by G.F.I. trainee, Bonnie Young

I’m hearing this worrying statement spoken a lot, “You know, the number of Covid-19 cases is spiking in our area.” My reply, “Yes!! Didn’t we kind of anticipate it?” But I go on to say, “If our nation doesn’t get back to work, we’ll be dealing with an economic depression.”

We will see sickness and death from depression, suicides, and cardiac incidents instead of disease and death from the virus. Not to mention delayed necessary surgeries, physician visits, and diagnostic procedures.”

My unsaid thought, “Along with illness and death related to an economic depression, there could be more violence. Some who’ve received government financial assistance in the past months might demand the government feed and support them.”

As a nurse, I agree the elderly and those in poor health should continue to shelter in place. Those who are healthy and secure should be assisting them with shopping and other needs to help protect them.

Novel or new viruses usually lose strength and disappear after approximately two-thirds of the population has been exposed to or have experienced the infection. There are reports from physicians in Pennsylvania and Italy of the virus losing its virulence. In recently contracted cases of Covid-19, patients are not as severely ill.

It was wisdom to do the social distance for two months to slow the initial spread and allow health care resources and our nation to handle the ramifications of a pandemic more efficiently. Policies and procedures needed enactment to protect those most susceptible or in fragile health.

The past weeks have been a time of spiritual growth for me. In my years as a hospice nurse, I watched many people die and cared for their bodies after death. My experience and much contemplation have brought me to a place where I’m at peace with the fact I could contract the Covid-19 virus and die.

As I chose to believe God’s promises for me, my cascading thoughts of “what if” stopped, and I began to hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit leading me in a hopeful direction not only for the present but also the future. Wise, responsible clarity for myself, and others began to take shape.

Eventually, we will die physically. As I seek God’s presence and direction daily, He reminds me I’m securely resting under His wings. Nothing will take me home to Him one minute sooner or later than He has planned. (Psalm 91) Therefore, I am not looking to man or a bunch of rules to save me.

I’m 67 years old, considered elderly, and have white hair and wrinkles to prove it. Despite my age making me more vulnerable to the virus, I’m sensing God’s leading not to fear going out but to follow His direction. I sense a need to share this message of hope.

God’s reassuring promises have erased my imagined fears concerning the virus. Meditating on the truth of God’s words have given my physical body more stamina and my emotions a resolve to follow God’s directions despite any threat to my health. (Proverbs 4:20-22, Psalm 34:4)... Continue reading this article: AFRAID TO DIE?