How Are We Going to Get Through This?

President Donald Trump just extended the social distancing guidelines through April 30th in an effort to keep US COVID-19 deaths below 100,000.

When I first saw this news I only saw half the headline.  I only saw social distancing guidelines extended through April 30th and I was bummed.  I had no belief that this would not be the case but hearing it from the president officially brought on a quick sense of grief.

Then I read how he said: "So if we can hold that down, as we're saying, to 100,000, it's a horrible number, maybe even less, but to 100,000, so we have between 100 and 200,000, we all together have done a good job..."

This is horrifying.  100,000 people dead from this virus is a good outcome at this point.  I'm not attacking the president as I write this.  I'm simply flabbergasted and deeply saddened by the idea of that many people dead from this.  100,000 people is roughly every living person in Waterloo and Cedar Falls gone.  I can't fathom this.  The 100,000 to 200,000 that Dr. Anthony Fauci is talking about is akin to the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from the two atom bombs.

How are we going to get through this?

I am not one to try to predict the future, especially in this ever-changing time.  I have no idea what is in store over the next 31 days.  I pray to God that Dr. Fauci is wrong in the best ways.  I pray that the measures being prescribed work.  I beg God to be merciful.

I am one who looks to the past to find how others have dealt with difficult circumstances.  I am one that looks to my Bible to know how to face uncertain days.

Let me show you what came to mind as I mourned my continued change in lifestyle and feared an unimaginable death figure.

"... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:11b-13

I might amend this to: Whether in public or stuck in my house, whether healthy or sick, whether with work or without, whether with sports or without, whether frightened or in peace.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

It's often said that God won't give you more than you can handle.  That may sound true if what you're given is another month of extreme social distancing.  But if life gives you a wife on a respirator that you aren't allowed to visit due to hospital protocol, then I don't know.  If God gives you a dead child, then I'm certain that line isn't true.  The real truth is this: God won't give you more than you can handle with His strength.

What will get us through this?  The same thing that got us through last April when all was well for most of us: The strengthening of Christ.

I'm afraid for my friends and neighbors.  My heart hurts for those who will get sick and die and those whose life-long business dreams crumble and those who can't figure out how to make ends meet.  I don't know exactly how they'll make it, but I do know the only key to contentment in any situation, whether good or down right devastating, is Christ.

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior then I ask you to lean on Him and I ask you to remind me to do the same.  If you don't have Jesus like I have Him then I implore you to, because life can be unbearable without Him and death is certainly hopeless without Him.

Live contently no matter what these next 31 days throw at us through the strength of Christ today.

Don't Be an Ostrich or Chicken Little

Ostriches don't actually bury their hands in the sand when they're afraid.  I don't know how this got started but they do bury their eggs and their heads go into sand to turn their eggs under the sand.  But despite the fact that ostriches don't bury their heads when threatened it is the popular conception of an ostrich.

Chicken Little is a story about a chicken that overreacts and believes the sky is falling.  In the story Chicken Little dwells on a bad thing that happened and as she dwells on it the situation feels worse and worse.  The sky is falling!

In the time of COVID-19 Christians must be neither an ostrich or Chicken Little.

Don't get me wrong... the COVID-19 pandemic is real.  A woman whose mother helped start the church I belong to had a friend younger than my parents die.  A pastor in a small town down the road from us in on a ventilator right now from it.  COVID-19 is serious and should be taken seriously.

What I mean by be neither an ostrich or Chicken Little is this: don't bury your head in the sand and ignore it and don't park your thoughts on it for an extended amount of time.

Don't be the ostrich.

Some Christians I have come across have the thinking that since they are Heaven bound they couldn't care less if the earth goes to Hell.  They have some concern with their friends and neighbors eternal salvation but not enough.  They would rather think not so much about Heaven but about getting the hell out of here.  Their thoughts about God ignores the whole "For God so loved the world..." side.  Their thoughts forget the tender, compassionate heart of their Savior.  They view Christianity as an escapist religion rather than a world changing truth.

Don't be Chicken Little.

Other people I know have their minds fixated on the pandemic.  Every thought they have is about the very real severity of this viral pandemic.  Every conversation is about how horrible things are.  As they think about COVID-19 they think of it in helpless ways instead of finding creative ways to love their neighbors.  As they think of the novel coronavirus they ignore the family they are getting extra time to love face to face.  They worry about it and read about it while their kids are asking to read The Cat in the Hat.

(Full disclosure: I'm more prone to be Chicken Little in this than the ostrich.  Pray I overcome that.)

