It was less than a year after September 11, 2001 and I found myself in New York for work. The absence of the Twin Towers on the New York skyline was confronting and jarring, seeing Ground Zero powerful and moving. A city changed forever. But what I remember most was the fear. As I went to board my plane at JFK International Airport to head home, I felt the fear. So strong it was almost tangible. It seemed to lie over the airport like a thick blanket. And for the first time, as our plane took off, I was scared. Fearful of a random crash or something….It was only in hindsight that I realised the impact that this atmosphere of fear had.
Today, as the world grapples with the coronavirus, as borders close and as countries go into lock down, fear lurks again. It’s evident in the empty supermarket shelves and sold out hand sanitizers. It’s present in conversations and people’s reactions. It seeks to dominate, to catch us up in its whirlwind.
But we don’t need to succumb to its ways. We have God. And God needs to be the focus of our attention. While we obey governmental directives and act practically and wisely each day to prevent the virus, we need not be in fear. Love drives out fear. And what is love, but God Himself. God is with us, promising us a future of hope. A future beyond the virus and all its repercussions.
“God met me more than halfway, He freed me from anxious fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
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Blue Skies & Lollipops 
Excellent 😇
Sent from my iPad
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Dear Pip, it’s my first time back with you for a long time, yay. And guess what? Yes, you blessed me out of my sox & touched me afresh with God’s amazing love. Thankyou & bless you.
And you were a vessel of God’s love in your interview on TV3. He certainly is using you to bring hope & joy where there is often none.
Love Barb
Thank you for your lovely encouragement!! The blogging has been a little erratic lately with the busyness of the boys! And trying to do what I can – little Oscar was quite the star! 😀hope to share the joy and hope we have with him!