Prolonged Pain in a Persistent Pandemic by Petra Pierre - Robertson

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

Almost two years, and two Christmases later, the statistics with regard to COVID are the worse to date in Trinidad and Tobago: 964 cases and 37 deaths. For some, this may represent figures. For me this is painful. I find myself closely monitoring the deaths of children, youths, parents, siblings, friends, colleagues, neighbours, schoolmates and other persons whether in or out of my network. These are human beings cut down by a pandemic, whether toddlers or seniors

Fresh graves overrun with flowers

A sad story was relayed to me by a relative of a COVID victim after attending the funeral. This is the account from a Christian who would have attended several funerals over his lifetime to minister to grieving families. According to him the cemetery was depressing. A section of the cemetery was cordoned off for COVID victims and called 'The COVID cemetery'. The graves were all fresh, or freshly dug. They were littered with fresh flowers. The graves were very close to each other. As they were arriving, more than one hearse was leaving. Three hearses were there. Another funeral was in progress for a young brother and a sister, even as the funeral for their relative was taking place. Two additional hearses were driving in. Additionally, about three more graves were being dug for bodies that would be brought during the course of the day.  It was as busy as a business place with 'patrons' coming and going during the course of the day. All of this taking place the week leading up to Christmas.

I note with sadness the following:

• Facebook is daily being transformed into an obituary channel
• Instead of being overrun with grass, cemeteries are now being overrun with fresh flowers on fresh graves on a daily basis
• When you go to youtube, your alerts and 'view next playlist' are funerals
• Included in daily Whatsapp forwards are flyers for memorials and home going services of persons in your network
• The irony is that while streams and rivers are off limits because of rising deaths, the only stream you can now access are funeral streams - and they are live (pun unintentional).

In spite of our present circumstances, however, let us not lose hope for the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans8:18) 

May we encourage, support and be responsible to each other during this pandemic.

• Maintain physical social distance
• Sanitize
• Avoid crowds and congregating
• Wear a mask
• Vaccination is an option; exercise your free choice
• Pay attention to your diet
• Avoid sugar, flour, dairy products and oil
• Increase your intake of fruits, especially oranges, and those with Vitamin C (orange season is upon us)
• Get sufficient rest
• Pray
• Study the Word and build your trust in God

NEWSTART is also necessary to build immunity: Nutrution; Exercise; Water; Sunlight; Temperance; Air; Rest; and Trust in God.

Exercise helps in building immunity

Blessings and keep the faith during this pandemic and beyond for, he that sits upon the throne has promised that he will make all things new (Revelation 21:5). This is our hope. We cling to it in spite of the prolonged pain inflicted by this persistent pandemic.