So, let's think about this pandemic rightly.  Let's think about it Biblically (you can read my thought on that here and here.) But while we must think rightly about it we can't think exclusively about it.  We are not God!  Our mental health can't endure thinking about this in its most negative way both night and day.  We must have an outlet for the positive.

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable... if anything is excellent or praiseworthy... think about such things.  Philippians 4:4-8

Find time to rejoice in the Lord.  Remember that He is in charge, that He is good, and loving and strong.  Let everyone see your gentleness, or reasonableness in other translations.  Don't waste time with anxiety but take each worry and give it to God and be thankful that you can.  And He will give you His peace. 

Then Paul gives us a tool to be able to rid ourselves of anxiety.  Remember, we must always remove a thought and then replace it with another because our brains can't be a vacuum.  Instead of thinking of the negative at all times, take time to dwell on the positives.  See the good around you.  See your children that are at the dinner table instead of practice or a friend's house.  And above all look at the very definition of true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy... look at God in the person of Christ.

Don't be Chicken Little or the ostrich.  Your community needs you to be neither and you need you to be neither.  Find a way to be His sheep instead today.

Stimulus Checks, Refunds and the Glory of God

COVID-19 is here and we are feeling its impact.  Much has been written and will be about the health and healthcare ramifications of this novel virus, but I want to think about its economic impact.

People are going to be suffering economically because of the effects of this virus.  The social distancing necessary to slow the spread and save lives is also disrupting lives all around us.  People are being laid off, small business owners are watching revenue shrink and employees are wondering how small the next few paychecks can get.  This is causing and will cause great stress on individuals and families all around us.

The president and legislature are working on sending some kind of stimulus checks to the American people.  As I write this I do not know the size of these checks or exactly who will get them.  I'm hearing $1,000 per adult and $500 per child is a real possibility for at least the lower and middle classes.  Whatever the value of money that will soon be in your hands from stimulus checks or tax refunds, I think it is wise to ask how a Christian should use this money.

Before this national crisis erupted my wife and I were brainstorming how to use our tax refund.  Would we pay extra principal down on our house?  Would we put money into an IRA?  Would we get the floors refinished?  Well, now that times have changed we are asking what are responsibility as Christians is with this cash.

I want to use a few Biblical examples to illustrate how I am thinking about this money.

"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.  Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Jeremiah 29:7

Our God asks us to seek the peace and economic well being of our community.  We are to pray for it, because its prospering is our prospering.  So, whatever we do with this money during this time of need should impact our city.  How we use this money must be have a greater impact than only what makes me happy.  I should understand my interconnectivity to the people around me.

The feeding of the 5,000 men- John 6:1-13

You remember the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 men and an untold number of women and children?  A crowd had gathered around Jesus and listened to Him preach.  It got late and Jesus asked where they could buy food for that many people.  Philip said eight months wages couldn't feed them all just one bite, but the disciples went canvassing for food.

"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many." John 6:9

You know the rest.  Jesus took that little bit of food and multiplied it to the point that everyone had enough food and there were twelve baskets left over.

You can't tell me that there was only one person who packed a lunch.  Do you really think that only that boy brought along some food?  I could believe 5,000 men forgetting to pack a lunch, but, being a married man with children, I can't imagine there being very many women that didn't pack a lunch for themselves, their husbands and/or their children.

My point is that only one boy had the guts to be generous in a time of need.  And Jesus used that generosity to show off His power and provision.

When times get tough am I the boy that offers what I have for Jesus to use to benefit others and myself, or am I like the others that would sneak a bite of my own food while my neighbor went without?

I'm not even mentioning the story of the poor widow that gave all she had or the parable of the talents.  As I read my Bible it is clear that I must use my refund and whatever check we might get for the benefit of others.

That all being said, I think there are three Biblical ways we can help our communities thrive with our money.

1) Save It.

If you do not have an emergency fund (as Dave Ramsey would call it) then build one.  We don't know how long this will last.  Have the ability to take care of yourself and your family first.  Prepare yourself so that you do not become a burden to others (1 Thessalonians 2:9, 1 Timothy 5).  Read Proverbs and you'll find there is much wisdom in being prepared.

2) Give It.

My wife and I do not need this money to survive.  We may not be swimming in luxuries, but we are more than fine.  God has blessed us with the ability to have built up an emergency fund.  Any money we would be getting would only go toward pleasure and retirement planning (there's nothing inherently wrong with either of those in normal times).  So, if you are in a position like ours this is a time to consider giving.  Give to your relative that is having a hard time making ends meet.  Give to your neighbor that can't make rent and feed kids.  Give it to your church's benevolence fund so it can meet the needs presented to it.  And let's not forget to tithe.

