I’ve asked during the current crisis, what is it that God wants me to learn. It’s something we all need to ask of God. If we are still enough and ask Him to reveal those lessons, we will discern them. Some might be hard lessons, others just something you never realized. Be still and know. In addition there are things, if you pay attention, you can learn.

For example, people easily give into fear mongering.  Do not fear is continuously throughout the Bible. The enemy uses the fear against you to cause doubt, make you unsure and to not trust others. 

People who hoard food when everyone is needing things, in my book are not only insecure but selfish. 

Our faith needs shoring up. God wants people to have faith like David, Moses and Abraham. Each of us should take stock of ourselves and work on our relationship with God during this time.

I’ve watched people whom I thought had lots of faith, cave in to the fear and continue spreading it. I’ve seen people criticize other people it seems just because they aren’t fearful. We can’t live in fear and have faith; the two just don’t go together and if we say we have faith, we need to be showing it. 

The stress of fear can affect your immune system and make you more susceptible to virus. I also think you can talk yourself into it. I just watched this happen with my step-father, who wasn’t feeling well and talked himself into thinking he was dying. He almost did but fortunately my mother helped him change his attitude and he started speaking life instead of death. He got better and is now doing well.  Your words do matter so be careful of the words that come out of your mouth. Speak life and peace.

The stress and fear can also steal your joy and peace. Don’t let it.

Social media can make things worse and can be the devil’s workshop if you allow it to; so if you have to distance yourself from social media, do so for your sanity. Don’t use it to fear monger or criticize others.

One thing we can definitely learn is to prioritize things in the correct order: God, family, work, then everything else. Hopefully, parents are learning that children don’t have to be involved in every activity that comes along to be productive. When we do that to them, they are being taught to constantly stay busy. Sometimes, we just need to be still and enjoy each other as a family,

We also need to learn to be grateful for everything we have in our life. As we’ve seen that can change very quickly. 

We can choose  how we respond to people and situations. It’s up to us and we should choose encouragement and positivity. You don’t have to comment on everything you disagree with on social media; just keep scrolling. 

We are all in this together and we will get through it together. We should be joining together and not bickering over foolish things. Let people have their opinion and be okay with it not agreeing with you. Doesn’t really matter who’s right or wrong. Let’s learn to get along again without criticizing. Let’s smile and laugh more and let’s lend a helping hand where possible. 

We don’t have to say or post everything that comes into our mind. Some thoughts need to be kept to ourselves and we need to learn to keep our mouth shut more. That’s responsible freedom.

I’m learning who I really want to be in my circle and that it matters even more in these days. It’s been awesome to see people step up and help and do positive things and not complain. 

I have to commend the Crawford County Board of Commissioners for not being in full panic mode. They held a meeting last week and did a good job and not spreading fear. You can be cautious and take care of yourself without saying the sky is falling. That’s not the case in other communities. If you disagree with that, it’s okay, just please keep it to yourself.

Hopefully, our nation is realizing we need to get back to our knees and do away with the idols we worship. We need to return to being In God We Trust and truly mean it.

I hope that we, as a people, also see the extent of the corruption in Washington, DC and vote accordingly. It’s not really about Republicans and Democrats, it’s about good vs. evil. I have never witnessed so much evil and such hatred for a president before now and pray that I never do again. 

I’m praying for our communities and hope you join with me.  Let’s lift each other up daily.

VICTORIA SIMMONS Is a columnist, author, motivational speaker, minister and publisher of The Georgia Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at: vsimmons54@gmail.com