The weight of disappointment demanded my attention. I could feel panic encroaching, threatening to crowd out my peace. When I was a child, my mom used to say that I was highly perceptive. Now, some friends describe me as highly sensitive or as an empath. However you call it, I have the tendency to feel as though I am living through the pain and loss of a tragic event even though it’s thousands of miles away — Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, mass shootings, refugee crises, to name a few.
I remember during the aftermath of 9/11, I attended a prayer vigil. I was so overcome by our collective grief that I began loudly sobbing and wailing. I’m sure everyone thought I must have known someone who died in the attack, but I did not.
Following Hurricane Katrina, I had to turn off the news reports. Even though I personally knew no one impacted by this tragedy, the collective injury and trauma clung to my body.
But this time is different. Beyond trauma and sorrow, I began to feel a twinge of panic. I wondered if we, the United States, understood that we are not a force of exceptional individuals, immune to the rest of the world. The traditional American narrative does not portray us as a part of the world’s body but as a whole entity unto ourselves. We believe we are a superpower. So I wondered if we would know how to move humbly in alignment, as one with the rest of the world in order, to do what humanity needed.
Initially, I heard more concern for the life of the stock market than for the lives of people. I witnessed leaders expressing frustration and hesitation when they needed to act, without haste, in the best interest of the countless people in their charge. I heard a young executive say, “The coronavirus only kills old people and people with compromised immune systems, so I don’t need to worry about it. People are overreacting!”
I wondered if this young executive had grandparents. And if so, had he considered them as he championed for inaction? I wondered if he even knew which of his friends had respiratory issues. And to make matters worse, overt and pronounced anti-Asian sentiment had become the accepted conduit for advancing political and social agendas. One of my students of Asian descent told me that his family is more afraid of the anti-Asian racism than they are of catching the virus.
But as the impact of the virus pressed into our reality, I witnessed movement that snuffed out the flicker of panic threatening to engulf me. My twelve-year-old nephew had a heart-to-heart chat with his grandmother, my mom. He told her that because her husband is in the older, at-risk age group, she needed to take a break from her job where she came into contact with lots of people. He didn’t want his grandma exposing his grandpa to danger. The twelve-year-old audaciously acted on behalf of his eighty-two-year-old grandpa, and joy flooded my soul! So much so that I burst out laughing!
There is hope!
Jesus, resurrected and in conversation with Peter, emphasized the significance of taking care of His sheep (John 21:15-17). Three times, Jesus related Peter’s love for Him with providing and caring for His sheep. Sheep are vulnerable. They represent those who are susceptible to being overlooked, wounded, exploited, or erased. Sheep need someone to care for them, to see them, to protect them. Sheep need a shepherd — a Jesus, a Peter, a twelve-year-old audacious grandson.
Often times, as followers of Jesus, we view ourselves as “His sheep” only, and yes, each of us are like vulnerable sheep at some point in our lives. But I am realizing that there are many times I choose to act as a sheep, when in reality, I have the privilege, potential, and power to serve as a Jesus or a Peter. I am learning to reconcile how my love for Jesus positions me to see and value the marginalized — those pushed to the edges of society. I am striving to accept the Shepherd’s mandate — to see, love, and protect those who society deems disposable.
It is an honor to love Jesus, and it is a privilege to take care of His sheep.
May this crisis be fertile ground to grow our capacity to love audaciously. May we allow the One who liberated Jesus from the grips of death to free us from our fear-imposed limits. May our love for Jesus posture us to cultivate a community where we thrive as one.
Amen.
[bctt tweet=”May this crisis be fertile ground to grow our capacity to love audaciously. #covid_19 #community #loveoverall -Lucretia Berry (@brownicity):” username=”incourage”]
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Lucretia,
I never met another HSP (highly sensitive person) that I didn’t love! Like you, I’ve been feeling the pain of the marginalized. My stubborn mother (age 85) won’t let me come and get her and bring her to NC, so I’ve been sending gift cards to her and her other friends who live alone because the local Home-bound meal service had to close down due to a volunteer coming down with COVID-19. It’s a retirement community, so it’s not like there are any “youngsters” around to make and deliver meals. Yes, we need to love audaciously during this time and take hold of the Jesus-power that lies within all believers. My heart breaks for those who are truly hurting through all of this. The non-profit ministry I head up is delivering food packages to impoverished and destitute children who attend our school because the government and NGO’s of their Middle Eastern country are refusing food and humanitarian aid to Christians. Even with COVID-19, Christians are being persecuted. It never ends. http://bit.ly/givetoRCF http://www.redeemerinc.org
Thanks for letting me share…beautiful post Lucretia!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Lucretia Berry says
Bev.
