugly Secret

From a Pastor . . .
An Ugly Secret – What most concerns me is that you may be in trouble – and no one will
ever know. You won’t tell anyone. You won’t phone a friend. You won’t nudge a neighbor. You will suffer in silence – until it’s nearly too late.

I’ve heard too many times from men especially, that they didn’t want to bother anyone with their problems. We were raised to believe that we’re supposed to be tough enough to handle anything.

But now we’re facing circumstances that the world has never undergone before! 

​It’s a freekin’ world-wide pandemic! I think it’s okay to change the rules now!

With the COVID-19 viral disease sweeping across the globe and the proclamation by the
World Health Organization that we are in a global pandemic, life has changed drastically! Schools, businesses, and so many other organizations are shut down as our whole country endures a national emergency. The uncharted territory has created an abundance of stress and anxiety for all of us. But it’s important that you try not to panic.

Ironically, Lent is a time when we commit to giving up something to help us grow closer to God. Little did we know the coronavirus would cause us to give up this much of our lives! But when we let go of all that we cling to, whether by choice or because of unavoidable danger, it leaves our hands open to receive all the good gifts Jesus has for us.

During the pandemic, it’s almost natural to allow worry and panic to discourage us. This may be a sign that we are trying to control a situation that is out of our control. Instead, and this is important, let’s let go of the situation and all the worries and lay it down at the feet of Jesus. I’m going to share a prayer below, but know that there is a real difference between stress and depression. Stress will go away, you will work through it. Depression is going to stay, and the symptoms are going to grow worse.

Please know that there are people who can help; who want to help!

Don’t let depression get so big that you feel completely lost or hopeless. If you or someone you know is experiencing changes in their mood – call out! Call me. It’s better to intervene than to lose a loved one to a real illness that is as silent a killer as this coronavirus. Usually, it’s those who are closest to the one who is depressed that recognizes it first. Don’t be afraid to make a call for help!
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PRAYER: O Great God of Light and Hope, You who made the heavens and the earth, we call upon You because You prove Your love to us over and over. May the power of Your healing bring us peace within so that we find calm and joy in this and every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen