Giving Thanks in the Midst of COVID, Cancer, and Chaos

This year is going down as the worst year in many people’s lives and for good reason.  It has been a year full of challenges, for sure. In fact, on the surface, it seems there are very few if any redeeming features from this year and a lot of people I know would love to wipe it from the state. I may be alone in my view, but even if it were possible to do this year over, I wouldn’t choose to do it. 

You see, to undo this year would mean I would miss out on the lessons and the joys I’ve experienced.  Yes, even with the coronavirus outbreak, my personal bout with breast cancer, and all the chaos surrounding the events of 2020, the good far outweigh the bad. Stay with me as I share a different perspective on this crazy year and why I am giving thanks for the year 2020. 

First, I don’t want you to think that I believe any of these things are a good thing. On the surface, none of them are.  All three can be attributed to everything from a minor inconvenience to some, a complete change of lifestyle for many, and a major disruption of freedom, income, health, and even life to others.  The prevailing fear, mistrust, and confusion from these unwelcome intruders into our lives has damaged the fabric of our society in a way that may never be repaired. 

I don’t need to list all the horrible things we’ve experienced with the coronavirus this year. But I will argue that there have been some good things coming out of it, too. I’ve seen families and friends come closer together and spend more quality time together even if virtually.  The lives of children and their parents have converged. More employers have been forced to understand the challenges facing parents and parents are opening their eyes to the struggles their children’s teachers face from day-to-day. People are learning to appreciate others from a completely different perspective than they had before. 

With the shut down of so many of our normal pastimes like sports, entertainment, and meetings both local and national,  we’ve all been allowed more time to do the things that really matter in life. Some are enjoying long walks with loved ones, many are preparing home-cooked meals more consistently than ever, and others are taking time to finally take that course work to get the degree or learn that new hobby they’ve always meant to get. 

And we’ve all grown our appreciation for the people who are on the front lines. The nurses, doctors, funeral directors, grocery store clerks and stockers, truck drivers…all the people who must continue to show up to ensure that people are cared for, fed, and have basic services in life. This list is by no means all-inclusive. I’m sure you can think of dozens who could be added. 

To be fair, my life was impacted less than most because I was already working from home. I’d gotten comfortable with the altered routine and my husband had returned to work at the office when I decided it was time to pick up some of the normal things I’d neglected like my annual physical and my routine mammogram. Thankfully I did. Less than 30 days into the process I learned I had very early-stage breast cancer. Such a diagnosis can turn one’s life upside down, but I was blessed with excellent doctors and caregivers and after extensive surgery and a couple of months of recovery I am praising God for a new lease on life.  

Please don’t misunderstand my point here. Cancer, too, can be devastating and can completely change people’s lives. In fact, it is the disruption in my life that I am giving thanks for because it reminded me that none of my tomorrows are guaranteed on this earth. As I inched toward learning how serious this twist in my life would be, I realized this could be my last opportunity to write the message God has for me to share. It became a mission I had to complete before it was too late. 

So as my body healed, I did something I never imagined I could do.  I gave myself permission to not only pause but to essentially stop, all activity that either wasn’t a promise to someone else previously or that didn’t help me reach the burning desire to complete this mission. I put as many commitments aside as possible to focus all my attention on writing. I even took the step to partner with a group who is going to help me write, publish, and market this book that has been forming in my mind for so long. It feels so good to roll my sleeves up and get started knowing that I have the proper support to carry me through to the end. 

But honestly, the reasons I’ve discussed thus far are only part of why I feel this has been a good year. One of the primary reasons is because having lost so much of the things I’ve taken for granted has helped me realize how precious those things are to me.  Simple things I’ve enjoyed my entire life like gathering with family for birthdays and holidays. Enjoying a long lunch over a glass of wine.  Going out to a restaurant and enjoying a craft beer and the company of good friends. And then after the surgery even more simple things like going for a walk or holding my grandchildren. Being able to lift my arms high enough to pull a shirt over my head. Going to church and taking communion. Things I did day in and day out and week in and week out without even thinking about them. Things I longed for when I couldn’t do them anymore. 

As I recovered from surgery in the isolation of my home, even though I watch very little news, I began to hear stories of the building dissatisfaction in our world. People who disagree on everything from how to protect ourselves from the virus which literally had become viral, to who people believed were the best leaders to carry our country forward. The more strongly people felt about their position, the louder the noise became and the more violent people responded. It was getting harder and harder to avoid the discord playing out in our world. 

