Hi friends! I can't believe I haven't posted in so long, wow! I started out 2020 hopeful & busy with work and everyday life, but didn't quite expect for this year to take the turn that it has. I heard mentions about the COVID-19 here and there towards the beginning of the year, but I never thought that it would end up affecting and upturning our everyday lives so quickly like it has.
Never in a million years did I expect to become jobless, and neither did the 6.6 million other Americans who have filed for unemployment. While I know everyone is experiencing different financial situations, we are all enduring the same hardship as a country. It's scary. Many, including myself, are looking towards the government for relief, but the process of seeking that relief is frustrating, difficult, and discouraging. I can tell you one thing, I've never gone through something like this and it's scary to experience the pressure of meeting financial responsibilities on your own, without the security of employment.
While it's unfortunate I can't wake up everyday and go to work like I'm used to, I also would never dream of risking the health of not only myself, but my loved ones. ALL OF US are doing the right thing by staying home and social distancing. Contributing to flattening the curve is something we should all want to do as a country, and I won't lie, it's disappointing to see how many people are disregarding the government's mandated regulations of social distancing. This national pandemic has allowed me to learn A LOT about other's characters. It's disappointing how many people I see on Instagram and Snapchat continuing to still have huge house parties, gather with WAY too many people, hug up on their friends, etc. How many times have you ever seen our country literally SHUT DOWN? How many times have you seen retailers and restaurants close down for months? You're bored, you have nothing to do, I get that; we all do. But these strict mandates wouldn't be put into effect if this virus wasn't serious and life-threatening to our entire country.
Almost 23,000 Americans have died already from this virus. That number speaks for itself. Is it worth risking your life and the people you care about's lives to go day drinking with your friends? You literally have ONE JOB right now; and that is to stay home. Social distance. Stay 6 feet away from one another. Stop gathering with ten or more people (this includes FAMILY!) Do your part and flatten the curve. I understand most of us thrive on socialization, but now is not the time to go about our normal, every-day lives. The longer we do not do what we are supposed to do, the longer we have to live like this. Americans are struggling to stay afloat right now, and it's honestly alarming to me how many people are ignoring the fact we are experiencing a national pandemic that is devastating millions of households across the nation. No house party or cookout is worth someone's LIFE.
The only thing that is getting me through this situation is HOPE. While Easter Sunday this year was celebrated much differently than we are used to, I listened to a sermon that was extremely inspiring to hear during this discouraging situation. No matter how down and low you may feel right now, it is important not to lose sight in the plan God has for you. Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" He is in control. Our God chose US over himself, and HE will continue to guide us. No matter how down we may be right now, it is important to always choose faith. We are NOT defined by a pandemic, and there is blessing on the other side. You have two choices, bitterness or freedom. But deciding to put your trust in HIM is what will get you through. The enemy will always want to blind you, but God will guide you. It may feel like our everyday lives are cancelled right now, but remember that HOPE IS NOT.
This isn't my typical blog post, but if hope these words can help someone who is feeling defeated and down right now, then that's all I can ask. They helped me, and I hope they can help someone else who is feeling discouraged.
Stay safe, stay home, wash your hands, social distance, and most importantly, PRAY.
