In the midst of Corona virus and quarantine, it's easy to focus on what we are missing and all the events that are now cancelled.  In our small groups, we have been focusing on what is not cancelled...

• Hope is not cancelled
• Family dinner is not cancelled
• Joy is not cancelled, etc

Focusing on what we have is important during this time when we are feeling disconnected and deprived of our regular routines and activities.  

It's good to see what is still here.  Let's take this line of thinking one more step in that positive direction.

All of our good things that are not cancelled are more than just "not cancelled."

• Hope is alive
• Family dinners are happening daily
• Joy is alive
• Conversations are ongoing
• Friendships are alive
• Love is alive
• Spirituality is alive
• Laughter is ongoing
• God's church is living and active
• Self-care is on-going
• Reading is still an adventure
• Learning is occurring, etc

Positive things are all around us even when we feel deprived and isolated.  As we are forced to slow down and stop the busyness of our regular routines, let's focus on the positives around us.  What can we see now in this quieter time that we couldn't see when we were running our daily race?  What opportunities are before us to embrace-if only for a short time?

I've said many time that I have so much to do that I could spend two weeks uninterrupted working on my house or in my office-I just might have that time soon.  Now that it's upon me, maybe I'll take the time to get some projects done, but maybe I'll choose to enjoy more family game time or cooking together, or catching up on all those old movies I've wanted to show my daughter.  Maybe we can laugh and talk for hours without worrying about the schedule and schoolwork being done before the next day.  

Maybe this is a world-wide pandemic that will hurt us all-or maybe it's a gift of time and space so that we can appreciate the positive parts of life that never go away.

In the comments, reply with positives you see in your life right now to help us all focus on the light in the darkness.

Belaire Counseling Services remains open at this time if you need an appointment.  We will be taking everything day by day, and some form of communication will be available throughout this quarantine.  225-291-1335, [email protected]

Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks for our blessings and celebrating with family and friends. Thanksgiving can also be a difficult time for people who have lost loved ones to death or divorce or who have suffered trauma.  

As we gather together this week and give thanks, remember the people who are lonely and hurting. Holidays are a good time to reach out and show our love for others.  A kind word or an invitation can help lift someone's spirit and help them not feel lonely during the holidays.  

If you are struggling during this time or know someone who is suffering, Dr. Belaire can help.  See how Dr. Belaire can help at www.BelaireCounseling.com.  To schedule and appointment call 225-291-1335.

We in the Baton Rouge area are deeply affected by the recent flooding.  Many of our family, friends, and neighbors have lost homes, vehicles, possessions, jobs, and lives.  As a community, we grieve together.  Those of us who live in this community know how strong and resilient we are and that we come together to help each other in times of need.  We celebrate each other and give of ourselves to our community.

Many people will experience trauma and stress as a result of the flooding.  Dr. Belaire is available to counsel adults, children, and adolescents who have been affected by this disaster.  To set up an appointment, call 225-291-1335 or email [email protected].

Below is a list of places to receive aid if you have been displaced or affected by the recent flooding in the Baton Rouge area.  As new resources are available, I will try add them to the list.  Please feel free to comment with additional resources as they are available.

Resources:

• Governor’s emergency line: (225) 342-7015
• Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP).

           1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578)

• Pediatria HealthCare- Medical needs

          225-364-3630
          8894 Airline Highway, Suite A
          Baton Rouge, LA 70815

• South Baton Rouge Church of Christ - assistance through  Church of Christ Disaster Recovery
• WAFB- list of shelters and resources
• The Baptist Association of Southeast Louisiana a disaster relief program that will gut out your sheet rock and spray to kill the mold that is growing in your home free of charge. If you need assistance please call Stan Statham, Director of Missions at (985) 839-3827 or on his cell at (985) 515-4367, or you can email him at [email protected].
• Dutchtown Baptist Church - recovery assistance
• Habitat for Humanity Baton Rouge- home cleanup 225-927-6651 or [email protected]
• Salvation Army- providing supplies

Shelters:
Celtic Studios
10000 Celtic Drive
O'Connor Building
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 330-6000 phone
888.49.MOVIE (66843) toll-free
(225) 330-6163 fax

Donate:

• Go Fund Me
• South Baton Rouge Church of Christ-

          8725 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
          225-927-4673

• Salvation Army