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Listen "#49: COVID Christmas with Family, Having Hope from God"
Episode Synopsis
As we celebrate Christmas in 2020, there are many fewer big family gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so as we get ready to do a Zoom-version of the holiday, my guests on this special episode are members of my family.
(2:03) Listen in on a "fireside chat" with my mom Susan Dennis and sister Sherry Dennis, who are in NC, as we are socially distanced and staying safe for the holidays. We started by talking about our favorite Christmas movies and songs. What are yours?
Not being with family and friends is difficult, especially this time of year. (8:13)We discuss surviving through the coronavirus pandemic, what we miss most, not worshipping together at church, loneliness. (11:35)Then we turn to Christmas traditions - from building snowmen and sledding fast to gifts on Christmas eve, good food, going to the movies and Disney World.
I grew up in church (16:02) and we share thoughts about what it means to be involved in church and having hope in the Lord.
(19:50) My sister, who has had a disability all her life because of cerebral palsy, opens up about her faith in God while she faces these big health challenges, trying to prove herself and eventually getting her Masters degree, learning it's OK to rely on others. Then, she questioned God when, 20 years ago, she was struck with Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS)which caused a lot more pain and nerve damage. As a caregiver, my mother has also learned how to depend on God and be strong by accepting help from others.
(27:41) Have pain in your knees? Susan Dennis, who got both knees replaced years ago, talks about working hard at rehab, and sometimes thinking you can do more than your age may allow. We discuss the advantages of running, walking.
We close our discussion with a trip around the world. (33:40) Travel is a passion in our family. They give their favorite destinations, which include Italy, New York City, and Aruba where my mother lived for the first 15 years of her life. Unfortunately, getting on a plane is riskier now during this pandemic. (41:06) Closing segment "Food For Thought" is how jazzercise is a family affair.
(42:58) You don't want to miss a special reading of the CHRISTMAS story from the MESSAGE version of The Bible, the book of Matthew. We close in prayer. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!!
In God we trust