Overflowing trolleys, empty shelves, selfishness comes out of nowhere. The smell of panic and fear radiates off people as they shop. Like squirrels and hamsters hoarding food for when life begins to spiral out of control. Where does this fear come from? Is it media induced? A media circus gone wrong? Or is the Corona Virus something that we really have to fear?

Aisle after aisle of emptiness. Toilet paper gone. Aisles of pasta, rice, tomato sauce, even the fresh vegetables and fruit are a limited resource all gone just like that with the click of fingers. What once was taken for granted is no longer taken for granted. Anxiety rises. I feel it in my tummy. My partner relaxed beside me, places his hand on my shoulder and guides me through the empty aisles. Only buying a week’s worth of stuff. The stuff that we need to eat like we would on any normal week of buying food. Only to see others stripping the shelves of everything that once was supple.

Are people panic buying to protect their families? Survival of the fittest? Or is this just fear induced panic? I fear that a big economic collapse will follow. We’ll go into recession. It is almost like the whole world has come to a standstill. Watching what the virus will do next. Who will it touch? Who will it impact? Praying for our loved ones not to get it, for our close ones not to get it – especially those that are on the front-line.

Most of Europe is in lock-down. How come the UK isn’t under lock-down? Why is the UK dancing around this topic as if they are not taking it seriously. Are we an invincible society, a superior society? My entire family in Europe are not allowed out except to buy food otherwise they pay a fine of €1659 or more. Schools closed. Cinemas closed. Shopping malls closed. Life slows down drastically. Haltingly. Sparingly. A war against a virus. Man-made virus? Who knows… Some of my family been in quarantine since last week Thursday, not venturing out. Staying within the four walls of the home, and in the garden.

Maybe this virus isn’t a bad thing. Maybe this virus will teach people the values of all that we hold dear. That we can live without all this fancy and expensive technology around us. Maybe it is a wake up call for society to slow down and to enjoy the small moments of freedom. Maybe we just need to live and hold our dear ones close rather than rushing round all the time. Maybe it is a time of deep inner reflection. Maybe we can learn from the generations before us where life was slow and steady, where the needs were met by the little that was on offer. God is good. This much I know and I shall not fear. I shall not panic buy.

Overflowing trolleys, empty shelves, selfishness comes out of nowhere. The smell of panic and fear radiates off people as they shop. Like squirrels and hamsters hoarding food for when life begins to spiral out of control.

Who will you choose to be? Will you be like the squirrels and hamsters hoarding food for when life begins to spiral out of control? Or will you remain calm and steady on your feet – trusting that the source of life – God will provide for all your needs? I choose to trust God. I surrender to Him and His will for my life. What will be will be.