There's always hope in the midst of despair. And there are always opportunities when bad things happen. I've been feeling the blues, so I decided to seek solace in scriptures and uplifting quotes because this too shall pass. But then it got me thinking.
If I was feeling the blues, there would be others who were feeling the same things. Humans are social beings, so self-isolation must be difficult for most people. I’ve been reading a lot, which isn’t really new for me. But perhaps, others need words of encouragement.
I've curated some scripture verses and quotations to lift your spirits. And to give you hope in the midst of despair. Take the time to find the silver lining in the clouds around you. Things may seem at their worst right now, but don’t stop being hopeful.
Something to remember is that many businesses started in tough times and were able to thrive. These companies include IBM, Microsoft, and Disney. Also, there's an excellent book, Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do
by Robert H. Schuller. Here are the scripture verses and quotes to comfort you.
Have you read?
When Opportunity Knocks Do You Grab It Or Allow It to Slip By?
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8 NRSV. There are times when I feel like God has abandoned me. But then I realize that I abandoned him and that's why He seems so far away. In these times, you may not be able to visit friends and family. But you can call and email them, letting them know you're thinking about them. You can even do a video call using WhatsApp, Zoom and Skype. You don't have to go it alone.
A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NRSV. When there's so much chaos around you, how can you be cheerful? I know that it's hard. Years ago, I attended a Laughter Yoga workshop. The instructor taught us how to laugh for no reason. Start laughing for no reason and in no time, you'll start to feel a lot better.
Here are a few books about laughter yoga that I found on Amazon.
- Laughter Yoga
- Laugh Your Way to Happiness: The Science of Laughter for Total Well-Being
- The Laughter Yoga Book: Laugh Yourself to Better Health – Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social, Spiritual
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NRSV. I went to a Christian High School in Jamaica. And we sang this song (This is the Day that the Lord Has Made) all the time. There's always something to be thankful for. Be grateful for the smallest or biggest thing. While I was lying down feeling sorry for myself, I realized that things could have been a disaster for me if now was 2018. I suffer from respiratory issues and was sick for most of 2018. The sun is shining here in Toronto and I'm grateful for that. What are you thankful for?
This is an unusual rendition I found on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo77r0waJ_o
Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10 NRSV. Take comfort in the stillness. And enjoy what nature has to offer. From by bedroom window, I can see the waterfront. Perhaps, I'll go for a walk later today. How can you safely get in touch with nature?
“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo – far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance.” Jodi Picoult. You're stronger and more resilient than you give yourself credit for. Reach deep inside and pull up the strength inside of you.
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NRSV. Call on your support network. Call people for no reason. Check in and offer a kind word.
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” JK Rowling. I once read a quote that talked about being at rock bottom when she discovered there was a basement. It made me chuckle. The thing about being at the bottom is that the only place to go is up.
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? Matthew 6:27 NRSV. As humans, we have a tendency to worry. But I read that 92% of the things we worry about never come to pass. So I ask you, why worry?
“Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it's less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you've lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that's good.” Elizabeth Edwards. You can bounce back from most setbacks. Things are always changing. It's the circle of life. How best can you adapt. Read the book Adapt: Why Success Always Starts With Failure
.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror. My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O Lord—how long? Psalm 6:2-4 NRSV. You may feel scared and like you're languishing. But remember that this too shall pass.
“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” Maya Angelou. Life comes with ups and downs. I don't like the downs because it often feels like there are too many of them. But I wouldn't be able to enjoy the ups if there were no downs.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:4 NRSV. Seek comfort in a higher power, whatever that may look like for you!
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong.” Mandy Hale. Now is the perfect time for growth. Opportunities present themselves during times of massive change. Take the time to feed your mind. Prepare yourself for opportunities.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Maya Angelou. The caterpillar transforms itself into the beautiful butterfly.
How Avil Can Help You!
I invite you to Join the Performance Accelerator Plan that walks you through the process and more. You’ll be reading books to build skills and develop intercultural awareness. Get more reading and learning tips here. And I also invite you to join Read a Book, Solve a Problem Facebook Group. I’m building a tribe of people who want to use the knowledge gained from books to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems.
In December 2020, I published two books on Amazon. I would greatly appreciate your support if you bought my two short e-books Read 30 Books in 30 Days Like Francis Bacon and Performance Accelerator Plan: Guide to Learning and Mastering Key Skills for the Future.
Read 30 Books in 30 Days Like Francis Bacon is not about speed reading. It’s about approaching every book differently and reading only the sections that align with your purpose.
The Performance Accelerator Plan book is a stripped-down version of the paid reading challenge of the same name. Obviously, you won’t get all the resources that come with the program that I sell on my website. But if you are a self-directed learner, it will help you tremendously.
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