In the face of all this uncertainty (the Coronavirus) and our desire for instant news, I am doing the subversive.
I get it. You want to do what’s best for you and your family. You are worried for those close to you, for their health and life. And you are worried about whether every stranger you meet is carrying the virus or not.
What causes anxiety
You want to know what’s going on; you crave it even.
GET YOUR FAMILY'S FAITH LIFE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Want to get consistent sharing Jesus with your family and know it's making a difference? This 6 Faith Habits to Consistency checklist will give you quick ideas to steadily point your family to Jesus' amazing love.
And so you check news sites compulsively for any news or updates.
You scroll social media to see if someone has a scoop, to see how others are coping, and perhaps to find a funny meme that relieves your fears for a second.
I get it. I’m right there with you.
But, I know at a deep level it’s not helping me to be worried and panicked. I know that the Living God is a Loving God and is not the cause of evil.
He holds all things together and he works for the good of those who love him.
Furthermore, I know the checking of news and scrolling is causing me to be snappy and fearful, 2 things I don’t want to be.
So right now, I’m doing the subversive.
I’m putting down my phone and picking up a book.
Why is reading a book subversive?
First, reading a book is subversive because it gets you outside of yourself. It allows you to say, “enough!” to the fears and worries.
You enter another world and travel through the characters’ lives and emotions. You are distracted in a good way from the troubles of today.
Further, in reading a book, you learn. You are enriched and entertained. And you forget about time. You forget about the pandemic and fear going on around you.
Even if only for a brief time.
Moreover, it nourishes your soul and can feed you spiritually (if the book is chosen well, even just a great work of fiction).
Most importantly, by saying you won’t buy in to all the frenzy and the anxiety it produces, you are doing the subversive.
Do you have a book you are reading or have been meaning to read? Get it out and start it today.
What are you doing to find relief from the fears and worries of today? I’d love to hear (and get more ideas!)
For other posts addressing fear during this pandemic, check out:
- Where Do You Turn When Life and Faith Collide?
- Where is God in our suffering?
- What I Do at Night When My Mind is Racing
- A simple way God gives us to get peace in our lives
- Strength for life’s trials
GET YOUR FAMILY'S FAITH LIFE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Want to get consistent sharing Jesus with your family and know it's making a difference? This 6 Faith Habits to Consistency checklist will give you quick ideas to steadily point your family to Jesus' amazing love.
GET YOUR FAMILY'S FAITH LIFE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Keeley, thanks for such a great post. My kryptonite is watching the stock market…brutal! But this year I took on the challenge of reading through the Bible as well as the Catholic Catechism in one year. I’m also following the BCP plan and reading through the Psalms once a month. It’s challenging and a lot of reading every day, which is a good thing. It’s helping me keep my focus on the LORD who is our provider and sustainer. As I read throughout the day, I’m reminded of God’s care and love for us. Good things to always focus on, but even more so during these uncertain and scary times.
Thank you so much for sharing David. Sounds like a great way to calm your mind and stay connected with what really matters in this life. We need breaks from the day-to-day grind and uncertainty of this world. Reading scripture, the BCP, and catechism are wonderful tools.