We have been hardly beaten by this pandemic that still causing chaos worldwide. All sectors are affected and recovery is still an outcry to many. We are left with uncertainties and worries. People struggle to live the life of the so called “new normal” in our society. Indeed, this is the worst circumstance I have yet to experience in my 38 years of existence.
Being jobless when the virus started to infiltrate our country, I was greatly distressed and fearful. When the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) was implemented, my stress level was at its peak. I couldn’t eat well and couldn’t sleep as well. I was anxious, even frightened of what will going to happen to my family with all of what is happening all over the world. I was afraid that my family will really starve to death since we do not have the means to earn. My hubby’s source of income was also temporarily suspended as public transportation were halted. We do not have savings or emergency fund to rely on. We totally have nothing to support our needs during this time. I was overwhelmed to think of all our financial obligations and where to find the resources to cover those. I was in despair. I would sometimes cry quietly at night thinking of what tomorrow may bring.
In this quiet moment, I would also pray to God and ask for enlightenment. Even though my heart is heavy, I did not stop asking Him for provision, safekeeping and good health. I pour out every worries I have in Him. I give thanks for His blessings in our lives. I sing praises to Him. I worshipped the Lord in the midst of my adversity. And this really helped me a great deaĺ in overcoming my hopelessness and restlessness. In His words, I find hope and peace. I just cling to His promises that He has a purpose why things has to happen and that He has good plans for us. He is mighty and just, a very present help in our trouble. And He will never leave us nor forsake us as we continue to believe and have faith in Him.
This crisis taught me a lot. We shouldn’t put our security in temporal things such as jobs, career, business, possessions etc. rather for things that will have eternal value.
During the lockdown, we spend more time at home and with our loved ones. We had a lot of time to contemplate on what is going on with our lives. Plans changes. Perspective changes. Circumstances dramatically changes. All this changes really make our world upside down. We need to cope with all these changes. We need to survive in this ever growing world of uncertainties. And we need to hold tight to the hope that this too shall pass. Everything will eventually and gradually go back to normal. Coping is our basic response to situations that is beyond our control. It may be difficult for some and easy for others, yet we must do our best to conform with the new norm or else we will be left behind. No matter how hard the situation we are in right now, one thing that will push us to try harder is to survive in this pandemic. We will all become warriors in life.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” -Charles Darwin