On the rare occasion I would watch the news, I sat back and watched in horror as our country has experienced chaos in a way that seems surreal to me.  I find it unfathomable that people are treating one another the way they do simply because they have philosophical differences about the way things are being handled. It shocks me how ugly people can be to others. It especially troubles me the way some who call themselves Christians behave in the midst of the uncertainly and division.  Oh, I understand there is a cry for justice. And I realize that systems need to change for things to improve. But I also believe with all my heart that there is a better way. 

God’s way. 

I believe we are missing an important point as we all fight to be heard. To get our voice above the fray. Because we shouldn’t be doing that at all. Instead, we as Christians are called, not to hide our head in the sand and ignore what is going on around us, but instead, to share the truth. To point others to the fact that this war will not be won by the side that has the biggest army or the most voters. 

No, this war has already been won. But based on what I observe, it feels as though many of those who love Jesus have forgotten this truth.  They’ve put all their faith in one person or another, and will only trust the leader who tells the story the way they want to hear it.  They forget that there is a higher purpose and that there are times we will all suffer while we wait for the overall plan to fall into place.  

To take this a step further, consider that God is giving us an opportunity to share his truth in a way that we’ve never seen before.  With all the division, fear, and strife, we should be sharing the story of salvation and encouraging others to trust in the one who created the universe. But instead, way too many of us are walking around in fear of every little thing. And instead of being responsible and trusting God, we are talking our leaders down and chastising others for not behaving the way we think they should.  In fact, in many ways, we are no better than the religious leaders of Jesus’ time. 

We all have one true calling in this world.  It is to bring others to Christ so that they may join us in eternity. But who among the unsaved will want to follow a God who’s people don’t trust him? Who bemoan all the wrongs in the world and not see the beauty? Who wants to follow someone who is hateful to others and who doesn’t even trust their own God to take care of them? Are you feeling convicted by this? Yeah, me too.  I’ve done each of these things this year, too, but I am inspired to do better.  I hope you are too.  

The best part? We don’t have to do it on our own. The instructions on how to do it are all spelled out in Scripture and the Holy Spirit is standing by to help you do everything you are called to do. And the best part? Our part may be big or it may be small.  We don’t need to know anything beyond just taking the first step that God has laid on your heart.  

I know it sounds challenging, but it’s easier than you think it will be. Or it will be once we begin to live out our faith and truly trust God. 

You see, we are challenged to seek first the kingdom of God. In light of today’s conversation, that means putting all our confidence in him instead of putting our faith in men, laws, and systems.  

What if we simply prayed to the Lord and asked for peace and for the courage to speak of his grace when others are hurting? What if instead of lashing out at those who are responding in violence we speak of forgiveness and hope? Jesus showed us the way to do this and God has equipped us with all the tools we need.   

You see, I know we can do better. And I believe we will.  Like so many things in life, maybe we have to hit rock bottom before we can realize how good we had it before.  Maybe we have to lose all of our freedoms we’ve taken for granted to realize that we really miss them.  I pray we don’t have to go that far, but there really is only one who knows for sure. 

So yes, it has been a tough year. I’d be foolish to argue otherwise. But despite all that is happening in and around us, God is still in control.  He planned before the world was created that we would all be experiencing what we are right now.  He wants us to make good choices with what we have and he wants us to trust him to make things turn out good for those who love him.

And remember, we do not know when it will be our time to go. We always need to be ready.  And we need to remind our loved ones of that too.  If you haven’t shared Jesus with the people you care about yet, why not? What are you waiting for?  We are never promised tomorrow and that has never been more prevalent than it is right now. It isn’t too late until either you or your loved one has taken your last breath. Don’t waste this opportunity.  Talk to them today. 

As I mentioned earlier, I have put much of my work on hold for now. This will be my last episode for 2020. I pray that you, too, will find the silver lining in this crazy year and that you will give thanks to God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon you.

I also pray that you are already preparing a place in your heart for the birth of the Christ child as we quickly move into the season of Advent.  My most favorite time of the year right after Lent. 

As we begin to think of new beginnings as the year 2021 comes our way, I pray that God will plant seeds in your heart so that you, too, can find ways to share your story and the promises that await us all.  I have a number of resources at vonajohnson.com that you may find helpful for you to fulfill your calling during this next season of your life. It brings me joy to be able to help others find fulfillment and peace in this life and if there is a way I can help you do that, let’s connect.  

I will be diving much deeper into the topics I discussed here today and many others in my book.  If you want to learn when it becomes available, sign up for the Live Your More newsletter on the website.  If you are interested in being on my book launch team, send me an email.  I’d love to have you join me. 

Until then, have a blessed holiday season. And please, stay safe and live your more!