Thank you for hearing my heart! I so appreciate your willingness to feel the pain, lament, and care. I am so sorry to hear that leaders are using the very their power and position to hurt people instead of helping and serving them. ARGH!!! It feels disgusting. Thank you for sharing the site, and thank you for sharing in the suffering of others!
Shalom to your heart!!
LCB
Rita says
Lucretia, what a beautiful post! Thank you for reminding me we’re all loved and in this crisis together.
It sounds like you’ve been a great example for your son.
Blessings!
SHARON says
What a beautiful story. I am so proud of your sweet nephew as I know you are. Thanks for being transparent & vulnerable. I believe this can be a time of resetting and reprioritizing. We are learning what is truly important namely the love of God and Jesus!!!
Lucretia Berry says
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression.
I agree that this is a time of ‘resetting and reprioritizing!’ I am leaning into that with all I have!
Shalom!
LCB
Lucretia Berry says
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression. I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis! How about you?
Shalom!
LCB
Mthov says
could have read this gladly without the criticism (although well veiled) of President Trump.
Maura says
I think what Lucretia is trying to say is our nation needs to see we are more than just the United States, we are a United World that starts with caring for all people regardless of age, ethnicity, or economic status. And the leaders of our government, businesses, and communities from national all the way to local, need to show empathy, step up to serve, and act in the ways that not only help everyone but glorify our Heavenly Father.
Lucretia Berry says
Maura
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression. I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis! How about you? For example, the bank of my father-in-law’s church has stopped mortgage payments for 3 months! Now his church does not have lay off employees, and can focus on serving the community. That blesses my heart!!
Shalom!
LCB
Lucretia Berry says
Would you believe that I wrote this over 3 weeks ago? And it had already been on my heart for weeks before I mustered the nerve to share it. That’s why the personal story about my nephew was a point of relief and hope.
Sometimes, when political noise is so loud, it’s difficult to hear the whisper of a personal or individual story of resilience. Trust me, I get it.
Here, I was sharing how hope leaped at me amid the threat of panic. Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression. I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis! How about you?
Shalom!
LCB
Lori says
Agree
Lucretia Berry says
Lori,
Sometimes, when political noise is so loud, it’s difficult to hear the whisper of a personal or individual story of resilience. Trust me, I get it.
Here, I was sharing how hope leaped at me amid the threat of panic. The personal story about my nephew was a point of relief and hope.Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression. I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis! How about you?
Shalom!
LCB
Mary Geisen says
Thank you, Lucretia for putting into words what I’ve been feeling. I was just talking to one of my sons that when I first heard about the virus spreading in China, I never thought for a minute it would spread to the U.S. I am highly educated woman but I evidently have this bigger than life belief that since I am American I am immune to world-wide challenges. I have since realized (after weeks in shelter in place) that I am not immune and God knew even before I had a clue.
May you have a blessed Easter!
Lucretia Berry says
Mary!
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression. And thank you for vulnerably sharing your perspective and growth. You have encouraged me!!
I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis! How about you?
Shalom!
LCB
Dawn Ferguson-Little says
We have to put on Jesus. No matter what part of the world we live. We have put on the blood prayers over our Family our homes our lives our health. Get back to Cross and why Jesus Died for us. Start sing Jesus Songs more. Talking less about the Coronavarius. Yes don’t get me wrong it is very serious the Coronavarius. Put on th Armor of God in Eph 6. Say Psalm 91 every day. Jesus went to Cross because he loved us shed his blood for us. His blood heals. Get into Prayer and Reading the word of God standing on the Promises in it. We need theses things more and more in our lives today and even when this Coronavarius is over. Start be the Church to world if able. Especially if saved. But keep ourselves safe no matter what part of the world we live in. As we saved are the Church. Not the fancy building. As Jesus loved when on earth all people of all walks of life and wanted to be with and showed it. By being with people no one else wanted to be with. We especially the saved are to do the same. No matter what race color or skin type they have. God would not want us to judge or start saying the Coronavarius came from this place or that place. Just do the Christian thing Start praying for God to come and make people work together in Love all over the world. Not judge about it as that wrong in Gods eyes. Or say this or this about it. Pray for people who especially at this time all over the world who are not saved and have lost loved ones. That it will make them stop and see their need of Saviour and get saved. For us who are saved to be thank full on to God for everday God wakes us to enjoy another day in Beautiful world. No matter where we live in God world. Plus if we have roof over head shoes on feet clothes on our back food on our tablet. Plus Pray for all the Doctors Nurses still caring for all in our Hospital all over the world etc. Love today’s reading. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xxxx
Lucretia Berry says
Dawn,
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression.
Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom.
I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis! How about you?
Shalom
LCB
Lynn says
I am not sure what to think of this article or this virus. People act in less than favorable ways when they are scared, panicked, and face the loss of their income. When they face the loss of all that is known to them, they don’t act in the most favorable ways. Fear doesn’t look the best on anybody. I think that’s what is going on in the arena right now, fear.
Dawn Ferguson-Little says
Lynn I agree with you people act in different ways over ways. But I believe the only way to deal feal in all us is Prayer and trust God Word the Bible and The Promises in it if saved. Especially Pray for those at this time. If not saved for them not to fear see of their need to get saved. As the more they fear more they will only worry. That will not help them. Only get them more down and depressed. We can throw them a life line. If not in person. If we know a person not saved. If we can’t get to them in person. Phone them or text them on your mobile if got their number or send a card say thinking of them. Especially if living in fear especially at this time. Let then know you are keep them in prayer. You never know what that can do for them. It says in 1 Peter 5 verse 7 which says Casting all your care upon him (Jesus) for He (Jesus) Cares for You. How true that is xxx
Lucretia Berry says
Lynn,
Would you believe that I wrote this over 3 weeks ago? And it had already been on my heart for weeks before I mustered the nerve to share it. That’s why the personal story about my nephew was a point of relief and hope.
Here, I was sharing how hope leaped at me amid the threat of panic. Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression. While I’ve grieved devastation and loss, I’ve witnessed so much audacious love through this crisis! How about you?
Shalom!
LCB
Kelly G says
I love your heart ♥. And I am impressed by the courage you show in posting your deep thoughts, making yourself vulnerable to being misunderstood, especially knowing that you are so sensitive.
Sherry says
Agreed. Incredibly brave. Well done.
Lucretia Berry says
Sherry,
Thank you!
Shalom to you.
Lucretia Berry says
Kelly,
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression. I anticipated that some would misunderstand me; and yes, it really hurts to be misunderstood. But I am learning that silencing sentiment that longs to be expressed is even more devastating to my soul and purpose. So I share hoping that my words will reach the people for whom they were uttered and written.
I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis! How about you?
Shalom!
LCB
REP
Krissy says
it has brought out the best in people I see. I’m not looking in the awful right now.. I see the little blessings..so many people have chances to show their true hearts.. make a phone call to a person living alone.. I see God’s hand in this yet too. ( I have the best of our govt come out too ! I live in another country.. ) but if we look we will see good things in this too
Lucretia Berry says
Krissy,
Would you believe that I wrote this over 3 weeks ago? And it had already been on my heart for weeks before I mustered the nerve to share it. That’s why the personal story about my nephew was a point of relief and hope, which leaped at me amid the threat of panic.
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression. I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis! I’m so glad to know that you are, too!
Shalom!
LCB
Beth Williams says
Lucretia,
None of us thought it would come to this in America. I knew some here in USA might get it. Those youngsters who go on spring break & workers traveling for work. I didn’t think it would come really close to home. There is one positive at a plant not more than 10 miles from my house. For me though-what hit hard was when hospitals wouldn’t let visitors come be with patients. Like you I’m somewhat of an HSP. I feel for those patients & their families. They have to call the nurse station & get updates. Only if you child is in NICU, you’re having a baby, family member on hospice, or some other extenuating circumstance can family come visit. I had a co-worker who put mom in hospital. Even though she is a CNA she couldn’t see mom or take her anything. To get stuff to the patient one must bring it to hospital main entrance. Hand it over to someone & they deliver it to the floor & patient. These are tough times. But tough times don’t last-trust in Jesus does. Let’s all love audaciously & do what we can for others.
Blessings 🙂
Lucretia Berry says
Beth,
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating my heart’s expression.
I’ve been witnessing so much audacious love through this crisis!
I’m so glad to know that you are, too!
Happy Easter!!
He is risen!
LCB
Fannetta H Gore says
You know that I am late reading this; however, thank you for sharing. It fills my heart and spirit to read and to realize your love for our Heavenly Father and for His creation and for our fellow man. God bless and keep you and your family safe in all that you say and do. Thank you.
Lucretia Berry says
Hi mom!
Thank you so much for reading! And thank you for seeing my love for God and His creations! And thank you for that wonderful potato salad that was devoured very quickly!!! I think we should have requested more!!
I love you!
Take care!
Shalom
LCB