During this time of international crisis struggling through the COVID-19 outbreak, we need to stockpile verses of hope, courage, and comfort.
Here are a few Bible Quilt Journal pages to help get you started thinking about building your own arsenal of "power" scriptures during this unsettled time.
"Strengthen us according to YOUR Word." Psalm 119:28
May we dip into the Word for renewal to be...
"strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
We may need to take turns encouraging one another as we go through different cycles of illness/quarantine with our families.
Prayer.
Acts of Kindness.
Words of Comfort.
I'm grateful for the many, many verses on HOPE, a constant theme woven throughout the Bible.
With kids home from school, we need to balance an infusion of fun activities with reassuring times of cozy connection. Challenge them to go on a scripture treasure hunt with you to discover verses on JOY and create a page together.
As homeschooling etches its ups and downs on everyone and personalities sometimes clash, consider doing a page on each of your children. Those strong characteristics are God-ordained for His purposes. Our job is to help contain and shape these little growing spirits until they fully blossom. Sometimes we need to reframe our perspective and step back to contemplate God's bigger picture for our kids.
Is there physical distance from your adult children or grandchildren?
Maybe we all need to "up our prayer game" for those closer to our distant loved ones...that outreach and support be provided when needed.
Creating a page specifically with a loved one in mind can help settle your spirit, then you can send a copy to them to support them from afar.
The news cycle is relentless. Are you too distracted to generate your own prayers?
Pick one prayer and pray it on repeat.
Are your children struggling with anxiety or having a hard time without a regular routine?
Consider making some morning and nighttime BQ pages. You can read/pray through them together, leaving the page displayed on a bedside table or counter then shifting to the next one when it's time.
Start the day with some bright colors of encouraging cheer.
Wrap up the evening with some soothing verses that reinforce rest and safety.
We're experiencing a lot of loss during this time...loss of direct interaction with one another, canceled birthday parties and celebrations, postponed conferences and seminars, school closings without personal closure, disruptions in workflow with colleagues, loss of freedom of our typical routines and social outlets, and, increasingly, loss of health which impairs functioning of the family unit.
"This is my comfort in my affliction, that YOUR WORD has revived me." Psalm 119:50
Despite social distancing and quarantining, we CAN unify in spirit, prayer, and encouragement. We can tap in to all the beautiful attributes God has given us to walk through this journey in Him.
God is faithful.
His promises are true.
Lean into what matters during this time and know that you are held in the palm of His hand.