Introduction The corona virus has influenced everyone, and this is the story of how I took on the virus head on and won. I am an essential grocery store worker, and I have been working just about everyday since the pandemic bean. People must eat to survive and keep the economy going so I must constantly work. This is the full story of how I conquered my fear of death and the corona virus. The Miracle That Saved My Life By the Grace of God, a miracle has changed my life from certain death, to a life of victory and courage. Some truly miraculous stories have emerged from the pandemic, and this is my story. I am a cashier at the Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania Price Chopper Supermarket and I am living through a miracle at the store. When the pandemic hit in March 2020. our sales volume and my work hours skyrocketed. As a senior citizen, I was sure the pandemic would kill me as hundreds of customers were breathing on me and in the beginning, there were no masks or protection. It is a miracle that after all this time, I have not been infected with the corona virus, and my teammates and customers are experiencing the same miracle. Only one of my teammates got the corona virus and he got it at home from his family. I do not believe any of our thousands of customers got the virus at the store. We have experienced maximum exposure and risk and yet miraculously no one has been infected with the corona virus while in the store! Price Chopper never closed up and we never had an outbreak or even a single store relate infection! Essential Workers Grocery store workers were classified as essential workers during the pandemic. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security categorized the protection and continued operation of the food and agricultural industry and related transportation activities as "Critical Infrastructure" under the COVID-19 emergence conditions. In the President's Corona Virus Guidelines for America, the White House emphasizes that food industry sector workers should continue to work and stated: "If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule." Price Chopper provided a letter so I could travel during the economic shut down. The letter stated that I work in the supermarket industry and must travel to and from work, regardless of the time of day. It is essential to the nation's food supply that I be permitted to travel to and from my job and be exempt from local restrictions, such as shelter-in-place orders, when reporting to, returning from, or performing any of my work functions. My Decision To Keep Working As a senior citizen I could have refused to work because of the obvious health risks. I decided to keep working, and I learned to overcome my fear of death during the Corona Virus Pandemic. When the pandemic hit, I came face to face with my fear of death, and I had some important decisions to make. I trust in Jesus Christ for my Salvation, so it was logical that I would keep working. In the beginning, it was very dangerous, as there were no protections and hundreds of customers were breathing on me. I was sure that I would get the virus and it would kill me. The supermarket I work for was determined to serve its customers and community. I shared my employers objectives and decided to continue working on the Front Lines. It was the right decision, as I have not been infected with the virus and none of my teammates or customers got the virus at the store! While so many institutions have suffered through outbreaks of the pandemic, we have not. As a senior citizen, I believe I should take the risks before my younger teammates, those with health issues or children, and those who are victims of discrimination. Moreover, I wanted to serve my customers, and I was willing to die for a legacy and a testimony of serving my customers, the people I love. I was really surprised that when I made this decision, I was free from my natural fear of death and willing to accept the consequences of my decision. I am taking the same risks even today. Cautious But Not Fearful I am amazed at my teammates courage in facing the pandemic, as they proceed cautiously but without fear. My teammates continued commitment to safety guidelines is the best defense against the corona virus. Conclusion A miracle is a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency. There is no scientific explanation for Price Chopper's success while staying open for business during the pandemic. The store served its customers and community, and by the Grace Of God, its teammates were given the miracle of good health while working in dangerous circumstances environment. For the latest on fighting COVID 19, please watch the following video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1I_cCsaomU

Why did Jesus die so horribly? All have sinned, except Jesus. To God all mortals are worthy of the punishment for sin. Jesus is alive, and only He can forgive sin. Jesus is always faithful and just to forgive us of our sins when we ask Him for forgiveness, but we still need to know what we did wrong before asking. Without the awareness of sin, there is no forgiveness of sin. If a Christian cannot recite all Ten Commandments from memory, then how can a Christian live by God's grace in holiness, being ready for eternity? How can a Christian be ready for eternity without knowing repentance, forgiveness, and living by faith? How can one ask for the forgiveness of sin and repent of sin while ignorant/forgetful of sin? If a Christian does not know what sin is, then a Christian does not know why Jesus suffered and died.

