We reached out and asked some families for encouraging words, and how life has changed for their family during this Covid19 outbreak.
Ben Kriesch and family.
“Hello from Martin Street! Lately we have been reminded of how grateful we are to live in such a wonderful community on Jackson’s Southside. We are thankful for friends and neighbors, for a neighborhood with wide streets and sidewalks, near a bike path and parks where we can get outside and let the kids run. We’re thankful to live in a city with plenty of resources, and for leaders who are working hard to make good decisions for everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Now that I’m working from home and the kids are engaging in school from home, we are experiencing a slower pace than I have known all my adult life. With this slower pace comes time to think and reflect and be together as a family, which has been an incredible blessing and a wonderful experience, even during this time of uncertainty. While we all have dealt with our own share of disappointments and adjustments, not to mention fears about what is to come, our family is humbled to be at home when there are many individuals still working long hours each day. We are humbled to be living together under one roof with our three children, and we wonder, what does it look like to care for our friends, and how can we encourage those who are worn out, or sick, or lonely?
This week I have been drawn to Luke 10:25-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan. A man asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” And he then answers his own question, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.” When the man asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus goes on to share a story about a man that was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. Two people are too busy to stop, but the third person (and the most unlikely) stops to care for the hurting man.
This parable addresses two important questions: What happens when I die and what should I do while I am alive? These questions seem to get lost in the normal business of day to day life, especially when things are comfortable. Lately, however, I’ve found myself thinking about these questions more than usual, and I would guess I am not alone. I wonder if my typical work and activities lead me to a deeper love for God and a deeper love for my neighbors. This forced slow down helps me ask again, “What must I do?” and even more, “Am I doing it?”
Pastor Lee Hampton Family.
“The coronavirus pandemic is a global pandemic”, said Church of God Pastor Lee Hampton. However, we don’t need to fear or let the uncertainty of the moment overwhelmn us. David said, “I will look to the hills for which cometh my help.” So, we know our help comes from God. Science, the healthcare industry or the economy my not be able to help us through this. We do know that God is able to help us through this. We believe that God is speaking. We believe He is speaking in an effort to reach humanity one more time. Our prayer is that the world, collectively and individually, will respond to the call of God at this moment. This can be our finest hour.”
Derrick and Ann Heard.
“We are trying to listen and read all the information disseminated to make decisions as to how our lives should proceed. We are being as cautious as needed.”
About The Author
Not able to go my Dr. Appointments and have to keep rescheduling them I miss being at the bus station to get my bus pass , getting new glasses or picking up prescriptions for myself but most importantly I miss my church friends I feel so isolated from them 😢 I haven’t smiled since corona started I will be glad when is over so I can start fresh it is really depressing .