Facing Our Fears

Today it finally happened.  We experienced the first COVID-19 death in our area--and it was someone we know--Cheryl Stauffer died this morning at the Durango hospital.  Cheryl and Kirk raised their daughters in our church, and in the way of small towns everywhere, they were still a part of us even if we didn't often see them.  Kirk is ill and recovering at home.  His family is being tested for the virus.  Our prayers and love will surround them throughout this time of grief and crisis.  Please continue to lift them up in your prayers every day.

It's scary when it starts to hit close to home.  I can't imagine what it must feel like in New York City or New Orleans or Detroit where there are so many more people to spread the virus.  How do we maintain our humanity and compassion when literally every other human being is a potential source of infection?  

The only trustworthy answer I know lies in the person and teachings of our Savior.  Our greatest calling is to love and to serve God's people.  Our greatest immediate need is to love and serve others while also keeping ourselves and others safe and well.  Put in these terms, following the stay-at-home order is a way to love and to serve.  We think we're doing it to keep ourselves safe--but it protects others as well.  We love and serve when we pray seriously and consistently for the well-being of our community and nation and world.  We love and serve when we call to check on people we haven't heard from recently--just to express care and concern in the midst of this very isolating time.  Think especially of those folks who are living alone, and please reach out by phone or email.

Some of us are choosing to serve outside our homes as we prepare meals for people in need, fill food boxes for families who are struggling, help get supplies to people staying at home.  Grocery store workers, convenience store employees, government workers--all of them facing their fears every day.  And some folks are laying it all on the line as they work in our hospital and clinics and testing sites.  My most fervent prayers are for our medical, emergency and public safety personnel as they move among people who are so very ill.  

My friend Leona showed me something recently.  It was two different phrases using the letters F-E-A-R.  
The first is Fear Everything And Retreat.  
The second:  Face Everything And Rise.
There is an awful lot to be afraid of in this weird and constantly shifting world in which we suddenly live.  And there is a lot to lean on in order to gain or regain our strength and courage.

We are followers of Jesus, who lived, died and rose again to show us that we don't have to be afraid--not even in the face of death.  We are worshipers of Yahweh--the Lord God Most High--who has seen his people through every trial imaginable and led us to places of faith and hope.  We don't have to be afraid, because our ultimate fate lies in getting to live in God's realm forever.  And when the victorious end of the story is already decided--we can face our fears in every situation.  

May each of us find Courage in God's presence and promises, today and every day to come.  We are all in this together, and with God's help, we will--together--be courageous in the face of this COVID-19 enemy.

Deuteronomy 31:6
 Be strong! Be courageous! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the Lord your God is the one who marches with you. God won’t let you down, and God will never abandon you.

Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean