We are living in extreme circumstances. With the recent extension of our enhanced community quarantine to May 15th, we will be welcoming May in a way that will forever documented in history. This is the “new normal.” COVID19 has given us the opportunity to reassess what is important. Lockdown has taught us how to make the most of our time, not just with our families, but also in our work, and most especially in our faith. That being said, I thought it would be helpful if I shared 4 ways to cope with ECQ and COVID19.
Since the lockdown, our only option of attending worship, is through the live stream sessions that CCF offers through out different times of day on Sundays. We have attended worship (on more than one occasion) this way, and because we don’t have a yaya who is solely devoted to caring for Gelli, this is a wonderful alternative for us.
More than a few weeks ago, Pastor Peter Tanchi shared 4 tips to help cope with these uncertain times. He shared ways for us to be mindful. We have discussed these coping skills with our children on more than one occasion, and we find them extremely helpful. We also covered these pointers, in our small group, and because I found them so helpful, I would like to share them with all of you.
Nino and I are so grateful for this group. We have learned so much in our walk with Jesus through their experiences, and their sharing of their faith.
Here are 4 ways to cope with ECQ suggested by Pastor Peter, as we strengthen our faith in the time of COVID19:
Be Grateful
COVID19 has reminded all of us to count our blessings.
From something as simple as being able to breathe freely without a mask on, to something even as mundane as going to the grocery store when I please, nothing is to be taken for granted anymore. While I cannot speak for anyone else but myself, I can also share that even being able to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables to keep our immunity up, is something I appreciate and value more than ever.
I’m grateful for the health of my family. For the roof over our heads. For the food we have on the table, and the meals I am able to prepare with that food, quite easily. I am grateful for the sun, the cool breeze that enters through our window, and the frontliners who are keeping the city running smoothly. I am grateful for my sister and my parents, whose help and love have been paramount not just during quarantine, but in the past year.
Admittedly, it’s been a little rough on our family since 2016, but by God’s GRACE, we are still here, still coping with the challenges, and thanking Him every step of the way. SO much learning. SO many angels sent our way. So much support from people near and far, in both kindness and spirit…
Meditate on His Purpose
There are two ways to look at finding purpose in these times of COVID19.
In many of the Viber groups that I am part of, I am seeing that many of my friends and acquaintances are finding comfort in sharing good vibes and laughter, but it is also difficult if you do not discern and sift through what will be purposeful and helpful as we navigate these trying times.
I do believe that we should use this time that we are given to take a step back and assess.
What is our responsibility in this crisis to ourselves?
What is our responsibility in this crisis to others?
What is our responsibility in this crisis to our loved ones?
AND perhaps even more importantly:
What is God’s purpose in allowing the series of events to take place, exactly as they are?
I cannot answer these questions for you, but I have certainly pondered these thoughts for myself.
I have realized that in my busy-ness of making things happen for all the different projects that I am blessed with, I have had less time to take care of the house and the kids’ everyday activities. They have always had what they needed (Praise God!) but there are definitely times, where I have gotten the feeling like I forgot something that fell through the cracks and needed my attention.
So what has the Enhanced Community Quarantine given me?
I have so much more time to devote to my kids!
What if HIS purpose in allowing me to spend all this time in lockdown with my children and my husband was to also allow me to invest all this time in getting to know them again? What if this was exactly the reminder I needed to enjoy these conversations or teachable moments? What if the time I have asked my children to research verses on RESPECT and LOVE was also part of His grand plan? (I asked the boys to both research verse on these value recently because of a conversation that we had.)
I guess, what I mean to say, is that while I know the immediate purpose for us, is of course, to #StayHome so we can #FlattenTheCurve. But what if the benefits and purpose to this exercise, can also lend itself to a shift in perspective, or the idea that we need to refocus our sights on what is truly important?
Trust in God
Trust the process.
I have friends who have suffered great loss during this time.
I have Best Buddies who have lost parents and grandparents.
I have friends who have passed, due to complications while they were treating cancer.
I have a cousin who passed suddenly from a heart attack.
Having trust and faithfulness in God, to deal with such heart breaking losses is what I will continue to hold onto. It’s not easy by any means. Not for any one of us. Most especially by the families that all of these beautiful people have left behind.
I continue to pray for the families who have suffered great losses. I continue to pray for those who don’t have what they need during a time when non-essential work is suspended. I continue to pray that God will give His people the reassurance that He is there. Ever-present. Ever loving.
Be Kind and Respectful to Others
Even our Best Buddies Philippines Ambassador, Andie Cruz was able to share his snacks that he would have used for going to school with the frontliners his momma contacted. Once school was cancelled, he decided to donate his snacks right away.
Gosh. I have seen so many instances where I feel like our humanity is being saved.
I have seen ripples of kindness move through our society and give us the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. To thank our essential workers who commit to going to work in the grocery stores. To buy lunch for our essential delivery people who have made sure that we are getting goods, groceries, or products we order online.
This heartwarming story of a school teacher who shared Baliwag Lechon Manok with her Grab driver who is a single dad is still making headlines. To see the full post click here.
I have seen the fashion industry come together to provide PPE’s for hospitals in need.
I have seen foodies come together to feed frontliners.
By coming together, so many of the foodies I know are helping with snacks, meals, and more. Photo Credit: Frontline Feeders Facebook page.
I have seen mommas band together to make a difference through their social media presence.
Brand Buzz Helps has been coordinating their relief efforts through Clara Alegria. Mommy KOL’s have been donating their time, resources, and service to making a difference for frontliners and families that need it most.
I have seen entrepreneurs donate to make sure hygiene kits are available to those who need it.
To purchase Clean Care Sets for frontliners and for those in need, click here.
I have seen the GOOD come out of all these people who KNOW, innately, that we must help one another.
And it humbles me to know that so many of us are doing all we can to make a small difference in this world.
Because every little bit helps.
As we persevere and continue to care for one another (and ourselves) through these uncertain times, I hope that you find these four ways of coping, as helpful and reassuring as I did.
Looking forward to the other side of this quarantine. We will adjust to our new normal, together, by God’s Grace.
Such a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing this mommy Michelle. I feel grateful for my everyday life and this ECQ because it made me connect to people like you who blessed me with so much learnings,u spiritually & mentally. Also, with this ECQ I was able to use my skill to reach out and bless other.
The best part of this ECQ, I came to seek more of God and trust His faithfulness.
Thanks Marycor! I appreciate you stopping by to visit. Our experience is the same. So many gifts and opportunities to share! I too, have had more time to invest in His word and up my level of the understanding of His Love.