Flattening the Curve on the Corona Conflict…
I decided last week to take my life back! It’s interesting when you are in a toxic relationship you are unaware until you are out and on the other side. On the other side is clarity. You can see how unhealthy boundaries and chronic little manipulations slowly seep into your spirit, cloud your view, and constrict your heart.
The Corona Conflict was invading my spirit and consuming my thoughts. It had become a relationship without boundaries!The virus itself is irrational and irregular in how it invades a body, and the truth is it can and will take a life. Social distancing has had its emotional impact. The debate over to mask or not to mask. The challenge over safely gathering large groups of children and college students as they return to school and prevent any major outbreaks as a result from community returning. The chronic bullying on social media if what you believe does not fall in line with another (the fact is people will believe what they want to believe). The inconsistency in media and journalism. The political landscape washing over everything as we approach elections. Conflict, conflict, conflict!
I caved! Began whipping up comfort food to ease the stress. Started binge watching Netflix to escape the negativity and engage in a life-giving developing story line. Put my fitness focus on hold, no other reason than lack of motivation. And then something clicked…as I was studying the letter from Paul to the Galatians I realized how important what we believe is to our life.
In order to flatten the curve on the Corona Conflict I had to begin owning what I believe again.
I believe every morning I’m given breath is a gift.
I believe every conflict is an opportunity to grow.
I believe the heart, mind, soul and strength all work together – in Christ.
I believe we can fixate on the way things were or “should be” or forge a new path.
I believe when something ends we can mourn that chapter or meet the new one with expectation and possibilities.
I believe good overcomes evil because Jesus overcame the world.
I believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ in my life and that’s where my security and strength comes from…
As my list began to develop my heart began to sing. Once I took back what I believe and cleansed the toxic narratives from my spirit an interesting thing happened. The fog of dissension lifted and hope began to filter in.
Peace washed over the pen and paper. Joy knocked on the door that I had allowed the Corona Conflict to close. Love won and I knew I was home again. Home to what I believe, home to a place where the voice of the wasting world was silenced so the still small voice of the Lord could speak once again. And I was reminded of the power of what we believe.
So if you’re disappointed in your conversations, overwhelmed by the discord on your social media feed, exhausted over the debates, weary over what 2020 has ushered in…start making your list.
What do you believe? Do you love the Lord your God with all that you are, and your neighbor as yourself? Do you walk humbly with your Lord and speak words of peace. Do you trust in the joy that comes from the Lord? Does your hope come from a broken world or a Savior who has overcome the world.
So here’s to flattening the curve on the Corona Conflict. What you believe has the power to move you beyond the conflict into life.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35