A Letter to Each of My Sons after Covid-19

My Dearest Son,

    As we draw near the end of the battle our family has been facing with covid-19 for nearly , I am finding that God has been faithful in teaching me through this trial. I feel a strong need to share this wisdom with you, and I hope and pray you cling to it every day of your lives. 

Photo credit: Grace Kay Photography

    First, and certainly most importantly, I have learned the true power and meaning of 1 Thessalonians 15-18 where Paul and his friends speak of God's will for us in doing good, seeking joy, praying ceaselessly, and finding gratitude: "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Even in our hardest struggles we must do good in this world for others, we must seek God's joy, and we must remain grateful. These things have miraculously come easily to me these past few weeks. Why? Because of verse 17.

    Right in the middle of these commands to us, God nestled in the key to it all. Pray without ceasing. Pray continually, my son. Pray all day every day. How? When you're having an incredible day or a good moment, pause often to thank God, praising Him for his goodness and grace. Recall Psalm 100:5 where the author reminds us that "For the Lord  is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." God isn't just good for me and your dad, but He has been good for your grandparents and great grandparents, and He promises to continue to be good for you. Pray continuously, thanking Him for His goodness.

Photo credit: Grace Kay Photography

    More than that, pray continuously when you are afraid. I have been afraid in this struggle. I feared for your health and your dad's. I feared my weakened immune system would fail me. I feared for your grandparents who we unknowingly exposed and who are considered high risk with this nasty covid-19 virus. I feared. What does God tell us about fear in His word? Oh, so many things, son. Two things I have leaned on in this trial are these verses:

1) Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

2) Psalms 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

    God leaves us so very many verses in the Bible about fear because He knows it is a human weakness. Fear is in our core nature, and faith requires discipline of the mind and heart. He leaves these numerous verses because He also knows it is our enemy's easiest attack. In this time of our struggles, He has reminded me where my strength lies: my faith in Him. Yet, He has also reminded me to be diligent and prepared. 

 

Photo credit: Grace Kay Photography

   Proverbs 22:3 explains, "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished." Solomon in his massive wisdom teaches us to be prudent, meaning to be prepared for the future. God helped us be prepared for this struggle. How? He taught us through friends and experts how to strengthen our immune systems so covid-19 was less difficult than it might have been on you. He also blessed us with relationships that would sustain us in our time of great need. We have seen an overflowing love from our family, friends and neighbors in this time. You have gotten to see firsthand why your dad, your mom, and your grandparents have always emphasized the importance of taking care of others, and we pray you never forget this essential lesson. Spend the rest of your lives loving it forward to others, precious son.

    In love of others, we must also pray without ceasing. When we know of a need for prayer, we must never fail to stop and pray. Remember the story of the Good Samaritan? Jesus is telling us we must always do all we can to help and love others. Sometimes the only thing we can do (and it is always the best thing we can do) is stop and pray to our Heavenly Father sincerely and powerfully for those in need.

Photo credit: Grace Kay Photography

    We have seen miracles in the prayers prayed over us, son. First, your brother Jackson, who has the weakest health among us, endured this covid-19 invasion of our family unscathed. Second, your mom had miraculously high oxygen levels despite weakened lungs and labored breathing throughout her struggle with the virus. Third, the symptoms your brothers had were short-lived, and your dad's symptoms were only moderate. Fourth, the outpouring of love and support converted your mother's angry heart, which was a much-needed miracle in this struggle and which awoke a strength and peace in her beyond understanding. Did you know God promises that in His word too? 

    He does, and it is your mom's favorite scripture from Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." You see, God doesn't just promise never to leave us; He also reminds us that when we are free from worry it makes room for His perfect, inexplicable peace when we pray." How incredible is that, my loving son?! It is another reason to "pray without ceasing."

Photo credit: Grace Kay Photography

    The battle is not over, and I'm certain our God has more wisdom to teach me. Most recently He is guiding me to study deeply the story of Esther, reminding even me that "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). I still have much to learn, my son. My promise to you is this: I will share the wisdom God grants me and pray that in the learning and sharing of it your life may be better and your faith may be even stronger, my dearest child.

Love You Fiercely and Forever, 

Mom