Be a ‘Helper’ in Jesus' Name

Like most of you, the last several days have been a whirlwind of information. I have gone from reading articles to educate myself on the Coronavirus issues, to the realization, “Oh wow, okay, this is a real issue for my Country, my County, my home.” I am not much of a gloom and doom thinker. I am, however, a planner. I do spend much of my free time in thought, pondering things and situations. I love to write lists and be prepared. With 5 children still at home to care for, the last thing I want is to be unprepared.

Several weeks ago, I read an article about the known affects COVID-19 has on children. The information in that particular article was hopeful and encouraging for our younger population based on those that had already contracted the virus. They can be carriers but the actual symptoms for them thus far have been generally mild. The writer of the article highlighted the concern for those with compromised immune systems, young and old. As a mom of a little guy with a weak immune system, and a history of breathing issues that have led to pneumonia, I took notice and made a list, just in case. I did get online to find disinfectant wipes for my van, shopping carts and toys. I bought a four pack of hospital strength antibacterial hand soap and some food surface safe kitchen cleaner spray. I didn’t think to buy extra toilet paper because I already get a big pack delivered monthly. Which on a side note, has been canceled by Target! But with each additional article I read, I started to think, we should be prepared as a family and community in case this virus or any other emergency should befall us. Immediately I thought of those that would need help, the elderly, others with compromised immune systems, single parents, those without family support, and those on limited incomes.

This morning as I prayed I asked God to show me His will for me in this situation. How can I be a blessing to others and keep my children safe? Could He show me those that need help or encouragement? In all situations I want to represent Him well. I don’t, but I want too.

I started to think of reasons why I can’t help. And even reasons why I shouldn’t help. I do this at times. I talk myself out of serving others. I do what I refer to as self-preserve or put myself first. I don’t think it is Christ like but I do it. Sometimes I talk myself into believing it is completely justified and wise. And in this case, it isn’t all that hard to do. This is a highly contagious virus. It might be very dangerous for my son. It has been strongly advised that we as a community voluntarily self-quarantine, stay home, and prevent the spread of this virus. My children’s schools have been closed until further notice. This is serious. I asked myself again, how can I help from home with 5 children?

I once watched a short YouTube video, “Look For The Helpers,” that Fred Rogers filmed after 9/11. He calmly spoke these words, “To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers ― so many caring people in this world. Look off to the side and you will see the ‘helpers’ quietly helping others.” I love that. Yes, it is true. There are caring people that are willing to help even at low and/or high risk to themselves. I thought of doctors and nurses, police officers and firefighters, teachers and child care providers. Yes, they get paid and it is their regular jobs but in times of crisis they don’t HAVE to do it. They choose to. As Peter says, “No one has a gun to their heads making them.” I am so thankful to the everyday ‘helpers.’

I don’t like risk. I am definitely not a risk taker. I generally don’t trust people. I am usually suspicious. But I can honestly say, I trust God. I mean that. This morning I began reading my Bible in search of guidance. This is just a little bit of the treasures I found:

“Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” (Deuteronomy‬ ‭15:10-11‬)

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts‬ ‭20:35)

And this:

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians‬ ‭2:4-8‬)

That is the God I trust.

The County called this past weekend, on a Saturday which is very unusual, asking if during this crisis, would I be willing to watch one or two foster children during the day. Having schools and daycares closed is going to make it very difficult for working foster parents. Some will not be able to foster without child care. Where will all of these children go in addition to the children just coming into care on a daily basis? Finding stay at home foster parents willing to take in extra kids during this time will be very difficult. My first thought was, “you should ask someone else.” But then my second thought was, “I bet she is!” She will probably spend her day calling every available foster parent in their database. This is an emergency or else they would not even be asking. I am not a nurse or a doctor, a police officer or a firefighter, but I wondered for a moment if they too ever think, “you should call someone else,” out of fear or self-preservation?

I want to do my part. I want to be a ‘helper.’ Most importantly, I want to represent Christ well.

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew‬ ‭25:34-40‬)

It does say, “hungred, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick.” I think God’s words mean exactly what it looks like they mean. So, I need to trust Him and obey. Give even if it cost me. Do unto others, especially when it cost me! Not out of my extra, but out of my all. It is really all His anyways. Help when I am uncertain. That’s when He gets the glory. Look for those in need. Pray without ceasing. Daily be in His word for guidance. It can be done quietly, and safely, off to the side like Mr. Rogers said, one person at a time. Be a ‘helper,’ in Jesus name.

I try not to panic. When I start to feel that uneasy feeling of fear sneak in, I pray and recite truth from God’s word:

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah‬ ‭43:1-2‬)

I want to encourage you to read all of Isaiah 43 when you feel weak or scared. God is talking to Israel is that chapter but He is the same God today! He will get us through this trial too.

Look for the good. Sing His praises even in the valley. Yesterday a wonderful couple from our church quickly and quietly dropped off a meal at my house. My heart was so full. In the midst of this crisis, when interactions with others can put you at risk, they made my family of 9 a meal!! I sat on the couch covered with a blanket, recovering from surgery, and watched my family at the table, talking, laughing, and enjoying that delicious meal together. I truly believe acts of love, and the effects of doing good unto others, is more contagious than this virus. Of course, I recommend being safe. Wash your hands often, limit interactions, keep all surfaces in your vehicle and home clean, don’t touch your face, and for those of you, like me, that have the terrible habit of biting your nails, stop! Honestly, I am struggling with that. It is probably a bad habit I started 40 years ago. COVID-19 might just break it! But still look for ways to serve others and show love. I believe in blessings from God. Sometimes they come in mysterious, unexpected ways. I keep giving away my toilet paper and paper products and He keeps replenishing it!!!

I can’t encourage us enough to enjoy this time together. Spend time as a family in prayer. Use this as an opportunity to teach our children. Play board games. Do a puzzle. Take a walk. For this too shall pass. I don’t ever remember a time when my whole family was home for more than a long weekend. Well, now my older children and my younger children are home together until further notice. And I plan to enjoy every moment allowed to me. As we go out to deliver treats, toys, games, disinfectant spray and a few paper towels, I hold on to the words of my Lord, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John‬ ‭16:33‬)

Jill