I’m tired. I’m trying to soldier on, but I seem to have less and less drive to do anything productive.  I’d venture to say I’m not alone.  I did make it out for groceries yesterday.  I did get on the treadmill. And I did make cookies. But slug for slug, it was a serious fight to get there.

I have nothing to complain about. While the numbers aren’t as high as originally projected (blessing!), people are still sick and dying.  But social distancing is making a difference, and that’s good news.

Tragically, at the same time, our economy is suffering a massive leak, and if we don’t right this ship before long, it will sink. I’m watching it happen in my own neighborhood. People that I know and care for are hanging on by a shoestring with no relief in sight.

I’m talking about the little mom and pop restaurant down the road. Their building was previously a family diner, and before that a catfish restaurant.  It sat empty for several years and then, we watched with great interest as a dumpster arrived, the building got a fresh coat of paint, and the little restaurant was on its way to a resurrection.  We wondered among ourselves what it might become – a steak house? A pancake place? It’s a Mexican restaurant! This sweet family scraped together enough capital to get it off the ground.  We were so excited for them when they opened and became fast fans. Things were looking good for them.

Now, less than a year later, they know, like so many others, that every day their dining room is closed lowers the likelihood of a reopening. Ever.  The other day, Flyboy suggested that we order take-out to support them in these hard times.  There was one person there – the manager – and he was taking phone orders, preparing the food, delivering it to the car, and taking the money.  All by himself.  Flyboy asked him how they are holding up, and was not surprised to hear that it’s every bit as bad as it looks. They cannot remain solvent on a few take-out orders a day. They have bills to pay whether they are fully open or not.

All of a sudden, my own lethargy is just plain petty. Bigger things are happening all around. We will continue to support our local businesses, and would encourage you to do the same. I’m praying for you and me today.  How can we be a light in a dark time? How can we lift spirits? Like Aaron and Hur (Genesis 17) who held up the arms of Moses to ensure success in the battle (as long as his hands were up they were winning), may we find creative ways to bolster one another.

We’re inviting you to hold up the arms of a small business owner in your city. To encourage you to support your favorite local restaurant, we are giving away a $40 gift card. Just go to the Seriously Girl Facebook page and follow the directions. Enter now!

“Moses built an altar and called it ‘The Lord is my Banner.’ He said, ‘For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord.’”  –Genesis 17:15-16 (NIV)