How has COVID-19 affected your daily life?

 What a year last and now for 2021. A lot of changes and protesting stands out to me over the news despite the restrictions with the Covid pandemic! I think the uncertainty for people, that sense of not exactly knowing how tomorrow is going to pan out plan wise that feeds an unrest and the more uncertainty we feel, the greater the stress and anxiety.

So much has happened that has turned life upside down in ways none of us could have imagined.

And now the new strain of Covid some refer to as the U.K strain this time, is seeping over like a unbearable wet blanket on a cold American winters day.

I like to keep up with news related information so as to try and make good health decisions with the pandemic for both myself and those in the community around me but I think its the not knowing exactly how this horrid thing will show anytime, anyplace that remains a concern.

I mean, we can wear the appropriate face masks, utilize all the sanitizing stations if we have to go out for necessities, including precautions at our private residences but even then, this darn awful thing can be carried like a hungry parasite ready to latch onto who it can even without the carrier of it being affected. Now that's scary.

No symptoms of illness in general and its usual for us humans to think, well, I must be ok, I don't need to see a doctor, or in this case with Covid-19, think, I don't need to be tested. Or perhaps ‘an ignorance is bliss’ mentality might have a hold on some individuals out there, but I am a firm believer myself that being tested for this virus should be a priority whether there are symptoms or not.

Have I been through the nose and throat struggle with the Covid Swab?? Yes.

Good grief, the eyes water, the nose cant stop sneezing from the irritation of it, but, think of how many others such a small stretch of discomfort might be saving, ones closest companions included.

The Covid-Swab test by the by includes the use of a long prodding instrument that looks like an oversized cotton bud for cleaning the ears, yet it goes into the deeper recesses of the nasal passage and the far back of the throat. Cough. There's a memory in my brain that makes that response just now come up. how's that.

Lots of group classes and universities, schools and businesses have had to merge into the home environment or other applicable areas for activities and this shift has seen a greater work load in some ways, yet I must admit, in other ways, the shift has had its positives as much more correspondence is managed electronically, so our use of carbon emissions on the road has ceased some. Not to mention that the garden now looks better then ever as its had some more love.

This said though, by now, the narrowing borders on what is permitted and not permitted with the pandemic, definitely has its toll mentally and physically as it breeds this fatigue as we all start to feel like trapped birds in small cages. You can’t just jump into a car and travel yay or nay. The streets are abandoned, the shops closed, people keep their eyes down as everybody knows starting a conversation is not on the books today like yesterday and the day before that, and also its a no go tomorrow. Its like a strange movie. That's how it feels.

A quick dash to the food market and I hope to grab some milk and bread, but there is none. Oh, when will there be some more? Nobody knows for sure, it depends. Some suppliers are struggling themselves so new ones need to be sourced elsewhere. And the toilet tissue paper? Well, the shelves haven't looked so bare for as long as it can be remembered. In this country anyway. Its hard not to think then of all those tears and faces of the ones who have already had it difficult in their zones and those who have lost dear loved ones to the grave because of it all. I think on all of it. I have wept. I have prayed and thought of people who need some real hope and answers.

When I say real hope, I refer in mind to the hope I feel very fortunate to have found in my own life and the kind of sustenance it affords. Without it, I have to admit, attempting to live on with a positive frame of mind might seem pointless. I do not assume to describe this as being how it actually is for everyone, it is just how I feel based on what this ‘hope’ is I have in my own life.

As a researcher of many years, what I have found within the Bible has been absolutely a game changer. It really does not matter at all that some people like to boohoo the Bible to me because facts are just facts. Opinions are the things that change, but never solid evidence. And, when it comes to something like this pandemic, and true there have been serious diseases in the past, but never on this scale. So when it comes to where we all are right now with this pandemic, I can remember the prophecies I have had the pleasure to study with my colleagues and we know this is what the Bible has spoken of. And anybody can find this out for themselves too.

Based on the Bible, and its incredible mind blowing accuracy, it also gives people instructions and needed guidance but it does this for those who wish to know, listen to and obey the Creator Yehovah / Jehovah in English. He invites all to do this no matter what race or religion or background.

‘Know me God is saying, really come to know me the way I have intended, the way I am showing you in my letter to you, the Bible. Don't erase my name as if its not really from me and as though I don't mind. Don't add things or take things away from what I am writing to you.’ The Bible is exactly like this, an amazing, letter. And this is what has helped me personally and those I am associated with from all walks of life and degrees of schooling to stay focused on the bigger picture. Gods picture. He promises a future under His Government that only He can bring into motion. Only He has the means and the will to save all those looking to Him.

And, what's even more comforting?

Knowing the truths from the original Bible manuscripts, including those copied from the original but used in Jesus day, has never been more refreshing!

Knowing for instance the reality of the resurrection hope.

Yes, even if we fall asleep now in death due to occurrences beyond our control, like it is with Covid-19, we can be assured of a being remembered by God who is the giver of life. What a marvelous prospect. The facts about this wonderful promise are well worth the extra study right now and for me, after saying goodbye to people who were too young to go, this has been a superior source of comfort and hope.

Covid has definitely turned our lives upside down, but the comfort from the scriptures has been life giving.