The global pandemic was a terrifying and confusing time for many people. Working in the Emergency Department at that time was overwhelmingly stressful and exhausting as healthcare workers made great attempts to prevent our patients from dying, help their frantic families remain informed, keep our own families safe, and simultaneously safeguard our personal health. At one point, I became very ill. I laid in bed for many days because my body was too weak to move. I felt waves of nausea wash over me each time I would try to force myself to eat something. I could taste nothing. I would experience dizzy spells as I attempted to get up out of bed. One morning, I turned to my side, and I began to experience vertigo. The room spun and I closed my eyes. Suddenly, thoughts of fear began to set in, and attached to it trailed another thought that death would soon come for me. I began to pray asking the Lord to help. Psalm 91 came to my mind. I called out to my son and asked him to grab his Bible and to read Psalm 91 out loud. Listening to those eternal words written by King David of love and protection filled my spirit, soul, and body. I was grateful for my son as I felt something lift from me. From that day forward, my strength began to return to my body and joy came back to my soul. “He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave.” ~Psalm 107:20

Abide in Perfect Love

“As the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” ~ John 15:9-10

To abide in the love of the Father means to dwell, to remain, to trust, and to wait on His Presence. In Him, we will find shelter, a secret place of rest, and peace that surpasses beyond all understanding. “Abide in My Love”, the Lord graciously whispers. The power of life and death is in the tongue. When the storms of life send howling winds of fear and release thundering whispers of death, then speak the Word of God! If you can’t do it yourself, ask someone you love to speak it out loud for you. When you abide in the Lord, Who is the Word, there you will find is a strong Fortress, a High-Tower, a Shelter where you can remain still, find peace, and hidden under the shadow of His protective wings. Deuteronomy 31:8 is a reminder to, “Not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Glory be to Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ.