Woah.
This week has been an emotional doozy.
While I enjoy being in my own space and spending time by myself (I’ve been told I’m an extrovert who moonlights as an introvert), it was hard being by myself as the impact of COVID-19 came closer to home than I imagined.
Every industry is impacted in one way or another and retail has been hit really hard. My current employer, Gap Inc., furloughed its store employees. As someone who started her professional career in retail stores, that hit me harder than I expected. I understand the enormity such a decision has on your life, your family and your well-being. I remember working hourly and living paycheck-to-paycheck. I remember the buzz in the store during peak hours on a Saturday. I recall the high you get when you service a customer and they walk away feeling confident about their purchase. As I listened on conference calls and talked to different teams, I became emotional at how they responded with such resilience and positivity. The tears started to flow and were pretty hard to stop.
The tears were representative of the frustration I felt, the weight I unexpectedly carried and the guilt I experienced from not using this unexpected time to its fullest capability.
After tears, I found myself starting to worry. Once worry started knocking on the door, fear tried to wedge its foot in. Before doubt could break down the door and help all three make space in my home, I cried out to my Source. I knew that if I rode this emotional rollercoaster, I was going to be spiritually sick after all the topsy-turvy twists and turns this ride would take me on. That would then affect everything else about my life.
Not tuh-day!
I wanted to share some practical tips that are helpful to combat the unwelcomed emotional roller coaster that is trying to overtake our peace:
Change the atmosphere with worship – my sister often speaks about the importance of worship music and its power to change the atmosphere in your home. If you are feeling down or challenged in your faith, turn on your favorite worship songs and sing unto God with a voice of triumph! Saturate your space with praise to Him for He is worthy to be praised. I believe that when praises go up, peace, assurance, and blessings come down. Here are some of my current faves:
- Prophesy Your Promise – Bryan and Katie Torwalt
- Holy Water – We the Kingdom & Tasha Cobbs Leonard
- The Blessing – Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship
- Your Spirit – Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Kierra Sheard
Speak the Word out loud – Sitting in the house can not only wreak havoc on your mental but your spiritual if you’re not on guard. When you’re alone with your thoughts or your kids seem to be running you rampant, the enemy’s subtle lies suddenly become louder and louder. Instead of letting them fester in our minds, I’m reminded of when Jesus was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. When the devil spoke lies to him or tried to misconstrue the truth, Jesus opened his mouth and replied, “it is written!” We have to do the same. Here are some scriptures that you can speak out in faith and put that ugly enemy in his place:
Seek community – Some of us are living alone and do not have family in the same vicinity. When looking at the same four walls, things can start to feel claustrophobic. A great way to get “outside” of your four walls is to seek your community and their prayers. You don’t have to be in church to connect with other believers and positive people. You may have to step outside of your comfort zone to find them, but there are so many resources available to connect face-to-face virtually:
- Zoom
- Google Hangouts
- Face-Time
- Marco Polo
Pray – talking to God is the most important of all these tips. He is waiting for you to reach out to Him and reconnect with His Spirit. No matter how you live or what you have done, He is there and willing to commune with you. My mother taught me that when you pray, always give Him thanks first. There is so much to be thankful for. You are alive, have a roof over your head and your internet is working (amen!). After giving Him praise, tell Him how you feel. Give your burdens, fears, and thoughts over to Him . . . and leave them there. He said He will give us beauty for ashes. Even if your situation looks bleak, trust His Word. Once you share your heart with Him, wait and sit in His presence. See what He wants you to know. Let His peace wash over you and receive His grace.
I get it. Things may be hard at this moment, but I guarantee you that even if you can do one of the above tips, you’ll feel better. God is moving and He’s moving on your behalf.
Be encouraged.
Father, we need you. We’re confused and don’t understand everything that’s going on. But in the midst of this, we know You are in control and we will make it through this with your help. I ask that you sustain our minds, our homes, and our friends and family as we navigate through this time. Our faith is in you and we believe you are working on our behalf. Move God, we need you.
