Dineisha Raguette 

As an anti-social individual, you might think that I would enjoy this time being cooped up at home since I don’t have to interact with people and things of that sort. Well, whoever is thinking that you are COMPLETELY WRONG. I am what you call an ambivert, a solid mixture of introvert and extrovert characteristics. I prefer staying home and being to myself, yet I sing in front of large crowds and can speak in front of large crowds. However, in a time like this, my social drive is at an all-time high because I miss my life. I miss church, school, work, and my friends. 

What's Happening on the  Outside

The nation is facing a crisis - the effects of the coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19. It has affected especially the city in which I live, New York City. At first, it seemed to be something just a little more detrimental than the common flu, but as days went by, the number of cases skyrocketed and the city began to shut down schools, stores, and “non-essential businesses”. Once I saw all of this unfolding before my eyes, I immediately thought about the Second Coming of Jesus. 

How I'm Feeling on the Inside

I’ve been a Seventh-day Adventist my whole life. I was even born on the Sabbath, and after a miscarriage my mother had, so I’ve always been told I’m special, and that God has an important task for me to do here on Earth. You know, typical church folk lingo. We were always taught that before Jesus comes back, we would see wars, rumors of wars, pestilence, earthquakes and more and that this would just be the beginning of what is yet to come. This outbreak of the coronavirus has also limited our ability as Christians to worship collectively, as the city limits gatherings of more than 50 people. But I REFUSE to let that stop my praise.

I have used this past week, (which has been the longest week of my life), to catch up on devotionals I have been slacking on, as well as use my social media to spread the gospel. I hosted a “Song Association” game on my Instagram live this past Saturday since there was no church, and the response was great. I received a lot of positive feedback from many individuals who enjoyed the game and have requests for games in the weeks to come. Simple things like this have made me just a little happier. I miss rehearsals and actual church services. After church, my friends and I would have lunch, and I miss that dearly as well. FaceTime isn’t sufficient enough. 

Where I Find Joy

Despite all the sad moments, being inside has definitely given me more time to sit down and think about my life, and plan for the future. I’ve successfully written down many ideas and goals I have for myself, as well as what steps can be taken to reach there, as well as what resources I will need. I have been watching a lot of sermons and encouraging live ministrations from some of my favorite gospel artists. I have been trying to remain level-headed, despite hearing about all the deaths and hospitalizations due to corona. 

Pointers?

My advice is simply to take advantage of this break. I have a lot of things to change, physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I hope that everybody stays safe and accomplishes the goals they have throughout this time period. Read that book you let sit on the shelf and collect dust. Pick up that piano book and start to play that song you never finished. Start doing home workouts for that weight loss journey you slacked on. There is so much to be done. But most importantly, stay safe. 

How are you guys dealing with this quarantine? Feeling Anxious? Let's Talk about it