Conquering COVID

As a pastor, Sundays are always exciting and I look forward to preaching the Word of God. Last Sunday morning before heading to church, my wife and I had coffee. Everything was normal until she said these words, “I can’t taste or smell my coffee.” By Monday, we had confirmed through rapid testing, she has that five-letter word... COVID (I tested negative). Our world has changed from what we had planned. I thought it might be helpful to write an article on conquering COVID at the holidays. Here are seven suggestions to remember and consider.

1. Be sure and do the CDC recommendations, but It is not your fault! If you get COVID don’t spend the time blaming yourself. You could take every precaution and still get COVID.

2. IT IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE!!!!! I called the free official COVID Missouri resource number (877-435-8411- 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 pm). The person indicated that people call and think they will die when they get COVID. Then she shared with me the recovery rate of a person who gets COVID and it is 99.99%. That stat is based on current factual data from the official state of Missouri COVID resource. The key point here is to not argue that people die from COVID, but just be realistic and don’t walk in fear.

3. Keep positive! I realized this week is ground for being negative. We will not be able to spend time with our family and I won’t even get to see my mom who is in a nursing home. I realized I can use negative thinking, but that only makes the week terrible. On the other side, I can choose to be POSITIVE and look for great things this week and next. Remember you can’t control COVID, but you can control your attitude. Choose to address your challenges with the wonder of a great attitude.

4. Realize that this time is very stressful and monitor your emotions. If you are suicidal or you know a person who wants to harm themselves, call 911 or the national suicide prevention number (1-800-273-8255).

5. Realize God is there for everyone. He did not cause COVID and is still loving and is with everyone.

6. Finally, whenever you have your last breath be right with God. The way you do this is by believing Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead. When I was nineteen, I settled this and when I die, I will be with God. Do you have that hope? You can, if you believe in Jesus. Romans 10:13- For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

7. The last one is yours. What is one thing you would tell yourself is key to helping you conquer during COVID? What every you say make sure and do it!

The holidays will be a little different this year, but we will choose to see it as the best! May your holiday and 2021 be the best, because of your chose.

If you have a question you would like answered for future columns email mathewvroman@gmail.com