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Her story.
It is raw, refreshing, and rich. It is a story from a beautiful soul who posted recently in a Facebook group she and I both are members. Her story is an inspiring read for every Christian woman facing the threat of the Coronavirus. Caroline and her husband, Evan, live in Harrisburg, NC, with their ‘perfect’ nine-month-old son, (literally, I think he is) Griffin.
Take a moment to read her story below. You will thank me later.
From Caroline Phillips:
I’m now a month at home. Only leaving to embark on a trip to the grocery store. As all of this began, I realized I was facing my greatest fear. I’m a hypochondriac, germaphobe, and yes, and extrovert. I now must sequester myself with no face-to-face interaction with the outside world. But wait, why would I dare do such a thing, I will surely become covered in the very germ that would inflict this awful sickness upon my family and me. So you get my point. Fear and despair are both so easily creeping through my heart, to my brain, and out into every action and word. I want to simultaneously cut myself off from every person I know outside of my home and see and hug everyone I love. Oh, the conundrum.
What I didn’t know at the start of all of this (or refused to see, jury is still out on that one) was God teaching me to KNOW Him and trust Him and let Him be enough. Here are some truths, some realities, some resources, and some ideas that have been a part of my month in isolation (with my husband and son).
I’ve learned that when I feel alone, I’m not. He is with me. I’ve been told this truth many times. But right now, I actually believe it. Yep, I said that. Sometimes I don’t believe. Which leads me to my next point:
I’ve learned that I do not believe God like I say I do. It’s that simple. My heart does not naturally want to believe what God says, or that He does what He says. God, help my unbelief. More on that over the next 50+ years!
😉
I’ve learned that God is not safe, but he is GOOD. I’m taking this opportunity to read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series. I’m only on book two, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, soooo check back in a month from now! There is a part in which the four children get to Narnia, are talking to Mr. & Mrs. Beaver, and hear about this lion named Aslan. Here is what Mr. Beaver has to say about Aslan, “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King I tell you.”
The prophet Amos also gets at this in Amos 5. The Israelites are acting unjustly and not pursuing righteousness. Amos reminds them that the same God that created the stars and the waves of the sea is the same God who demands righteousness, serves justice, and provides for them!
So today, I hope and pray that you and I believe that what God wills and decides for you and our world is good. Even when it might be unsafe. His choices are best, even when it’s hard to believe it. From the words of John Piper, “The secret of “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” is this: knowing that the same sovereignty that could stop the coronavirus, yet doesn’t, is the very sovereignty that sustains the soul in it.”
I’ve learned that I LOVE my home. Over my life as an extrovert I have found that I always want to be going somewhere and doing something. Seeing people and talking to people. I’ve also loved a house that feels like home. This past year, and particularly this past month, these two attributes have collided. How do I feel restored, pursue relational connections and intimacy, and be filled up while in my own home (considering it’s the only place I’m really allowed to be)? Home is becoming what I see as the starting place in my life where God’s Kingdom comes and His will is done as it is in heaven. I’m loving making this the place where I taste and see that the Lord is good!
So if you will hang with me a few more minutes, I want to share the following: something to read-something to memorize-something to cook-something to create
Something to Read:
Disclaimer: I haven’t finished reading either of these, but I’m already hooked!
a. The Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper (yep…he already wrote a book.) The quote by him that I used above is from this book. You can download this for FREE at logos.com when you create an account. There is a text and audio version.
b. The Life-giving Home by Sally & Sarah Clarkson This book is about making home, wherever that is, speak of eternity with God.
Scripture to Memorize:
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses allunderstanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-8 CSB
Something to Cook: Crockpot Chicken Tacos (MY FAVORITE!) and just in time for Cinco De Mayo!
🙂 This is a recipe I found online years ago. I am not sure now of the original source.
One lb Chicken Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Half a jar of Salsa Verde (about one cup)
One packet of dry ranch dressing mix (or half for less sodium intake)
Place all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on high 2-4 hrs or low 4-6, or until the proper temp. Shred and serve on tacos.
Something to Create
Create a new work of Wall Art! No artistic ability needed. Just take an old or currentlyused frame and put one of your favorite items in it. Here are some ideas of things to frame to give your walls some new pizzaz!
your favorite deck of cards
your favorite picture from a lovely calendar
your favorite placemat (I have one hanging in the bathroom, hehe)
a letter you cherish from a loved one
a sweet sentimental doily
your scripture memory!
😉
pressed flowers
For those that have made it this far, I know this was long, but I’m thankful I have the means to share what I hope to be an encouragement to many of you. Thank you for reading!
“His Kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”