Trust me; you don’t want to make this visit.
‘Out there’ suddenly became ‘right here’ The look on my husband’s face told me more than I wanted to know. A digital reading on a white thermometer altered the course of our lives. In a nanosecond—out there suddenly became right here—and the global pandemic of COVID-19 became personal.
Larry’s temperature, aches, chills, cough, and loss of taste called for a battle plan. Immediately, he moved into the guest room and began radical isolation. Shortly thereafter, a call to our doctor confirmed our concern.
“I think you have COVID-19.” A thorough medical exam—inclusive of a chest x-ray—eliminated flu, strep, and pneumonia. The doctor said, “I think you have COVID-19, and I believe you will test positive.” This ominous news sank deeper as we drove through the parking lot for Larry’s testing.
And then we waited; days would pass before we received the verdict. Our posture was neither Pollyanna nor Peter-panic. Yet, we sensed the sober reality of our situation. At every turn, what-if needed to submit to even-if.
Afternoon Tea to help punctuate his long days in isolation
Candlelight dinner served on paper products to reduce contamination
While his symptoms ebbed and flowed, I delivered food to his door and kept the backpack ready should he need an ambulance in the middle of the night. Seeking God and navigating the unknown, I fought the urge to plan his funeral. And, an army of prayer warriors marched regularly into the Throne Room to intercede on his behalf.
Vitamins!
Backpack ready with vital information inside, should an ambulance be needed in the middle of the night
Finally … Breaking the quiet of Friday afternoon, Larry vigorously rang a bell announcing the news, “Negative!” Our doctor said, “Your test is negative; you do not have COVID-19. Your body is fighting an upper respiratory infection.” WOW! We praised God, and breathed a holy whew. With heartfelt relief, I set out on my walk with a fresh energy. AHH! The sun shone brighter and the birds sang sweeter.
Then, it hit me; our COVID-19 journey was not over.
Larry’s radical isolation must continue a full 14-days. As our physician explained, he incurred intense exposure to COVID-19 at the medical clinic for the exam and again at the hospital for the x-ray. This reality mandated the furtherance of his extreme quarantine. Sigh.
Radical isolation means he lives alone behind a closed door in one room. For this season, we:
Pray fervently that he did not contract the virus at the doctor’s office or at the hospital.
Soak up the adoring love of our family – delivering delicious meals and abundant groceries, and bringing cheery conversations underneath the window of the quarantined patient. #Granddaddyfighton
Embrace the commitment of our Athletes in Action team – convening a Zoom prayer meeting to fight the battle with us.
Appreciate the concern of friends and neighbors – offering to do whatever possible to lighten our load.
Thank you so much! Your kindness is from the Hand of God to us. “Truly I tell you, whatsoever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me” (Matt. 25:40).
Grateful for this deep bench, Larry and I “Shelter in Place” in the Shadow of the Almighty! (Psalm 91:1) And, we drink from the fountain of the Supernatural Resources God makes available to His children:
His Word The Bible gives specific instruction for crisis management. “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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7 NASB).
His Strength “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a).
His Provision “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).
His Purpose This challenge is for His glory and our good. “And we know that God causes to work all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NASB). “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10 NASB).
God willing, Larry will emerge from 14 days alone as a healthy man on Easter Sunday! Until then,
Our prayer:
Lord, please make us good stewards of this experience. By His grace, may this make us more like Him.
Our song: Like a River Glorious
Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace, Over all victorious, in its bright increase, Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day, Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, Never foe can follow, never traitor stand, Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above, Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love, We may trust Him fully all for us to do, They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true. -Frances R. Havergal
We still wait. And …while we wait, we worship. Will you join us?
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
How has COVID-19 affected your life and the life of those you love?
What would you share with someone who is yet to encounter this crisis on a personal level?
