As the provincial health officer for British Columbia, Dr. Bonnie Henry is highly respected and appreciated for the way she has handled information about the spread of coronavirus and for how she has provided information for us residents. Now she is rightfully being recognized internationally.
Recently the New York Times published an article stating that she “kept the disease in check in British Columbia without harsh enforcement methods,” and that “now, she is leading the way out of lockdown.” A gracious and brilliant lady, she has been a voice of calm and encouragement for us. In her words, we’re encouraged daily to “Be kind, be calm and be safe.”
Another voice, with another powerful message, is found in Max Lucado’s book Just Like Jesus. Although in an entirely different setting and with different words, I found his message also moved my heart as I read. As Christians it’s our responsibility to live truthfully; truthfully, in every phase of our life. We are called upon to be witnesses of the Gospel but in doing so, to be kind. No matter how strongly we believe something, that does not give us permission to be harsh and aggressive. Jesus never was.
Then, when things get hard (and they have and will), staying calm happens when we learn to rest in the peace that God gives when our lives are fully yielded to Him. No one is quicker to admit that some days during this whole pandemic thing, I’ve felt rattled; it’s only by going to God’s word that once again that I find peace.
To be safe? There’s no safer place on earth or in time or eternity than in doing God’s will.
“And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” (Romans 8:28)
