As a child, I was always fascinated by my maternal grandparents and the stories they would tell. I loved that it was easy to know my grandmother’s age because she was born in 1900 and whatever year we happened to be in, was her age. I always knew that they endured many hardships, but it wasn’t until the following piece appeared on social media that I really began to understand.

For a moment as this, just imagine…

For a small amount of perspective at this moment, imagine you were born in 1900. When you are 14, World War I starts and ends on your 18th birthday with 22 million people killed. Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until you are 20. Fifty million people die from it in those two years. Yes, 50 million.

When you’re 29, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, global GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy. When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet.

When you’re 41, the United States is fully pulled into WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war and the Holocaust kills six million. At 52, the Korean War starts and five million perish.

At 64 the Vietnam War begins, and it doesn’t end for many years. Four million people die in that conflict. Approaching your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, could well have ended. Great leaders prevented that from happening.

As you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends. Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How do you survive all of that? A kid in 1985 didn’t think their 85-year-old grandparent understood how hard school was. Yet those grandparents (and now great grandparents) survived through everything listed above.

We all experience seasons in life that can be discouraging and stressful. Whether you’re dealing with financial troubles, health concerns, the death of a loved one, or an overall confusion about where life is heading as a result of the events of 2020, God’s word is an excellent way to lift our spirits and gain a new perspective on a difficult situation. The word of God has a profound way of encouraging us as readers to be strong and courageous in the midst of tumultuous circumstances. May the following inspirational quotes be a starting point for your day. Use them as an ever-present reminder that all things are possible with God, and His mercies are new every day.

Romans 8:38-39…For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-23…The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 31:6…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, or the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 27:12…The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

John 4:18…There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Romans 8:31…What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 15:13…May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 31:24…Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!

Isaiah 40:31…But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Perspective is an amazing art. Let’s try and keep things in perspective. Let’s be smart, help each other out, and we will get through all of this. In the history of the world, there has never been a storm that lasted. This too, shall pass.

Closing prayer…

Father,
I come to you in confidence
and trust in Your word.
I ask for strength to stand
in this trying time
and to come out victorious.

written by Lt. Colonels Hugh and Kathleen Steele, Secretary for Business Administration & Communications Secretary, USA East