::Blows the dust off the keyboard::
My people.
I know, I know it has been a really long time. It’s actually the first time I’m coming to you all in 2020. So before we get into anything, how are you? How is your heart and the goals you’ve set for yourself this year?
I am doing really well. My spirit is full, my heart is happy, and I’ve never worked harder for the life I deserve than I am in this moment.
It’s actually part of the reason why I’ve been laying low. Not everything we do requires a step by step breakdown or an audience.
But I’m back and seeing as how we’ll likely be inside for a while, I’ll be bringing consistent content back to your inbox.
So if you don’t have a fever and a dry cough, come sit on my couch and lets chat.
The Coronavirus
Listen.
Of all the foolywang 2020 has decided to bring us, The Rona takes it all. But in addition to bringing us classic bops from the creative genius DJ iMarkkeyz’s and confirmation that black people continue to win the internet, the Coronavirus has also brought with it an unprecedented time of fear and uncertainty.
And I’m not here to spread fear or speculate or even give you a list of songs you can use to wash your hands to (when really, we could just count to 20). But I am here to share on my heart something I’ve been seeing a lot:
A misinterpretation of grace and consequence. So, my believer friends, give me a few minutes of your time, if you will, and let’s talk about a few things.
Grace and Consequence
I keep seeing Psalm 91 floating around the internet. It is a beautiful piece of scripture that gives us a number of ways that the Lord is faithful to protect those who love him. The verse people are quoting most frequently right now is verse three below:
For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
Psalms 91:3 NLT
God is so faithful and I love this piece of scripture. It is a beautiful reassurance when we feel the dangers and pressures of life threatening to close in. It is what I see after the verse that confuses me. Instastories of people continuing to go about their lives in busy restaurants, clubs, and social gatherings.
I believe God is faithful to do what scripture says. I’m just wondering why we are risking it all and expecting God to start vetoing our free will.
And that’s when I realized, we’re not clear about the roles grace and consequence play in our lives and this goes beyond our current pandemic.
God is faithful and is always willing to help those who love him. I can’t count the number of times his grace–unmerited favor–came into my life when I didn’t deserve it.
But that doesn’t mean He’s always spared me from the consequences of my actions.
Sometimes, his grace manifested itself in me being able to navigate my way through the consequences of my actions.
A screenshot of Psalm 91:3 isn’t going to save us from being the transmitter of a deadly virus if we’re still making choices to indulge in bottomless mimosas at the largest brunch day party in town.
And if you’ve been around here for any amount of time, you know what I’m saying is wrapped in so much love even if you can’t see it because you’re side eye is keeping you from finding the love in my words.
What if the way He’s trying to save us is through access to knowledge, and not a magic wand wrapped in a Clorox wipe.
Knowledge and Fear
People have been reading about COVID-19 and immediately responding with, “But God has not given us a spirit of fear!”
God doesn’t want you to be afraid of the facts about this virus or anything else. What He does want is for us to be aware and to make good decisions with the information we have.
Those of us who are home right now aren’t home because we’re scared. We’re home because we are informed.
Jessica Yellin is one of my go-to sources for news right now. She is a former CNN Chief White House Correspondent and has been giving clear, fact based, credible information during this time.
People are absolutely right. God didn’t give us a spirit of fear. He gave us instead, a sound mind. One that has the ability to go out and find the information we need to stay safe and to make sure others stay safe too.
Whatever you did for the least…
So as we dive into scripture during this time (as we absolutely should), let’s not forget about a different scripture, Matthew 25:37-40
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
Matthew 25:37-40
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a] you were doing it to me!’
Being a believer isn’t about being able to justify our actions with scripture. Being a believer is about knowing that our actions have consequences for those around us and choosing a course of action that benefits others.
I am grateful for a strong immune system and to be young and healthy enough to probably experience minor flu like symptoms if by chance, I catch this virus.
And I will happily stay inside if it means being able to help someone else who might have a reality different from mine.
I know God will grace us through these trying times.
I know we have not been given a spirit of fear.
And I also know that we have the opportunity to extend grace and not consequence to others.
There’s magic in our musings and our collective power,
Nicole
I’m late getting to this one, but had to tell you how timely it is. I am a member of a small church that still has its doors open for Sunday service. I’ve been conflicted because the saints (who are still hugging and in one another’s faces -yes, even now–in the name of faith) are judging me when they come in for a hug but get a fist bump and the back-up look. Your article really put words to the inner conflict I’m feeling. If a hungry lion was in the sanctuary, would we do the unnecessary action of pulling its tail and trust God that no one would get bit? Thank you for your persepective!
You are more than welcome! The Lord will always see us through difficult things, but some things we can absolutely avoid. Keep doing you, girl and stay safe!