If You're Afraid

My sister asked me last night if I was scared yet. I told her I was anxious and then started texting her about how folks I love are doing. My anxiety so far has been related to how other people are doing. I think I'm not afraid for me because of past fear that I've known. 

In January 2000, when I was diagnosed HIV positive, I was so afraid—afraid of what it meant for my health, for my family, and most of all afraid of all the life changes that would come with that diagnosis. When I think about this current virus in personal terms, I remember that I made it through that terrible fear 20 years ago and wound up in a better place. It gives me a sense of peace now. I'm taking the guidelines seriously. I wash my hands, I wipe down surfaces, I only leave my space for essentials. But I'm not afraid. 

If you're afraid, maybe it will help to remember fearful things that you've come through. If you're reading this, you're breathing. You're alive. "Grace has brought [you] safe thus far, and grace will lead [you] home." Peace be with you.