Reflections from the Home Team - March 29, 2020

“We all know a physical virus can be dangerous, but so can an ‘idea virus’. Let's respond to the fear, negative thoughts, panic and uncertainty with positive, contagious energy.” Jon Gordon

Greetings from Cedar Falls!

Every day seems to bring more news about COVID-19 and every hour seems to deliver more unwelcome changes and decisions made to slow the transmission rates of the virus. As baseball spring camps have been closed down, the NBA having suspended its season, the NCAA cancelling its men's and women's basketball tournaments and wrestling tournament, and the NHL’s regular season being paused, the impact is being felt across all sports. Things certainly feel emptier now and that can be very unsettling.

As the virus was in its beginning stages here in this country, many MLB clubs advised their players to avoid signing autographs, shaking hands or having any other kind of personal interactions with fans. To most players, that was a foreign concept, especially at this time of the year! Baseball enthusiasts often say that the best thing about the game is that every single day you have a chance to see something you've never seen before, and quite honestly, nobody has ever seen anything like this. In this atmosphere, both in baseball and, clearly, beyond, we are all rethinking even the most natural and mundane movements and it's difficult and uncomfortable for all. 

As I’ve often shared, baseball has offered me many valuable lessons when I’ve been confronted with some of the curveballs that have been “pitched” my way. Just as the game of baseball and other sports have implemented precautions that are keeping the players and everyone else safe, I think we all can acknowledge the situation is certainly not ideal. I’m confident we will work through it and the good news is that everyone appears to be cooperating in these first, awkward weeks as we all await the time when things will get back to normal, hopefully sooner than later. That’s a TEAM effort, and a lesson we can all benefit from.

Clearly, the stakes for humanity right now are far greater than determinations of whether games are played in empty stadiums or whether the games are even played at all… As this all plays out in directions few of us could have ever imagined as recently as a few weeks ago, we can only hope lives are protected, infections are contained, and normalcy returns for all soon. In schools, churches at offices and, yes, even in arenas, gyms and stadiums.

The Coronavirus has disrupted everyone’s life in some form or another. Even during the best moments, there is an underlying stress which tends to chip away at our sanity, especially as we socially distance and isolate ourselves to help mitigate the spread of this virus. I had a good friend email me the following today: “I've always been a fan of social distancing anyway, but I am about ready to kidnap my grandkids! From a spiritual point of view, I've been thinking that maybe this will help everyone slow down and realize what is really important as we draw closer to HIM...”  That is the good that can come out of all this, but it’s certainly not easy getting there!

Unfortunately, we have witnessed panic, fear, anxiety and negative thoughts consume many folks over the past few weeks.  Jon Gordon has an interesting perspective on all this, and I’ve shared below his recent post on “How to overcome negative thoughts and fear”. Couldn’t have come at a better time!

