10 Ways to Be Good to Yourself and Others in this COVID Crazy World—Psalms #2

Like Sully the big blue monster from Jett’s favorite animated movie—Monsters Inc, I set a new scare-record. I’ve gone three whole weeks with no make-up. Eek! As a Texas-bred gal, I was raised in the culture of— you don’t parade out that door without make-up applied, hair curled and dressed to impress.

I’ve now blown that manta to the moon in all three areas. My hair—though washed sometimes, hasn’t seen a flat iron in weeks and I’m notably unimpressive in my “daily attire” of baggy t-shirts and pajama pants. Raggedy fingernails included.

Of course, I’ve gone nowhere and seen no one, except for a drive-thru window or five and said hi from a distance to the four souls still working at the church office. Hope, my fresh face didn’t scare anyone, because truthfully, I forgot I was make-up-free and probably would have smeared on a bit if I had remembered. But it didn’t even register which shows how discombobulated I really am! 

And I’m not the only one turned topsy-turvy. It’s the 21st century for Pete’s sake—yet our world has been brought to its knees by a modern-day plague. Our great country—shut down tighter than a door with three locks. Halted by something so tiny it can’t be seen with the naked eye. And we humans scrambling and trying to control outcomes, failing and falling into the chasm of fear. 

We the invincible. 

Without answers.

Suddenly humbled and vulnerable.

And I sit in my car waiting for my groceries, watching shoppers sporting masks and gloves enter and leave, like actors in a horror movie. I want to halt the shuffle of the stooped old man, take him by the arm, lead him back to his car, and tell him to sit tight while I do his shopping. 

But I feel sad instead as I sing silly songs with our preschool grandson and remain safely ensconced for his sake. I wonder, does the aged man have no one who cares? Who tells him it’s crazy at his age to enter the fray in Walmart? With no protection and COVID cases escalating in our county?

And before I know it, I can develop holes of fear between my carefully stitched seams.

As our spirits droop and the weeks of same-ness wear away our sane-ness, and the novelty of unpainted faces and daily lounge clothes wanes—Here are 10 ways to be good to yourself and others:

1. Begin your day with a handful of Psalms—Instead of media obsessing.

2. Write a daily prayer in a journal— Instead of worrying.

3. Breathe deeply for 3-5 minutes—Instead of giving in to anxiety.

4. Practice kindness—Love on your family.

5. Do for others—Volunteer to pick up their groceries when you pick up your own. Write a letter.

6. Banish loneliness—Drive by and make a visit. You stay in the car–they come to the yard or you go to their window.

7. Connect—Call a friend, call an older person. Face time or Zoom call everyone when possible.

8. Don’t just veg out on Netflix, play a board game, do a long-forgotten project, do a puzzle.

9. Be active–Walk with friends 6 feet apart.

10. NEVER FORGET—We worship a mighty God who gives us peace.

…The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. 

The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf; He makes Mt Hermon leap like a long wild ox.

The voice of the Lord strikes with bolts of lightning. The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. 

In his Temple, everyone shouts “Glory?”

The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever.

The Lord gives his people strength. 

The Lord blesses them with peace.

Psalm 29:3-11 

Show your fresh face to God and give him your fears. He can handle them. He can mend you.

Our God will not forget us and walks with us even in this. 

So stay positive my friend, you are beloved of God.