My COVID Journey Part 7

by   November 17, 2020 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

That word — COVID — still feels like it belongs to someone else — not me.

My writing often is built around the retelling of my personal experiences, but this one….

This one felt different.
This one felt a little too painful.
This one left me feeling like the story would go on forever.


I tried to get control of it and just let it pass. But I knew. It was COVID and it seemed to be doing exactly what it wanted to do when it wanted to do it.

This has been one of the weakest and most vulnerable times of my life — of our lives. Not only was it me that had been sick, but also my husband and my son. God had allowed both of them to recover much more quickly than me, but the lingering symptoms, the quarantine, and my continued sickness — was tough.

Friends and family kept messaging me, “Are you going to write about it?”

My answer was always the same, “No.”
It was too personal.
Most days the description was something to the effect of, “I am sick. I am still sick.”

Not much of a story.

Truth was — I did not want to write about it. Ever. I felt that nothing could come out of this evil virus that would even remotely be something that could give spiritual inspiration to others. I wanted to forget it.

An enemy had attacked our bodies.
I had not been sure we would win this battle.
I had not been sure if we would be around to raise our grandsons to adulthood.
It was scary for our family.

But on this day — day 20 of the virus — I woke up early. I got out of bed, without even giving it a thought.

Everyone was still asleep. I walked downstairs, opened the blinds, took a deep breath and looked outside.

That girl that runs by my house every morning was running by on day 20 at the exact time I opened my blinds.

It made me smile. I wanted to call out to her, “Good morning! I made it! I think I’m going to live! I can keep watching you run by every morning as I drink my coffee! It’s so good to see you!”

We had waved occasionally, but no, I do not know her.
But — on this day — Day 20 — I did know her. I sure was excited to see her.

So maybe everything was normal?
Except my normal no longer felt normal — until I saw her.
Reassurance came.
The girl was still running. Life had been going on. It still was. It was beautiful.
I cried — for it had been a long 20 days.
Perhaps my normal would return one day.

That’s when I knew — I wanted to share my COVID story with you.
For you — are special to me.

I hope my story gave you hope.
I hope my story encouraged you.
I hope if you are sick that you will be made well.
I hope my normal will return to normal.
I hope that I will always love and appreciate normal.

Isaiah 40:31 says that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
That is the promise I held on to.

No, COVID could not and did not control me.
For there is always hope — and hope controls me.

Contact me at annfarabee@gmail.com .

A New Respect for Walkers

by   November 16, 2020 with No Comments

By David Freeze

I’ve always enjoyed walking and have done a lot of it. I have no idea how many miles I’ve done, but imagine its pretty significant. My run across N.C. included lots of walking where the road and traffic didn’t have room for me and a baby jogger.

Walking otherwise has meant something different for me than running. Walking has meant a time of peace, reflection and a less challenging workout. In fact, I usually didn’t view my walking as a workout at all. I didn’t push the pace but kept my legs moving comfortably.

This summer has been unusual because I didn’t go on a long bike ride. Physically, there’s been plenty of replacement workouts here on the farm. While not on a bike ride, I ran more. But I didn’t walk much. However, I have developed a habit over a few recent beach trips that has great rewards.

Last summer, I went to Cherry Grove twice in October, my favorite time at the Carolina beaches. I have a running course that is flat and fast, usually going about 5.5 to 6 miles. Afterwards, I drop by the room and grab a dry shirt, my radio and a couple Pop Tarts before heading right back out. With a good run complete, nothing is better than a follow-up walk of about 4-5 miles. With music and an eye toward a beautiful sunrise, I usually walked at a steady pace.

I finished a book during the most recent trip, one about a young woman who completed the Appalachian Trail. Jennifer Pharr Davis returned a second time and set a women’s record covering the 2,193 distance in 46 days and 11 hours. Carrying a 30-pound pack, she regularly walked at a sub- 18 minute pace. Recently, my 83-year-old star client Charles Newsome has pushed the pace as low as 17:26 per mile while walking on an inclined treadmill.

