Our daughter, Holly, received an unwanted and not-so-nice birthday present.
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The morning skies were brilliantly blue. The waters were clear, calm, and refreshing. While Tim and Cole fished for snook along the shore, I decided to disembark the boat and walk along the beach. There’s just something about having my toes in the sand as I walk the beach searching for treasures, surrounded by God’s peace, seeing two of my men do what they love to do, and have a chat with God that gives me strength and courage.
You see, early that morning we were awaiting our daughter to receive her results after getting tested for the coronavirus. So, my chats with God seemed to be repetitive over the past couple of days, yet I felt peace in the midst of uncertainty.
Where it all began…The weekend prior, she was celebrating her 22nd birthday with a group of friends in the town where she lives. On the Wednesday after, her and her friends received a group text from one of the guys who were celebrating with all informing them that he had tested positive. Many friends, including our daughter, believed that they felt the way they did on their Monday work day because of too much celebrating. That ended up not being the case. Holly received a birthday gift that she wasn’t expecting. When Tim and I heard the news, we decided to get tested. We received a negative result from our test.
When I hopped back on the boat from my prayer walk, Holly text me, at 9:50am, with simply the words “I’m positive”.
Prayers change and the mindset of “now what” began. Now that she has it, let’s nip this in the bud and do what needs to be done.
My beautiful daughter. Thanks for praying for Holly.
Holly loves history and has a heart for wanting to help cure the world of something, so her comment of “I’m making history” and knowing the she may be able to donate her antibodies to others to help them, gave her a positive perspective.Being
Be strong and be brave. Don’t be afraid of those people because the Lord your God is with you. He will not fail you or leave you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
With the recent encouragement photos I’ve been sharing regarding “look up to Jesus”, this was definitely a time to #lookuptoJesus.
Over the next few days, we would check in on our daughter many times (probably/definitely driving her crazy with the amount of texts and phone calls) to see how she was feeling, make sure she’s resting, drinking, eating, and giving her words of encouragement.
When we face times of trials, unrest, and uncertainty, we need to remember that God is with us. When we feel weak and afraid, He will give you strength and confidence.
Remember when Daniel was in the lion’s den…God sent His angel to be with Daniel, and He shut the mouths of the lions. (Daniel 6)
Remember when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace…God was walking with them and the three men came out not burned or even smelling like smoke. (Daniel 3)
Remember when…there are a plethora of stories in the Bible where God was with His people, when they felt weak, hopeless, and afraid.
So in today’s #lookuptoJesus photo, I wanted to explain why I chose the scripture I did. During times of uncertainty and weakness, be strong and courageous. God is with you. God is with Holly.
I pray that during this season of quarantining, she will LOOK UP to God. During this time of rest and nourishment, take this time to rest IN Him and drink Him up. Grow closer to Christ and strengthen her relationship with Jesus. Isn’t this what we should all be doing each day anyhow?
Friend, whatever season you are going through in your life, I pray that you will soak Him up and grow closer to God. Find your strength and courage in and through Him. He is with you and will never leave you.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
I’ll take this type of quarantine all day long.
How is she now?
The first couple of days of being quarantined, she was lethargic with flu like symptoms. She has gained strength each day, yet she has lost her sense of taste and smell. Holly and one of her (also positive) roommates are remaining in their apartment, drinking lots of Gatorade and water, watching movies, eating some, and taking many naps. I gave her three great books to read too. I’m sure Holly will work well from home, heal well, and will be back to her normal self soon. She knows that she is well loved and prayed for, and appreciates everyone’s sweet concern. She said with all the questions, she feels like a science experiment. So…if you have any questions about what she’s going through, please feel free to ask them in the comment section, and I’ll have her give me an answer.
The first thing she was clarified is…she did NOT even kiss anyone, just close proximity.
Y’all be safe.
And remember to always LOOK UP TO JESUS.
Sending prayers for strength & speedy recovery!!! ❤️
Hey, Steph! So very sorry to hear this news. This is the first person I personally know to come down with Covid-19! Hoping and praying they’ve already seen the worst of it.
How was the friend feeling that night? Was he truly ‘a-symptomatic? Did he have a fever? Does she have any real lessons learned? How long did it take to get the results back? I think that’s all my questions! Lobbed y’all! Jb
Praying for Holly, her friends and her family and will look up to Jesus for guidance and healing.
How old is Holly and how many were at the party?
Was everyone there tested and how many tested positive for the virus?
Is she in Plant City?
Thank you, Teri. Prayers are much appreciated.
I know! I did know of a friend who got it towards the very beginning. He got on the hydro meds and was fine. His daughters even got it and just rested with lots of liquids.
The night the friends went out, the gentleman had no idea. They were in close contact (took a selfie together) and the group was together Saturday and Sunday.
He was asymptonatic.
Lessons learned…no clue. They were just a group of friends hanging out like any other night.
Love you too!
Thanks, Gwen. We do serve the Great Physician.
Hi. Holly is 22. It was actually her bday weekend gathering. I believe almost all of the friends tested positive. There were about 15 together. She lives in St. Pete, and is staying at her place there. She advices…wear a mask.