As I sit here writing; it’s sunny outside.  The wind is strong and cool, soothing. I hear the sounds of life … birds chirping, the trees responding to the breeze, neighbours tending to their yards, the faint hum of traffic… 

If you saw me, relaxed and surveying my surroundings, you would think all is well.

But I am troubled.

There is worry in my heart. It began on March 12, 2020; the day we celebrated my first daughter’s eighth birthday. That day, even with all the joy and balloons and cake, everything changed.

The genesis of my worry – the corona virus.

I’m a creature of habit. While I must, I don’t adapt well to change, and every fiber of my being told me that the inevitable was here.

First came the closure of school. Parents were in a quandary, trying to find caregivers for their children. My mother-in-law was right there, willing and ready. Then came the curfews. Oh, the curfews!  But I had my work ID that could get me through checkpoints.

But the worst was the lay-offs and pay-cuts. Pay-cuts! This affected everything. My husband and I both suffered. How were we going to ride this wave?

A few weeks ago, I was having my quiet time with God. I was reading a devotional about worry and a passage hit me, right between the eyes. It stated, “Our worry is an insult to God, and impedes our ability as trusting children of His”.

It hit me again. I was meeting with God daily, talking to Him several times during the day, and He was coming through for me like nobody’s business, like He did for Elijah. Yet, I was only pretending to trust Him. I was insulting Him by turning my worries over to Him, but just as quickly, I was taking them back.

And all that time, from March 12 until now, May 31, He was helping me and my entire family to ride the wave! Evidence of His provisions were everywhere. Remember my willing and ready mother-in-law?  I travelled easily with my work ID. Yes, that was God. Our salaries were cut, but we had meals every day. We could pay our bills (moratoriums were offered for some). We could return our tithes. Our family was healthy and corona virus-free. We have praying parents, helpful friends, and understanding children (our girls are working together as a team for the faith. Bless their hearts).

God’s mercy and grace never cease. His faithfulness is new every morning. 

And here I was – worrying.

These past few months have reopened my eyes, my understanding, my heart to God’s love and keeping care. I was redirected to Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV): “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink …  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” 

The month of May was the toughest, but it was also the faith-building, cast-your-care-upon-Him month – for He will sustain.

Fellow believers in Christ, I pray we fully trust in God. Remember where He has brought us from, and know that He is leading us to still waters, to restore our souls, to refine us.

Do not worry. It will get you nowhere. Well, to the doc’s office or six feet under. But that’s not where you want to go, right? So, why worry when you can pray? Why worry when we have an ever-faithful, ever-loving, trustworthy God?

Do not worry. Just trust.

He’s working for our good. He’s working for our good. These trials are all to make us strong. Though we don’t see how they could; though we may not understand; we can place it all in God’s hands; for we know He’s working all things, together for our good.

– Contributed by Shaunette Jones-Wright

God is AMAZING! Despite everything that is happening around us, it’s very important to give God thanks for life. In this Covid-19 pandemic it has been a very challenging time for everyone. Our challenges differ just as our faces do.  My challenges were very real, but God is almighty. He is my source of strength, peace, joy and everything good. For two and a half months (March to May 2020) in Jamaica; it was a time of fear, frustration and uncertainty. 

I worked from home, did several online courses, taught on Zoom and WebEx, homeschooled my twins and actively participated in church related activities and other outreach programmes. I published poems and an article about the importance of the creative industries, in the Sunday Gleaner. I also did poetry, children’s stories and poetry online. I did a more in that period than I ever would have imagined.  It was not easy. God is AMAZING! It has been an unusual and unforgettable experience.   I learnt a lot more about myself, my husband, children, parents, brothers and sisters. 

 It was a struggle to not hug my friends when I saw them because I love to hug. So, I hugged my family members even more, giving them the hugs that I would have given to my friends and colleagues as well.  I cooked and created fun and delicious vegan recipes, washed and cleaned much more.  I exercised, played with my twins, talked and listened to them more than ever. I took my vitamins and minerals and I ate more of a plant based diet.  I planted more fruits and vegetables in my garden and I ate more fruits and vegetables. I fasted and prayed more often with my family. All of this was made possible by God.

The only time we went out was to visit my parents, do outreach activities, go to my office to sort out some important matters and to go to the supermarket every two weeks. I didn’t waste any time. I used my time in the most productive ways, even though it was a very hectic time for me.  I truly enjoyed the time spent with my family and I stayed connected with my relatives and friends all around the world, church communities and professional networks. I tuned in every week online for church and sang and gave thanks to the Lord. I love Him so much for everything. God has kept me through all the challenges, so I can tell of His excellent greatness. He is my life-giver, sustainer, provider, healer, way-maker, protector, restorer, deliverer and my everything!  I love the Lord and I know that He loves me too. His love is beyond beautiful. He is a merciful and kind God; we need to just trust Him. I believe that He will work everything out for my family. 

My God is AWESOME, truly AMAZING!

Written by: Erika Heslop Martin