HOW TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND FEAR

Are you struggling with Fear? If you are like most people, including me, I'm sure the answer is yes. Do your negative thoughts come from you? If you say yes, I have another question for you. Who would ever choose to have a negative thought? I know I certainly wouldn't. The truth is negative thoughts don't come from you. They come from consciousness. Think of the brain as the hardware. Consciousness is the software. No one has ever found a thought inside a brain. Thought simply activates the brain. Thoughts exist in something like an internet cloud and they are always being downloaded to your brain. It's the same with dreams and nightmares. You don't choose them. Negative thoughts pop in at random times or, for some, more frequently. They are like an unwanted surprise guest that shows up at your front door to tell you that your future is hopeless and that this is the end of the world. They tell you that you don't have what it takes to make it through this challenging time. They try to convince you that your best days are behind you. But here's the deal. Like any unwanted surprise guest, you decide whether or not to entertain them. A thought's power only comes from the power you give it. You don't have to give your negative thoughts power. You can ignore them. You can see them for what they truly are: lies, lies, lies. Always remember that just because you have a negative thought doesn't mean you have to believe it. Fear is a liar and if you struggle with fear and negative thoughts, it’s because you believe the lies that they tell. Fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear looks and feels true, but it isn't. I'm not saying the virus and pandemic we face isn't real. I'm saying we can't let the fear that comes from it become irrational and overtake our lives. Fear says you aren't strong enough, good enough, successful enough, wealthy enough, happy enough, smart enough, talented enough. Well, I say enough with fear. Instead, know the truth. You have everything you need inside you to be successful. You weren't meant to be average. You have a desire to be great because you were created and born to go great things. You have a purpose. There's a plan for your life. You may be going through a hard time now, but you will get through this. It looks like the end of the world, but it isn't. This too shall pass. I want you to know that I too have struggled with negative thoughts and fear this week as well. Every time I watch the news, I feel depressed for a few minutes before reviving my hope and belief again. Be careful of watching too much news during this time. It can overwhelm and discourage you. Ironically the more it does, we return to it like a drug seeking to feel better only to feel worse. Use the media for information but then shut it off for your mental health. And when fear and negativity pop in your head you can ignore them or speak truth to the lies. That's what I do, and I was thrilled to hear that’s what the singer Jewel does as well. I was recently listening to an interview she did where said she makes a list of all the lies fear tells her. Then she writes down the truth next to the lies. She said it has given her a lot of power and freedom. It can do the same for you. There is a tremendous amount of freedom in knowing that negative thoughts are not coming from you. There's a ton of power in knowing that you don't have to believe the lies. You can know, speak and live the truth and just keep moving forward with belief, optimism, faith and grit. No matter what thoughts come your way, you have everything you need inside you to get through this difficult time. Thoughts will come and go but you just stay in the game one day at a time and keep moving forward. Don't look to the past. Don't look too far into the future. Do what you can do to make today great!  The truth is, this isn't going to be easy. The truth is, our leaders are going to have to make difficult decisions in the near future to save lives and save the economy. The truth is, we can't control the events in our life, but we can control how we respond. The truth is, we will get through this. We all know a physical virus can be dangerous, but so can an idea virus. Let's respond to the fear, negative thoughts, panic and uncertainty with positive contagious energy. Positive energy is contagious too. Share it! - Jon

I have always found comfort in the Psalms when I find myself struggling with those nasty ‘idea viruses’. The Psalms have provided me with peace when I place my focus on the One who gives it to each of us. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to start slowly and purposely meditating on God’s word.  It is a soul-stilling activity. Take some time and read a Psalm thinking about what it is saying about who God is, and what His power is in the “idea virus” situations we all face in our daily lives. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalms 94:19

The Psalms are not the only source of peace and strength in God’s word. Seek out stories of God’s provision in the Bible. The God who met those needs is the same God who meets our needs. The fact that we are anxious and stressed does not come as a surprise to God. Take this time to lay every concern before Him. Begin by thanking God for every good thing in your life, whether it be that you have toilet paper and hand soap, or that the sun is shining. Focus upward and outward with the positive energy Jon refers to above.

While we are at it, let’s also pray for others: the leaders making tough decisions, essential workers who daily put their health at risk to meet the needs of our community, children and parents who have lost their routines, and for people with compromised health. The list is endless. Prayer is also a powerful way for maintaining our mental health and helping us all get through this.

We are in a unique period of time where all the “extra” stuff in life has been canceled. By responding to the fear, negative thoughts, panic and uncertainly with positivity and God’s word, we can be reminded of two very important things: God is still God, and this too shall pass.

Blessings to each of you!

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team – March 15, 2020

"We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball," Tom Hanks

Greetings from Cedar Falls,

My inbox has recently been bombarded with notices containing lists of things to do RIGHT NOW, given the Corona Virus situation currently facing us all.  There are reminders to wash our hands, socially distance ourselves and practice good hygiene habits.  All good reminders which we probably should be practicing regardless of the current situation. Many events are being postponed or cancelled in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the virus… Baseball, basketball, wrestling, hockey, Church services, large group meetings and conferences all done in an attempt to help protect each of us from contracting the virus. Being a member of the high-risk age group and given my compromised immune system from cancer treatments, it’s wise that I follow those bits of advice given by health professionals as a precaution.

However, I also need to keep reminding myself that I want faith to be an important part of my daily life plan as well, but somedays, given the constant barrage by the media, there seems to be no room for it because everything else is pushing it out of the way. Often, it may seem impossible to spend time finding faith amidst the chaos.

Certainly, it’s not always easy. What I’ve found comforting is stealing moments, wherever I can find them, to reconnect with God in the “jumble” of life. I’ve been there before, and I’m guessing I will be there in the future as well.

