HOLD

During this corona confinement, we have to find the right things to hold onto.  We have to hold onto our sanity and a way to live life with all the unknowns.  We need to find that place of safety in the storm even though it may not be damaging us physically.  Some people are trying to hold onto their jobs, or their homes, or their cars even if they can't make the payments.  Financial help seems to be available for a few weeks or months . 
Remember when you loved to swing?  Most of us wanted someone to push us and even do an 'under-duck' to get us going really high and really fast.  It was 'scary-exciting' but only as long as the branch or rail had the a firm hold of the rope or chains that we had a hold of for dear life!  Taking it higher and even scarier is the sky diver or parachuter who has a firm hold on the rip cord and then the cords that help steer the chute to land on point.  We have to know what to hold on to and how to hold onto it. 

David, a song writer/ poet wrote this verse in Psalms 119: 143 that describes what the corona confinement is making some people feel like. "Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet your commandments are my delights."  Why could he say that commandments (laws) could be his delight?  We often think of laws as holding us back, or keeping us from doing what we want, when we want.  Well, that's kind of how the government and health regulations are right now, compared to the freedom we are used to.  But when we believe that the rules are holding back the spread of the virus, then we are delighted to keep them. 

Faith, the opposite of fear, is described as being like a shield. "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. "Ephesians 6:16  The darts of the wicked are those thoughts that come to scare us, or make us mad, agitated, frustrated, or overwhelmed.  The warriors who used shields had to know how to hold them to protect themselves. Shields are for defense.  Right now that's all we can do while we wait to see IF and WHEN this is all going to end.

A good warrior had to hold and maneuver their swords and spears while holding onto their shields.  It's a balancing act and one that requires skill and practice.  Most of us feel like we've had lots of practice at dealing with things coming at us before.  But nothing like this with so many unknowns.    
My sketch shows a hand holding a rod.  This reminds me of the amazing martial arts demonstrations of how a long rod can be used as both an offensive weapon and a defensive 'shield' with skill and practice.  I for one am grateful that I have food, shelter, and clothing.  Above and beyond the basics to sit out this time of confinement, while I hold onto my sanity and my peace.  I have plenty to do to keep occupied and lots of projects I can work on when the mood strikes me.  And I'm holding onto my shield of faith to keep the darts of negativity from attacking my soul.  Are you? 

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