sacrifice = victory

yes, we are still alive - i kid you not, being literally locked up for almost 3 weeks now has NOT been easy - it is the MOST time we have ever spent together in over 20 years...

it is REALLY hard... i will not lie to you

it might be the hardest thing we have ever done - together

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BUT

on Thursday evening, 9 April, our president asked us to sacrifice another 2 weeks of our taken-for-granted-freedoms in order to help flatten the Covid-19 curve in South Africa.

it was on the eve of the commemoration of the greatest sacrifice ever made - Christ's crucifixion for sinners - who did not deserve it.

His sacrifice led to VICTORY over death when He rose from the dead - those that believe on Him will not receive eternal death and separation from God as punishments for their sins, but will receive eternal life and fellowship with God at His Mercy seat.

we don't deserve mercy.  i definitely don't.

but, there it is - FREE for anyone who accepts it.  for us, me, the undeserved.

if Christ was willing to die for sinners - basically anyone who repented of their sins and believed on Him - how much more should we be willing to sacrifice freedoms most of us did NOT earn, fight for or even appreciate before Lockdown, for the greater good of our fellow South Africans?

all of this is making me think A LOT about MANY things...

in the meantime, here are some awesome articles 

if you were wondering what it is like to live in INDIA during lockdown, this is a harrowing article.

if you know of anyone that needs help, this is a GREAT initiative from Checkers - you can buy a virtual voucher for anyone with a cellphone.  my heart breaks for all those workers in the informal sector (specifically domestic workers and gardeners etc) whose employers never registered them for UIF and paid them a pittance...  it is a great shadow that hangs over MANY South Africans

an update on my craft desk - i did start to clean it, but i started 10 days ago to write daily inspirational posts and encouragement for all our customers that is sent out on WhatsApp Broadcast - it takes me hours to write most of them as i have to consider the impact each word has.  some days literally hours - especially if i know i have to say things that might offend some people.  

but, peace of mind is more important than offending some and i am also taking comfort in the Biblical principle that obedience is worth more to the Lord than superficial sacrifices - so i am holding on to that.  it is not easy.

of course i am concerned about the business - we are probably LAST on the list of any essential business that might get the green light to operate again.  but, i am learning to trust in the Lord for my DAILY BREAD - as i think many Christians are in this time.  what use is it to proclaim it when times are good, but when times are tough, we are not the LIGHT for those without hope?

anyway, that is it for this week.