Charting the Path:  The Challenge

What’s next?  Where do we go from here as we prepare to re-enter the world of the coronavirus pandemic?  I searched the internet to see what questions people might be asking during this time and was surprised by the shortage of current information as to what’s on people’s minds. 

I know as a nation we are divided as to when and how to emerge from sheltering in place.  We can’t even agree on “to mask or to unmask”.  And shamefully, people are even violent about that!

Businesses want to know when they can re-open and how to do it safely.  Employees want to insure their workplace is safe and that they will be protected from potential infection.

And the rest of us, want to make sure we have the basics for living (at least I just want the basics)—food, water, shelter, and protection (especially from people who feel their will is more important than mine).

Questions for the Charting

Now that the nation is reopening, how do we begin to chart a path forward, especially in the midst of frayed emotions and opposing opinions?  Can we move forward in the midst of this deadly pandemic? How can we balance public health with economic well-being?  The bigger question for people of faith in this crisis is, “where is God and what is He saying to us?”

Moral Courage needed for charting the path

Last week I introduced the topic of courage in the midst of the coronavirus.  I referenced two (2) types of courage—physical and moral courage.  Physical courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death or threat of death.  Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.

To date, popular opposition has been fierce on every aspect of managing this pandemic.  It will further heighten upon re-entry, especially as we begin to develop strategies to move forward in this fight.  Shame and personal loss is being experienced by those of us who must do without or ask for help as roles have been reversed because of financial losses due to COVID-19.

Moral courage is needed if America is to successfully move forward.  To forge creative new methods to do their work, businesses with need moral courage.  Moral courage will be essential as cities manage our communities with fewer resources.  Individuals and families will need moral courage just to live one day at a time until a solution is developed.

The one thing we all must deal with is how to reconcile the loss of life and its further escalation as we no longer shelter in place.    In charting a path forward, that reality and the ability to act rightly will be among the biggest challenges we will face.

Moral courage and fear

While the definitions of courage tend to infer that bravery is “without fear”, I’d like to offer the view that fear, in some instances, can provide the motivation for courageous acts. For example, we might fear the negative consequence that might occur if we choose to do nothing.  In that case, fear of the negative consequence becomes the stimulus for action.  Some have said that the re-opening of America is only the end of the first chapter in this crisis.   Can fear of life with the coronavirus move us to exercise moral courage rather than choosing to do nothing?

Daniel Putman, professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, in an article entitled, The Emotions of Courage, offers a similar opinion that courage can involve deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances, especially if something of value is at risk.  Can the risks associated with the coronavirus move us to moral courage?

Choose moral courage

To close this teaching, I’d like to share five (5) commitments you can choose to make each day to begin exercising moral courage in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.  I have added biblical texts to each for your reading and meditation.

Choose to…

Be faithful to God.  Let the world see Jesus in you,

Colossians 2:6-7

Be discerning.  Examine everything carefully. 

Proverbs 4:5-7

Be brave.  Speak up.  Show up.  Stand up.  

Psalm 118:5-7

Persevere.  Keep on even when it’s hard and messy.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Be generous.  Return to others what God has gifted you with.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

This list is by no means meant to be exhaustive.  I invite you to add to them and share with us in the comments below or on the WordBytes Community Page.

Finally here is the answer to the question, “where is God and what is He saying to us?”

And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.  Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV)

What does courage under COVID-19 look like?  We’ve all heard the term “courage under fire”.  It is generally used to describe one’s behavior under duress or when one is facing extreme danger.  It describes the heroic efforts of a person who defers their own personal safety for the betterment or life of another.  COVID-19 is definitely a fire that is consuming not only our nation, but also the world.  So what’s the connection between courage and the coronavirus?

A time for courage

Our nation is at a precipice (a very steep rock face or cliff, especially a tall one). Our public health systems are strained and our financial prowess has been weakened. The death count from the pandemic is growing exponentially.  This “cliff” is the coronavirus.

