Entra, pueblo mio, en tus habitaciones y cierra las puertas tras de ti; escóndete un momento hasta que pase la cólera. Porque Yavé está saliendo de su morada para castigar la maldad de los habitants de la tierra. La tierra dejará ver la sangre derramada y no esconderá más a los que fueron asesinados. Isaías 26:20-21

Go, my people, enter your chambers, and close the doors behind you; Hide yourselves for a brief moment, until the wrath is past. See, the lord goes forth from his place, to punish the wickedness of the earth’s inhabitants; the earth will reveal the blood shed upon it, and no longer conceal the slain. Isaiah 26:20-21

This Bible verse was written a long time ago, but we can apply it to what we are living through today. Here God is telling us to not fear or worry, but he is also giving us an advanced warning. God is telling us to stay inside for a moment, he assures us that it’s not going to take long, because this virus will pass just like any other storm has. Yet he is also warning us that there will be an after math, remains/ruins left behind by the storm.

God has warned us through the bible, but it is up to us to listen or to turn our backs to his message. So, while we are living through this phase, we as a society have to decide on our own to be obedient, we have to do the most we can do as individuals to help reduce the rate of infected people. Everyone can put in effort, even if you need to go out for work, or go out for daily necessities, or even just because you need some fresh air. We can practice social distancing, wearing gloves, washing our hands more often, and if possible, even staying at home. We can use that time to learn new skills, meditate, practice self-care, strengthen our relationships, and in prayer. We should use this time to grow our relationship with God. Maybe we didn’t appreciate holy hour, church, and the temple, but this of all things should bring us back to God—our father, creator, and savior.

When the storm passes many of us would have lost a loved one, or had death itself brush our cheeks, and it’s so hard to move on from that. It’s terrifying and shakes your body to every last bone, not being able to see your loved one as they struggle to breathe their last breath alone in a hospital room, is such a horrible thing to go through in any circumstances, losing a loved one is hard. But these are the times that we need to be reminded that we are not alone, we are going through this together; No matter our race, gender, background, or citizenship status, because in the end we are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, human, and we will overcome it with Gods love.

Following the instruction from Pope Francis, have faith and patience, hang on to God, because we will overcome this. The temple may be closed for precaution, but God is with us. Let God bless us, help us, protect us, and establish peace in our hearts and society again. 

Vivian from Guatemala, and her daughter Amy who was born in the US – both currently living in Worthington, MN.