Wedding dreams dashed.
Change of Plans. Re-Save The Date. Postponed. Virtual Wedding.
The world has turned upside-down for many people due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It's frightening... a highly contagious, deadly virus infecting thousands of people. Additionally, experts have discovered that symptoms can be found 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Sounds like the start of an apocalyptic movie (forgive my humor).
We know the future is uncertain. Yet, never before have we experienced such worldwide fear. This virus has changed the way we do everything: from online teaching to remote working, in-home workouts and having food delivered. Quarantine isolates us from in-person community but technological advances allow us to still communicate with our loved ones.
COVID-19 is affecting life for everyone. The question is... How is it affecting your heart?
Angry, sweet one?
Everyone is coping with Covid-19 in their own way and trying to navigate a new normal. I am overwhelmingly busy working from home, feeling silly, and tbh - I cry when I need it. What are your coping methods?
PSA: Welcome to the judgement free zone! You're allowed to acknowledge your emotions.
Now, I don't want to make light of the pain or other emotions you may be feeling (humor is one way I deal with stress). These are very real, very normal reactions to dealing with loss (Or in this case changing wedding plans): confusion, shock, fear, disappointment, denial, frustration, anxiety, depression, or even a sense of betrayal from God! You don't have to pretend to be okay or hold it all together.
You it's okay to not be okay. You need some time to process your emotions and options. Give yourself a break - Your friends, family, and loved ones will understand.
5 Self-Care tips for Healing /Coping from Major Change:
Write in a Journal
Practice Gratitude daily
Exercise / Spend time in Nature
Pray, Worship, and Read Scripture
Speak with a licensed Therapist or Counselor
Mediate on Truth
As you're working through this difficult time, remember to focus on truth, God's truth. Write it down. Stick it where you notice it. Meditate on it when you;r bored and stressed.
God is with you. He hasn't left and He's not going anywhere.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
God is your help.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
"The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you
with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day." Psalm 46:5
God has a purpose for you.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
"Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for
the return of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:7
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so
we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:1
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
Sister, have faith. Have faith that our heavenly Daddy knows what he is doing. That He's got this virus pandemic thing under His control. He can restore and redeem, transform mess into messages. His ways are higher than our understanding, He can do immeasurably more than we imagine. In His hands, the weak are made strong. Walk in His truth. Be anxious for nothing but continually praise Him. Wrestle in His goodness.
It's okay if you spend a notable amount of time wrestling. You were planning and preparing for months! Be honest with God about everything. Duke it out if you need to; He can take it. Then, when you're at the end of yourself and wholly surrendered to God, look for the lessons (Change of Plans - Part 2 explores lessons from Covid-19 for Brides!).
Maybe He's giving us one giant reset on life. Maybe that's a gift for the whole world right now. It wouldn't surprise me if He allowed all this to find one lost sheep, restore one lost child to His family, welcome one sinner into His Kingdom. I cannot be sure why God allowed this to happen, but I do know... It is all for His glory.
"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power
through His Spirit in your inner being." Ephesians 3:16
***If you've had to change wedding plans because of COVID-19, I'd love to connect, hear your story, and pray with you. ***
- Michelle
Up Next: Change of Plans - Part 2 exploring lessons from Covid-19 for Brides!