Finding Salvation In A Remembered Love

So here we go. I guess in the big picture of things this morning begins week two of social distancing. 

Depending on who you are, this comes with a few hundred million American possibilities. 

For us all, to some degree, it comes with the possibility of another week of running and hiding, and in sad cases - being captured by - an invisible predator that seems to be pursuing all of us, without regard to our color or our religion or our social standing. 

It seems to want us all. 

It comes with the possibility of another week without income. 

Another week at home with kids who just don't get it. 

It comes with another week of unimaginable sacrifices being made by those who have no choice but to socially engage with the sick, as in the case of our first responders and healthcare workers, or, folks engaging with those trying to hide from the predator, in the case of our grocers and our restaurant folks and delivery people and more. 

It comes with the possibility of fading patience. Irritability. Loneliness. 

It comes with the possibility that the novelty of it all quickly fades into the hopelessness that comes from the relentless fight to hide from the unknown. 

For me, the only answer I know to that comes in remembering the strongest certainty in my life. 

Henri Nouwen says, "When everything is dark, and we are surrounded by despairing voices, when we do not see any exits, then we can find salvation in a remembered love, a love that is not simply a wistful collection of a bygone past, but a living force that sustains us in the present."
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For me, knowing God is with me in this moment, that the stories I read of what he did on my behalf in the past, and what he promises for my future, remembering these things are my known defense against this unknown predator. 

Yes, I get it - I'm leaning on an invisible God to protect me from an invisible predator. But for me, it's where I find a very real and visible hope. 

If this week turns to struggle, simply pause - and remember.