In the past eight months, shutdowns, mandates, masks, and social distancing have taken a toll. Wondering if our students will ever return to school and canceling holiday plans have brought resentment, fear, and anger. Not seeing people’s faces has created a disconnect.
At the conclusion of the April 2020 General Conference, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson called for a global fast that the “present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized.” Millions of people from diverse religions across the world joined their voices to plead for God’s intervention. Even those who didn’t believe in God joined. Eight months later, we still pray.
Churches, synagogues, and temples are closed. Jobs, businesses, and family members have been lost. And worse, many have lost hope for any sense of normalcy.
On a personal note, seven of my grandchildren, including one with special needs, are dealing with distance learning for the unforeseeable future. A few of my children are doing all they can to keep their businesses up and running. One is waiting for the US Immigration Department to approve his sweetheart’s visa so he can bring her here and marry her. There are medical issues, major disappointments, divorce, and family squabbles that come from being part of a large family.
Yesterday, after finishing an emotional article on the effects of distance learning and mental health, I was worn out. I was sad. I was angry. I felt little hope. I looked to heaven and cried out, “Where are you, God? Are you just trying to see how many of us will bend until we break? Do you even hear our prayers?”
I couldn’t pray last night. I went to bed defeated and awoke the same.
I spoke with the newspaper owner about another article, and then shared feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. He felt the same. He told me about a friend who received this answer to his prayer, “Sit back and watch it unfold. We’ve got this. It will all work out.”
The words resonated. This is not the endgame. Glorious days await. We are God’s children. Jesus Christ is our Savior. There is hope.