There are times when we face tough challenges that can seem overwhelming. We wonder at times like that how we will get through it. Here’s how - One small step at a time! We pull ourselves out of bed and we focus our attention on whatever small step is in front of us. And we do that over and over again and time passes and one day we look up and realize that we got through whatever it was, and things look a whole lot better than they did before.

It will take time to get there, but each step we take is a win for us. Those small victories eventually compound. It’s an approach the Navy SEALs take in a grueling training regimen during which more than two-thirds of those who enter the program quit before it is over. While the training is physically demanding, SEALs will tell you that mental strength and tenacity is more important than physical ability in terms of making it through to graduation. The same is true in life. Today, don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed by the big picture and what may be to come. Focus on the one step you need to take right now.

Many of you I’m sure know of Tom Hanks who starred in one of my favorite movies as Coach Jimmy Dugan in “A League of their Own”. You may also be aware that he and his wife Rita Wilson have recently been confirmed as having contracted the Corona Virus while working in Australia. He and his wife are taking this approach to dealing with their current situation commenting; "We are taking it one-day-at-a-time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no? Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball." No complaining, no finger pointing, just taking things one step at a time until things get better.

Just a reminder that real security is knowing that no matter what challenges come our way today, we have what it takes to meet them. In this world there is no way to avoid negative events happening to us. Our strength comes from knowing that we can choose our response. Being an optimist, I try to wake up each morning thinking anything could happen today -- good or bad -- and whatever happens, I can deal with it! No crying in baseball and no crying in life.

For me, part of that response comes from the comfort I find in the Psalms, in particular, Psalm 46:10… “Be still and know that I am God.”

Being still reminds me that’s all that it takes… A moment in which to remember, to stop and take a deep breath, letting myself be aware that He is right there with me. Taking that thought with me helps me ease back into the day. By putting God first, spending some time talking to Him and learning about Him at the beginning of my day, everything else seem a whole lot more manageable and I feel more balanced, even if I just take five minutes to be still.

Peace infuses our surroundings when we slow down and feel God’s presence, but that doesn’t mean He is not also present in the often too-cluttered, hectic activities crowding our days. God is with us all the time. Just think how much more meaningful our days will be if we spend it noticing Him. I also find comfort in keeping up a running commentary with God, praying and thanking Him for the blessings I have been given and for the many people I’ve encountered on my life journey so far.

One of the elements that can also easily become part of our too-cluttered and hectic lives is the element of fear… Obviously, many people are feeling that concern given the constant reporting of numbers, statistics and models given the Corona outbreak.  As always seems to be the case, Jon Gordon, an author I have relied heavily on to provide a positive and common-sense approach to life’s challenges addresses that in a recent post.

Jon writes:

FEAR NOT

The media is reporting every case of the Coronavirus as it happens live. Fear not! Someone in your city or state tested positive. Fear not! Your friend has self-quarantined. Fear not!  You're not sure what the future holds. Fear not! You're not sure what will happen to your business and economy. Fear not! You're waiting on the medical report. Fear not! You're getting ready for the big game. Fear not! You might lose your job. Fear not! You don't know what college you will go to. Fear not! Your parents are getting a divorce. Fear not! You don't think the interview went well. Fear not! They're putting a lot of pressure on you. Fear not! You may not hit your numbers. Fear not! There's a lot of chaos in the world. Fear not! Fear not doesn't mean you take reckless action. Fear not doesn't mean you ignore the reality of the situation. Fear not doesn't mean you make stupid decisions.  Fear not doesn't mean you don't care.  Fear not doesn’t mean you don’t wash your hands and use sanitizer.  Fear not doesn't mean you don't bump knuckles or kick feet instead of handshake. Fear not doesn't mean you don't feel fear. Fear not means you let go and know you're not in control. Fear not means you don't let fear consume you. Fear not means you don't let fear guide you. Fear not means you don't let fear paralyze you. Fear not means you don't let fear sabotage your health.  Fear not means you won't let fear steal your future. Fear not means your trust is greater than your fear. Fear not means you move forward with faith. Fear not means you have hope today. Fear not means you still dream about tomorrow. Fear not means you believe the best is yet to come! Fear and worry weaken your immune system. One of the best things you can do for your health is have faith... and wash your hands a lot. -Jon

Please be safe and take care of each other today!

In Christ’s love and comfort,

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am... for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/