The reports coming in about the current mental health of people during this time of uncertainty and isolation is not good. We are under a real threat to our wholistic well-being and we are threatened by the virus.
Here is what I hear and see. We are hurting…suffering in private, but also very visible ways.
When people hurt and they do not process the hurt in a healthy way they say things that harm others. This happens constantly on comment threads across the internet.
A negative comment through a keyboard or mobile device is like a hit of a potent narcotic. The high is great and the damage to the target and ourselves is greater.
I don’t know what you have been called before today.
I may never meet you in person, but you need to know something.
You add value to this world and you are loved.
How can I be sure?
I know that it is something that God taught me today about myself through prayer and listening. Mostly listening.
And if God sees me this way then I know that God sees you this way too.
You don’t have to take my word for it. Try asking God yourself.
God, how do you see me?
My prayer is that you will know God’s love for you.
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 