I recently attended the North Carolina Christian Writers Conference in Liberty, North Carolina. This was my second time attending this fantastic conference. The news of the virus was just beginning to spread and precautions to take during the conference were discussed.
Each conference attendee had been prayed for ahead of time and during the conference. Chats at the hotels and at the venue kept going back to the virus and the wonder of what might happen.
I am thankful the staff and the folks at the church where the event was held took great care in making sure everyone was comfortable. We did not dwell on the situation. Our prayers included those affected and those who would be affected by the virus in the coming days.
My husband and I returned home from the conference on Saturday evening. A few items were needed from the store. Regular stock up things like milk and bread. As we entered the grocery store, we noticed signs alerting customers of “Limit - two hand sanitizers per family” and “Limit - two packs of toilet paper” and “Limit - two packs of water”.
Lines at the checkout counter were long. Carts were filled to the brim. A rumble of conversation filled the air. The same words could be heard. “When will you all get more toilet paper in stock? When will you have more water? Do you have more hand sanitizer?” The questions were repeated over and over. The grocery store clerks looked exhausted as they tried to keep a smile while answering the same questions over and over.
We gathered our items, stood in the checkout line and waited for our turn to purchase items.
Standing in the line gave me a chance to view my surroundings. Wow! The things I saw.
From the fast walking people to the lack of grocery carts available, there was an air of rapid pulse and panic in the aisles. Men, women and children rushed from aisle to aisle, throwing things in the carts. I am thankful to have noticed several people moving at a regular pace and not rushing through the store in a panic.
I will never know the story behind each person in the store that day. Maybe some folks were shopping for others, maybe fear had set in and purchasing items “just in case” was the way they felt comfort. Each person has a unique story.
I do know one thing for sure. God loves us. He is with us in every situation. I, along with many other people, are praying for this virus to leave and never return. Prayers for healing for all who are sick and/or will become sick.
God loves us. He is with us in every situation. I, along with many other people, are praying for this virus to leave and never return. @mimionlife #seriouslywrite
Each moment gives us opportunity to show God’s love to others. So, instead of having a rapid pulse from shopping and being filled with panic in the aisles, here is my suggestion:
Go to God first thing every morning. Ask Him to guide your steps in each moment. God never promised bad things would not happen. God does promise He will love us forever.
Be comforted knowing God loves you.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
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