Well, for pretty much everyone at this point, we are in lockdown. Only able to head out into the world for our essential needs; which means our everyday routines look slightly different. I’m sure many of you have learned that without some sort of schedule in your day, you can get sucked into the endless cycle of entertainment. For some, the boredom has begun to set in, working from home has become difficult to figure out with families, layoffs may have you in a state of fear about tomorrow and the coming weeks, and maybe the battle against this virus is beginning to have you lose hope.

Don’t lose faith.

I’ve seen different people in each of these different stages, and while this may be a fantastic time to reset and slowdown, for others, this is a battle they are desperately fighting in. What I’ve realized is that each of us are navigating different storms, but we expect everyone else to be in the same boat. We need to understand that what I may be going through is different than someone else; this concept is called empathy.

My dear Danielle and I have been incredibly blessed. Despite not being able to be near family during this lockdown, God has provided much for us. We have plenty of food (though toilet paper is getting dangerously low) and we have jobs where we are still being paid for the time being. While at the same time, I know that others have not been as lucky. Now the concept of empathy is not that you who are blessed feel guilty, but that you put yourself in another’s shoes and help as much as you can. This is what I love most about the church, the church meaning people who follow Christ, we are called to reach out and help others.

We are called a body for a reason, we need to work together to show great love.

There is a piece of scripture that beautifully captures the attitude we as Christ followers need to have. Hebrews 13:1-3 says:

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

I share this not to condemn actions I’ve seen, but to actually encourage what has already started. I love seeing people coming together to provide food and meals. I have loved seeing people adhere to these lockdowns and distancing. Humans adapt, it’s what we’ve done for centuries, and when we come together we are unstoppable. As the body of Christ, we need to continue to lead this charge, we need to be leaders. We need to be the leaders in our communities, setting the example for doing what’s right.

Remember that all of us have been made in the image of God, and that means we are all worthy of love, no matter what storm we are in.

I’m not sure what storm you may be navigating right now. Maybe this season is a blessing, or maybe this is one of the more difficult times you have been through. In any case, cling to Jesus, he’s the one who will calm the storms and bring you to dry land once again. Continue to be safe during this time; stay home for your immunocompromised friends, support non-profits if you can, lend a safe hand if possible. We will make it through this together.

Have hope in Christ and be the body.

-Joshua Thomas

About the Author: Joshua Thomas is a writer by day and superhero by night. When he’s not writing and crimefighting, you can find him reading a good book, sipping warm tea, taking pictures, or dreaming. The young writer doesn’t fully know what he’s doing, but is enjoying the journey of it all. You can tweet memes at him on Twitter @joshua_thomas__ or follow his hipster photos and Jack Kerouac musings on Instagram @joshua_thomas__