2 Tips to Faithful Coping in Quarantine
Apr 16, 2020
Dear Sisters in Christ,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the grace of our Lord. In these trying times of the Coronavirus, I find myself echoing the sentiments of many. The world seems to have gone awry, and it can indeed drive one to the brink of desperation. However, I believe that as Christian Women Warriors of Light, we have been uniquely equipped to navigate these tumultuous waters.
I don't know how much you know about my personal journey, but life has not been without its share of storms. I've raised four children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, which led to over a decade of living in survival mode, under the constant weight of chronic stress. Through this journey, I have learned a thing or two about managing stress.
The first tip I'd like to offer is rooted in our unwavering faith. When we find ourselves mired in chronic stress, we often reach a point where we feel utterly overwhelmed. It's during these moments that we must connect with our higher power.
As the King James Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:6, "Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." Daily connection with God through prayer, meditation, or the study of His Word is essential. By doing so, we tap into a strength greater than our own, ensuring we are not left to rely solely on our limited human capacity.
The second piece of wisdom I want to share with you is the importance of self-care and stress relief. Just like the Biblical admonition in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." We must honor and care for our bodies and spirits.
In these trying times, it's crucial to take time for yourself, engaging in activities that relieve stress and rejuvenate your soul. This may include exercise, journaling, taking a much-needed nap, reading the scriptures, or immersing yourself in creative pursuits.
I recently experienced the restless, anxious feelings that have swept over us all. My husband and I went for a walk, and as I poured out my concerns to him, I found solace. Through that walk, I combined physical exercise and the opportunity to vent to someone I trust.
Also, as I turned to prayer, I sought God's guidance to help me through this challenging period. In answer to my prayers, He offered not only solace but also ideas that could benefit both me and my children.
My dear sisters, my invitation to you is simple but profound: connect with God daily, even in the smallest of ways, and find a stress reliever that resonates with your soul. Integrate these practices into your daily routine, and I promise you will find strength to persevere through this Coronavirus crisis. As we hold on to our unwavering faith, remember that we are not alone in this journey. The Lord, as stated in Psalm 46:1 (KJV), is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Let us continue to walk in the Light, my friends, and hold fast to our faith. The Lord is our ever-present hope and guide.
In His Love and Grace,
Tamara K Anderson
