When We Don't Have Answers

Do you remember the point in your life where you realized that the adults in the room didn’t have all the answers? All of us come to that realization at some point. For me, it was in our kitchen early in the morning on September 11th, 2001. My mom was standing perfectly still watching the news. I distinctly remember the way my stomach felt when I asked her what was going on and she said “I don’t know.” Now, this was my mom we’re talking about. She had all the answers! Or at least, at 7 that’s what I firmly believed up to that moment. That day, and in the following weeks, age and life experience didn’t matter anymore. We were united in our ignorance, and in our fear.

After 19 years of life experience, my ego would have me think that I am way more equipped to deal with big, “scary” events. After all, this is me that we’re talking about. I have all the answers! A few days ago, kneeling in my bathroom diligently taking inventory of my toilet paper, I realized maybe… just maybe… I didn’t have all the answers.

Bonus thought: Nobody who’s really “in control” of their lives diligently takes stock of toilet paper like it’s gold bars in Fort Knox.

Nope. Today at 26, I don’t have any more answers regarding what’s happening right now than the average 7 year old. I know that people are sick, and that we’re supposed to do what we can to slow that down. That’s scary to me. Once again, turning to scripture gives me hope, but not necessarily the easy answer:

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

We can only truly be brave when we’re truly experiencing fear. I think we’re all there right now, wouldn’t you say? God reminds us time and time again that He is our source of strength. That He will provide for our needs and take care of us. So what does that leave for us ? How do we move on from here as the adults without all the answers?

It’s time to be of good courage. It’s time to listen to, and to pray for those on the front lines in the fight against COVID19. It’s time to share, not stockpile. It’s time to trust that the strength that we don’t have is on it’s way.