As we prepare to reopen our country, we need to position ourselves to make the hard decisions required to move our nation through this very dangerous period. When will businesses open?  Will I still have a job? When will our schools resume normal operations?  How do we reopen America safely?

To answer these tough questions, we will need courage; courage to create innovative and diverse options to navigate safely into a new world.  This new world will be very different than when we first began.  It will be a world that will also require God’s wisdom to succeed.

Critical decisions will be made by public officials both locally and nationally that will undoubtedly impact how we will operate for months—perhaps even years to come.   The question is this.  Do we have the courage to make the right decisions—decisions that are best for all the people?

Courage defined

The word courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain, without fear.  Brené Brown, professor, lecturer, and author adds additional fodder for us to consider concerning courage.

Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences — good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as “ordinary courage.”  

Courage has also been described as the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death or threat of death.  Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.[1]

The question for America is, “are we willing to exercise moral courage in order to move us through this next phase of COVID-19?”

Moral courage in action

Jesus knew the Disciples would need both physical and moral courage.  In Matthew 10 he prepares his disciples for their missionary trip to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel”.  While Jesus equipped then spiritually to perform their duties, he also gave them specific instructions as to how they were to respond to the attacks they would invariably encounter.

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.   You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.  And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. (Verses 16-18, 21-22)  

Jesus knew that the Disciples He chose to build the Kingdom of God would be faced with establishing a new normal. As a result of Christ’s death and resurrection, life as mankind knew it, would never be the same.  Relationships within families would change for those who would follow Christ (Luke 18:28-29).  Business practices would change (Luke 19:8).  Even worship would look very different (Acts 4:32-35).  It would not be possible to return to business as usual.   After COVID-19, we will not be able to return to business as usual.

The Disciples would not only need physical courage in implementing the Great Commission but also moral courage as they faced popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, and personal loss.

Jesus knew the Disciples might be tempted to return to the old way of living life, but He cautiously warned them to show their courage by doing the morally right thing (Matt. 10:28):  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Just as Jesus prepared his Disciples for the new normal that would change the world, we too must be prepared for the radical changes that will be needed as we emerge from our shelter in place.  And how will we emerge?  Will we operate out of fear because of the potential scarcity of food, lack of jobs, and loss of income? Or will we be more aware, more compassionate, and willing to help others in need?    Will we have the courage to participate in the creation of something better than we had before?

What does courage look like under COVID-19?

As COVID-19 continues to move across this nation and shelter in place orders are lifted, we hear the cries of a fractured and divided nation.  Mask or unmask?  Life or livelihood?   Essential versus unessential workers.  Worker safety or food on the grocery shelves.  We need courage and God’s guidance to help us decide what is best for our communities, our country and our world.

Courage was once thought to originate from the heart. Courage under COVID-19 begins with the realization that the “greater good” supersedes any personal rights we may currently possess.  It describes a new moral model for understanding that we are inexplicably connected to each other not only by our desire to eradicate COVID-19 but also by our humanity. Join us next week as we continue our discussion on courage under COVID-19.

[1]  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage

My view of the other side of COVID-19

Let me begin this WordBytes by thanking each of you for your feedback on the topics we have discussed during these weeks of sheltering in place (SIP).  It has truly been a new experience for each of us as we try to adjust to the awkwardness of staying connected while far apart.  Hopefully, we are learning more about who we are, our personal resiliency and about the tenderness God has for us as we “walk through the valley of death” (Ps. 23:4).  While some may not share my view, I believe with God, we will successfully make it to the other side of COVID-19.  The real question is, “what will be our testimony and our contribution on the other side?”

Pandemic and me

I have never personally experienced a pandemic of this magnitude—especially one that is claiming the extraordinary number of lives and decimating our world economy.  I was four (4) years old when I became a victim of the polio epidemic of the 1950s.  My mother often told me how many parents in our neighborhood would walk on the other side of the street from our house for fear that their children would also contract the disease.

