If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Has anyone ever seen times like these? The closest equivalent I can remember in my lifetime was the gas shortage in the early 1970s when cars lined up on alternate days to top off their tank. For any young readers who don’t know about this, gas was rationed and the days on which you could fill your tank were determined by some number (was it based on license plate numbers?). People topped off their tanks whether they were low on gas or not and there were lines at the gas pumps.

That was also when there was a temporary halt placed on time changes. I remember walking to school in the dark and watching the sun come up during first period.

I never thought I’d see the day when churches closed and the nation began to shut down!

Today, the district manager over the H&R Block offices in Tucson declared that the offices would do returns on a drop off basis only. The district manager of the Block Advisors offices in Tucson made the determination that we would stay open for business as usual, but my boss, Victoria, mutinied. Our office is the largest office in Tucson and we bring in the most money of all the offices in Tucson, so she told our district manager that we will not be open at all if we can’t be drop off only. She’s confident that our office has enough pull to win the approval needed for this stance. I am sure she’s right, but it’s still a little nerve-wracking!

I have had word from a friend in Alaska that store shelves are looking a little bare, just like everywhere else. My mother in Oregon says that the only thing left for her to do is go to the grocery store, and there are only so many groceries a person needs. I got a call from Pastor Nancy in Wisconsin today announcing that her sermons are going to be recorded and played on the radio. Our pastor here asked if I could meet and greet anyone who comes to our church this Sunday not realizing there will be no service. A friend up north canceled a planned road trip through the southwest. I have a hunch that there are people who are going to be hit hard financially.

People are beginning to feel like shut-ins, and it’s easy to feel like you are the only one who is experiencing hardship as a result. If you would be willing to share how this madness is affecting you, write to me and I’ll post your comments. I feel the need for us all to connect with each other.

I had an email from a pastor named Doug Vaughn today. He pastors a church Mark and I attended when we were living in Reno some years ago. Pastor Doug had these suggestions to make to keep us all from feeling isolated:

• Read the Bible. Read the Bible with your family. Sing hymns and worship songs together. Memorize Colossians 3:12-14.
• Read a book.
• Check on your neighbors. Assist your neighbors/church family with grocery shopping, doctor appointments, etc. Let someone know if you need any help with anything.
• Write and mail a letter. Write out a list of thanks to God.
• Call your extended family. Stay connected in other ways like text messages, email, FaceTime, and Facebook.
• Share the gospel in creative ways.
• Smile. Laugh. Go for a walk. Enjoy God’s handiwork.
• Enjoy a simple meal by candlelight. Tell folks you love them. Life is amazing!

He also suggested we pray. Last night, Mark and I watched a movie called Faith Like Potatoes, and I was reminded of the opening verse to this post. Let’s turn to God in humility and repentance for ourselves, our nation, and the world. He is our only hope for healing.

And above all, let’s keep in touch!