This pandemic has affected us all in one way or another. We have all had different experiences, either good, bad or ugly!
Five ladies share their experiences with us
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From SHEREEN
Q: What role did your faith help you during lockdown I found my faith was my anchor in the storm. There were days when the news and messages made me feel stressed and overwhelmed but my faith gave me hope. I used the extra time to draw closer to God and knew that I needed to strengthen my faith. I attended Zoom prayer meetings, meditated on the word and on difficult days I would reflect on how faithful God had been in so many other challenging situations. It really was not easy and there were many times I would have to fight intense feelings of sadness and fear. But towards the end of lockdown I realised that I had developed some good habits that had strengthened my faith. Meditating on Psalm 91 daily, attending extra church services online and praying for others all took the focus away from the death and despair that was constantly being shared in the media. Just as it says in Romans 12:2, I was reminded of how important it was to renew my mind at every opportunity from all the chaos that was circulating and trust in Gods promises. Despite all the uncertainty my faith gave me the confidence to trust that regardless of how it felt or seemed God was still in control. My Faith helped me to push through each day and encourage others to. |
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From JAN
Q. What was one of the hardest things you found difficult to deal with during lockdown?
During lockdown I was also shielding because of a newly diagnosed health issue and I think that intensified the experience for me. Even though I have been widowed and lived on my own for over 20 years - and I’d felt God told me about being ‘set apart’ this year - I found the alone-ness very hard at times. I wasn’t lonely as I had a sense of Jesus presence, but it was the lack of human contact, of face to face conversations in person - and definitely hugs from family and friends - which was very hard. The provision of Zooms, texts, WhatsApp’s etc was really helpful and fun - until I had problems with the internet provider and all that contact was lost. I had to dig deeper in to Jesus almost than ever before - and of course - He didn’t leave me wanting or needing anything because He never lets us down.
How do people manage without Him?
Q. What one thing did you learn about yourself during lockdown?
I think the biggest thing I learnt about myself is that when the chips are down I trust God to be who He says He is. The lockdown with shielding season has shown me that I am stronger in Him than I would have thought I was . The entire process with its ups and downs has been very much a learning curve, during which I have known His presence, love, strengthening and provision in new, wonderful ways. He is so wonderful.
Q. What was one of the hardest things you found difficult to deal with during lockdown?
During lockdown I was also shielding because of a newly diagnosed health issue and I think that intensified the experience for me. Even though I have been widowed and lived on my own for over 20 years - and I’d felt God told me about being ‘set apart’ this year - I found the alone-ness very hard at times. I wasn’t lonely as I had a sense of Jesus presence, but it was the lack of human contact, of face to face conversations in person - and definitely hugs from family and friends - which was very hard. The provision of Zooms, texts, WhatsApp’s etc was really helpful and fun - until I had problems with the internet provider and all that contact was lost. I had to dig deeper in to Jesus almost than ever before - and of course - He didn’t leave me wanting or needing anything because He never lets us down.
How do people manage without Him?
Q. What one thing did you learn about yourself during lockdown?
I think the biggest thing I learnt about myself is that when the chips are down I trust God to be who He says He is. The lockdown with shielding season has shown me that I am stronger in Him than I would have thought I was . The entire process with its ups and downs has been very much a learning curve, during which I have known His presence, love, strengthening and provision in new, wonderful ways. He is so wonderful.
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From RUTH Q: What one thing did you learn about yourself during lockdown I learnt that I am comfortable being by myself, and can enjoy my own company, as I thought I would struggle with the lack of social contact and interaction from family, friends and colleagues. I learnt, for me, that being alone didn’t and doesn’t always mean being “lonely”, as I always have the Lord or my mobile to hand…! I realised that being busy was not good for me so I learnt to stop, step back and “breathe”, because “things can wait a while” they have had to during lockdown…nowhere to go or people to see! to not be afraid of the “silence”. It gave me the time and opportunity to think, hear and plan. I learnt to start to take better care of my health. I learnt that my focus and attention needed to be redirected back to God and that I need not to be ashamed or embarrassed to talk about my trust and confidence in God. I learnt that I am a better person coming out of lockdown! Most people didn't know what the government was going to do, from one day to the next. What would you have liked to have seen handled better during lockdown? From Ruth: I would have liked to have seen the Government act a little more swiftly in bringing in lockdown and being completely clear in what it meant. The day of the announcement businesses, hospitality etc had no prior knowledge and were meant to “shut shop” from 7pm that day. This meant that people were going in to secure and remove stock and items etc and to collect valuables on the days following. The initial instructions given were vague we were told to “stay at home…but go to work where necessary” “don’t use public transport…but use transport where necessary”. Not fully understanding this meant, that some people were travelling into work unnecessarily. I also think the Government could have acted in restricting or stopping entrance into the Country to help slow the spread of the virus, which has not been done, by closing its ports to all travellers, like many countries did. I think the Government could have handled the high numbers of people being returned back into nursing/care homes with the virus, so causing a great number of deaths within these establishments. I think the Government could have acted more quickly in ensuring that all frontline and BAME staff were adequately protected. |
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From FELICIA
Q: What did you do to encourage/stay positive during lockdown?
I will be honest that at the beginning of lockdown, a bit of fear did grip me. Thankfully the Lockdown coincided with the Jewish Passover and having listened to a prophetic message relating to the Passover and the obedience of the Israelites to remain indoors during that time to avoid the Angel of Death, I decided to remain indoors during this period. I used the time mainly to listen to Christian teachings/prophetic messages/testimonies and to worshipping the Lord more. I kept asking the Holy Spirit to give me the bigger picture of what was to be expected and to lead me in carrying out what God needed me to do during this time. When I would open the Bible, it would be Matthew 24 (The signs of the Times and the End of the Age) and to Jeremiah 26 (where Jeremiah was sent by God to warn the people of Judah). So I knew that this is what the Lord was saying to me – Prepare and warn those who are complacent that I am returning soon. Fear was removed and Faith set in. Praise God!
Q: What was a positive memory for you during lockdown?
Realising that in this pandemic situation, the whole world was affected and people were gripped with fear. The rich and the poor alike, were for once sailing on the same boat! There was no distinction! It took away false pride and made people humble. People began to appreciate each other more, irrespective of their colour/race/religion or gender. People were on their knees crying out to their gods and even those who took their faith for granted, started to search for answers in order to find a God whom they could put their trust in. Although we were unable to attend church services, I think the Lockdown served to get our priorities right –not just being a Sunday-church goer but seeking God on a daily basis and putting God first in everything! Me realising that I should not wait for a pandemic to strike in order for me to draw closer to God. God Almighty was the only one in control. Praise God!
Q: What did you do to encourage/stay positive during lockdown?
I will be honest that at the beginning of lockdown, a bit of fear did grip me. Thankfully the Lockdown coincided with the Jewish Passover and having listened to a prophetic message relating to the Passover and the obedience of the Israelites to remain indoors during that time to avoid the Angel of Death, I decided to remain indoors during this period. I used the time mainly to listen to Christian teachings/prophetic messages/testimonies and to worshipping the Lord more. I kept asking the Holy Spirit to give me the bigger picture of what was to be expected and to lead me in carrying out what God needed me to do during this time. When I would open the Bible, it would be Matthew 24 (The signs of the Times and the End of the Age) and to Jeremiah 26 (where Jeremiah was sent by God to warn the people of Judah). So I knew that this is what the Lord was saying to me – Prepare and warn those who are complacent that I am returning soon. Fear was removed and Faith set in. Praise God!
Q: What was a positive memory for you during lockdown?
Realising that in this pandemic situation, the whole world was affected and people were gripped with fear. The rich and the poor alike, were for once sailing on the same boat! There was no distinction! It took away false pride and made people humble. People began to appreciate each other more, irrespective of their colour/race/religion or gender. People were on their knees crying out to their gods and even those who took their faith for granted, started to search for answers in order to find a God whom they could put their trust in. Although we were unable to attend church services, I think the Lockdown served to get our priorities right –not just being a Sunday-church goer but seeking God on a daily basis and putting God first in everything! Me realising that I should not wait for a pandemic to strike in order for me to draw closer to God. God Almighty was the only one in control. Praise God!
