Since March 18th 2020, a typical Coronavirus lock down consists of bans, curfews, and extreme restrictions on social interaction in public. While quarantines are designed by doctors, hospitals, and the government to contain the spread of infectious diseases, anyone who has endured a self induced isolation due to contracting Covid-19, you’ve probably felt alone at some point. Meanwhile, parents and grandparents across the country stayed inside as much as possible last Spring. Due to concerns, fears or a high risk candidate, most families have been separated; all in the name of flattening the curve.
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice, Isaiah 41:10.
As Christmas day approaches, I’m not dreaming of snow. Rather, I’m envisioning life without a mask. I want to go to the grocery store again without strangers scattering as far away from me as possible as I stroll up and down each aisle. While the anti-social may have enjoyed this year, I miss shaking hands, hugging a friend and being within six feet of person when you have a conversation. Peace and quiet is nice for a day or two, but I’m ready to be outgoing again like an enthusiastic college student eager to meet new people. I’m tired of being alone most of the day, hungry for permanent meaningful lasting relationships.
Who shall ever separate us from Christ’s love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? 36 Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things]impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:35-39.
Part of the release of her first album in 2015, Hollyn’s song Alone inspired today’s blog. The chorus contains a passionate request to not to be left alone. Tying in her faith with loneliness, Hollyn begs the Lord, “don’t leave me alone.” Depending upon where you will celebrate Christmas in 2020, anxieties tend to grow beneath the surface. Unless you have some sort of family to lift up your spirits, Christmas can be one of loneliness times of the year. Thus, I devote this blog to anyone who needs a helping hand, a friendly smile or encouraging word. Whenever depression starts to set in, cry out to the Lord in prayer “don’t leave me alone this Christmas.”
.by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 