What is Social Distancing? According to the Department of Public Health, Social Distancing measures are taken to restrict when and where people can gather to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. This includes limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings and canceling events.

I know your heart is most likely aching at these drastic measures. You might be feeling a little frustrated at putting life as you know it on hold? I get it! The right thing isn’t always the easy thing. Social Distancing is the most practical way to help stop the spread of this virus. So we, as the resilient people that we are have taken the proper precautions to do all we can do to contribute.

Social Distancing effects every part of our normal life. I am a Pastors Wife and have been so convicted, along with my husband to do all we can to serve our community during this time. We are called to spread God’s word in love. “Love thy neighbor!”… This is how we react to this place where we currently find ourselves. We keep serving, helping, loving, caring and sharing.

Whether you focus on the physical, emotional or mental strains of this Pandemic… It all becomes spiritual because all that we do reflects who He is in our heart.

Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

The Social Distancing Triangle.

Physical

We are retreating to our homes for as long as it takes and taking proper measures to limit contact with groups of people over a certain number… I know these guidelines are different depending on where you are. Inside your home you have meal prepped, created school schedules, planned crafts, etc. Just like me, I’m sure you are doing everything you can to keep life, as your family knows it, running routinely normal. Removing yourself from unnecessary human contact helps to prevent the spread and this is how you are physically affected by Social Distancing.

Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Mental

I’ve seen all the Mama’s posting things like, “Y’all gonna make me lose my mind!” over the past week.

I think at this point we can all agree that Teachers everywhere need a raise when this is all over! Teacher Appreciation gifts are going to be better than ever now that we can fully grasp the awesome super powers they all have. I had to tell my 8 Year-old just yesterday that he didn’t want to see what my demerit system looked like!

What are you doing to take care of you mind? We went on a nature walk yesterday and took in some sunshine… That will cleanse your mind! Trying to keep your days as close to your normal routine as possible during this time is so important and will help to eliminate your stress. Remember that we are all navigating uncharted territory so, give yourself and your family grace to make mistakes along the way. Unrealistic expectations and reaching for perfection can often be my downfall and it will be yours as well. Perfectionism can’t survive in uncertain times because there’s no room for flexibility. As you are practicing Social Distancing, protect your mental health by staying in control of your emotions. Breathe deep when change is suddenly knocking at your door. Step away when tensions are high and redirect your energy to a new project. Also, turn the news off and stop scrolling social media. I understand that we need daily updates and I am certainly thankful for those working hard to give them but watching or reading it all day long will certainly take it’s toll on your mental health. Read a book, watch a funny movie, paint a picture, open the windows and allow some happiness to pour in for a little while.

Phillipians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Emotional

Women are emotional. It’s in the fabric of our very nature, we can’t ignore it but we can control it. My relationship with Jesus Christ is how I create my perspective. News, no matter how factual can breed fear and cripple us emotionally if we dwell on what we can’t control. This is happening! COVID-19 is here and we are practicing Social Distancing to eliminate the spread. My emotions tell me to sit in a fetal position, with the news cycle repeating the same daunting information over and over, afraid to move or stand. Yet, I know better. Emotions over toilet paper shortage create anger. Emotions tell us to react irrationally and hoard food that we will never eat. However, emotions are why I can smile and feel hope even though I’m uncertain of what is to come. How will you channel your emotions? How will you look back on this time? See, God is in control and He offers hope, peace, joy and love when the world offers fear and discord. I choose to change my perspective, reign in my fear and do the right thing which is using my emotions to feel compassion for those who do not yet know the peace that Jesus Christ can offer.

Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Let’s get creatively social…

You are going to be ok! Just keep doing what you know to be right and do it with the knowledge that God loves you and is here to guide you. When you feel the issues of life overwhelming you, remember that you can cast all your worry, fear, stress and anxiety on He who has already gone before you. The world is uncertain and can give us no guarantee of mental, physical or emotional security but God can do all things and work through all things. Pick up your armor and suit up, confidently leading your family to hope as you create an atmosphere of peace within your quarantined walls.

Social Distancing doesn’t equal Social Elimination! We can still socialize, we can still interact and most importantly we can still show kindness.

I encourage you to tap into your online resources and continue feeding your soul even though you can’t physically walk into the Church building. Never forget that the Church is so much more than a building, we are a community that rises in difficult times to change the narrative from fear to faith.

Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep socializing from a distance. I have learned that though we can’t physically touch, I can be uplifted just by hearing your voice, reading your words or seeing your face and praise God, technology can offer us that!

Be well and eat a cupcake! Just like Jesus, cupcakes never fail!

XO-Denisha