Stooping For Manna

Hey Girl,

I didn’t think you were going to come in and cause such a raucous. I mean sure, your sheer existence is defined as a corrupting influence; somewhat of a poison. How can you be so cunning, so conniving, so corruptible? I should have been real with myself. You maneuver your way so easily into someone’s life – unpredictable and maliciously incalculable – with the intent of breaking up a happy home. What’s up with you?

I remember not too long ago when I was returning from a conference out of town. I was looking forward to some time with my husband after a long week. We sat down to enjoy dinner together. We hadn’t been out in a while – life gets so busy – so it was a welcomed moment. And though you seemed distant in that moment, your presence was, well, present. You began to reveal yourself more and more, and your existence in our lives became overwhelming. I looked into my husband’s eyes – distraught and confused. He had no words. That is the worst place to be, looking to your soul mate for refuge and finding no relief.

I decided to “have a little talk with Jesus, and tell Him all about my troubles” (sing along with me; it’s OK, it’s a good down-home religion song). I asked, “Does she really have this much control over our lives?” Would He understand why I was feeling betrayed and confused? Would He provide a sanctuary for my feelings of angst? Would He assure me that things were going to be fine? Or would I succumb to the poison that infiltrated our lives. . .and feel even more disappointed? Alas, I am human; and though I leaned in and poured out my heart to Him, I felt more confused than ever.

Well, I’m calling you out Co’Rona. Despite your desire to wreak havoc, you forgot who you were working with. You may know a thing or two about the human race, considering that is where you like to host yourself. But we are a resilient people. There have been moments in history where the annihilation of humans seemed inevitable: the Holocaust, slavery – the list goes on. But perhaps you didn’t read the history books: there was no extinction. You’ve taken so many lives, but you have strengthened the alliance of the lives that remain. Sure, we must protect ourselves from you by avoiding close human contact. But we’ve improvised with the power of unity (you didn’t see that D-Nice Club Quarantine coming, did you?). Relief funds to help those in need have gone through the roof, despite the economic downturn.  There are more family strolls, more game nights, more virtual church services, more family meals. . .and that’s when it dawned on me. That anxiety I had when you debuted in China and I was traveling domestically; that shakiness I had when chatting with my husband about where you were going next and he had no answer (facts: no one did); that prayer to Jesus asking “why is this happening” – all dissipated. Suddenly it felt like The Avengers – Endgame. The universe is in ruins, and it will take all hands on deck to restore balance. But we have the Superhero of all superheroes to help – and along the way, help us reflect on the things that matter most. 

There was this singer from way, way back who dedicated a song to JC’s dad (yes, the Father himself), who said “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.” Indeed, this feels like the valley; and indeed, there has been death. But guess what? I shall fear no evil. 

Peace,

Paula

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