“But no one except Lucy knew that as the albatross circled the mast, it had whispered to her: ‘Courage, Dear Heart’ and the voice, she felt sure, was Aslan’s.” –C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Courage, Dear Heart

I’ve been quiet here on the blog as I’ve tried to process our new reality and how I can best serve my readers. I’ve been praying for you all, and wondering: how are you doing? Are you and your family well? How can I encourage you in these troubling times?

The biggest struggle for me so far–here in my high-risk isolation–is missing our children and grands. My dearest desire right now is to be hunkered down with them together, but that is not our reality. I wonder when I will be able to see them again. How longingly I look back at the days when we were homeschooling, all home together.

I’ve compiled a list of prayer requests, my personal tips for navigating this difficult time, reading recommendations, and links to 15 hope-filled, encouraging previous posts. Next week, I’ll be inviting you to take part in the Encouragers Fellowship and the Encouragers Book Club, so please check back. I am also sharing Lunchtime Encouragement, a short video devotional every day using Facebook Live on my Facebook page, around 1:00 Central time. Here’s my page link.

Prayer Requests

There are many concerns and prayer requests now, and here are some that are heavy on my heart.

Medical personnel and their families.
Deployed service members who have had homecomings and leave indefinitely postponed; I’m praying especially for those who are in remote areas with no mail service, little WiFi, and austere medical facilities…and for their families.
Families who are soon expecting a baby in the midst of this chaos.
Small business owners who are making difficult decisions that weigh heavily.
Those who have lost their jobs.
High-risk humans, particularly those who need ongoing medical services related to their chronic health.
Those who are ill, especially those who are hospitalized alone–and their loved ones.
People who are grieving losses…all alone.
Those struggling with depression and other mental illness.

I know you will join me in praying. Please comment below or message me at kimturnermcculley.com with your prayer requests.

My Tips to Cultivate Courage, Dear Heart

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1. Read Your Bible, Pray Every Day

Now is the time to nourish our souls and nurture our faith. Read your Bible. Pray. Find sermons and music online to watch daily. Look for inspiring and encouraging content. I have always found trials can be a time of rich spiritual growth.

Related reading: My Daily Devotions | A Look Into My Quiet Time

2. Set Strict Parameters on News

I’ve had to create some firm boundaries for myself. Too much news is just too much news! I’ve decided to receive the bulk of my news from the CDC website (once a day), and skip over most articles on Facebook unless they’re from a trusted source. Personally, I do not find political comments conducive to my mental health, so when I stumble across political memes and tirades, I avoid them like the plague.

3. Spend Time Outdoors

If it is safe to do so (not too people-y), it really helps my mental health to get out for a walk. If that isn’t wise, then even sitting on the porch in the fresh air really helps my outlook. Since I battle severe allergies and asthma, I’ve had to spend the bulk of my time indoors…but I still try to step outside briefly every day.

4. Reach Out to Others (Safely)

Every day I have a goal to connect with a few of my loved ones. Texts, phone calls, video chats, and snail mail are our friend right now, aren’t they? I’m always looking for ways to encourage others: on Facebook and Instagram, by putting stuffed animals or pictures in the window for children walking past, or by sharing cupcakes via porch drop off.

Let’s set a goal to reach out to at least three people each day!

5. Read Books that Help You Find Courage

Now is the time to fill our hearts and minds with stories of courage and valor. I’m currently reading a biography of Winston Churchill, The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson. It’s about Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister, as England was entering WWII. I feel encouraged every time I read it, being reminded of the challenges England endured and their courage.

This is a great time for those encouraging, overcoming tales. Here are some great classic examples that come immediately to mind.

Click on titles to view and/or purchase book.