I am writing this in the middle of a global pandemic. I am still waiting for my Covid-19 vaccine, and I am mostly staying home to keep myself safe. This period has taught me that amidst all the uncertainties in the world, faith can be a powerful tool to carry on.
I started reading the Bible last year when I was experiencing the breakdown of my previous relationship. My goal then was to finish the Bible in one year. I am currently in the middle of that journey, and I have since started a better, healthier relationship with a friend of mine. I am happy because I did not only appreciate the Word of God, I also found myself enjoying it. As for my current relationship, I can say that it is something that I truly prayed for because the person I am with is a good man.
The rosary has also kept me centered during these crazy times. I use a rosary podcast to guide me through this prayer which is instilled in me by rote. The auditory experience has provided an interactive dimension to my prayer time. I sometimes pray the rosary while driving or running errands, so this is also a tool for me to practice more patience. Who knew that prayer could be a sanity saver amidst the pandemic?
Online masses have also been my gateway to the Eucharist during the lockdown. I realized that it is possible to connect to my faith and prayer life through technology. While this cannot replace in-person masses, I am thankful to be able to attend mass from the safety of my home. I am also grateful that social media allows me to hear mass, type in my intentions, and even send offerings through e-money.
I must admit that the beginning of the pandemic has been challenging for me because I did not know how to live my life at home. I coped by promoting my online business, playing the flute, blogging, and watching movies. I also read books to feed my mind. To help our medical frontliners, I made earsavers with local charity Earsavers for Lifesavers and beanies for NICU premature babies with Bayaniyarn. And while I never considered myself religious, the pandemic has taught me that faith can be a lifeline when everything seems topsy-turvy. My daily prayer routine has given me a sense of hopefulness and optimism.
I look forward to better days ahead. I know that things will not return to “normal” as the pandemic has given us a whole new reality to live with. But whatever happens, I know that God and Our Lady has allowed my faith to be my guiding light when the world seems dark and dreary.
I feel lucky to have a strong and enduring faith. I can only keep going on!