3) Spend It.

Spending money is a way to help our community prosper.  Spending our cash keeps businesses open and people working.  Spending is the difference between people being employed, under-employed and unemployed.  But we can't just spend anywhere.  Try to spend this stimulus to stimulate those businesses and those workers most in peril.  Companies like Amazon can and should be able to keep employees paid during this time of social distancing; your local coffee shop, diner, mechanic or other small business may not.  Spend for the glory of God.  Make your spending choices the means that enable someone to thank God they still have hours at their job.  Make your spending part of the reason the local business owner still has confidence she can send her son back to school in the Fall.

Let us be wise and God honoring with our spending, saving and giving.  Let's seek the peace and prosperity of our city because we go as it goes.  We're given an opportunity to bless others; let's seize it today.

How to Think Biblically About COVID-19

COVID-19, popularly known as coronavirus, is here and is impacting our health and economy. I do not think this is a hoax. Whether we are over or under reacting can't truly ever be known unless you're Marty McFly. I'm not a medical professional and I have no idea what this all will look like in a month, let alone by Monday. But I have been thinking about how to approach this in a Biblical manner. We must take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and put it under the authority of God and what we know of Him through His Word. Below are some bullet points on how to think Biblically about COVID-19.

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself- Mark 12:31

This is actually my two-and-a-half year old son Joshua's memory verse of the month. This is how we must act. We're told this virus is mostly harmful to older people and those with preexisting conditions. While we might not be at risk, they are. Do what you would want to have done if it was your wife, grandma, child or yourself that was at risk. If there is a moment in the future where people who are sick aren't being cared for then go help them as you are able and would want them to for you. Treat infected people as you would want to be treated if you were infected. Treat people who have come back from a trip as you would be treated.  Treat people how you would want to be treated if you were unable to work.  Love people who aren't you.

Don't Fear- 2 Timothy 1:7

Don't let yourself be controlled by fear as if God was not in control. Don't fear as one who has no hope. Be brave, but don't be a cavalier fool. If all your thoughts are consumed by fear then there is nothing left to give your Savior and His people. Let the world see your courage that is rooted in the Spirit that God has given you.

Remember Your Mortality- Psalm 90:12

Don't fear, but don't fool yourself; you are mortal on this side of Heaven. The deaths on the news are happening to people just like you. But don't let this lead to despair; rather let this remembering teach you to take advantage of Today while it is still called Today (Hebrews 3:13). There is much wisdom to be gained from this remembering of our limited days.

Trust Authority- Romans 13:1-4

God has established the authorities governing our world. From the WHO and CDC to President Trump we are living under authority that God in His sovereignty has placed over us. This does not mean that they are perfect, but that the default setting of every Christian is appropriate submission to them. That means when guidelines are given they are meant for our good. When gatherings are canceled it is for our good. Don't be a blind, idiot follower but don't assume they are having these guidelines as some worldwide conspiracy to sell soap, or whatever the latest conspiracy theory is.

Trust in God's Sovereignty and Goodness- Romans 8:28

In all things God works for our good. All things = all things, even COVID-19. I don't know what the good is as of today, but I do know that God is sovereign and He is good to us. Let the world watch you believe this verse.

Detox From Other 'gods'- Exodus 20:3

Like many of you I have made gods out of some of the pleasures in my life. Sports are not naturally at odds with God, I think I will be playing and watching them in Heaven. Yet, my sports fandom can become a god. Lent is a time when we fast from these good things that can try to become god-things in our lives. Perhaps God is using this to detox us from these gods. I wouldn't have given up March Madness for Lent, but I am now. There are many pleasures (parties, plays, trips, games, etc) that we are being told and will be told not to do for the good of public health. This COVID-19 season will test how much I love the LORD my God and my neighbor. It will test how much comforts and pleasures have tried to replace the One True God in my life.

Pray for the Good of the Community- Jeremiah 29:7

God tells us to pray for the good, the peace and the prosperity of our towns, counties, states, countries and world. We are to seek our community's welfare to pray for it. So, you aren't a doctor, nurse or even someone who understands this pandemic, you can be one who prays to the Great Physician. That is an amazing privileged, honor and responsibility.

Approach COVID-19 as one who has taken his thoughts captive today.

29 Reasons Why

"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." 

Proverbs 18:22

Today is my wife's 29th birthday.  Christine, I hope you have a wonderful day.  Thank you for being the good that I found.  Thank you for being a source of God's favor.  When you are good to me it's as if God Himself was being good to me.  I'm glad I found you and somehow won your heart.

