Hello Olive Branch Family,
It’s been said many times last week in different conversations most of us have never lived through a time such as this, we are navigating uncharted waters. So many things in our day to day life have been turned upside down. It has forced us to slow down and do things we don’t normally “have time to do”.
Last week in one of our “digital” staff meetings Erik shared this “Hope is more contagious than fear, so let’s spread the hope of Jesus Christ.” We have much to be hopeful for. We have God’s Word. They aren’t just words written in a book they are His promises.
- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2Tim 1:7)
- Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
- I will never leave you, nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Let’s press into our Savior, not lean away from Him, it is in Him we find our hope. He is our strength, our comfort, and our peace.
Below is a portion from an article Jim Burns, the President of HomeWord, a friend who I admire and have learned a lot over the years wrote this last Friday:
- Your circumstance may not change but your attitude can change, and that makes all the difference in the world. I’m looking at a sign I keep in my office that says, “Attitude is Everything. Pick a Good One.” This morning amid a thousand concerns about my family, our ministry and the millions of people suffering much more than me, I decided to practice a life message I call “thank therapy.” I literally wrote a page of reasons why I was thankful. And you know what? Not one circumstance changed during the thank therapy session, but my attitude and outlook truly improved. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression or fear while worrying about circumstances, maybe a dose of thankfulness can change your day.
- Practice a “forced” Lent. We who are Christians are in the middle of the Lenten season. Often during the 40 days of Lent, we give up something and/or add something to our lives to draw us closer to God and bring a healthier lifestyle. With the extra time that most of us have, how about adding or subtracting something from your life that would bring health, here are just a few ideas.
- Focus more time on replenishing your soul. This is the time to pick up your Bible or an inspirational book and put some energy into your soul.
- Exercise with more time and energy. Our dog is loving this new life with all the cancellations because he is getting more walks than he had just a few weeks ago.
- Connect with your family daily. This isn’t the time to stay unconnected, it’s a time to lean into each other and shower your family with A.W.E. (Affection, Warmth and Encouragement) Everyone is a bit on edge so be purposeful with your positivity and love.
- Eat Healthy. I have a goal to lose 10 pounds during this time. I know what to do, I just don’t put the energy into what I need to do to lose that weight. Now I have the time to focus. Maybe there is something you need to stop eating or drinking that would help you with your life.
- Monitor the amount of media intake in your life. Looking at trusted media in a time of crisis can be helpful, but if you find yourself obsessing, then realize that “enough is enough. Here’s what is working for me: I update in the morning and early evening and that’s it. I’m not missing much, and not being on media constantly keeps my mind freer of worry and stress.
Olive Branch families maybe this week you can make a list as a family of all the things you are thankful for or start new daily family habit. Enjoy a slower pace of life. Go for a walk, do an art project, build a fort. Embrace the new “normal”. Soon enough we will be back to work, back to school, back on the fields and most likely wishing we were back home together as a family.
Rest in the Hope of Jesus Christ!
Gina Vildibill
Sr. Director of Family Ministries