But God protected my family.  None of my siblings became infected by the disease and I’m here today to share my story.  We too, will live to tell our individual stories about COVID-19 because I agree with the psalmist who wrote, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. (Ps. 118:17, NKJ).  Instead of declare, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) phasing is “and recount the deeds of the Lord.”  What will we recount on the other side of COVID-19?

Recounting God

There is a reason to recount our experiences especially during times of pain and struggle.  As the children of Israel journeyed to the Promise Land, they often left memorials along the way.  They did this to remember the mercies of God and to express their gratitude for God’s provision.  Whether it was an altar (Ex. 17:15) or a stack of stones on the other side of the Jordan (Deut. 27:4-7), it was important that those who had experienced God’s provision and intervention declare those deeds to future generations.  What memorials will we create on the other side of COVID-19 to declare the works of the Lord to future generations?

Throughout the biblical text, God has shown Himself to be a strong Deliverer.  He rescued His people from all types and various forms of dangers; whether it was “the snare of the fowler or the noisome (deadly) pestilence.” (Ps. 91:3) God honored His covenants and kept all His promises.

Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to their ancestors that he would give them; and having taken possession of it, they settled there.   And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their ancestors; not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands.  Not one of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.                                                                                                 (Joshua 21:43-45)

God expects right relations

Even in the administration of life in the Promise Land, God expected Israel to live in right relationship with others—even those who were subjugated through conquest by Israel.  Consequently, systems were put in place to care for the needs of all people (Deut. 33).  These systems were to emulate the same oversight God had extended to Israel.  God’s love, grace, and mercy was evident from the day of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt to their final conquest of Canaan.  How will we express God’s oversight for all people on the other side of COVID-19?

God will contend for us

God will bring us through this pandemic. HE will contend for us.  It is His nature as our heavenly Father to provide for and to protect His children (Ps. 103:13; Matt. 6:26).  As God made provisions to care for all the people in Canaan, on the other side of Egypt, He will do the same for our country.  And who will be the conduit of God’s provision?  It must be each of us.  “As good stewards of the manifold blessings of Christ” (1 Pet. 4:10) let us prepare to serve on the other side of COVID-19.

As I read my paper and listen to the various news broadcasts, there is much being said about the current state of COVID-19 in our nation and in our cities. Living in these times feels surreal yet I know these times are very real—requiring “serious and watchful prayers” (1 Pet. 4:7).

Praying for the Other Side

Let us begin to pray TODAY over many areas that will need God’s love, grace, and mercy on the other side of COVID-19.  Here is my short-list.  Feel free to develop and share your list.

• Our children, our teachers, and our schools—they need a future.
• Our healthcare systems, our social systems, our justice systems—they need an advocate.
• Our communities, our families, and our parents—they need connection.
• The aged and the young—they need to be valued.
• The poor, the homeless and the disenfranchised—they need a voice.

Let us begin praying today for a better life for all, on the other side of COVID-19.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has centered on both its physical and financial impacts, let us not fail to also focus on the mental and emotional health of Americans.  Mental health during and after COVID-19 is the new crisis we must begin to address for all people—even the people of God

Real-time trauma

The novelty of SIP—shelter in place—is growing old.

Trauma is the emotional shock following a stressful event or a physical injury.  COVID-19 is trauma that continues daily and will continue to impact us long after it ends.  We begin our day with the latest death toll for our nation and the world.  We end our day with questions as to if we, our family members or friends will be added to that count on tomorrow.

Trauma also occurs when there is a denial of something needed by an individual i.e., the lack of nurturing for a newborn child.  There is no doubt emotional trauma incurred as we are hindered from the two key things God has created us for—purposeful activity and relationship with one another.

And what of the economic trauma being felt by all Americans?  Shattered retirement accounts.  Shuttered businesses.  Unemployment of millions.  Cars lineup for miles as people seek food and other necessities for their families.  Many local pantries have been emptied while those that remain are strained by unrelenting requests for help.

Trauma now and trauma later

A recent interview with Dr. David Kaplin, president of the New York State Psychological Association explored how people are coping with anxiety, sadness, and grief.   How are they handling their  mental and emotional health during COVID-19?  He had these key thoughts to share.