Christine, I love you in at least 29 ways but here's 29 for year 29:

1) I love that you love me.

2) I love that you love our kids.

3) I love that you submit to a broken man like me in such a strong way.

4) I love that you are a wonderful cook.

5) I love the way you still make me go crazy with a look.

6) I love how devoted you are to our faith.

7) I love that I can trust you fully.

8) I love how you help others.

9) I love that you do hard things with me.

10) I love how you laugh so hard you cry.

11) I love popcorn and movie nights with you.

12) I love how mad you get at me during board games.

13) I love that you hate the unknown yet live with my unknown work schedule.

14) I love that you can create life in your womb.

15) I love how soft your skin feels.

16) I love how you seemed to have skipped a decade of pop culture and news.

17) I love how sweet your soul is.

18) I love how intentional you are with the kids.

19) I love the way you pour your heart into foster kids.

20) I love the way your lap feels when you let me cry on it.

21) I love the lines on your face when you smile.

22) I love that you pretend to care about the Cubs and the Chiefs.

23) I love the way you have helped make me a better man.

24) I love that you love to read.

25) I love how smart you are.

26) I love sleeping next to you.

27) I love how well you let me know you.

28) I love how well you know me.

29) I love every inch of you inside and out.

#Girldad

It's a few days into Lent and I'm not doing my usual Lent Challenge.  Normally during this season I write every day on this blog.  I do that because it forces me to read, think clearly, look for God in my world and then communicate what He's showing me that day.

This year I am not doing it because I want to be a better dad.  Not that writing makes one a bad father, but there are only so many hours in a day.  Writing daily is not difficult but it does take time.  My wife knows and is helping me to know that she and the kids need more of my time.

I have been the dad of a boy for nearly three years now.  As a recovering boy, I have a pretty good idea of what a boy needs.  I know what and how he thinks better than my wife does.  I have a past that equips me to know the world of a young boy and, to be honest, playing Batman still is fun for me.

But since November 2018 I have been the dad of a girl.  First with "L" who left our home after six months and then to sweet Miss Anna as of Groundhog Day 2019.  Being the father of a girl is very much the same in many ways but in some ways is foreign territory.

After the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter the hashtag #girldad went viral.  Kobe expressed to a member of the media the joy he had in being a girl-dad and she told the world and millions have echoed that joy.  This is such a good thing to be celebrated.  Across much of the world girls are not valued as they should be.  In places like China men at one point outnumbered women by 33 million due to sex-selective abortion (which many nations have and are outlawing) and other evil factors.  So #girldad is a wonderful and needed thing.

From the moment the ultrasound tech told us the baby developing in my wife's womb was a girl I wondered what she would need from me.  #girldad and the discussion that followed was another opportunity to ponder how raising my daughter was different from raising my son.  It was another opportunity to ask what she needs from her daddy.

What does my daughter need from me?:

She needs me to love her mom well.  Miss Anna needs to see how a real man loves a woman.  She needs to see the value I see in her mother.  She needs to see what she should look for in a mate.

She needs me to love her in a way that makes me difficult to replace.  I want her to know and experience a deep love from her daddy.  I want her to know what it feels like to be loved well.  She also needs to know that while marriage is the norm that her marriage status will not decide whether or not she is loved well by a man.

She needs me to teach her grace.  She needs me to show her grace when she is in the wrong.  She needs me to teach her how to give grace when her brother is in the wrong.  She needs me to teach her the strength that comes from graciousness.

She needs me to tell her about the confidence she can have in who she is as a creation and daughter of Christ.  She needs to know that she was knitted together in her mother's womb and in every stage of her life from skinned knee toddler to pimple faced teen and beyond she is a work of art by the Great Artist.  She needs to know that her inner skills, talents and strengths are wonderful gifts to be cultivated and grown and used frequently.  She needs to know that as much as her daddy loves her that her Heavenly Daddy loves her more.

She needs to be told the Gospel.  Over and over and over and over and over and over...



Being a girl-dad is a good thing.  Right now I'm a distant second to her mom in Anna's eyes, but I cherish those times when she lets me just hold her tight.  Last Sunday I held her close and just dreamed of all the things she might do and the way she might be someday and I prayed that she would know Jesus and that I would be a bigger influence in her successes than her failures.

Parents, we have an ability to leave the biggest scars and the biggest positive marks on our children.  May we be an influence for their flourishing and may their flourishing make their communities flourish.  Girl-dads, here's to tea parties and big hugs; we have an awesome job, may we be what our daughters need today.