Taking a Breath

I am tired of hearing about handwashing. Maybe you are too. Nevertheless, I am grateful that the WHO and CDC give us guidelines for external behaviors that prevent the spread of disease: for handwashing, housecleaning, traveling, and gathering. But what about my spiritual health—my feelings, thoughts, and general outlook? There’s no CDC recommendation for that! Dealing with things we can’t control is overwhelming—we are swimming in fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, shame, and guilt. I don’t know about you, but I have a full-time job being my own “handler” this week. To live into my true self in these uncertain times, I am breathing. I am noticing my feelings and what they are trying to tell me. To re-center myself, I am repeating Scriptures, over and over. Here’s one of my favorites, God’s own words to Joshua (and us) before entering the promised land: “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9)

Last Sunday (3/8), Mahlon Hight, PHPC’s Congregational Care and Senior Adult Ministry Coordinator, taught us about meditation. If you need to breathe this week, check out Mahlon’s guided breathing session on the PHPC podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breathe-for-your-life/id1420208515?i=1000466528452

Be strong and courageous, friends, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go!