Goodness, what a difference a day makes. As we work our way through this crisis, each day brings new challenges to conquer. I have no doubt in my heart that we will conquer with God’s help and a little self-discipline. We have to strike a middle note between carelessness and over caution. Carelessness will endanger folks at risk for this disease, and over caution will bring a spirit of fear and inadequacy to us. We are a strong God-fearing nation and in the words of Dr. King, “We shall overcome.”
This is the time to call on our inner reserves. Find a peaceful spot for the troubled times. Are you a worshipper? Put on your favorite praise tape, gospel music group or go find new artists to enjoy. If you are a reader, find words of encouragement and strength to take you to higher levels of thinking. If you are fearful, call on the name of the Lord and let Him be your fortress and shield.
If you are lonely, help a neighbor. If you are able, go to the food bank and help your community. If you are bored, visit online sites that stimulate your interest. If you’re old like me, figure out how to face time or Skype your family and friends. Be proactive during this type of crisis. Most of all pray for our leaders as they seek a cure for this dreadful disease.
There is a silver lining in all these dark clouds. The loss of our only grocery store was devastating, but people are stepping up to fill the gap. City leaders are exploring options, the Alliance group is organizing food drives and people like the Skelton’s are widening their hardware inventory to help with shortages. They have even opened up a small area for daily food supplies. Since Chris Perry has taken over the operation, new and modern technology has been added to make this little store competitive. Now is the time to support them as they try to help us.
Speaking of support, if at all possible we need to be ordering meals out from our local restaurants. They will not be able to stay open if we don’t give them business. Why not order takeout meals if you are financially able? I have been told to remind folks that if it is a restaurant that takes tips, be sure and leave one behind. We must pull together and this too shall pass.
Everyone is working to keep things going. Last week the RSISD teachers spent all week learning new programs and setting up lesson plans for our students. Schools all over Texas are doing the same. Some are more technology rich than others. For that reason we will have a lesson pickup on Mondays at the school for those who are not so technology rich. CTTC has set up free hotpots for those who don’t have internet at home. Students can go to the parking lot of the First Baptist Church or to the old bank building. You can also go to the school parking lot. I need to advise you that no one but school staff can enter the buildings. If you need to speak face to face with a teacher, please call and they will meet you at the door. Each week we will be adding sites and programs that can be used for free during this time of quarantine. Remember students, that we are not out for the year, we are homebound learning. Teachers expect students to check in daily starting Monday and work must be turned in by Google means or phone screen shots. Phone service providers are also offering free WiFi for a limited time. Just call your phone provider. We can do this, everyone.
The hardest thing is not being able to gather and go to church. At least for me it is. Shiloh, First Baptist and Maple Grove have all started streaming church services. Now is an excellent time to church shop if you don’t have a church home. These scaled down services are not totally complete, but they can give you a taste for the preacher. We are a blessed community. There are no bad preachers in this town. Whatever you do, find a way to keep in touch with God and the church family.
Although we are in much better shape than many countries, we are not out of danger. Please practice safe habits indoors and outdoors. Our lawmakers and our President are under extreme pressure to come up with an answer. Our financial world is very uneasy, but we are an extremely resilient nation. President Trump and the legislature are doing their best to lift the load of care from our households. Please continue to pray for wisdom and strength in their endeavors. We need prayers for those folks who have to work under hazardous conditions. I thought of Kay McKee today. The post office has to handle millions of pieces of paper daily. They have no protection against any germ that may be attached to those letters. Like the medial, first responders and military life must go forward. Please take time during your prayer day to include all those in danger. Most of all pray for our precious troops and their families. I think we may have to pray for our parent educators as well, this is new territory for many of them. Remember, the teachers are there to help. Trust in the Lord and keep your spirits up. May God keep America in His hands.