Curious to check my pace, my goal was a fast walk on the last morning before driving home. The previous day, I had been outwalked by some serious and hustling women. This time, I wore shoes with an intent on hustling myself. Wearing my Garmin pace watch, I pushed the effort and for the first 2.5 miles, nobody passed me. Getting faster all the time, I made the turnaround. I noticed someone coughing behind me and realized the guy was getting closer. After looking back, I saw a white-headed guy and a larger woman gaining on me. Determined to stay ahead, I pushed as fast as I could. Sadly, they did pass me and then immediately turned around to head back. My fastest time was a 17:10 mile. A friend told me that she walks with a group of women who hit the upper 15s and 16s.

I was humbled! Serious walkers are getting a great workout. I hurt almost as much after the walk as during the earlier run. Never had I timed myself on a walk, but you can bet I will work on beating those serious walkers next time! I think they look for victims just like the yard dogs search for cyclists in Kentucky.

Some things are happening with local races. The very popular Thanksgiving Day Butterball 5K appears headed to Salisbury Community Park due to City of Salisbury coronavirus restrictions. This race benefits Prevent Child Abuse Rowan. The Santa Run 5K, recently planned for Salisbury, is headed back to Millbridge and the Ruritans building. Bigfoot camping is available again and remains a qualifier for the Bigfoot Olympics in Remer, Minnesota. The New Year’s Day Resolution Run 5K, usually held at The Forum, is TBD at this point. Both the Santa and Resolution 5K races benefit Rowan Helping Ministries. All races follow coronavirus restrictions designated by the Road Runners Club of America.

All upcoming events are listed at www.salisburyrowanrunners.com

Four Books

by   November 14, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            A few weeks ago my sister shared a book with me that I have wanted to read. The book is about personalities. My wife and I and several friends have the personality that this book describes and I am finding what I am learning to be very interesting. I am beginning to see why we think and act in certain ways.

            The personality book was getting heavy and deep and I decided that I needed a break. I looked through my Kindle and found a fictional story that I thought might brighten the mood. It looked fun, interesting and a lighter change of pace.

            The fictional story challenges the reader to consider the urgency that we should all have to share our faith with those in our circle of influence. The book doesn’t gently suggest this need, it hammers it home. I almost felt like I needed a break from this book. I’m almost finished and I have received its message.

            Last Sunday my pastor said he had a book that he encouraged us to read. The book offered hope during stressful times. We are definitely living through troubled times. Between a pandemic, the election, and the social unrest, we all need a deposit of hope. I immediately began reading my new book.

            The author of the book on hope is a pastor from California. I have heard him on CDs and have watched him on YouTube. Actually, I have read a few of his other books, too. What I really love about this book is that it challenges my thinking about all that is going on in the world. My faith and hope must be firmly planted in Jesus so that the events of the world will not affect my foundation.

            Faith, hope, and love are critical to growing and maintaining our faith. Another cornerstone that I believe is vital is encouraging each other in our Christian walk. I think it is so critical that I devote my writing to accomplish that purpose. I have a gift and a calling to encourage people. I often feel inadequate, but somehow the Holy Spirit uses me.

            That is part of the reason I started my website, EncouragingU.com. I knew that there were other writers like me out there who wanted a place where they could share their message of hope. I feel like after you have consumed the news for the day, your spirit needs to be refreshed and encouraged. That’s what I hope we are doing.

            During the summer, I had the idea to get this group of writers together to create a book for Christmas. The idea was to bring our positive and encouraging voices together to focus our thoughts on the birth of our Lord. We have been working hard to tie up all the loose ends and get the book ready for the holidays.

            The book’s title, “An EncourgingU Christmas” sets the tone. You’ll find a fictional retelling of the birth of Christ. There is a story about three lost souls who find healing through the holiday spirit. There are some devotionals and a number of columns that will help you prepare your heart for Christmas. It will be available soon at Amazon.

