No, we’re not.
But maybe that’s how it feels. When we’re confronted with big numbers, when the message isn’t clear, when an invisible boogeyman lurks around every corner, it’s easy to default to helpless.
Helpless happens when we feel like we’ve lost control. Of course, what we really lose is the illusion that we were ever in control in the first place. Helpless is a powerful lie that breeds fear and a false scarcity mentality. So we rush to Costco to fight over a two-year supply of toilet paper.
Of course we should be smart. Listening to the experts seems like a good idea. Let’s be grateful for the ability to purchase a little extra food to have on hand. Let’s be wise about travel, and about attending large gatherings.
Helpless means there’s nothing we can do, but we can always love our neighbors. Some ideas:
- Check in on an elderly or disabled neighbor. Offer to run some errands.
- If you know a family, especially a single parent, with kids out of school, ask how you can lighten the load a bit.
- Buy some extra food for the food bank. Remember that many of our neighbors can’t plan for the next two weeks because they’re looking for their next meal.
We’re not helpless. None of us can do it all, but we can all do something.
I guess I’m in the at-risk group – late 60’s, diminished mobility and breathing capacity. I’m doing my best to be prudent, but I refuse to live in fear.
In the midst of the chaos, I’m still thinking about our 22 kids. We ride bikes to support them. We don’t do it because it’s fun (it is) or because we’re surrounded by a great community (we are). We do it because those children don’t have the luxury of taking a break. They can’t make a quick Target run.
The HOME OF HOPE can’t stop providing food, shelter, education, and care. These kids still need protection and hope. So we’ll move forward with plans for FREEDOM TOUR 2020.
Maybe that’s nuts, but usually that’s how it looks when you follow a God-sized dream. You take a step in faith and trust that He’ll show you the next steps when you get there. So perhaps this summer’s tour will look different, and perhaps everything will be back to “normal.”
Either way, we’re going to cycle to bring hope and freedom to these kids. If you haven’t registered yet, this is a great time to click the button and join us.
And if you’re already signed up, how about inviting a friend or two? It’s a great time to spread something positive.
And please…don’t get carried away at Costco. And wash your hands.