Recently, my kids have finally gone back to school after leaving the day before spring break. Five long months of basically staying home for them except for a few activities all summer long. It’s something that has never been done before, especially on a worldwide level, to basically tell everyone to stay home so they don’t catch this virus. During uncertain times, many ask, “Where is God in all of this?”
This is the question that is asked and answered in Conquering Coronavirus: How Faith Can put Your Fears to Rest by Teresa Tomeo. Each chapter covers a different aspect to strengthen our faith and challenge us to no longer live in fear but trust in God in all things. It contains stories of those ‘front line workers’ who are facing the virus head on treating those who are severely ill because of the virus, to the priests and ministers who we turn to during crisis of faith. Let’s dive into some of the lessons we can learn when facing the virus.
Find your joy
While it is important to get the daily news, we also need to turn away from all the negative and find joy – “Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.” Often we can turn into our own struggles, but if we change our focus it will change our outlook on everything. Seek out the stories of people doing good things for others, and find a way for you to bring joy to others.
Remember the elderly
Remember back the way we lived before the virus, so carefree and easy? No? Well, get back there now! Just because there is a virus out in the world, doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our family lives in this ‘new normal’. Remember the ‘old normal’ and bring back family time that may have been lost by busy schedules. It is always a good time to spend more time with family.
Use technology to stay connected
Technology can either be used for good or for evil. During this time in and out of quarantine it is a great time to use it to stay connected with friends and family. There are also live streams of Eucharistic Adoration, daily and weekly Mass, YouTube videos explaining our faith, etc. But also remember to put down the devices for family time, at dinner or just to have an open conversation with each other.
Stop wrestling with God
It can be easy to go down the path of blaming God for this pandemic. While God never causes evil, he does allow it to happen, and gives us the free will to decide how we are going react to it. Surrender to the will of God by putting Him first, study the Bible and don’t give into fear. Write in a journal what you are thankful for and the little miracles you witness daily. Once you pay attention the way God works in your life, you will be more willing to pick up your cross daily and walk with him.
Don’t forget to pray
It can be very easy to travel down the path of despair and depression when we are stuck at home, unable to work or get together with friends. There was a time when my daughter was stuck in her room for two weeks because she had been exposed to someone who tested positive. She was bored out of her mind, sad because she couldn’t go out, even to eat with the family for dinner. Use this time to really talk to God and tell him how you feel. It’s OK to be angry but do so in a way that expresses your anger at the situation, not directly blaming God for the situation. He doesn’t want you to be there either! Conquering Coronavirus is loaded with prayers, reflections and questions we can use to grow closer to God.
These are just a few of the ways we can use this virus to reconnect with God and with others. While God may have felt ‘socially distant’ to you in the past, now is the best time to start calling him and trusting that he knows what is best for you. Conquering Coronavirus: How Faith Can put Your Fears to Rest by Teresa Tomeo, is the guide to use to reconnect with God, easy your fears and gives you the prayers and words to help you to trust rather than fear.
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