I don’t think the world’s going to be the same.  I think with the loss of jobs—even after the virus is gone, people are still going to struggle.  They’re going to struggle with “How am I going to pay my rent, my mortgage? How am I going to feed my family?”  So, it’s going to be an ongoing stressor for many people in this country. What do you do when a person had their identity taken away from them because they no longer can work? 

Anxiety, sadness, and grief

Anxiety, sadness, and grief accurately describe the range of emotions we are feeling as we move through this pandemic.  Psalm 55 captures these same emotions as the psalmist describes his “fight or flight” response to the pending threat he faces.

My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me.  Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me.  And I say, “O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.  (Psalm 55:4-6)

This individual lament reflects the unbearable frustration of being in a situation “outside” of one’s control.  Is that not how we feel with regard to the COVID-19 virus?  Like the psalmist, it would be so much better if we could be “somewhere else”.

“Cast your burden…”

After much trepidation, the psalmist ends his cry for help.  Emotionally drained and exhausted, he realizes that there is only one way—the best way to release himself from this dilemma and the trauma that it is creating.  He must remove himself from the situation and “cast his burden upon the Lord”.

To cast is translated to mean “to throw, hurl or fling”.  To cast anything upon God is to relinquish control to God for His “providential disposition” (Neh. 9:6).  This same meaning is conveyed in Psalm 37:5 when the righteous are reminded to “commit their way to the LORD, trust in him, and he will act on their behalf.”

As God’s people, we must trust and believe that our burden is God’s burden.  God is for us and He cares about everything that keeps us awake at night—our family, our provision, and our future.  To cast our burden upon God is to anchor our lives on His providence and His promise.

“God will sustain you.”

God will sustain us.  While we have no forecast as to when this pandemic may end, we have the blessed assurance that God will sustain or “hold us up.”

In this context, the psalmist conveys the assurance that God will defend our cause, as though we were before a tribunal.  Regardless of the forces that attempt to negatively impact us—forces seen or unseen—God will hold us up and intercede on our behalf.  How does God sustain?  God gives us hope while we are in our circumstance.

I have hope when I see the kindness of others being extended to individuals during this time of crisis.  I see God’s hand moving on our behalf.

• • National banks allowing forgiveness of debt while people are out of work
  • Local landlords giving free rent
  • Young people volunteering to shop for their elderly neighbors, and
  • Individuals donating millions to replenish food banks

When I see these things, I see God is sustaining us.  Look around you, where do you see God sustaining you?  Where do you see God sustaining this nation?

“…the righteous will not be moved.”

God’s faithfulness will “never suffer the righteous to be move”.  What does that mean?

The psalmist encouraged himself and all people to commit themselves to God, with confidence.  God does not promise that He will immediately deliver us from the trouble that causes our cares and fear; but He will insure that we will not be tempted beyond what we are able to handle (1 Cor. 10:13).

God has promised that He will never suffer the righteous to be shaken by any trouble as to quit either their duty to God or their comfort in Him.   For He that began a good work in us is able to complete it (Phil. 1:6).   And if we, in our humanism should falter…if we should fall…God will lift us with His righteous right hand (Ps. 37:23-25).

Starting today, release the burden of COVID-19.  Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.  Do you believe in God?  Then cast your burden…your anxiety, your sadness, your grief, your fear on God.  Let us as believers in the Resurrected Christ cast COVID-19 on the Lord.  He is the only One who can do something about it!

As we continue to shelter in place, how are we Christians to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic?  Do we respond in fear or in panic?

Fear while you SIP

Fear is usually an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.  It also is an emotion gifted to us in order to protect us from danger and harm.  It is good when it accomplishes this purpose.

COVID-19 is something that we have reason to fear—for ourselves, for our families, and for our friends.  It threatens to impact the health and the very life of individuals.  As the numbers affected by this disease continue to rise, it could also impact the future existence of our communities and cities.  But is COVID-19 something that should cause us to panic?