            I believe in the power of our words. Parents, teachers, and coaches who speak negative things over the children in their charge can crush a budding spirit. In the same way, positive and encouraging words, which can include correction, can help mold and build possibilities and futures that are hard to imagine.

            The media is full of negative and fearful information that can overwhelm our minds. That’s why I believe so much in what I am doing through EncouragingU.com. I want to help build people up and to help them see the good possibilities. After all, we serve the God of the impossible. We need to refocus our minds on Him. We need to remind ourselves that He can do great things in and through us.

            I want to encourage you to stir up your faith, hope, and love. It is important to be informed, to know what is going on in the world around you. It is equally important to refresh your spirit by filling your mind with God’s word and other positive and encouraging things. It’s important to remind yourself of God’s great love and His goodness. There is nothing too big for Him. He is not surprised by anything that happens in your life. God is watching over you. He wants you to trust Him, lean on Him, and to know His favor is resting on you.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Beginners Get It Done

by   November 9, 2020 with No Comments

By David Freeze

We had to cancel our beginning runners class in the spring but just finished a small, yet very enthusiastic fall class. The main advantage of a small class is getting to know them better. Here is a recap of a fantastic group and their thoughts.

Hannah Couch is 29 and a project coordinator for a local commercial grading business. She’s been married for two years to husband, Andrew, and is a proud dog mom. Steve McCombs, a Methodist pastor who came to Salisbury in 2010, served as pastor at Milford Hills UMC from 2010-2015 and later at Millingport from 2015-2019. Retired now, Steve said, “I’m taking some time to realize how I can make a difference in the greater Salisbury community. My main activity is volunteering at the community garden at Rowan Helping Ministries.”

Destiny Brown, 24, works as a hospice nurse. She’s happily married to husband, Tyler, and they have 20 chickens and three goats. Destiny’s mother, Tracy Blackwood, the last to sign up, works as an office manager. Tracy said, “My daughter, as she has done so many times in the past, signed me up for a class. Before I could even consider and even take time to process it, I found myself sitting in David’s run class.”

I asked why the rest wanted to take the class. Hannah said, “I decided to take a running class to connect with my cousins and take control of my exercise experience. I was certainly apprehensive. Running has never been my favorite way to work out, but with the encouragement of my cousins, I agreed to join the running class.”

Steve added, “I took my first SRR Beginners Runners Class about six years ago. I seek to be intentional about overall health and how best to stay in shape. Running has appealed to me because of my physical makeup and the simplicity of running. Overall health is on my mind more since I retired.”

And Destiny said, “I joined so that I could learn the fundamentals of running. I ran in the past with personal trainers and friends but have never been in a running course where I would learn technique, fueling, stretching and the importance of running shoes. I knew in order to be successful in my future running adventures, I needed to learn the basics.”

The whole group ran the popular Greenway/Bare Bones 5K course on Thursday, Oct. 22. All did well with on a perfect early evening while escorted by four members of the Salisbury PD bike patrol. Officers on hand were Sergeants Shulenburger, Brooks and DeSantis plus Detective Easler.

Each graduate listed positives for the class upon receiving diplomas while the SRR band played “Pomp and Circumstance.” Hannah said, “One takeaway I have after making such progress is there’s always room to better myself and my health. It definitely wasn’t always easy, but it’s been worth it and improved my confidence. I’ll continue working to improve my time and technique, plus trying physical activities that I’ve been resistant or reserved about, similarly to how I felt about running prior to joining this class.”

Steve said, “I realized it’s all about taking a new challenge step by step. I just needed to “do it” in order to experience the reality. I can run alone or with others. Other than a good pair of shoes and socks, there are few expenses. As long as I am able, I’ll keep on running into the future.”

Tracy said, “My apprehensiveness disappeared as all the fellowship, laughter and knowledge flooded the room. We mastered the task at hand when finishing that 5K. Thanks to all our supporters in class and to the Salisbury Police for riding beside us on their bikes. I highly recommend David’s class for everyone, get out there and enjoy life.”

