The purpose of today’s pod isn’t to gain sympathy, it’s to share what I learned by experiencing a battle with Covid-19, and to increase our understanding as leaders regarding what people suffering with this nasty virus go through.

In the middle of my own struggle, three things became very clear to me:

COVID is an isolating sickness

Upon receiving news of the positive test, an automatic two-week isolation begins. You are cut off from personal contact with those you love the most. And the lonely journey starts. In the past when you were sick, people could visit, pray with you, hold your hand. Not so with this particular virus.

COVID is an intrusive force

Days 2-7, every part of my body hurt. The bottom of my feet, the top of my head, and everything in-between . . . just hurt. And when the fever would surge, the pain was exacerbated.

COVID is an insidious force
What I really wasn’t ready for was the incredible mental and emotional struggle that can come with this disease. Negative thoughts wanted to rule the day, and often they did.

Here’s a challenge to the Church in the United States:

Isn’t a pandemic where the church should shine? In moments of national crisis, shouldn’t we rise to the occasion? Instead of posturing, politicizing, demanding our rights; what about praying and pleading with God to remove this plague from our country? Instead of hubris and condescension, what about more humility and compassion?