The noun resilience stems from the Latin word resiliens “to rebound, recoil.” As a character trait, resilience is a person’s mental ability to recover quickly from misfortune, illness or depression. Resilient people are aware of situations, their own emotional reactions and the behavior of those around them. Resilient people can maintain control of a situation and think of new ways to tackle problems. Another characteristic of resilience is the understanding that life is full of challenges. The earth is resilient, all of creation is resilient and humanity is skilled to be resilient. The resilience of healthcare workers and researchers are on the frontlines fighting Covid-19 in an effort to slow the disease and care for the sick. Government, world and business leaders collaborate to explore potential impact. And communities around the world for the most part do their best to care for each other by following the instructions of the experts. Today we offer a scripture and PRAYER FOR … RESILIENCE
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NRSV)
He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Let us pray,
Lord, you are our keeper and preserver. We have a promise spoken by the words of the prophet Isaiah, that You loving God give power to the faint and strengthen the powerless. We know that our ability to be resilient comes from you. We thank you that you are our help in all circumstances, yes even these times of unprecedented circumstance you are an ever present help. As the world changes around us, help us to embrace the change. As we are stretched to our limits and beyond, be our elasticity to snap back better than before. Grant that we may find calm through your divine peace. Equip leaders, first responders, researchers, and all humanity with the resilience to combat this virus. Give is discernment to recognize trauma in our bodies and the skills to draw on resilience. May our guide be empathy as we journey together as one humanity through these uncertain times toward recovery and your new creation. It is in Jesus the Christ name we pray. Amen
Rev. Babette Chatman