Five weeks of sheltering in place was taking its toll. I’m an extravert, so it has taken some getting used to. Plus, the daily press conferences, the staggering numbers of new cases, the deaths, and physical distancing has been draining.
Then, a friend called me asking me to make face masks for her and her public television news crew. I felt good about my contribution until I watched the daily press conferences and saw how many more masks were needed.
When my phone rang again, it was Ms. Ruby, a wise elder and prayer partner. After prayers and a check-in, she wanted to know more about my mask making.
I shared my frustrations that I couldn’t make enough masks. Ms. Ruby reminded me, as only she can, “Honey, you don’t have to make all the masks that Chicago needs. Do what you can.”
She encouraged me to make each one with prayer, and God will give the increase. For the rest of the day, I thought about those four words: Do what you can. Just as women have in every pandemic and war. Every action taken makes a difference.
This message is an excerpt of a Women of the ELCA blog by Valora K Starr.
Do you enjoy these free Daily Grace messages? If so, donate now to further the ministry. Use the “where needed most” line. Subscribe to Gather magazine for full articles excerpted in Daily Grace.