“...Perfect love drives out fear...” 1 John 4:18

written by Sister Shawna Lea Osborn, SH, RN, FCN

In this time of fear, doubt, and pain, I want to encourage each and everyone of you to believe in miracles - to hold on to hope and love. As I prayed this morning, God made something very clear. Life is scary right now. There are unknowns and pain (physical, mental, and spiritual) is at an all time high. People are making decisions from this place of fear and pain. We are seeing leaders make decisions, some we agree with, some we don’t. We see already spread thin first responders and healthcare workers being asked to do the impossible, including put their own life at risk. Families waiting in agony in parking lots to find out the outcomes of their loved ones. Those who are dieing may do so in a room alone without the comfort of a hand to hold. What do we say in times like this?

First, you are not alone! Allow Jesus to take this weight off your shoulders. Psalm 121:1-2 says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Second, rely on God’s love and grace - run into the sheltering arms of Jesus. Psalm 18:12 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”

Third, take a moment and breathe before you react. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.”

Forth, remember that everyone you encounter - be it some who are easy to like or not - is loved by God. Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, “I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus, I must feed Him. This is sick Jesus. This one has leprosy or gangrene; I must wash Him and tend to Him.” 1 John 4:20-21 says, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

Fifth, have hope. Job 5:8-9 says, “As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number.”

Sixth, God doesn’t promise hardships won’t come, but He does promise He will walk this road with us. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Lastly, when pressed with impossible, tackle it from a place of love. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

To purchase the image of Jesus and Child from Greg Olsen, please visit https://www.gregolsen.com/gallery/take-my-hand