Three Things That Will Change The Way You Quarantine

For many of us Young Adults, COVID-19 has absolutely wrecked the plans we thought we had for this semester. For this year even. For some, it means no longer getting to walk across the graduation stage after nearly four years of hard work and dedication (and monaaaay). Having to move back to your parents’ house and trying to figure out your new normal with online classes and less freedom. For others, it’s being laid off or getting hours cut and stressing about how to survive financially. Maybe you have been thrown into a new role in your job that you feel wildly unprepared for.

I’ve been a speech pathologist at a private practice for the past nearly two years. I absolutely love what I do. It honestly feels like second nature for me to do therapy with these kids. However, a few weeks ago, my office made the decision to close down and begin providing teletherapy services via Zoom. The night before my first online therapy session, I dreamt the entire night about doing therapy (and failing at it) and woke up approximately 45 times, drenched in sweat. The next day, I felt like I was back in graduate school, about to see a client for the very first time. To say I felt underprepared is a huge understatement.

Despite our specific circumstances in this season, I know one thing to be true: We have a unique opportunity to create rhythms that will ground and transform us in this time of uncertainty.

Let’s talk through three things that will change the way we quarantine:

1. Solitude:

I know what you’re thinking right now: “Believe me I have had pleeeeenty of alone time during this shelter in place”. And based on a quick google definition of solitude, you would be absolutely right. But I would be willing to bet that the “solitude” most of us are experiencing during this time is not the “solitude” that Jesus wants us to experience.

Mark 1:35 says, “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

     • “In the early morning, while it was still dark”: Solitude doesn’t necessarily have to take place in the morning, but it is a good rhythm to start your day with the most important.

     • “Jesus got up, left the house, and went away”: I know I know, it’s like I’m rubbing it in your face that you can’t leave the house. And while you CAN’T leave the house, you CAN find a spot away from others (outside on a porch, the kitchen table, etc.)

     • “to a secluded place”: Another word for secluded is “undisturbed” or “not interrupted”. If you want to be truly uninterrupted, leave behind anything that is going to take your attention away from God. I’d confidently say that I believe the biggest interruption for most of us young adults is our phone. So leave it behind when you go to your secluded place. That way you aren’t distracted and interrupted by the buzzes/dings/new posts/etc.

     • “and was praying there”: Jesus shows us time and time again that not only is the             ALONE part of solitude necessary, but the time spent WITH God is necessary during solitude too. So talk to God! Tell Him your fears. Ask Him for guidance. Thank Him for the good things He has done and continues to do.

2. Scripture:

Wouldn’t it be helpful if, in times of crisis, God could tell us what to do? I know for me, I just want to hear a clear audible voice say, “Kyla, I want you to _____”. Now personally, I don’t hear God in a booming voice from heaven.

But what if I told you that God can absolutely still guide and direct us and tell us what to do in this season? And all we have to do is pull out our Bible (or download the Youversion Bible app on our phone). It is God’s word, written to YOU and to ME. And God wants to connect with us in this way. He wants to speak to us and to reveal Himself to us through His word.

One of the coolest things about the Bible is that it is filled with stories of people JUST LIKE US who are scared, alone, frustrated, and unsure. And time and time again, God provides them with comfort, peace, assurance, and guidance. So let’s read about these stories! Let God speak to you through His word and be open to what He has to say.

We know that one of the hardest things is staying consistent with Bible reading. So we want to walk alongside you in this season and provide an easy way to join with other young adults to hear from God in His word. This Friday, we are starting a Young Adults 15 day Bible reading plan together on Youversion Bible app. There’s never been a better time to establish this rhythm in your life than right now. Keep a lookout on social media for a link to join with us!!

3. Serve:

Go to crosspointe.com/Coronavirus and find a way that you personally can help others during this great time of need. I know it can feel overwhelming at times, but we have laid out three specific ways that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus during this crazy time. First, you can give online to help assist others financially who are struggling. Second, you can donate food to the Crosspointe food pantry to assist those who may not have the resources or means to get groceries right now. Last, you can sign up to volunteer/run errands for others who aren’t able to do so themselves. When we take the focus off of our own problems and use that energy to help others in times of need, it’s amazing what can happen.

I absolutely believe that if we lean into Solitude, Scripture, and Service in this time, that God is going to transform not only the way that we quarantine but our hearts as well.

Keep a lookout on social media for all things Young Adults related.

We’ll see you Thursday at THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE at 7:30!!

-Kyla Lyons