From PAT
Q: What did you do to encourage / stay positive during lockdown
I wake up every morning and give God thanks for another day. I have heard of so many friends and family who have passed in this time, and I have chosen to look forward and continue to make the most of life, instead of backwards to what has already passed. Every morning I send out quotes of encouragement to ladies. I have been told I encourage them each morning. This really lifted my spirit, to the fact, that I had lifted someone else’s spirit. It lifts my spirit every time, I find new quotes of encouragement or statement. I smile and say thank you Lord. I in return received encouragement, prayers and quotes daily and this really feeds my spirit. The prayer group has been such an upliftment to me each morning and throughout the day, and mores so during this time. It has been important to make the Lord the centre of it all and to leave things in his hands.
Q: What was a positive memory for you during lockdown
I appreciated and enjoyed spending quality time in my home, and in my garden. When my daughter Richelle went back to work, I spent time looking after my grandson Rayell until he returned to nursery. I thought my time of looking after children had finished. The time we spent together was so special and fun. I experienced a different kind of busy I had to learn to be patient and to cater to this little person’s needs. I learnt to be still in the day for a while, and just to look after one person, and not the many I was used to helping/looking after. What I thought was important, wasn’t. Spending time with family and the importance of family is everything. The love, care and concern from family and friends, has been overwhelming. All the plans that had been made for this year, went out the window. I learnt that God was in control not me.
Q: What was a negative memory for you during lockdown
My husband Keith and I both caught the virus and was both in bed for over two weeks. I thought why us, and the rest of the family hadn’t? It was not a nice experience, but why not us. I felt again that the Lord had wanted us to be still. My daughter’s had to look after us. All we could do was sleep and rest. I had a dream some time ago that, we had both died at the same time in bed, after being chased from somewhere. At the time I did not remember that dream, but the Lord spared our lives. There has been so many negative situations, but we have always been willing to help, but now with a different perspective. My husband is not born again, but that hasn’t made a difference in his compassion for others. The Lord is using him and he doesn’t even know it.
Q: What did you do to encourage / stay positive during lockdown
I wake up every morning and give God thanks for another day. I have heard of so many friends and family who have passed in this time, and I have chosen to look forward and continue to make the most of life, instead of backwards to what has already passed. Every morning I send out quotes of encouragement to ladies. I have been told I encourage them each morning. This really lifted my spirit, to the fact, that I had lifted someone else’s spirit. It lifts my spirit every time, I find new quotes of encouragement or statement. I smile and say thank you Lord. I in return received encouragement, prayers and quotes daily and this really feeds my spirit. The prayer group has been such an upliftment to me each morning and throughout the day, and mores so during this time. It has been important to make the Lord the centre of it all and to leave things in his hands.
Q: What was a positive memory for you during lockdown
I appreciated and enjoyed spending quality time in my home, and in my garden. When my daughter Richelle went back to work, I spent time looking after my grandson Rayell until he returned to nursery. I thought my time of looking after children had finished. The time we spent together was so special and fun. I experienced a different kind of busy I had to learn to be patient and to cater to this little person’s needs. I learnt to be still in the day for a while, and just to look after one person, and not the many I was used to helping/looking after. What I thought was important, wasn’t. Spending time with family and the importance of family is everything. The love, care and concern from family and friends, has been overwhelming. All the plans that had been made for this year, went out the window. I learnt that God was in control not me.
Q: What was a negative memory for you during lockdown
My husband Keith and I both caught the virus and was both in bed for over two weeks. I thought why us, and the rest of the family hadn’t? It was not a nice experience, but why not us. I felt again that the Lord had wanted us to be still. My daughter’s had to look after us. All we could do was sleep and rest. I had a dream some time ago that, we had both died at the same time in bed, after being chased from somewhere. At the time I did not remember that dream, but the Lord spared our lives. There has been so many negative situations, but we have always been willing to help, but now with a different perspective. My husband is not born again, but that hasn’t made a difference in his compassion for others. The Lord is using him and he doesn’t even know it.
