Heritage is the documented storytelling of those who have come before us. Much of this year, Norma Stevenson spent her time alone at Ons Huis, in Florida, in quiet contemplation with The Bible her sole source of companionship. For her 96th birthday, 6 September, she penned words of wisdom for her community. These are her words and her thoughts:
Dear Friends and people from all over the world.
I am writing this letter with a message for everyone who has been impacted by this dreadful Covid-19 pandemic. Jesus says that we must love one another. However, he is angry with the world. Jesus went to the cross, and his holy blood was spilled for all of us. For six days we may work, but on the seventh day, we should rest and give our time to the Lord. I believe that “We must love one another, and if not, then we don’t love Him”. He wants us to all serve Him. If we are not serving Him, we are serving the Devil.
God wants to heal the world and we beg that Jesus forgive our sins and let the disease disappear. We must be reminded to praise God on His day, Sunday. On that day, all sporting activities should be suspended and all shops should be closed. He also says that we should live one day at a time. Today we should deal with what is important, for tomorrow comes with its own problems.
In 1924, Eric Liddell, a famous Scottish Olympic runner, was once expected to run a race on a Sunday, which he refused, believing that Sunday was God’s Day. As such he was greatly criticised for his decision, and was called a ‘traitor’ for not having competed on that particular Sunday. Liddell was given the opportunity to run a different race later in the week. He won that race, the 400m dash, even setting a new world record. Liddell’s story is a reminder to us, of the significance of having faith in our Lord, by maintaining His tradition.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but the power of love, and of sound mind (Timothy 1: 7). The Covid-19 pandemic is real, and now is a time to follow His words. Isaiah 26:20, it is said “Go my people, enter your rooms, and shut the doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while, until his wrath has passed by.”
Be safe and take care of your loved ones. Protect those that are weaker than yourself. Care for those who are vulnerable, for now is the time for us to stand together, and trust in the Lord.
With love and prayers, to God be the Glory.
