From a Taxi driver in Tortola

In January of this year, I was riding in a British Virgin Island taxi on the left side of the road through the mountains of Tortola. The view overlooking the countryside was spectacular. The temperature was perfect. The sun was shining. We had just come from a tropical beach where we enjoyed the sand and surf of this island paradise and were returning to our Norwegian Cruise on the Encore.

I recall chatting with our driver about the history of the island, the culture, and the people. At one point, the conversation turned to the church and how the world might end. Our driver asked if we had heard about this virus over in China? None of us had. In fact, I didn't even take it too seriously at the time. But he said it was bad and spreading. We quickly moved onto other topics and the virus was forgotten.

That was Thursday, January 23rd.

Fast forward to today, April 8, 2020.

It's only been a little over 2 months and today, as I write this, people from every country are staying home, self-quarantining in order to avoid catching or passing on Covid-19. This pandemic is like nothing we have experienced in our lifetimes. The world has literally come to a standstill. There doesn't seem to be an area of life it hasn't affected. Yet as grave as it seems, there are still reasons to have hope.

As we strive to flatten the curve and make it through this, it is important that we stay positive. Remember these truths as you do your part to end this pandemic.

1. Lean on God when you are troubled - Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in trouble."
2. Take your anxiety to God through prayer - Philippians 4:6 says, "“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. Jesus has conquered death -1 Corinthians 15:55-57 says,
   "'O death, where is your victory?
   O death, where is your sting?'
   For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ."

That January vacation seems so long ago now. Still, I know as I watch China return to normal life, that this too, will pass. In the months to come, we will again venture to out to buy groceries, visit our loved ones in their homes, attend sporting events, and go back to church on Sundays to worship with our spiritual family. Until that day, stay home. Stay safe. And stay faithful!