And Destiny concluded with, “The biggest takeaway was to not judge the run based on the day I was having or on the first mile of the run. Some days, I felt extra tired, but my run would feel the best. I questioned how I was ever going to keep putting one foot in front of the other but I’m glad I did and that I accomplished running 3.1 miles. Running will play a part in my life when I feel stressed or tired. I know I can always throw on my shoes, go outside and get some fresh air and let my worries go away for a little while!”

Watch for the next beginners class in March and the next local race, the Ed Dupree Redo 5K at East Rowan High on Nov. 7, at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

Final Harvest

by   November 7, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Final Harvest

            Is it really November? It is getting dark awfully early. While I really enjoy the cooler temperatures of fall and the beautiful leaves, I really don’t like the shorter days. We will get a reprieve from the darkness when everyone gets their Christmas lights up, which will probably be in a couple of weeks. I always feel like the year picks up speed as we hit November. There is always so much to do, but I imagine COVID will put the brakes on that, too.

            The recent cold spell put an end to the gardening season. I need the rest and a chance for the weeds to die back. It’s time to regroup and make plans for next year. I did go out and pick my final harvest. I picked a bowl full of cherry tomatoes that might last until Christmas. We harvested some butter beans and I dug my sweet potatoes. I even picked some late raspberries.

            The big wind from the…how many hurricanes did we get this year? Anyway, the wind blew down some beautiful sunflowers that were growing. I am not sure the seeds were completely formed. They were a nice fall treat this year. The fall corn I had hoped for was stunted, blown down, and what little grew was eaten by the squirrels. We need some hawks to help reduce the surplus of squirrels in our area.

            There were some successes and some letdowns in the garden this year, but that’s normal. Gardening is about getting out there working the soil and hoping for a harvest. Something you grow always tastes better than anything from the store. So I will soon begin dreaming about what I will try to grow next year, but for now, I will enjoy the rest.

            The goal of sowing seed is to receive a harvest. I believe if we all stepped back and looked at the people we know we would discover people who are in various stages of the gardening season. I imagine each of us knows people who have never considered the need for a savior. They lead broken lives and don’t know that there is a God in heaven who loves them. These people need a gardener to sow some seeds of faith in their lives.

            All of us know people who once had a vibrant faith, but the weeds of the world have stunted their growth and threaten to crush their hope. These people need a gardener to pull the weeds of worry, fear, doubt, anger, and disappointment out of their lives. They need someone to come along and water their lives with faith, hope, and love. Sometimes the weeds become so overwhelming that we need help to break free.

            Many people have been cut off due to COVID. They have stopped attending church or even watching their services online. When we become disconnected it is easy to become discouraged. The walk of faith is challenging in the best of times. Losing connection and the opportunity to challenge and encourage each other can cause our spiritual growth to become weak. We have to work if we want to stay connected. I need you and you need me if we are hoping to maintain our faith and grow spiritually.

            Finally, there are people in all our lives who are ready to meet Jesus. They have looked in all the wrong places for the peace they deeply desire. They may have attended church at one point in their lives, but have never made a personal commitment. They need to hear the truth that God loves them unconditionally. They need someone to do the honor of introducing them to Jesus, to let them know they are invited in no matter what they have done.

            I believe that Jesus needs you and me now more than ever to help him work in His garden. There are souls that need to be harvested, hearts that need to be healed, broken lives that need His healing touch, and people who need to hear the good news for the first time. Jesus is dependent upon each of us doing our part to help.

I want to encourage you to open your eyes and see the people in your life that are waiting to hear a word from you. Some need a life preserver, while others may just need a little word of encouragement. Jesus needs you to do your part, especially now in these crazy times we find ourselves living in. We know the power of faith, hope, and love to change lives. Be willing and available to God and I believe you will make a difference in someone’s life this week.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

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