Abundant Life in the Time of Covid-19

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 

When I think about how we are to live as believers, I often think of these words that Jesus spoke. We were not created to simply survive, but to live life in all of its fullness. But how do we do that when life as we know it has shut down completely? Do the things that bring you life. It might be something really simple like eating a bowl of chocolate ice cream or having a dance party in your kitchen or taking a walk outside. What makes your heart beat? What reminds you that you are alive? For me, it's listening to 80's soft rock and dancing around my house while singing at the top of my lungs (Whitney's "I wanna dance with somebody" has taken on a whole new meaning), it's FaceTime with my nephew and girlfriends, it's the warmth of the sun on my back and the fresh air filling my lungs as I make sure my neighbor can see that my eyes are smiling back as I pass by.  

Friends, life is real weird right now, and honestly, just plain hard at times, but, we are alive. As we wade through the swampy muck that is life in the era of Covid-19, with all of its unknowns, inconveniences, and for many, devastating losses, let's continue to grab onto the things that bring us life. And, as always, we want to be givers of life as well, so let's ask ourselves how our words and actions might (or might not) bring life to others. What does your neighbor need to hear or receive to be reminded of the abundant life they were created for? What opportunities do we have to remind those around us that they are fully alive, even in this moment?  

—Jen, AHM President

Fight the Blah

👋 Hey, it’s Samantha, the lady behind After Hours’ social media. I fully intended to share some of my self-care activities with a more upbeat, encouraging tone, but I wanna be real with y’all: I’m feeling pretty blah this week, maybe a little depressed. Anyone else feeling that way? Is it a week 4 of quarantine thing? (As if anyone knows!) I don’t want to get stuck in my feelings—I just don’t want to seem like I have it all together cuz I really don’t. But I feel I should use this to speak truth over myself, and anyone else who needs it.

There is hope in Christ, even in this seemingly unprecedented time. Jesus was sent to bring good news to the poor, comfort the brokenhearted and those who mourn, proclaim freedom to the captives, heal the sick, bring beauty from ashes, and he did. (Isaiah 61; Luke 4:18-19.) He is trustworthy and safe. He is the calm in this storm. He is life, freedom, and salvation. Even though I feel anxious a lot, I am hopeful because God remains constant. When everything around me is literal chaos, I trust him to be stable and secure, to be God. Keeping my focus on the Lord and trusting in his fulfilled promises gives me a comfort and peace that can only come from him. And weirdly, I feel blessed to experience a new depth to my faith in God.

So with that, these are some things that are giving me life, making me laugh, and keeping me lighthearted right now:

1. I’ve been spending my Monday afternoons listening to and singing along with my favorite bands, and it feels like I’m hearing them for the first time again.

2. My amaryllis, pictured above, really leaned into spring and surprised me with two beautiful blooms this week.

3. My roommate and I are having a great time with this season of the Masked Singer and Lego Masters.

4. Yoga with Adriene has been bringing me back to earth and helping me fight lethargy. Check our her videos on YouTube.

5. I’ve been watching episodes of Hot Ones on YouTube like a boss and now have a serious craving for chicken wings and would love to test the limits of my spice tolerance.

How are you doing/feeling this week? What are some things that are helping you fight the blah and bringing you joy during this time? Your After Hours fam is here for you ❤️🌺

#untilthelastlockbreaks