Never would I have imagined wearing gloves and a mask within my own home, but that’s what we’re doing as three of us try to avoid the plague. We also stick to our own spaces – a bedroom, specific bathroom, our chair – and carry around our spray bottles to disinfect anything we touch without gloves on.
My COVID-positive son has been relegated to his room at the top of the stairs. Conveniently, a built-in computer desk outside his door has become the landing station for his paper-plated food and drinks. He then throws it away in a large trash sack kept in his room in order for us to avoid contact with anything contaminated.
I hate how isolated he has to stay; it makes me lonely for him. Nothing about any of this new normal is natural, but what can you do but endure.
To keep perspective and from sinking into a “poor us” attitude, I’ve been keeping a list of blessings, big and small things, that have brought me joy and made the days a little better. Rising to the top is what I would classify as humanity’s Imago Dei — the image of God displayed in people.
Created in the image of God, man bears witness to him. But since sin distorted the image what we naturally reflect is not the goodness of God, but a depiction of the Deceiver. With the serpent’s image infused within us, sin became mankind’s default mode. Therefore, what shouldn’t be surprising, though it is super disheartening, is our divisive culture and selfie world.
On the other hand, when something contrary shows up bearing God’s likeness, it is noticed. Our hearts are attuned and long for what is true, good, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Phil. 4:8a). It’s why we’re drawn to stories of kindness, tear up when someone does something selfless, and praise unmerited grace. The kinds of things our family has seen since COVID hit home.
We have been inundated with calls and messages. Even social media acquaintances, my Liberty classmates and profs, and counselors at the center where I haven’t even started my practicum yet are praying. Friends and neighbors have picked grocery items; many others have offered. Gifts, flowers, and vitamins have been left on our front porch bench. Day after day unsolicited food has arrived – both homemade deliciousness and Door Dash orders placed by friends states away! We have been blown away by the thoughtfulness and generosity. Humanity at its best, image of God on display.
The gracious responses of friends who could’ve been exposed to COVID through us have reflected God’s grace to us. Obviously, no one willingly goes to wait in the heat to have a stick stuck up their nose. It is inconvenient and a huge pain, but tons of teenagers and their moms endured hours waiting to be tested and not once from them did I hear bitterness or blame. One mom even noted the upside of the day– quality time with her son while waiting.
Among those who have reached out, our school principal (we are a 6A public school mind you) and head football coach are included. The feeling of being thought of far exceeds the minute or so it takes to send a text or make a quick call. But since self-consumption often rules, we don’t always proactively look for ways to lift others’ spirits. When people do, it stands out. Humanity at its best, image of God displayed.
Please know I am not writing to make anyone feel guilty for not having done anything for us (we are good!), or someone close to you. I will say, being on the receiving end sure inspires me to get out of myself more to extend love to others. But I write simply to highlight what is good. It has been these things that have sustained us. Humanity reflecting the image of God, reminding us that he has not forgotten us. Image-bearers as the hands and feet of Jesus, telling us a different story than our circumstances.
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Phil. 4:8b).
