Jesus is there during hard times By Cheryl W. Glenn Those who know me know that listening to music is one of my favorite past times. And listening to music; good music; soul wrenching, spiritual music really helps to make my day a little bit more palpable, especially during times of aloneness. It has been proven that not only does music “soothe the savage beast” but it can also be used to help heal. And thus, the type of music we listen to makes a huge difference. This year has been an especially hard time for millions of Americans with unemployment reaching astronomical numbers in the millions; causing financial problems which have led to evictions in some cases. Businesses have had to close, thus laying off most or all of their staff and not to mention, the loss of loved ones during the pandemic. As of Thanksgiving 2020, there were 1,005 new cases of Corona Virus, with 6 Covid-related deaths confirmed in Mississippi. I am included in that number, having lost my mother during the pandemic. But certain songs, helped to awaken me from depression and propel me to action. One such song which touched my soul as well as my spirit, was the song entitled “There Was Jesus!” as recorded by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. The song speaks to anyone who is going through hard times and suffering, and that includes millions. But believe it or not, Jesus is there, even in this. The beginning of the song states: “When the life I built came crashing to the ground, When the friends I had were nowhere to be found, I couldn’t see it then, but I can see it now, there was Jesus.” Haven’t we all felt these words, as sometimes our plans just don’t work out, and when we fall upon hard times, friends seem to mysteriously disappear? And, as the song suggests, we sometimes don’t always see Jesus at work during the difficult times of suffering, especially during times of grief, but He is there; and eventually, if we truly believe, we will recognize His presence in our lives. As the song concludes, it says in simple terms “In the waiting, in the searching, in the healing and the hurting…there was Jesus!” To someone, who has lost a loved one, or any relative or friend this year, due to COVID or any other health crisis, please know that Jesus is there, waiting to heal the hurt, whatever it is. Many songs’ lyrics are saturated with power and healing words, if we would but pay attention. As far as I’m concerned, the song should be recognized as “Song of the Year.” But there are others. In light of 2020 being the year of the Pandemic, it is also the year of Jesus, as it will take Jesus “To pull us through.” That’s the title of another gospel song by Jermaine Dolly, but that discussion will have to continue, later. Season’s Greetings, and May God bless us all. Not because we deserve it, but Because God is a Blessing Giving God. Cheryl W. Glenn Appreciated editorial A better editorial could not have been written at this time as the one written by Hanna McCain in the WCJ on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, which she titled 'Thoughts at Thanksgiving'. I kept the paper on the table hoping to read it soon in my busy Pandemic life. I read it almost a week later. It was almost like listening to a sermon as she explored the life of Jesus from the book by Wayne Stiles, Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus. Her emphasis on planning was so clear. At 74 years old, I have come to realize that we can plan but not plan the outcome. Planning without the Almighty in the planning can be a cause for great disappointment. Planning without ending the planning with "Thy Will not mine be done" can be make unplanned circumstances easier to accept. Oftentimes, when plans turn out to be burdens, we can look for the blessings that can be gained from the burdens. There are blessings in the Pandemic if we look for them. I see one as we are becoming more conscience of our surroundings and more compassion toward one another. I pray that we plan to keep ourselves and others safe as we live through this Pandemic and I pray that we remember that overall God is in control as He puts our professionals to work to protect us. Thank you Hanna for this insight. Elmetra Eichelberger Patterson
