I’m writing to let you know that someone is thinking of you and wondering how you are.
At first, I {naively} thought that if anyonewould be safe from this virus, it would be ex-offenders. You’re already“quarantined” away from the rest of society and isolated (This is what officials were telling the general population to do from the beginning. Now they are mandating it). I read that early-on visitation was stopped for you… just like with other groups. The elderly in group homes, or anyone in hospitals were not allowed visitors. Kids everywhere are now schooling from home and isolated from their friends. My son’s birthmother told me on the phone yesterday, that life “on the outside” in THESE circumstances is, in some ways, more regimented than the half-way house she was released from in November.
Still, I know it has to be unsettling for you. Even if you are already not having physicalcontact with people from the outside, there is a chance it can come in somehow.Infectious disease researchers studying this virus tell us it doesn’t live many hours away from the “host.” So, things coming in from the outside are generally safe. We catch it from someone sneezing or coughing on us or touching something that has been sneezed or coughed on within a few hours to days (depending on the surface). But, I can just imagine you are all talking about being “sitting ducks.” You have a lack of freedom to make decisions about your life, and limited access to information…so, the fear of the unknown, and has to be mentally and emotionally tough. (If you watch mainstream media, I believe they ALWAYS are competing for viewers by being sensational. Even under normal life, this causes society to have more fear).
Early in March, Colleges decided to teach all their classes on-line, and close dorms. I connected with a group of Foreign Students who were stranded. At that point, officials didn’t know how long it would last. A couple weeks? The semester? These students couldn’t simply return home to other countries and then just fly back when there was an “all-clear.” If they did go back home, some would not be allowed to return again! Legally not allowed to work off campus, and exchange rates are taking a big hit for developing nations. Most of them by now have found places to live off-campus. I talked with one gal on the phone the other day. She is also learning a new kind of flexibility and mental toughness. God will make a way!
The biggest battle is always for peace, and it starts in our mind. So, I want to encourage you to be vigilant to stay positive. Don’t let your mind go down the “what if…” trail. THINK ON what is TRUE. You are alive. You influence others around you for positive or negative. You can help yourself and encourage others.
Or you can bring everyone down…including yourself! Keep a strong focus! (John 14, Philippians 4:4-9)
Today I read that in many states, parole is being considered for prisoners who are elderly, at risk, and those who have met their minimum sentence. Perhaps that will be you. This expedited system of release, will be both good (to have your freedom back), but also extra challenging for re-entry. Everyone on the outside is affected, and unemployment set all-time highs last month. So, if you are released, I encourage you to take advantage of re-entry programs...not just for services, but for the community they offer!
I pray…a lot for you, and others. The way I understand God, HE is not wringing his hands wondering about anything! And he offers peace, direction, provision, and hope. If I get the virus. I know where I’m going (though I may not understand it metaphysically!). But how ever “heaven” works, it’s better than the best day I ever had here!
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