COVID 19 Encouragement - 04/15/2020

On behalf of CHESS leadership, and as a fellow CHESS homeschooler, I'd like to bring two things to you on this very snowy (non Spring-like) day.

First, a word of encouragement.

We are living in unprecedented times. There are serious risks and challenges we all face that are not to be taken lightly. In the midst of all this, however, God says "And we know that God causes everything to work together FOR THE GOOD of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them". Romans 8:28. I encourage you, this day and going forward, to look FOR THE GOOD things coming out of these challenging times. Here are a couple examples that we've experienced already. We've been praying for our neighbors to come to know the Lord and we invited them to our online Easter Service. Although they may find it uncomfortable to attend a large church, they are able to experience God right in the comfort of their own home. That afternoon, the husband told me that him and his wife really enjoyed the service! Hopefully these seeds will result in them attending church in the near future! Another blessing we've experience is my ability to work from home. Myself, along with many other dads, find themselves at home all day with their families when they would normally be away most of the day. I'm sure I speak for many dads when I say that we have truly gained a new appreciation for the tremendous effort and blessing of homeschooling. As a homeschooling community, we have a unique opportunity to bring God's love and our experiences to families who now find themselves looking for hope and answers.

Second, a challenge.

When life as we remembered it, gets back to normal, don't follow! What I mean by this is don't just go back to your normal ways. Continue to reach out to those in need. Continue to give hope to those that have seen God's love through you. Continue those family discussions, board games, crafts. If there's a positive theme in all that's been going on, these times have caused families to reconnect. Dads to recommit. Priorities to be revisited, and I believe, God to be respected! Let's continue the good work as things go back and let our lives shine in our homes and communities.

David and Shameka Drake