Words of Hope During COVID-19
Toska Medlock Lee says that she has rediscovered her love for the outdoors during COVID. After finding a tee shirt that says “Bloom—don’t give up on who you’re becoming,” she decided to bloom, and she encourages us to do what God called us to do.
Today’s Reflection
Failing to admit our loneliness can wreak havoc in our lives. Indeed, denying it often makes the pain worse. Alternatively, when we recognize it and speak about it with others, our loneliness has the potential to become a creative force for growth and maturity. Loneliness is God’s powerful way of drawing us into friendship with God and one another.
—Trevor Hudson, Beyond Loneliness: The Gift of God’s Friendship (Upper Room Books, 2016)
Today’s Question
Who can you talk to about your loneliness? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
—Galatians 6:2 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God, make me a channel of blessing to someone today.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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5 Comments
I was barely able to speak of the aloneness I felt during some of the non-sleeping hours of night when mom was struggling. In fact, a few years prior, I boldly claimed to my first small group, I am single and alone, but never lonely. I was able, between tears and mumbling, to admit how alone I felt at times, when sleep would not come and concern for my family was great. God was present, but I longed for contact and comfort of a friend. His peace was there, but it was unsettling to be alone, for the first time ever. After mom had her surgery – I did not want to come home and be by myself overnight. I spent the night at mom and dad’s – under the guise of supporting dad. But – the truth was – I didn’t want to be alone.
And, yes, the simple comfort Roger supplies – a gift. Those long days at the hospital and then at mom and dad’s – his little face would always pop up in my back kitchen window as I backed into the garage – and he would wait for me to gather my things and come into the house. The moment I cracked open the door – his whiskered face was there on the ledge to meet me. It is “our thing” to Eskimo kiss – nose to nose – as we greet each other.
I just got “booted out” of my morning chair – another ritual of ours. When I come downstairs first thing in the morning – I turn on my heated blanket and then get his breakfast. I come in and settle into my morning chair, wrapped in my blanket. About a half hour or so and he saunters in, stands on the arm of the chair, waiting for me to switch chairs, so he can have the now, heated up seat. So – now he is curled up in my seat and I am in the chair across from it and he is out!
The little, simple rhythms of our life.
My friend’s family will have a small gathering, just for the family, Friday at the funeral home. Then, on Monday, a friend from their church is going to have an open-house type of thing outdoors throughout the day, with hopes that people will come by, appropriately social distance, and pay their respects to the family. My friend who came into town has been going through all of the clothing, jewelry, etc of her sister-in-law. I can’t imagine the difficulty in this.
No. To do so would, to me, be very needy and put the other in a spot.
Prayers for Jill and Roger. Yes we all have reassuring rituals with our pets. Chai will Eskimo kiss, but Tazzie wants “uppies” They both get “Dominoed” first thing in the morning, i.e. I bring them each a few pieces of kibble before I exercise as an appetizer before their breakfast. Oh, and my kitties are truly spoiled – they have their own healted blanket which is always kept on.
Prayers for Marcy and Lucy. Prayers for Roxy as well as she cares for our dear sweet Marcy so well.
Prayers for Rick and prayers that we may share a meal or even a retreat weekend with all the UR posters. Lord, may it be so if it be Your will.
Prayers for Robert and may his diorama keep him busy and happy.
Prayers for Lou and her family, especially those who are alone fr now, may they sense her prayers for them.
Prayers for Andrea and her family as they continue to navigate their relationships.
Prayers for April and her family as they also seek to find their way through this current situation, sepsrstions, and relationships.
Prayers for Ally and David. What wonderful news about David preparing breakfast! Prayers for his continued progress and for Ally to also grow strong and stay healthy.
Prayers and thank you and stay healthy dear UR
God most certainly knows when we are or feel lonely and knows that friends, family or a spouse can help
resolve it The pandemic has caused increased feelings of loneliness. Not having a spouse, in the true sense of the word, and not being able to understand and support people well, I am very dependent on God.
