“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” Isaiah 43:2 New International Version (NIV)
I know that all of our readers don’t subscribe to the creeds of The Bible…..but, I reference the good book from time to time! Let me explain the essence of the scripture above. Basically, it’s saying that when rough and difficult times arrive they will not drown you. Your boat will rise with the tide. I can honestly say that in this time of COVID-19, when it seems as though all should be lost, there are individuals, families, businesses, experiencing the essence of Isaiah 43:2. There are people finding great opportunities and blessings in this time of quarantine. For example, I personally know four (4) people who have settled on homes, others who are first time home buyers, for others who are in real estate, they have purchased there second and third properties – some buying their first commercial properties in this time of quarantine. Let’s not forget those who have been issued stimulus checks to help sustain them through this difficult time. There are nonprofit organizations whose donations have increased by 37% and some churches online viewerships have increased by 3x times the amount. Derrick Jones, better known by his stage name D-Nice, is an American disc jockey whose followers increased to over 2million on Instagram because of his quarantine house parties. Social media influencer, Tabitha Brown, signed with CAA (Creative Artists Agency), one of the top entertainment agencies in the world after one of her quarantine videos went viral. There is a school in DC that raised over $20k for families that need food and essentials in this covid-19 time. There are people finally getting rest from high – demanding jobs. We have kids seeing parents that they normally wouldn’t see due to high duration travel schedules for work. You even have married couples re-discovering one another through quality time spent. As you can see, there are STILL recognized opportunities flowing in this quarantine time. For those reading this post and struggling with that fact that others are getting blessed and it seems that you’re not, I would challenge you to change your perspective. There are people all over the world that’s dying from covid-19. There are people mourning loved ones. There are people that can’t have proper funerals for loved ones that passed. Maybe it is you that is reading this and saying to yourself, “I have experienced these things”, or “I am going through it right now.” This writing is not to seed insensitivity nor being dismissive – but in understanding the whole picture. We want you to know that (1) You are not alone, (2) that the people at Matters of the Mind are here for you. Reach out to us, we are here to help. Let us direct you to some resources. Because if nothing, you are the blessing in this quarantine time. The fact that you are reading this and still pressing and still standing is a blessing in itself! Peace and Blessings to you and yours. Reflection/Feedback: Can you name two things that you are thankful for in your time of quarantine? Let us hear your voice, our community wants to hear from you!
Written by: Q. EdmondsM.O.T.M. StoryTeller
