There is no doubt about it!  Living with COVID-19 for the past 9 months has caused all of us to live life at a new level.  For one thing, it has deepened our reasoning and understanding of the word survival.  Once upon a time, you may have defined this word as ‘out living’ someone.  Or perhaps you internalized a definition that embraced the thought of ‘escaping’ from a dire situation and rebounding while standing on both feet.

Well, during this world-wide pandemic, that has invaded the United States for soon to be 256 days(*), ‘survival’ has taken on a whole new meaning.  We have been forced to carry-on in spite of hardships, traumas, financial stresses, the loss of family members and friends, just to name a few.  Our resilience has been remarkable for many of us.  But for others, ‘Life for them ain’t been no crystal stair’(**).

The key to being able to ‘thrive‘ while going through the pains of survival is to deal with confidence those things that contribute to the situation. You cannot bury your head in the sand, or pretend that the conditions are a hoax or that no preventative measures need to be instituted. According to Google, a new statistical Pew study tells us that nearly 30% of the USA population are in this frame of mind.

For believers in Jesus Christ, scripture reveals that in most cases, man’s ability to thrive in the Lord is not an external enemy (in this case Covid-19). Nor is it a struggle against our fellowman, or against world leaders, or among domestic rulers, or in the spiritual atmosphere! God has divinely suggested that in order to ward off our enemy we must put on his full armor, so that we may be able to stand our ground (both feet) against life’s threatening temptations from within that lead to (spiritual) death. God does not want us to physically be ‘just barely surviving‘. He wants us to be ‘conquering soldiers‘ with the shield of faith…peaceably thriving against the flaming arrows of destruction. In other words, check out your own character traits! What are you striving for? For whom are you striving to honor and please? YOU, ALONE, MAY BE YOUR WORST ENEMY!!

Poetically…My Own Personal Reckoning in Character building

Mr. Character, your life is an open book. It’s an interesting book extended to all those who care to read it. There is no discrimination; from the smallest child to the oldest human being alive you have a message. Thus, Mr. Character, I salute you for those unselfish efforts you have attempted to perform in the lives of others. You know, you are really like a mirror…that is, you reflect in every mood. Every experience you encounter is automatically revealed. For those who can’t read, there are pictures or shall I say reflections that one can pattern after as he or she molds their way of life in this trying world.  For the more advanced reader there is a plot to follow which oftentimes may have you bickering with yourself and causing you to put it aside as if it was philosophy. Thus, in everyone’s library this book is essential. It is a must to take an interest in Character.  It is a compelling obligation that we must encounter if we are to advance and know truth and enjoy the better things of life. Conversely, the characteristics one displays depend upon oneself.  The expressions one wears will disclose their disposition.  The moods they dress in will uncover their personality.  The words they send out will reflect their intelligence indicate their knowledge of divine reasoning. Come unto me, Mr. Character is calling, and I will mold for you the sweetest disposition known.  Come unto me, He beseeches you, and I will shine for you the brightest star of personality.  Come unto me, He is beckoning, and I will give you an understanding and peace of mind.  I will give you advice…such as pick your friends, but not to death.  Remember to laugh with others, but not at them.  Work with initiative, but not against it. Never put off until tomorrow those things you can do today. This remarkable Book can be yours for only a glance.  Mr. Character is a reflection in your nearest mirror.  Look it over.  The character you see just might be YOU! (Written by Sonja F.) Scripture reference: 2 Cor. 3:18  “But we all, with unveiled face [not looking through a glass darkly], beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed [into servant managers] into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, [Who also gives us] the Spirit.”

Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

Notes:  (*)  March 1 thru November 12, 2020   (**) A line borrowed from Langston Hughes’ poem, “Mother To Son”

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