Experiencing God’s Presence while Flattening the Curve

Greetings in the Lord on this Wednesday afternoon. There is so much happening around us and so much occupying our minds as we listen to different speculations about what the next few weeks and months are going to be like. The world has been turned upside down.

In the midst of all this, our son Sam has escorted our daughter-in-law Weslie to the hospital where she has been admitted for the birth of their second daughter and our eighth grandchild, Alice. As I write, I have learned from Kay that the birth is near. All of the family are waiting anxiously. May all be well, Lord. May all be well.

As an aside, waiting for the joyous announcement, I couldn’t but reminisce about driving Kay, pregnant with Liesle, to the hospital in downtown Louisville in the middle of the night. It was winter time, the middle of the night and we were on a highway that I was quite familiar with because I would drive this particular route several times a week in order to fulfill my responsibilities as a Student Chaplain at the University of Louisville Hospital. In any case, we were on a four lane highway approaching a major intersection when the traffic light suddenly turned from red to green. I made a quick left hand turn when Kay panicked asking, “Steve, what are you doing!!!” “I’m driving you to the hospital!” I said. With further panic in her voice and with a lot of physical animation Kay screamed, “You’re driving on the wrong side of the road!” She was right. When I had made the left hand turn, I discovered that I had made the turn a wee bit too early. I was driving on the left side of the median … with oncoming traffic! Yikes!

And then, there was Laura. Serving the Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, Kay went into labor on a Sunday morning. Problem was the swing bridge was out. We faced three options. With assistance from friends, we could try to cross the intercoastal waterway by boat with transportation waiting for us on the other side. If this proved to be undoable, we were facing the possibility of Kay delivering Laura at home. I had experience working in delivery at the Naval Hospital, Charleston but I was not prepared to deliver my own child. I prayed as hard and fervently as I could, “Lord, I know you’re dealing with a lot in the world today, but I would be indebted to you if you could somehow get that swing bridge open to traffic! Help, Lord, Help! Suddenly the telephone rang. Miracuously, the swing bridge was open! I helped Kay into the car and made our way to Charleston accompanied by a nurse who remained with us throughout the next day. Two close calls, but in the end all was well. Thanks be to God.

Exposed to numerous media reports about the coronavirus and potential scenarios, it is not my intention to add to the anxiety, frustration and fear except to say that authorities are telling us that South Carolina has not yet reached her apex. Matter of fact, it is my understanding that the number of people testing positive for the virus in Beaufort County is actually on the rise. Therefore, for the safety of everyone concerned, the church facility is locked and secured, unavailable for public access until further notice. Personally, I like to be “out and about” and around people. However, certain protocols are necessary to flatten the curve.

Earlier today, Barbara Thomas, affiliated with the work of Habitat for Humanity International, shared a message from Jonathan Reckford, CEO of the organization. Reckford writes in an Easter letter, “As we approach Easter Sunday and the difficult circumstances surrounding it this year, I hope you will experience God’s presence in an extraordinary way. While we keep in our hearts those who are hurting, afraid and uncertain, may the holiest of days provide us with a respite as we focus on the One who offers us comfort and peace every day.”

Special Note: Thankful for the wisdom, time, and guidance of Aaron Miller, we hope to provide special videos for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter morning. Please know that we have received reports that our recorded services have greater quality if you are able to watch via YouTube on a Smart television.

In closing, as we work together to eliminate a dangerous pandemic, as we extend compassion to those who are suffering and mourning for the loss of loved ones, we pray for the healing of the world, The culminating events of Holy Week are just around the corner. Jesus knew that his hour had come. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13.1 ff.)  There is no greater love. Amen. +

—
Steve Keeler, Pastor