Praying from the Front Line

By Sandra Jackson Dent

"In this life, we are impacted not only by what happens to us, but also by our response. Therefore, I have to decide each day to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I have to choose to keep my focus on Christ at all times. The only way I know I can, is to remind

• Language: English
• Publisher: Strong Foundation Consulting, LLC
• Release date: Jun 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781948145961

Sandra Jackson Dent

Sandra Jackson Dent is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She started her medical career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and has overcome several obstacles on her journey to becoming a double board-certified physician. She is an internist and pediatrician, mentor, and motivational speaker. As the founder of Strong Foundation Consulting LLC and CEO of Totally Well health and wellness coaching, Sandra is committed to providing excellent comprehensive care by providing the tools to help one live the healthiest life, now and in the future. She provides patient-centered quality care, and strives to equip people with resources to make well-informed decisions concerning their health and wellbeing. Sandra strives to support, encourage, and reassure her family and friends with the Word of God and prayer as the foundation. Sandra aims to serve her community and her family. She and her husband, Calvin, live in Georgia with their son, Jaxon. She is a member of the C4 Church under the guidance and direction of pastors Ahmad and Jewel Dawson.

Book preview

Introduction

In the blink of an eye, the coronavirus pandemic has come and made day-to-day operations practically unrecognizable. Quarantine and shelter-at-home guidance have halted the nation in its tracks. Our faces are adorned with masks of many colors, shapes, and sizes, and protective eyewear and gloves have become the norm. The streets are deserted in areas once filled with people, and traffic is almost nonexistent. Life as we know it is forever changed.

We are holding on to our loved ones tighter than ever, and some of us are too anxious to even leave our beds. The spirit of fear and anxiety has caused declarations of faith mixed with tears, fears, and anger. Messages and updates meant to educate are planting tormenting thoughts into our hearts and minds. When we try to turn them off, we are enticed to return to the same networks to gain knowledge over this worldwide pandemic.

Lives are being lost not only to this virus, but to psychotic breaks and mental breakdowns. The suicide rate rises daily. The spirit of fear and uncertainty holds people hostage, causing paralysis. Many are up all night worrying, fearing for the worst but hoping for the best.

We walk down the aisle of the grocery store, afraid to speak or come in contact with others. Some wonder if it is okay to open the freezer door to retrieve frozen food, or if they should avoid the risk and instead go without. Personal shopping apps have skyrocketed. Churches have turned into cyber sanctuaries while trying to keep parishioners safe and encouraged during these trying times. Not forsaking fellowship, video conferencing has rapidly increased.

Social media has enlarged its territory into homes of individuals with limited media experience and knowledge. There has been an exhaustion of cell phone data packages, and internet servers are overworked. Children are learning from a virtual classroom and frustrated with the inability to engage with their friends and classmates. Parents attempt to balance their traditional roles with overseeing at-home assignments and helping their children learn. While teachers must find innovative ways to reach and teach their students. Graduates are unable to publicly celebrate years of hard work and accomplishments. Small business owners have taken a deep pay cut, or have closed their doors entirely. Even doctors and nurses are being furloughed and losing pay.

While some eat excessively, trying to find solitude and peace, or feel something other than the deep, penetrating fear of COVID-19, others binge and purge, or choose to avoid eating at all.

If someone coughs or attempts to clear their throat, we look around in fear, afraid our next breath might be the one that compromises our own health. We hold our breath for breakthrough.

The medical focus has shifted from face-to-face routine physical exams and follow-up appointments to virtual appointments. Elective surgeries and other chronic medical issues have been postponed until further notice.

We hang our heads due to the rapid decline of individuals with this disease. Hospitals are overflowing with virus-inflicted Americans,