Inspiration for Worrisome Times
by
Paula Gail Benson
Paula Gail Benson
During
this time of uncertainty about the corona virus, it’s good to hear messages
that encourage. Yesterday’s reading from my worship service (although the
actual gathering was cancelled, the devotional materials were shared via email
and social media) is a particularly relevant passage to consider. From the book
of Romans, Chapter 5, Verses 3 through 5: “we also boast in our sufferings,
knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character,
and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us.”
this time of uncertainty about the corona virus, it’s good to hear messages
that encourage. Yesterday’s reading from my worship service (although the
actual gathering was cancelled, the devotional materials were shared via email
and social media) is a particularly relevant passage to consider. From the book
of Romans, Chapter 5, Verses 3 through 5: “we also boast in our sufferings,
knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character,
and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us.”
The words
made me think about the situation the world now faces. The recommended
progression is a good path to follow. When confronted with suffering, we find
means to endure, which builds character and creates hope. And, hope is
uplifting, relieving us from the suffering.
made me think about the situation the world now faces. The recommended
progression is a good path to follow. When confronted with suffering, we find
means to endure, which builds character and creates hope. And, hope is
uplifting, relieving us from the suffering.
As I
consider that process and realize it empowers us to deal with crisis, I can’t
help but notice that it also is what I expect of a good story: that I’ll
encounter fictional individuals who face challenges, figure out ways to
overcome them, and, in doing so, become different individuals. For me, the
story is best if it ends hopefully.
consider that process and realize it empowers us to deal with crisis, I can’t
help but notice that it also is what I expect of a good story: that I’ll
encounter fictional individuals who face challenges, figure out ways to
overcome them, and, in doing so, become different individuals. For me, the
story is best if it ends hopefully.
On
Facebook, an author friend Warren Moore, posted a newspaper article from 1918
informing the citizens of Newberry, South Carolina, that all churches, schools,
public meetings, and soda fountains in Newberry County were closed until
further notice due to the Spanish influenza. Who could have imagined that just
over 100 years later, we would be dealing with a similar situation?
Facebook, an author friend Warren Moore, posted a newspaper article from 1918
informing the citizens of Newberry, South Carolina, that all churches, schools,
public meetings, and soda fountains in Newberry County were closed until
further notice due to the Spanish influenza. Who could have imagined that just
over 100 years later, we would be dealing with a similar situation?
While
we socially distance and self-quarantine (would you have expected those words
to be common place a month ago?), my hope is that we invest ourselves in the wonderful
access we now have through the internet to remain in the world without exposing
ourselves and others to harmful conditions. Let us find ways to learn and
create while the health care professionals discover the answers to address this
virus. And, let’s use our current means of maintaining contact at a distance to
make certain all those we know are safe and not in need.
we socially distance and self-quarantine (would you have expected those words
to be common place a month ago?), my hope is that we invest ourselves in the wonderful
access we now have through the internet to remain in the world without exposing
ourselves and others to harmful conditions. Let us find ways to learn and
create while the health care professionals discover the answers to address this
virus. And, let’s use our current means of maintaining contact at a distance to
make certain all those we know are safe and not in need.
Read, write, and stay
safe and healthy.
