Sharing positive reflections during these very uncertain times – The Shippensburg News-Chronicle

COVID-19, the coronavirus.

The global pandemic has dominated the news for the last few months, with coverage increasing each day as cases continue to emerge in the U.S., and while these are definitely unprecedented times that we are currently facing, the resilience and creativity of communities across America is uplifting to experience.

There are so many acts of kindness taking place, as well as an outpouring of concern for neighbors, friends and family that really reinforces the love that we all have for our communities and country.

Here in the small town of Shippensburg, a lot of people were eager to share their thoughts about the new norm we are all experiencing.

In a time like this, people are seeing and realizing the importance of financial stability and having saved an emergency fund, Derek Herb said. No one can predict a pandemic or an illness or injury that may force one to be laid off or lose their job. Having an emergency fund and budgeting for emergencies is a very important practice.

Bev Kabula, who works for Orrstown Bank in Shippensburg, said, I am very thankful for an employer that has done everything possible to keep their employees (of an essential business) safe and healthy, while still serving our clients and meeting their needs. It has really shown me (and all of us) that they truly do care about everyones well being.

On a personal note, she said she thinks the parents who are working from home and are able to spend time with their children in this way is time they will treasure for years to come!

I dont know if there is a positive directly related to the virus itself, Pam Herb noted. But I do think that with the restrictions in place with public gatherings and encouraging people to stay at home, families are spending more time together and doing more activities and just having quality time together, something they may not always have the luxury of doing in everyday life. With the hustle and bustle of every day, and everyone doing their own thing, families dont have often have the opportunity to even sit down and eat supper together.

She said hopefully families will take this time to really realize how important it is to spend time together, and then continue to do so once this is all over.

My heart breaks for those falling victim to this virus and for those who are losing family members because of it, Shelly Varner said. I am also sad for our kiddos losing their routine of school and being with their friends, BUT, I am very grateful for the time that I get to spend with my son, Cam, and my entire family!

In addition, she shared, Religious or not, I feel the message is loud and clear to take this time and enjoy/appreciate your family! Life is way too short, and the future is uncertain, not to mention, unknown, so I really hope that people are taking this time to count your blessings and be thankful for what you have here and now!

In uncertain times such as these, its not uncommon for people, faith-based or not, to turn to a higher power for guidance and understanding. Local pastors are certainly doing their part to calm peoples fears and bring a different perspective to these uncertain times. Of those I spoke with, they were also happy to share their thoughts and reflections.

Pastor Steve Livermore of Messiah United Methodist Church said the coronavirus has taught him that connections with people are not hampered by social distancing.

Going through difficult times together with a mindset to not let those difficulties overwhelm you makes human bonds stronger. Intentionality to stay close to people when they cant be in physical proximity has brought out creativity in people.

He said he has learned more about new forms of social media in the last two weeks than he has learned in the last 10 years of his ministry because he has needed to in order to maintain and strengthen his pastoral relationship with his congregation.

He added, People are being very intentional about helpingwhere they can in this crisis. They are stepping up so they can contribute something to ease the burdens that others are carrying.

He believes as Christians, I think this is a time where we are learning in a new way the value of our faith in Christ. We are relying on our relationship with the Lord in a different way, perhaps, and are finding the value of His presence with us is far greater than we may have experienced before.

Pastor Dale Detweiler of the Shippensburg Church of the Nazarene said he wasnt sure this pandemic has caused him to look at life any differently, but it has reminded him to stay focused.

This is really concerning and a very scary situation, he said. For many people life is changing, and normal has been disrupted. We can panic in times like this, but I am reminded to stay focused. As a pastor, I say this life is not about you and I, it is about God and what God is calling you and I to be. I am reminded in this time of uncertainty to focus on what has called me to be, and I echo that thought to all who believe in Him.

He said he is echoing this same thought to his parishioners. I know that God is with us at this time, and He wants to help us. We can put our faith and trust in Him during all of this, but we also have a responsibility to do our part and use our common sense by following guidelines and rules set forth for us, and so on. He said God is definitely with us, but we also have a part to play in getting through this pandemic. He said we have to be a non-anxious presence to our people.

Detweiler said there are two things he is doing intentionally to help ease peoples minds and be a calming factor in all of this.

I am calling people on the phone and talking with them, and if possible, I use FaceTime to connect with people so we can actually see one another. I also make sure and ask to pray with them, he said. He said he also tries to share Scripture verses of encouragement on social media and via text message.

In closing, he wished to share a bit of Scripture to encourage others during this uncertain time.

Because of the Lords Great LOVE, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. -- Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV.

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Sharing positive reflections during these very uncertain times - The Shippensburg News-Chronicle