At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, before we knew how widespread it might become, my mom, who lives in Albuquerque, fell and broke her hip bone. I was worried about her as she is the "prime doer" in my family and this would definitely slow her down, if not stop her in her tracks (or traction) for a little while.
I held off on going immediately, because my brother lives within driving distance from my parents and we were starting to hear news of the virus coming to our country from overseas. Mom was out of surgery and seemingly doing okay, but I could tell she was not happy to be laid up in a rehab center.
She finally got home and had everything pretty well organized, while my brother continued helping out. News about the virus was getting more frantic and so I still held off going. Was I really needed?
Then the call came. Or rather, the message (mom and I chat on Facebook Messenger). She would really like me to come down. So I prayed on it and prayed with my wife. Darla and I felt that I really needed to go down, in spite of all the fear--fear of the virus, of the financial cost of going and of the travel itself (planes both thrill and terrify me)!
I gave it all to God and He made it happen. My aunt and uncle helped with the travel expenses, I flew all the way there and had my first Uber experiences (both quite pleasant, actually).
Mom just wanted some extra care and love via a visit from her youngest son, whom she was unable to travel and see this year. I helped them out around the house and met their new doggie (a very friendly doggie indeed). I also got to see my brother and his partner. It was a good visit and a good thing to do.
During my visit, fear of ‘The Virus’ grew around the world, with nightly news reports on how it was spreading. It was pretty scary and I wondered if I would be allowed to get home, much less, not get infected.
But I left that all to God as I didn't have any choice in the matter now. When it was time to go home, I got another Uber to the airport and flew through LAX and SEATAC to arrive home. And, four weeks later, I am healthy, with no symptoms.
All this took place before we understood the full extent of the pandemic and social distancing became a way of living. I believe it is wise to follow the guidelines set out by our state. However this experience taught me something about giving my fears to God and following what I felt I heard from Him in my heart, even if the world and my own inner voices were telling me to do something else. My wife once told me that she took a risk because God told her that even if that risk didn't work out how she was hoping, that He would still be there to catch her. And He was. And still is. And always will be.
Psalm 3:5-6
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.”
About the Author
Mark lives in Oregon with his lovely wife, Darla and enjoys reading, writing, playing games and working to make the world a better place. He currently serves CitySalt church as a sound engineer and on the church council.