Welcome, dear friends. This blog, Viral Veritas, is one of our attempts here at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor to speak a word of truth into this time of COVID-19 and social distancing. While it’s heartbreaking that we’re unable to worship and fellowship in the same physical space, thanks be to God that we have so many ways to remain connected to one another.
However, we must remember that each connection we make is a choice. In the midst of so much uncertainty, it’s natural for us to crave information. We want to understand what’s going on so we can attempt to regain some semblance of control over our lives. Cooped up in our homes, we keep the TV tuned to the news so we can hear the latest update on this worldwide pandemic. We read countless articles, we check social media for what other people are thinking and experiencing, and we turn on notifications so we get every new update the second it’s posted. That’s what any concerned citizen should do, isn’t it? The last thing we want is to be misinformed, but with so much input, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. My mother texted me the other night, overwhelmed after hearing on the PBS NewsHour how bad things will be in the US when COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the coming weeks and months. She wondered how she could feel any worse than she already does, describing it as “gut-wrenching.” With her permission, I share her words with you: “How can I feel any worse? Seeing dead people in the streets? It’s like hearing on a regular basis, ‘We’re all going to die horrible deaths!’ I don’t know how to deal with this except to turn it off, but I can’t.” How many of us have felt the same uncertainty and fear? How many of us have worried over the health of our loved ones, especially those not living under our roofs? How many of us have grappled with what this will mean for those who don’t have the ability to self-quarantine, for those who no longer have an income, for those who struggle with mental health issues, for those in retirement communities and care facilities who have been confined to their rooms and have no choice in the matter? Our current situation is terrifying, gut-wrenching, and utterly heart-breaking. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel like things are spiraling out of our control. To say any less would be irresponsible and untrue. But one thing we do have control over is choice. We can choose to turn off the TV, to turn off notifications, to log out of social media. We can choose to walk away from the vicious news cycle when we get overwhelmed and step outside. We can choose to listen to music instead of talking heads. We can choose to call those we care about so they know we love them. We can choose to text our loved ones and say, “I’m overwhelmed.” Now, more than ever, is a time when we need one another. This is a time when we need to choose to interrupt the narrative of fear and uncertainty and reach out to those who need our love and support. This is a time to do things that bring us peace and joy. Now, more than ever, this is a time to hold onto hope. Holding you in love, Rev. Andrew Frazier
5 Comments
Peggy Hodgson
3/24/2020 09:32:17 pm
thanks Andrew. I find when I am really afraid, I listen to our First Pres podcasts ... been listening a lot lately. So glad you are with us. xo
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Carol Downton
3/25/2020 01:48:46 pm
Your words are so comforting, Andrew! When I find myself starting to get anxious, I just remember that God is in control. It is my prayer that during these hard times, people will turn to God and discover God sitting right by them! I also pray for people to be protected and safe, but I know that God gave us all a brain, to think and to know reason, and God expects us to use this gracious gift God gave us!
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Linda Speck
3/29/2020 01:40:50 pm
Thank you, Andrew, for this message and for your leadership in this morning's service.
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Jeannette Middleton
3/30/2020 08:10:40 am
Thank you Andrew. For being with us, for your participation in Alpha House, rotating shelter, your wonderful voice, and your words of faith and wisdom. Blessings. Jeannette Middleton
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10/29/2020 11:10:22 pm
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