“Have you ever felt like a basket case? Have you ever been hanging on by a thread? Or maybe, have you ever been at your wit’s end?” All are considered idioms and appropriate once you consider everything that’s going on amidst a global pandemic. We are into the fourth month of the new year; have recently celebrated Resurrection Sunday; received three approvals for a vaccine to combat COVID-19; and been inundated with coverage of a televised trial from the death of George Floyd all while managing countless other daily life issues. All that we are dealing with can contribute towards moments of fear, despair, depression, stress, anxiety, overeating, and or loneliness. But hang-on, we have a Savior, the Holy Spirit as our Comforter, and the Bible to remind us of the promises of peace, love, joy, comfort, and hope!
In a moment of transparency; allow me to say that lately, I have been feeling like a basket case! These feelings have been brought on because of the challenges of managing a relationship with an overbearing, controlling, condescending, manipulative landlord. Out of desperation, I signed an unfavorable lease agreement before the global pandemic. Because of this commitment, I am adhering to the quarterly virtual inspections, navigating rude treatment of service providers, and now accommodating four to five tours of my home throughout the day by strangers (masks, gloves and sanitizer provided). Having a constant flow of traffic and email interruptions throughout the day have been too much! Our home is not only our place of refugee but is our workplace, sanctuary, and resting place away from world. Needless to say, it has been quite disruptive and unsettling.
Yet, we are told of countless situations in the Bible of hopeless, struggling, desperate, tight, and uncomfortable challenges. I am reminded of the following: Jonah in the belly of a whale, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Mary and Joseph staying in a manger, and most importantly, Jesus on the cross. These examples help us remain hopeful and to know that God was with them and He is with us. Thank you Rev. Dorothy “Mother” Ford for reminding me of who I am. I am, and you are “…more than a conqueror”! We are told that the Apostle Paul was also a “basket case” in II Corinthians 11:33, But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. In this passage of scripture, we find the Apostle Paul was in a basket in order to save his life. We can believe and trust God’s Word that He will save us and or cover us during these tough times when we feel like a basket case.
I am thankful for friends and family for providing my window of escape, a rope to pull me out my despair with prayer and guidance, and a basket in the form of a safe alternative home away from potential harm. You can do this, whatever your this is! God is with us and He will not leave us.
Even in a basket, always look for the Remarkable!
Dr. ReShone
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