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The buzzing sound of my phone documented another empty shelf where toilet paper once lived.
A school announced its closing for two weeks.
My speaking event was canceled.
My husband’s flight – delayed.
Sickness predicted, and plans are being put in place.
And the news continued to feed my phone and my thoughts concerning the President’s Address to our Nation and the drop in the Dow Jones.
Friends, I am here to remind you that we can have peace in a world of panic! How? Here are some steps that are helping me.
Five Principles for Peace in a Time of Panic:
First, be smart, my friends. Do respond, but do not react. Prepare for the worst, but pray for the best and don’t let your heart move to a panic mode. Purchase what you need to stay tucked away for a couple of weeks. Get your toilet paper, but dear friend, “Buy one, and leave one.” Buy what you need. However, don’t hoard. Leave some for your neighbor coming behind you. “Buy one. Leave one.” This in itself, will help to eliminate some of the panic. It is the right thing to do. Think about the ones around you.
2. Do take care of yourself. Wash your hands. Use your soap and disinfectants. Avoid close contact with anyone sick. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Don’t touch your face. 🙂 For details, here are a few steps from CDC. Click here. Do take care of yourself and your loved ones.
3. Do pause to renew. Take a walk to breathe in the fresh air and rest your mind. Get off social media and stop the ongoing flow of panic. Instead, pause to renew with the nature around. Honest, I am not saying to be unaware, I am saying stop the flow of negativity. Somewhat recently, Terry and I went for a walk at a park near our home. It was relaxing and refreshing. Pause to renew in a peaceful surrounding.
4. Replace your worrisome panic with a warrior’s prayer. Pray for your loved ones. Pray for our Nation. Prayer gives peace in a time of panic. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
5. Remember God’s promises. “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 (ESV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“ I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
You can choose a heart of peace even in a world of panic. Do respond, but do not react. Do take care of self. Pause to renew. Replace worrisome panic with a warrior’s prayer and remember God’s promises!