Monday, June 1, 2020

Day 134 – Pandemic 2020  (1.83 million confirmed cases/106 million deaths)

Today we begin month six of the new decade. I had such high hopes for it that I termed it “The Year of Perfect Vision.”  Perhaps,  I mused,  this would be the year in which God’s perfect will would manifest itself. And too,  I liked the numbers themselves; I was born on the 20th of the second month of the year,  so twos and zeroes are frosty with me. Whatever my reasoning, I admit I’m somewhat ambivalent now about this year of repeating numbers. We’re half way through it. and all hades appears to have broken loose.  “Perfect Vision” may be a misnomer.

Though pushed to the media sidelines, the coronavirus pandemic continues. As the numbers attest, new cases are confirmed each day, and deaths have not ceased. Scientists and others continue the search for a preventive vaccine and medications to treat the disease should one become infected. No longer though is the statistical data in a box on the screen staring at you on cable networks. All eyes now are on the evolving civil unrest spreading like wild fire in the major cities of the nation as protestors raise their voices against the other pandemic: racism in America; this time exposed in the actions of a white policeman and a black man he killed without cause. Unlike the coronavirus pandemic, which attacked without warning four or so months ago, the pandemic of racism has been with us some 400 years; since the first people of African descent arrived in the colonies. It has ebbed and flowed over the centuries, but has never been eradicated.  Its insidiousness flares in modern times whenever blatant expressions of it are brought to  public awareness.  And because we have yet to find a remedy to thwart it, when it hits, it hits hard.

The “Thought for the Day” in a devotional I read this morning resonated. It was the simple but profound comment of a cancer survivor who declared, “So I am still here. I am a child of God.” What an expression of faith, despite a health diagnosis and prognosis that could easily cause one to lose hope, to give up. I believe it’s the kind of faith required of us as we struggle with the prognoses and diagnoses of the times.  We are threatened by two pandemics, each capable of destruction. They’re on a rampage; but we must not forget the God we serve is present still in our midst; watching to see how we respond to both destroyers. Psalm 145:8 reminds us that “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.” I believe this description of our heavenly Father speaks to us especially now.  I believe He will deliver us from both pandemics. He knows our frame and because of His mercy and compassion will not allow us to endure more than we can bear. As His perfect timing unfolds, He will continue to be patient, hoping none will be lost, but will turn to His perfect ways. He is a faithful God, whose love for His creation is all-encompassing. Irrespective of our challenges,  we can proclaim, “I am a child of God.” That assertion and surety are sufficient for today and all our tomorrows. No, the year 2020 may not be perfect, but the God we serve is. We who believe in Him know what we see now is momentary. Because both pandemics are “seen,” we know they are not eternal, but temporary trials; and both will bow to His perfect will one day.

Love. Joy, Peace.