It's okay not to be okay sometimes.
How can we stay emotionally healthy in an age of shelter-at-home, social distancing, and other major disruptive events in our lives? Here are a few things to consider:
Recognize the sense of loss. There are certainly things that are missing in our lives right now: church fellowship and agape lunches (yup!), jobs, sports, and other group gatherings. Don't overlook your own feelings and emotions.
It's okay to grieve. Every loss deserves a grief period. Tears are God's gift. But we don't grieve as if we don't have hope.
Stay connected with people. We have many online communities that you can always be a part of. Last night there were 24 people who participated in our prayer phone conference call. We have zoom video Bible study groups throughout the week.
Protect our Sabbath. It's your day of rest. No house chores. Nourish your soul. Spend time with your loved ones, listen to music, read a book. Recuperate and recharge yourself.
Find ways to laugh. Laughter is the best medicine as they say. Share some clean comedy or memes of the mayor :)
Exercise. The busier and more stressed we are the more important physical activities are. Take time to get outside and walk. You can do workout indoors too (just ask bro. Randy C Allegrezza)!
(Above is based on a modified version of Ron Edmonson’s piece from Outreach Magazine, 4/15/20)
We have a family in our church that has been directly affected by the coronavirus. We've been praying for them in our prayer meetings as well as for other individuals who have been struggling. There are those who are asking how they can help. Pastor Warren Fleras is coordinating all help like dropping off some groceries and warm food.
If you'd like to help, the best way is to use our online giving directed to our benevolence fund. Just visit our website: www.ffwcchicago.com and click on the giving tab. We will be supporting various affected individuals in their time of need. To those who have given donations, a big THANK YOU to all of you!
"We do not grieve as do the rest who have no hope..." (1 Thessalonians 4:13)