Three Lessons from Rona
By Robbie Colson-Ramsey, Contributing Writer
I attempted to write this article three or four times; however, each time I had an overwhelming feeling of anxiety as I watched the endless news stories of this sightless virus that is stealing the breath of thousands of people. When I finally pulled myself away from the non-stop CNN newsreel, I picked up the phone to read even more countless stories on Facebook about how COVID-19 was affecting the African-American community harsher than other communities. This happened during constant and ongoing phone calls from church leadership, email notifications from the bishop’s office, and conference calls with city officials. It seemed as if it was a never-ending church conference in my living room.
We are on an unfamiliar path. In five years, we might have canceled church twice due to snow; but, the church has never closed its door with no re-entry date. The church and our pastors are walking in uncharted territory; and as their spouses, we are along for the bumpy ride.
We have abandoned the second row; and with a blink of the eye, we have turned into the production team, computer tech engineers, and sometimes the praise and worship leader all while attempting to keep a smile on our face. This is truly a “wow” moment. It is not an excitement wow but standing on the sideline speechless type of wow!
The Lord is shifting the church. Will you react positively to the new lessons or be a complaining bench-warmer and watch this moment pass you by?
There are three lessons I’ve learned from this coronavirus or “Rona.” First, increase your prayer life. The great hymn of the church, says “I need thee, O I need thee, every hour I need thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.”
There are so many answers you are seeking. There is no time like the present to seek the Lord. This is also a time to lift up your spouse and church. Your members need to feel the presence of the Lord through your prayers.
Second, learn something that will uplift the ministry. The church staff are not able to attend the church as normal; so as the pastor’s spouse, you have to handle the task at hand. Don’t just do the job because your spouse asks you, learn how it will benefit the church and uplift the name of the Lord.
Spend time looking at YouTube videos to learn new skills. Read information and talk to people. John W. Gardner said, “Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
Third, be present for your parishioners. As spouses, this is not the time for you to take a vacation or celebrate the fact that we have Sundays off from regular worship service. This is the time for you to be a bright star in these dark times. For example, you should communicate with the seniors of your church, many of whom live alone and would love to hear from you. This is time to love the people with your whole heart.
Despite all that people are going through remember to serve your parishioners with a grateful heart. This too shall pass.
Mrs. Robbie Colson-Ramsey is the first lady of St. John AME Church in Fairburn, where the Rev. Charles Ramsey, Jr. is the pastor. She is a former YPD Connectional 1st Vice President. She is a special educational teacher with Douglas County Public School.
