Love in the Time of Coronavirus


Fear casts a large shadow,
But he himself is small. –Ruth Gendler


Tough week, huh?

No matter where you live or what channel you watch (well, except maybe Game Show Network), it’s there. There is a serious virus lurking among us. The internet is filled with information, and some of it is even reliable and correct.

Knowledge is power, they say. But too much knowledge can be deadly. Especially when the pursuit of one more factoid, one more update takes us away from our routine of spending time in quiet centering, focusing on the Almighty moving among us.

Stop right now. Turn off the TV, the radio, the laptop (after you read this). It will be there when you go back. Honest.

There are so many, many verses of comfort and peace to be found in Scripture. What’s your favorite? Find it, and read it several times, breathing deeply as you do so. It will be okay.

Someone (with more time for such things than I) came up with a handy acronym that just happens to fly in the face of End Times preachers waving their arms to convince us God is sending this plague to wipe us out. Here it is:

Christ Over Viruses and Infectious Diseases.

And this. Read this every morning. Peace be yours.


Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9


Monday Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid.” Exodus 20:20

Tuesday “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. Isaiah 8:12

Wednesday Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear.” Isaiah 35:4a

Thursday So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Friday There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Saturday Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Sunday “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 
Isaiah 43:1

If you know the enemy and you know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. 
–Sun Tzu

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