Answers for Me Support & encouragement for every-day life
Recently, I finished a historical-fiction novel by Ellen Marie Wiseman titled The Orphan Collector. The story takes place in Philadelphia in 1918 when the Spanish Flu hit. It was an unspeakable pandemic. Some parts of the book were difficult to read, because so many people died. Philadelphia was hit especially hard after a large parade brought 200,000 people together. The deaths were horrifying. Death would hit suddenly and the dying would turn a bluish-black and bleed from their eyes, nose, and mouth. Since there were so many deaths, bodies were put out on the curbs. A man in a wagon came by every day and collected the bloody sheet-wrapped bodies. The thought of this made me weep, while also opening my eyes to a historical event. The author did a thorough job of researching the facts.
However, the characters were fictional. Sometimes as we read now about the staggering number of deaths in our country and all over the world from COVID-19, it almost seems fictional. But it’s not. It’s real people. We forget because we do not know them or see it happening (if we are lucky). I believe it is our nature, unfortunately, to think it will never happen to us. It could, and any of us might be a carrier, unaware. We are told to stay home, wear a mask, keep social distance, don’t gather in a close group of more than so many people – whatever the mandates are for you. Some people complain. Some people go against the mandates.
In John 117:33 (NIV), Jesus says: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Dying Alone
A close friend of mine went to the hospital for a triple bypass a few days ago. His family couldn’t go in. When he is up to it, hospital personnel will wheel him out by the front door so he can see his family. Many who have died in hospitals during this long duration of the pandemic have had to do so without family. I find that heartbreaking, though necessary, that family could not enter; unable to say the words they wanted to or touch their loved one. Thankfully, the nurses and doctors were there—some of the heroes during this pandemic. Along with the presence of God.
With going through yet another wave of COVID-19, it surely seems endless. Yet, we have to carry on; one foot in front of the other, so to speak. It’s all we can do; and believe as in Psalm 46:1 (NIV): God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
We will get through this and be better humans when it’s over. Take heart! I am grateful for so much. Give thanks for all you do have and for those you have in your life. I will.
If you like this, you may enjoy, Joy and Sorrow | Not Dying Alone
Cindy Napa McCabe writes from New York.
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