March 30, 2020
By: Jackie Brindle
A few weeks into quarantine and it’s got me feeling all sorts of emotions! I feel like I can’t even put into words, the ups and downs, and in betweens but I can send you a bunch of emoji faces to display all of them! And no, there would not be any kissy faces or the girl with the red dress dancing. LOL! But I can assure you there would be some shoulder shrugs, hand covering the face, fist pumps, smiles, hearts, and spurts of hysterical crying emojis, sent to you! Most of all these days I find myself needing a pep talk and a hug!
Legit, so many emotions! Let me explain to you what two hours of one of the days, this week entailed. It was one sunny day, and all was well in my little social distancing bubble. My kids were playing so nicely in the backyard with the dog and I finally had a chance to get some weeding done in the garden. A few minutes into this wonderful moment, began the sounds of kids fighting. They don’t want to play outside anymore or with each other, so we went inside and I put on a movie and threw some Cheez Its in a bowl, for a snack. This was all, in hope, that everyone was distracted from momentary chaos that was breaking loose!
It worked! Success! Everyone's quiet, fed, and happy! I could get the rest of the weeding done in peace, finally! When I went back inside to check on them, I saw everyone snuggled up together on the couch and all was right again in the world. I went to take their sweet picture and it started again, “Your feet are in my face!” “I was here first!” Well, there went that sweet photo moment.
Finally my husband finished his work downstairs, and I grabbed the keys and headed out the door for a run near my house, to clear my head. That feeling of running alone, and no one to answer to, put me straight into my happy place! When I was done, I decided to grab a few things at the grocery store. Didn't take long. The minute I entered the store - BOOM. FEAR. There it was AGAIN!
I can’t make this stuff up! I could feel the heaviness of it all too.
When I got back home, it took me a few songs of Country and Contemporary Christian music on Alexa, to help set me back to baseline.
Even then, I found that it wasn't enough. In these kind of shaky moments, there's only one thing left for me to do. Give myself a pep talk. That's right, that's what I said. A pep talk. It sounds strange but truly - it works! Don't judge me until you try it! I thought to myself, “What would God tell me right now, that would encourage me to snap out of this funky feeling?”
Then I heard. “STOP it. Stop sucking the fun out of life!” Ok, maybe God didn't really put it to me that way but still, God was reminding me - You are not meant to live life out of fear! It's not fun! All I keep thinking is that He wants me to fight these unsure feelings or moments with finding the good... finding HOPE.... finding Jesus! Even if that means picking up the Bible and seeking the word of God to be the very thing to lift me up and out! Sometimes it takes a moment of staring in the mirror, looking yourself in the eye, and telling yourself that you can do, today! You can do it and be awesome in it, despite how you feel.
Here's the thing, you and I are going to go through all kinds of emotions, daily! But, here's the truth --- no one said this had to be the worst time period of our lives, unless you or me allow it to be. If you need permission to find the joy in the day, I am going to give you permission to do just that! I am going to give
you permission to find the warmth of the sun in the day! I am going to give you permission to have fun, even if it’s raining out and nowhere to go. Jump in the puddles! Walk in the rain to find the rainbow, anyways! Go outside for a walk. Draw a picture. Do something that brings out the good in the day -- think outside the box if you have to! I found that video chatting with friends is SUPER helpful, and if they are a really good friends, then they will knock some sense into you too! :)
I know this fear of the unknown is scary. Fear to me, is like trying to take a breath but all you can do is hold it in. I can’t hold my breath for more than 30 seconds so why would I do that to myself? I’ve got to let it out!! Breathe. Just Breathe! Come on, take that deep breath in with me and let it out slowly. We are going to be OK! Go on -- tell yourself! Yes you are! Feel the sun on your face as you close your eyes and the wind in your hair. You are alive! You are going to get through this! This too shall pass! The truth will set you free!
Friends, I really want to encourage each and everyone of you, from the heart, that you CAN conquer that fear or whatever you call that consuming feeling in your mind, just have a little faith and hang in there!
You CAN do it! You CAN choose to live life unafraid, walk in faith, and know that God's love for you never fails!
Read: 1 Corn. 13:4-8
Do you know what I found when I scrolled through social media lately? INSPIRATION! I saw people praying for one another, sending thank you cards, teaching classes online, donating food to health care workers, businesses helping the cause, kids making funny soccer music videos, families chalking their walkways, friends watching their church service in their homes, all the yummy food people are baking, and more inspiring - CREATIVE - ways to make the most of their days! YES! That is SO GOOD!
I think it's so important to find the good in the day, because that's when we find the good in each other and that my friends, is CONTAGIOUS! Be the good in the world, we all need love and doses of sunshine in our lives! It's good for the soul! And if you can hug someone close to you --- DO it!
Life will continue on, as I navigate this "new" normal. I can foresee a lot of pep talks in my future, not just from myself, but from others around me who I know will help lift me up! I also hope that I am quicker to remind myself, of the greatest blessing; that God is with me through all these crazy emotions! When I need to snap out of it, He’s right there for me, ready to calm the storm. I promise, He's right there for you too! Ready with a pep talk and a hug!
Today is a gift. Let’s open it up with some excitement because it very well could be the BEST DAY EVER! (enter -party hat and confetti emoji!)
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that you will stand with us today because we can't face this world alone. We need you, God. You know the emotions that have been weighing on our hearts, because it says in your word that you know our every thought. Help us to find your peace in the chaos. I thank you that we can come to you and find rest, strength, hope, wisdom (which means a good pep talk) in YOU! I thank you for your peace that goes beyond all understanding. Thank you for the people you have put around me, even if I can’t touch them. Lord, help me to be the light for them, too. I trust you God, that you are on the move, to do miraculous things, in the world, through us!
In Jesus name,
Amen!
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