Reflect
The uncertainty and conflicting research about the COVID-19 pandemic has led many to scrutinize their every move each passing day. This constant angst and heaviness has taken its toll in some way on each of us. May this prayer remind you of your humanity at a time when it is easy to be hard on yourself, and guide you to surrender these anxieties to God.
Pray
Around every corner this year:
a new fear to navigate—
guilt for going here,
shame for doing that,
questioning every move—
was this okay?
Was he okay?
Was she okay?
Am I okay?
did I itch my eye
with the same hand
I used to pump gas?
Just a tickle in my throat
stirs paranoia in my soul;
every interaction the day before
is scrutinized the next.
I’m doing my best
but never has my best
felt more like not enough
in every mundane moment.
I need you, Lord, to calm my mind,
to hold me tight and remind me:
I’m only human in this crazy world.
Act
Each of us must play our role during these chaotic times to protect those around us, but we also must each take care of our minds and give grace to ourselves. Whenever you find yourself blindsided by pandemic-related anxiety today, stop, breathe, and pray the last three lines of this prayer.