Thankful the car replacement has gone well. Resources are available, beautiful weather, and life goes on.
Prayers for a successful vaccine that will help bring a return to more normal conditions so the other pressing problems can be addressed.. Great progress, Marcy, on the Central Vermont / Saint Johnsbury & Lake Champlain Swanton VT station diorama. An ex-Boston & Maine 2-8-0, now St. J&LC #41, Combine #113, and the station are done or almost done. Freight cars and a CV caboose still needed. My UR oasis family remains in my prayers. Thank You, Lord!
God has used my loneliness to draw me to God many times. There have been times when I didn’t feel particularly lonely, but God brought someone into my life who filled an empty spot I didn’t feel was empty. I was single until middle age. I felt I was content, as I had wonderful family and friends who have always been there for me. Then God sent David and realized how lonely I was. I’m so thankful I have someone to do life with. Now God has given me stepdaughters and even grandchildren! We are all just getting to know each other and I am thankful for their presence in our lives.
David is becoming more independent. He still needs help with some things, but we are confident he will continue to progress. God is so good! Please continue to pray, especially for a hot spot on his back, breakdown from being flat on his back for almost a month. The home health nurse sent medicine and special dressings. Pray that I can dress his wound correctly and that it heals soon!
Jill, when my father was very sick and my sister and I helped our mother with his care, the loneliness I felt was almost like darkness. Mama rested when she wasn’t caring for Daddy. Sister was newly engaged and her time with her fiance was her solace. My job had ended and I was working as a nanny. I spent a lot of time on my own. It was a dark time. I’m thankful you have a support system, of which Roger is an important part. Julie, I’m so glad you have your babies as well. My babies were a lifeline when David was away. I wish I could describe how glad they are to have David home. Lifting up Lou, Marcy, Andrea, April, and Rick. Robert, I’m thankful that your transportation issues are working out. Thankful you have a support system as well. Thankful for the activities God gives us to grow and be creative at this time. Thanks be to God for tender mercies.
How does your connection with God bring joy to your life? As Matthew 6:8 says: I know what you need before you even ask. So when I connect with God, He blesses me with what I need and of the feeling of joy sweeps over me!!
I love the ladies who spoke of Blooming and being in the kitchen…yes!! Those are places that I love to be and my fruits….I like to think that baked goodies and tidy spaces outside bring joy to others as I am the hands and feet of Jesus.
Yesterday I looked for old patterns for my daughter in law to make things for our granddaughter. How exciting to have “old” things that our “new” kids want to reuse!! I will see if I have fabric that I could use to make a practice item for size and fit before purchasing “real” fabric. This brings me joy as we connect!!
Getting toward the end of Nurses Month, so want to encourage you Rick to stay strong as you enter the end of the semester and move forward with your studies!!
End of the year for Jill and her classes. Thank you for being such a great teacher to all the students. May they note your example of overcoming as they graduate and join the after high school adults.
Ally, I know that you will do excellent in your care of David’s back pressure wound….exactly as you said, caused by increased pressure…so many “wounds” are prevented when we are well….how thankful I am when I am well. May David continue to gain strength and healing everyday.
Julie and Megan, I “see” you and your kitties…how lucky they are to have found their home with you.
Andrea, I lift you up and ask God to give you a wink/hug today to encourage you as you reach out to your family and friends with such loving acts. May they know your love for them always.
Lou, I ask God to be with you as you balance your time with your kids and others. God hears your prayers for each and for you too.
Robert, may all continue to go well with you and Enrich. Spring is here and I hope you are able to get outside for walks and will describe the beauty you see.
Marcy, your posts so often now are a joy to “see” you with us. I know prayers have been offered daily, but there is something about “seeing” you here that warms my heart. May you and Roxy continue to have such a great relationship!
Praying for Connie and others that I have met here. May God be with you.
This is the day that the Lord has made. It may not be the kind of day that we had in mind…but it is the day of the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in it!!
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