Parents, Be a Protector in the COVID19 Marathon: Words from COVID 19 quarantine

Parents, POTUS just announced another month of social distancing. As this long sprint turns into a marathon, there will be a strong temptation to choose what is easy over what is right. It will be more difficult to remember that healthy relationships are God’s priority. It will be harder to share our hoarded toilet paper with those in need! The longer this thing stretches out and the worse the economic situation gets, it will be easier to become more like a predator, using our strengths to take advantage of the weaknesses of others for our benefit rather than using our strengths to be a protector who cares for the interests of those who are weaker (credit Jim Wilder). Our kids will be watching what we do with our strength… whether we protect or prey on the weaknesses of others. Our progeny will learn from us and do the same. The Apostle Paul reminded some of his favorite people to act like Jesus, who is the ultimate protector. In Philippians 2:3-4 he says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (CSBBible) On the other side of this dilemma, if you are someone who tends to exhaust yourself on behalf of others, remember that you have to take care of yourself, physically, spiritually, emotionally, so that you have enough strength to continue to protect and take care of those who are weaker. So, how do we do this in this COVID 19 marathon of uncertainty? Paul tells us, “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 everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)