A Gentle Courage
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Chapter 1 Jesus
I am with you always
Matthew 28:20 NIV
I am sitting at my table in my prayer room so excited and nervous to begin writing this book and yet filled with anxiety as well. I am doing my best to stay focused on Jesus knowing He is with us. It is Tuesday, March 31,2020. Our world is upside down amidst the Covid-19 Virus Pandemic. We have been quarantined for two weeks in our home. We only go out to grocery shop and we are very careful with gloves and Clorox wipes in hand. The Coronavirus began in China and has now spread throughout the world. Businesses, schools, and restaurants have closed their doors. It is a scary time for all. Doctors, nurses, and all medical staff risk their lives each day. So many people have lost their jobs and health insurance and are financially insecure right now. During this huge worldwide storm there is our hope in Jesus. You can see Jesus' compassion in medical workers all around the world. You can see Jesus in our country as individuals and families pull together and follow restrictions to end this pandemic. You can also see selfishness in those that take advantage of the situation and try to scam the vulnerable or just outright disregard the restrictions and put so many at risk. There are so many sending texts and messages inviting family and friends to pray with them. There has been so much divisiveness in our world and now you see many coming together to end this crisis. I intended to begin this book differently but with our current situation I could not leave this out. The stories I am going to share are about people in my life that made a huge impact on me. Now in these uncertain times we are facing, Jesus is the lighthouse in the storm. Every day in our nation and throughout our world there are millions of individuals who are that Light for others. One person reaching out makes all the difference in the world. My heart aches watching so much death and uncertainty and at the same time beats with such hope as I see so many heroes risking it all for others. That is the message that I wish to share in this book. I will honor the individuals that have made such an impact on my life, and I invite you to remember those special individuals in your life as well.
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About the Book
Even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, you could see the compassion of Jesus in medical workers around the globe—as well as in everyday citizens who pulled together in a bid to end the virus.
Barbara Robbins-Ripps, who wrote this book during the pandemic, pays tribute to these heroes while also honoring our Lord and Savior, who is with us always.
Her testimony is an invitation for everyone to reflect on their journey, even when going through challenging and uncertain times.
Throughout the book, she highlights individuals in her life who’ve made a difference. With her heart aching over seeing so much death and uncertainty, her intent is to call attention to heroes that make a difference on a daily basis—even when it means risking their lives.
Through sickness, health, death, and everything in between, there is always hope in the promises of God. Look to His love to overcome obstacles and move forward with courage.
About the Author
Barbara Robbins-Ripps is a wife, mom, and grandmother. She has worked in public schools, operated a registered daycare in her home, and has worked in the church as a director of religious education and youth minister. She has volunteered in prison ministry as a spiritual companion and catechist. In this book, she shares personal experiences of Jesus through the many individuals God has blessed her with on her journey.