Friends, I know these ever-evolving times are challenging. I know there have been disruptions to our daily rhythms and practices. I understand the means for us to be a community of faith has changed significantly. I know the fears and anxieties regarding the unknowns of this virus are overwhelming. I know that each day presents more statistics and far more opinions than anyone should be able to tolerate. So, therefore, it is during these times, I would offer that we must possess a marathon mindset, rather than a sprint mentality. This will require us to PACE ourselves, as this is the first pandemic, which many of us are living through, stumbling through, pastoring through, parenting through, and working through. The definition of PACE is simply, “Do something at a slow and steady rate of speed in order to avoid overexerting oneself.” Additionally, the understanding of PACE will take on many different meanings during these times: P.A.C.E (Personally Attend to your Care Everyday) or (Positive Attitudes Changes Everything) or (Prayerfully Assess the Changing Expectations); but through it all, we must PACE through this pandemic!
It is through this practice of pacing that we are reassured and possess a renewed hope that the current realities are not remiss by our Sovereign God. It is through this practice of pacing that we can proudly proclaim Psalm 118 as a reminder of God’s Presence with us during these times. It is through this practice of pacing that we can shift our laments and begin intentionally attending to our daily spiritual disciplines, physical self-care, our mental and emotional well-being by limiting our daily consumptions of news, social media, and technology.
How can we, from this PACE, model to the world how faithful Christ-followers leverage crisis situations and become greater champions of FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE?
Stay Encouraged…Stay Safe…and Stay Well!
Dr. Aleze M. Fulbright
Conference Superintendent serving the Central District
P.S. As we conclude this Season of Lent, may your Holy Week be just as sacred! Yes, I know that Holy Week will be different and Easter will be the first of its kind. However, can we remember the message of the season and not get so caught up on the methods for which we have traditionally celebrated.