Corona Virus Upends our State

On Tuesday, March 10, 2020 high school students involved in the BPA Club (Business , Professionals of America) gathered from all across the state of Montana for the award ceremony at the Billings Convention Center. They had spent the last two days competing in their various areas of expertise. My two sons, Elijah and Cullen, were part of a four person video production team that had worked countless hours this school year filming, editing, designing, and producing their video. Three of the four members of this team had worked tirelessly last year in 2019 to produce a high quality video and they walked away from state with 3rd place. This year, 2020, they were determined to take 1st or 2nd place and make it all the way to nationals.

Guess what? They did! They were a bit shocked to hear first place and then their names announced. What an honor and now they were on their way to compete at nationals in Washington D.C. this May. Yes, this was what they'd worked so hard for - for a few brief moments excitement and enthusiasm filled the air. And then reality hit - the reality of the growing uncertainty of the world and now the United States living with the Corona virus outbreak. Minutes later they were told by their BPA advisor that nationals may not happen. Just three days later the national BPA competition in D.C. was cancelled. Heartbroken that the national competition and trip they'd worked so hard to realize was not going to happen, they felt a mixture of emotions and thoughts. Why not wait a few weeks before cancelling? Was this virus really that big of a deal? How could this be happening?

Now, schools all across Montana have been shut down for two weeks by Governor Bullock. It is shocking and a world I have never seen before. I am trying to educate myself about this new threat and put into practice all of the precautions the CDC is suggesting: social distancing of 6 ft., being aware of symptoms, avoiding any large gatherings, good hand washing, etc. I am amazed at how fast this new reality has come and how fear can start to take over so fast as evidenced by all of the toilet paper and wipes getting sold out at stores across the city. I have found myself all over with my emotions as well and grappling with my own fears.

I am so glad for the anchor of faith and a God who promises never to leave us and to help us through our tough times. This disappointment for my sons is hard but we are all are learning that trust in God and loving our neighbors in times like this is worth pressing into. I want to grow in my dependence on God be less attached to the things of this world which are fleeting. It is an everyday battle to choose faith over fear and service over my comfort. Let's come through this trial stronger and able to share testimony of God's goodness in this storm.

Theresa Lauver