It is six months since my 96-year-old mother and I went into self-imposed quarantine. I do not go out into public except for groceries, once to the post office to mail my taxes, and a couple times to the bank.
This month we learned about two cases of Covid-19 within our community – the first since this nightmare began. After all the sacrifice to shelter in place, the news that our community wall has been breached brought great fear.
I live in a small active adult community of about 1000 homes, populated primarily by 55+ snowbirds. During the summer months from May to October about two-thirds leave for their residences from New Jersey to Washington and to Canada. This is always the case for a seasonal community.
For people who live here year-round like I do, the summer months are intense due to the high temperatures, but special because the smaller community enjoys closer ties. But, not this summer.
Not since Covid-19.
All activities have been cancelled. The facilities are closed. Residents rarely see each other unless one rises at 4 a.m. to walk or plays tennis before the heat soars. My only form of exercise is water aerobics in the pool. I am very thankful the pool is available. I use it every day. This is the only time I see or talk to people — on my side of the pool.
And temperatures have been extreme this summer. It is predicted that within the next few days we will reach a record 50 days of temps over 110. I have acclimated to “triple digits” but anything over 110 is unbearable.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, east of my residence, two wild fires coalesced and evacuations are beginning. The air is ashy, adding to our already dangerous air quality from California’s and Colorado’s raging fires that swirl into Arizona on the wind.
All of this builds upon six months of painful isolation.
Six months of seeing the Covid-19 infections rise and rise, the death toll rise and rise. Watching the politicization of health advice that pits people against each other. A lack of political will to suppress the spread of this deadly virus.
Now my virus-free community has been breached.
What do we do when all around us are terrifying reminders of our vulnerability? How does a Christ follower respond to so many threats?
I look to the Word of God and have faith.
2 Timothy 1:7: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
And Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
All of Psalm 91 (please read it), but especially verses 5, 6, 7 and 10
“You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday . . .
. . . no harm will overtake you, No disaster will come near your tent.”
I pray that when you meditate on these verses you will find comfort in the midst of the most challenging time of our lives. We can trust the Lord God and He will guide our path in these turbulant times.
Be safe. Be well. Keep the faith.