Coronavirus, who did this to us?

She reported that her Pastor said this Coronavirus was from God as punishment for sins. I told her that wasn’t how I think. I recalled that God said creation was good (Genesis 1:12.) Unfortunately, I think we continue to mess up God’s good creation in many ways over many generations and, therefore, we suffer the consequences of decisions and behaviors. I suspect we, not God, have somehow created this virus and pandemic. My image is of God shaking God’s head in the same manner a parent shakes her head as she lovingly watches her child do something that isn’t very wise. I do, however, believe that somehow God will be about creating something for our wellbeing from this crisis. I do not believe this virus is either good or of God. It seems to be accomplishing only what evil does, which is to destroy. I believe God has the wisdom to take our messes and, then, working with us, create for our wellbeing.

What Might Hae Been

If it weren’t for my left leg being held stiff by a sophisticated metal brace due to a slip on the ice and surgery, I might have been on my way to Slovakia today. If it weren’t for a virus, strangely named after a pale Mexican beer-- Corona, I might have been on my way to Slovakia. Delta and I were scheduled to fly via Detroit, Amsterdam and Krakow on April 1st (“Yes,” I get the irony—April’s Fool Day) where I was to be picked up and taken to a retreat center in somewhere in Slovakia near the Poland boundary. I was to be among some of the most wonderful folks who are Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missionaries working in Europe. Among other things, I had planned to talk with them about “Toward a Less Anxious Presence.” (“Yes,” I posted my thoughts on this blog). However, things don’t always work out the way they were planned. Instead of that wonderful journey, my task now has to do with leg exercises, physical distancing and shelter-in-place at home. Things don’t always work out the way they were planned. Paul wrote, “he was content in whatever state he was in” (Philippians 4:11). I’m working on that.

Toward a Less Anxious Presence (Part 5)

When we speak of being "hooked" we usually mean that something has hooked us and we've reacted in a manner that is not typical for us. We've reacted rather than responded. There is a major difference between reacting and responding. Everyone has triggers that hook us. Triggers" are topics, persons, situations, etc. that hook us and cause us to react in a manner of which we're not pleased. We know we've been hooked when we ask, "Why did I say that?" or "Wow, I came on strong." Strong emotions are also a symptom that we've been hooked. What things, situations, persons, issues, etc. are our triggers? Write them down and keep a record. Knowing what our triggers are is being forewarned. By being forewarned, triggers loose some of their power and we are better able to respond rather than react. The fear of being hooked and reacting is a frequent cause anxiety.

Towards a Less Anxious Presence (part 4)

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” This Hebrew word translated “be still” may also be translated (so I’m told by a Hebrew language Professor), “Let it go.” So, Psalm 46:10 message might be “Let it go and know that I am God.” Philippians 4: 6-7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) The word that precedes verse 6 is “The Lord is at hand.” I think we can say, “The Lord is at hand, therefore, do not be anxious….” The word translated “guard” may also be translated as “rule” or “umpire.” I have a desire to let go of several things, such as... Let go of: 1. my “identifications.” I’m more than a Baptist, teacher, counselor, etc. These identifications can be restrictive; they primarily relate me to what I do. I'm more than what I do. 2. of my need to be special. I’m just me and that’s okay. 3. what others think of me. They are thinking through their own “filters” of which they may or may not be aware. 4. envy and jealously. Giving to others is a good prescription for these personal demons, so let others have the last word; need for victory; etc. 5. the need to change someone else. I speak not to change the other person’s mind, but to clearly and non-aggressively articulate the truth as I perceive it at this moment. 6. needing to talk so much. Listen instead. God gave us two ears but only one mouth. Could there be a divine message/revelation here?

Toward a Less Anxious Presence (part 3)

Need to be seen as perfect? Our need to be “perfect” or at least to be seen as without serious issues, can be a cause of anxiety. Most of us spend a lot of energy and worry trying to keep up our persona. Persona is our public image. Our self-image and/or the way we want others to ‘see’ us is being threatened especially if we think others might not think as highly of us as we think of ourselves. Jesus instructed us to be perfect, (Matthew 5:48.) Be careful because his instruction came towards the close of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus has said we are to practice the beatitudes; keep the Law; don't get angry; have no lust; keep all of our vows; have no desire for revenge and love all our enemies. That's a high standard of being perfect. Even Paul wrote that he wasn't perfect, "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect…" (Philippians 3:12, KJV). Other translations have translated that word "perfect" as "reached the goal" (NRSV), "obtained" (NASV). I like THE MESSAGE paraphrase of the Philippians verse by Eugene Peterson, "I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out to me." Peterson even paraphrases the word "perfect" in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount as "Grow up." Seems like our goal is to accept ourselves for who we are at present and know that we're still a "work-in-process" or we're still "growing up" and if that's good enough for God, then it is good enough.

Toward A Less Anxious Presence (part 2)

CONTROL. All of us desire and need some level of control. No one wants to be "out of control." It is normal to want to have some control over our lives. We like making our own decisions rather than having someone else tell us what to do all of the time. However, sometimes we can find ourselves in situations where we have little control, especially over larger circumstances that impact our lives. This Coronavirus situation may be one of those larger situations. Not having as much control as we want, can cause us to over-control. When we are overly anxious we often over-compensate or over-control as a way of seeking some autonomy. Over-controlling is often evidenced by our "nit-picking" over small things that wouldn't have bothered us in the past; not being satisfied with a task; becoming "bossy" with family, friends colleagues, etc. Control isn't a bad thing but it can get out-of-control. It helps to be aware that we are often not in control of nearly as much as we would like to have control over. Realistically try to control what you can and let go of what you can't control. Stay safe and well.

Could this Coronavirus requirement of distancing be a gift?

Could this Coronavirus requirement of staying at home be a gift? We might use this time to further develop a quiet and gentle spirit. We might learn to slow down and learn how to enjoy the day with it's own rhythms, rather than the schedule we've imposed on the day. This staying at home requires that we find a pattern other than the busyness of our scheduled, busyness and hurried calendar. We might even be released from the expectations we've put on ourselves or allowed others to put on us. We could sleep until our bodies says, "That's sufficient" rather than when the alarm clock goes off. We could eat when we are hungry rather than when our schedule says "It's time so we have to eat." We could even nap in the afternoon when our body says, "Let's lay down." We could go for a slow, leisurely walk around the neighborhood and pay attention to our neighbors, their yards, houses, etc. We might even sit outside and watch the birds at the bird feeder. During this time, We might even learn more about ourselves and our world which we've been running past for a long time.