Words of Hope

March 23, 2020

by Rosella Shishido, Director of Communications

I was intrigued by the term “COVID-19” the first time I read it. I love words, you see, especially ones that are new to me. “Coronavirus Disease 2019,” or “COVID-19” for short. It sounded covert, dark, and mysterious, like a codename for classified information. 

But COVID-19 is far from classified. The whole world knows about it, and to most, it’s synonymous to doom and gloom. And so as a way of sharing encouragement with you today, I thought of making it an acronym of positive words instead that can help keep our eyes on Jesus. Below are my ideas on what “COVID-19” could also stand for:

CONNECT: Even with social distancing becoming the new norm, we can still connect with others through technology. God created us for community (yup, even introverts like me!) to spur each other on and live life together. How about checking up on friends and family to find out how they’re doing during this crisis? Touching base with them will help them feel they’re not alone. 

OVERCOME: It’s natural to feel fear and anxiety knowing that the virus is on the move. But let’s not linger there too long lest it paralyzes our faith in Jesus. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise––in God I trust and am not afraid.” (Psalm 56:3-4a)

VALUE: Instead of seeing “shelter in place” as being stuck at home, how about looking at it as a precious gift of time? Let’s value the extra time we have and use it wisely. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12)

INSPIRE: Lead the way in not letting fear or worry dictate our actions. Let’s be examples of what it looks like to trust in God and be responsible individuals.

DEFEND: Let’s stand our guard and continue our defense against the virus! Wash hands well and often. Avoid public places. Quarantine ourselves when we’re sick. Diligently pray for protection, for healing, for the speedy discovery of a vaccine, and for the end of the pandemic.

19: It turns out that the 19th book in the Bible is the book of Psalms! How many times has this book lifted our spirits when we needed it the most! 

Prayer: “Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to You for refuge. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.’ I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” (Psalm 16: 1-2, 7-8)