An acquaintance is in the hospital suffering from pneumonia due to COVID-19. I believe she was the first documented case in our state. She had several underlying conditions but seemed to be doing better. She recently was put on a respirator and is worsening.
Thank you for your prayers. Yes, here on the MS Gulf Coast we are mainly sheltering in place. I am so sorry that Louisiana, mainly Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, have been hit so hard by this. Louisiana and Mississippi have been the birthplaces of so many wonderful writers, musicians, actors and athletes. Our culture is so rich, but our states are two of the poorest in the nation with the worst health. I’ve been looking at health statistics for the U.S. Mississippi has the highest rate of death from influenza per 100,000 people in the nation. 782 people died of the flu in 2018. That’s a lot considering we only have a population of 3 million!
Yes, Aunt Jenny’s is still there (I sent you a message). When is the last time you were here? Like New Orleans, the Gulf Coast changed so much after Katrina, and a lot of the old landmarks are gone. Remember the giant gambling ship before they allowed casinos to be built on shore?
Excursion boats still go out to Ship Island. When this is over, you’ve got to take a trip. It is one of our best activities here. You board a large excursion boat, with bathrooms, and a little cafe, and slowly make your way to the island. It’s about a 45 minute trip, and the boat is usually accompanied by dolphins (every time I go, they’ve showed up). Once you get to the island, you walk on a boardwalk, passing an old Confederate fort, to the other side where the beach and water looks like what you’d find in Gulf Shores or Florida. OK, I’ve convinced myself! I’m going again!
Still praying for your friend 😊. So, life on the Gulf Coast is vastly different for y’all with this virus thing as much as it is for us in New Orleans? Is Aunt Jenny’s still around? Many years back we would go eat seafood dinners there.
Oh gosh, don’t know your age but we spent many weekends on the coast just to chill. It’s no longer there but remember the Broadwater? Of course, back then when I was a child people went for the beach. It wasn’t a gambling get away then.
I never did do Ship Island. Had friends that went. Have you?
What’s the latest happenings at The Coliseum?
I do understand that sometimes the answer to our prayers is “no”, or “not at this time”. God’s ways are not our ways. That is so hard for our finite minds to understand. Even so, we are instructed to pray. Jesus prayed, so we follow his example, even if the prayer is “Thy will be done”.
She is not my friend - only someone with whom I am acquainted. She is the good friend of my son-in-law’s aunt.
I think she was the first person to be diagnosed in our state and she did not want anyone to know about it, but the day they put her on a ventilator I felt compelled to ask for prayer in this anonymous forum.
Someone recently posted on Facebook that we have not been seeing any prayer requests for people suffering with the coronavirus, and it’s true! We are more worried about social stigma than about the prayers of God’s people, which leads me to ask, “Do we believe, or not, in the power of prayer?”. Are we robbing ourselves of that mysterious power due to fear? Whether one person prays or a million, I know, the answer is still God’s will. Maybe the prayers are for us.
Thank you for sharing that information and testimony. Prayer works! God is good!
May HE also touch all the caregivers and her family, keeping them protected.
God bless you all.
What city in Mississippi? I’m in Louisiana. Hi, neighbor! Are you on the gulf coast? Close to New Orleans?
Grateful to hear Debbie is doing better and I pray her condition will improve daily. Praise God, He is merciful.
We don't know why some people get this, and others don't. Why some make it, and others don't. We live in a fallen world where there is suffering. We can cling to hope and have faith, and comfort one another. Maybe that's the good that comes out of this.
I love the scriptures shared by everyone and pray they will give your friend and her family, comfort and hope.
What state are you in Treeartist?
gratefultoday
John 14:27 is one of my favorite bible verses.
John 14:27 (Jesus speaking)
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. "
Philipians 4:6-7
"...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
May your friend receive healing and you receive peace in your heart.
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."
We pray the rosary too. Thank you. The rosary is a beautiful prayer. I also love the divine mercy chaplet. It’s a beautiful devotional prayer.
I make rosaries. I make jewelry which I love to do.
I love making rosary beads that I know others will pray with. It’s very rewarding to make rosaries. I use either gemstones or crystals.
We’re definitely praying for ALL the victims of the virus and their LOs and caregivers.
I just said a prayer for your friend. Please let us know how she is doing.
Sending hugs and support your way for you and your friend. 💗