Tips to Share Love Through the COVID-19 Season
Yesterday I received an early morning text from a friend expressing her concern regarding the current state of our world and the impact of COVID-19. It was a timely text as I have been praying about how I can stay encouraged and encourage my community.
For myself, being a leader in Higher Education (full-time) and the restaurant industry (part-time), I can empathize with many of your real concerns as well as relate to the complexity of the decisions that leaders have to make.
It is undeniable that these events are….life interrupting.
During an interruption, there is a stop to the flow of one thing to break for something else. I believe this is a significant time of interruption for our generation.
In my coaching sessions and workshops about purpose, I teach how there are 3 different aspects to purpose: our purpose from God, our purpose as a woman, and our God-given individual purpose. During this break, I want to encourage us all to take intentional time and action to focus on the Big Purpose from God: love God, love yourself, and love others.
Here are 5 Quick Tips on how to love through COVID-19.
1. Pray-There is ALWAYS power in prayer. Go to God first. Pour out your concerns and allow him to do his favorite thing: love on you and comfort you (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 84:10-12).
An Example of Groups to Pray For:
Pray for governments and government agencies
Pray for medical and scientific breakthroughs
Pray for caregivers, health professionals, and first responders
Pray for all service industries and employees
Pray for those who are experiencing loneliness, anxiety, or depression
Pray for all vulnerable populations
Pray for leaders across all industries
Pray for your direct community
Pray for the world
2. Open Your Heart-Ask God, “How can I utilize my purpose and my resources(time, talent, treasure) to be a blessing in this season? There are some practical ways that we, as individuals, can be the solution. Don’t assume that your gift, what your passionate about, that hobby that you do well doesn’t matter. It Matters. YOU MATTER. However you are able to serve will make a difference in others’ lives as well as your own.
(John 15:12, Eph 4:2, 1 Peter 4:8)
Examples of Ways to Serve
If you like to cook, make meals for the members of the vulnerable population
If you are a teacher, provide resources to parents in your neighborhood
If you are a personal trainer, provide free workouts t0 your community via facebook/ instagram live
If you like to volunteer, contact your favorite organization and ask how you can lend a hand (donate food, putting together hygiene kits, sew masks and medical gear for healthcare professionals etc.)
3. Get to know your neighbors (and family)- In a time of crisis building community is crucial, especially if you are close to anyone in vulnerable populations. *Please continue to be cautious and follow the federal,state, and local guidelines and mandates related to social distancing and isolation.* To all of my introverts, no worries! I suggest everyone just be open and present to take advantage of opportunities that organically arise.
There is a great concern for our vulnerable populations (elderly, those without access to healthcare, children who may be in unhealthy/unsafe home environments, families and children whose food supply has been limited due to cancellation of schools or reduced working hours) so be creative with ways that you can check-in and serve!
Think outside of the norm....utilize your HOA to connect if you have one, start a phone, email, facebook list to exchange contact information. With a widespread access to phones (calling or texting), face-time, google hangouts, social media, live streaming, etc., the possibilities to be a blessing exist! Emotional concern, support, and guidance can be more impactful to the receiving party than you’ll ever know in the moment. (Matt. 6:25)
4. Take advantage of this opportunity and time to lean in to your own personal growth and healing (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually). Every woman has done it at some point …put off personal development because *insert your go-to reason here*. Now is a perfect opportunity to prioritize self-love becoming purposely MADE from the inside out!
Sample Personal Growth Areas
Read that book that’s been on your list for the past 2 years (hehe,me too 😊)
Have that courageous, difficult conversation with a loved one
Intentional time to meditate, discover your purpose, or consistent devotional time
Try a new podcast/ youtube video from a virtual Mentor
Journaling to document thoughts and your growth
Focus on YOU: Heal + Forgive
5. Try something new!- Stay informed, but take time to disconnect from the news. Use this time to re-tool and learn a new skill that will be beneficial to you during this time and long after.
Sample Activities
Start an herb garden
Try yoga/ workouts via YouTube
Create a self-care routine
Declutter the house
Learn a new language with your children
Try out some new healthy recipes from an online cookbook
Create a budgeting system and get your finances in order
Also consider starting and keeping a “new daily routine of things we do” to help you and the kids stay on a rhythm. Take a walk if you can, sit out on your patio or balcony, open a window...just try to get some fresh air to breathe!
Coming to terms with our thoughts, feelings and needs is a process. Our responses, attitudes, emotions may seem like a roller coaster ride. Give yourself and others much grace as we navigate through this crisis.
Assess where you are right now. Ask God to show you the next steps on how to be purposeful in your home and community.
Simply, LOVE is the answer to fear.
I leave you with one of my favorite songs. May we look back and measure these season with love!
Trust God One Day at a Time.
With Love,
Tynisha Wooley
Founder/CEO Purposely MADE Life
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