Marti Thomas

We recently watched a documentary series on Netflix called “Losers,” about athletes who failed and the aftermath of that failure. Most of them learn from their failures, find new passions, grow in character, etc., and I highly recommend the series. But that’s not why I mention it here.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4. Really, Paul, rejoice when ……a dangerous virus is spreading throughout the world?…there isn’t enough money to pay the bills this month?…loneliness threatens to overwhelm me?…I’m stuck in my house for who knows how long?

You’re walking on your street and a neighbor moves toward you. You take a few steps back and hold up your hand, arm stretched stiff. The message is clear – “Don’t get near.” That’s the message repeated on social media, on televisions, in our heads. Don’t get near. Don’t get near anyone except family members – and then only if they aren’t sniffling, coughing or running a fever. This is a strange time of isolation, distancing and detachment, not what we are made for as human beings.