Panic with social distancing

Panic is the sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior.  Left unresolved,  it can lead to serious physical side effects such as panic disorder.  This type of fear serves no good purpose to those experiencing it.

COVID-19 has, in many instances, caused us to panic—as seen in the stampede to buy and horde toilet paper, rubber gloves, and facial masks.  Unsure of the future, investors panic—quickly selling off their once valuable portfolios as the once bullish market falls to record lows.  While panic may be the common response to circumstances we feel are out of our control, it is doubtful that it is the best response.

The Best Response while you shelter

I’d like to use wisdom drawn from the chronicles of the nation of Judah and its King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 12, NKJ) to illustrate the “best response” to fear.

It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat.   Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi).  And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.  So Judah gathered together to ask help from the LORD; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.

“…For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Jehoshaphat feared.  Much like us during this pandemic, Jehoshaphat had no solution nor could He offer any protection for his people—at least not in the physical realm.  Jehoshaphat immediately set Himself to seek the LORD—Jehovah, the God of his Father, the God of heaven who rules over all kingdoms (2 Chron. 20:6).

The Geneva Bible Notes communicates what 2 Chron. 20:3 can teach believers about fear during this time of COVID -19.

This verse declares that fear for the godly is that which pricks and stirs them to prayer and to depend on the Lord, while it moves the wicked either to seek after worldly means and policies or else to fall into despair.

The Ultimate Solution

While fear is designed to protect us from those things which may harm us, fear for Christians should serve as stimuli for prayer and for dependence on God.  God is the primary source of our strength and confidence in the time of trouble (Prov. 18:10).  God alone holds the Ultimate Solution for the COVID-19 threat.

As Jehoshaphat prayed, he demonstrated a humble spirit and acknowledged the limitation that every “created beings” must confess—we cannot solve our problems without the intervention of God.  We like Jehoshaphat, must first humble ourselves and acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic exceeds our intellectual capacity, our financial resources, and our political influence.  We need God’s intervention.

God’s response to Jehoshaphat was instructive and “crystal clear” (2 Chronicles 20: 15, 17-18).

Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.   Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 

And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. 

Jehoshaphat and his people were not to fear because “the battle was God’s”.  God would be the one to deliver them from the danger they faced.  Their belief was witnessed by their praise of God before the battle was ever fought.  They were sure that God would do what He said He would do.  They trusted and believed that God, not only COULD deliver them but that God would deliver them.   Are we as believers ready to praise God now for the victory over COVID-19?

Jehoshaphat and his people were to only “take their position, stand still, and see the victory of the LORD on their behalf” (verse 17, RSV).  God promised that He would be with them.  Jehoshaphat and his people would trust God and place their confidence on one thing—God’s presence. 

Do you believe?

Do you believe that God will deliver us from the COVID-19 pandemic?  God stand ready today to be our Deliverer.    God’s presence is with us and He will never leave us (Matt. 28:20).  In addition, even in the midst of this threat we have Jesus’ peace—not as the world gives—but a peace that will sustain us and strengthen us for whatever lies ahead (John 14:27; Phil. 4:6-7).

I know many of us want this pandemic to end so that we can return to “normalcy”.  This is our desire and a typical response to fear and pain.  However, now is a good time to ask, “What is God’s desire for me during and after COVID-19?”   This same question can be asked of this nation, our communities, and our churches?  What “position are we to take” as we prepare to see the victory of the LORD manifested during this pandemic?  AND what does “victory” look like?  A bustling economy or saved souls?  The return to spectator sports or the revival of family worship?  Partisan politics or a united country?

What’s Your Response to COVID-19?

What is your response to COVID-19?    Where will you focus your eyes?  On man’s restricted resources or God’s infinite power, unlimited grace, and enduring mercy (Exod. 15:11).

Yes, we need a solution—we need support for those on the frontline battling for our lives.  But more than anything, we need God’s intervention and God’s strength for the days ahead.  With God as our Protector and Provider, we have no need to panic.  “Fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.”