Once when I was younger my mother dropped me off at school. I was given neither lunch nor lunch money and mind you, I hadn't eaten that morning. My school's cafeteria food was unhygienic and my mother never let me eat there. That day, my mom told me she was going to come back to drop lunch for me. I was pacified and with a kiss to her cheek, I skipped off into the school building. That day went by fast and lunch soon came. I sat in my classroom, waiting expectantly and full of trust that my mother would bring my lunch. I waited till lunch was over, yet she never came. Fifth period came and went, sixth, seventh and finally, last period. The closing bell rang. My mother came finally. She entered my classroom holding a brown paper bag filled with food. Full of disappointment and anger (and hunger), I walked past her without saying a word. She turned and followed and we walked down to the car in silence. We got in and she began apologizing for bringing my lunch late. I was really mad at this point. I tried my best to keep my words reigned in but they burst out like a broken dam. I remember complaining to hell and back that day. Just last week, my mother told me how much she loved me. This is something she does frequently, but this time, she reminded me of a time when I was younger. A day she “forgot” to bring my lunch. She told me of how she didn't have money that day, how she went to work looking for who could lend her some money to feed her child. She went to this person and that, begging, and she eventually found a helper. Unfortunately, she did so long after my lunchtime. She told me how she immediately left work and drove to the nearest fast-food restaurant before driving to my school to deliver my promised lunch—she had no idea she was late. My mother, bless her soul, didn't have to continue. I remembered every single word I said that day; how she didn't care about me, how she always disappointed. Everything came back, clear as water from a spring. I was full of shame. I had nothing to say. No words could portray the remorse I felt and I cried that day, pained and full of self-hatred. My mother hugged me and told me she knew I didn't understand that day. And she didn't explain either because she thought me to too young to know or worry about our financial situation. “I'm not telling you any of this to make you feel bad. I know firsthand that hunger can make anybody mean.” I couldn't even laugh at her attempt to joke. “I'm telling you because I know that one day, you'll be a mother. So when your daughter—or son—doesn't understand, you too can have that patience.” All these things she whispered into my hair. Even till tomorrow, I will never forget the sacrifices my mother made for me, what I put her through for it. My ingratitude. I still feel that disappointment in myself whenever I think about it, and though it was very hard, I forgave myself. I learnt the value of those words “Thank you”, even for every little thing she does for me and I will never take her, or her love for granted again.

Reality Sets In There are days that seem to be harder than others. No matter what is going on in your life, it can get tough. A moment full of smiles, becomes a weight of a sudden sadness that seems to cover you. There are times when life seems to turn upside down is compounded by whatever is happening in your world at that moment. Trust being broken. What you began to think was real, became a mixed up ball of lies and uncertainty. Life can seem cruel. Days can be warm but the nights can get cold and dreary. The doubt rolls in and the dread of another night alone sets in and reality adds to the grief and pain. Questions begin to rise. Fear begins to creep in. Add to all these, loneliness that engulfs your mind and body. Your eyes close, but rest doesn't come. Peace is no where to be found. Love seems like a distant memory. Reality is all to real. The remaining years alone, with no one to share your inner most secrets and desires with. No one to make memories with. All you have are the past moments in time that you remember. The pain, betrayal and the good times. Questions still unanswered. Hugs that will go unreciprocated and kisses never given. Once grief is put into its place, reality and loneliness becomes the feelings of the day. As you come to the realization that this is your life. It is not the life you envisioned as a young newlywed, living my twilight years alone, but it is my new reality. I wondered if I would be capable or even comfortable with a male friendship. I had an uneasy feeling of cheating on my husband. (Yes the one and only that is healed and happy at his new heavenly address) it was a big mindset I had deal with, pray through and learn from. I did not want to do or say anything that would harm his memory for my kids. I didn't want to feel I abandoned our life together. I had to realize that the biggest love of my life and the most painful heartbreak I have ever gone through (in our life together and in his death) was not going to change what my future was, being alone. For the 45 years of our life, we were together. He was my existence along with our children. Then in an instance, it was over. We were no more. It was simply me, Alone and lonely. Life is definitely different. Meeting and feeling comfortable with someone is a big challenge. Which is why, I'm still alone. After 45 years and now wondering about meeting someone new is scary as hell. Trusting and believing what someone says is scary as hell. I don't know if it will ever happen, but I'm going to enjoy the Journey. There is so much more to losing a spouse, especially after a long time marriage. It involves loss, grief, loneliness, fear of the life alone, and trusting. My one constant is knowing I'm not really ever alone, I have my Savior and I am guided by the Holy Spirit (no I don' t always listen), but knowing I walk with God, even when I push boundaries, is a comfort and a strength. I am blessed! A Journey Through Grace By An Ordinary Woman-Cheryl

What Do We Teach By Our Words & Actions Sometimes, I wonder where the village went. We are not neighbors watching out for one another. Some say Marriage isn't important. So we teach our children commitment and vows (a covenant) to one another isn't important. Still others believe treating each other with respect is not important. So we teach our children disrespect and treating others in a demeaning manner is acceptable. Treating people fairly is not important. We teach our children one is better than the other. When we chose to neglect the teachings or follow what God has put into place, we teach our children. God is not important. A six year old asked her mother if she went to church. Her mom told her that she didn't believe that. The child said you need to love God, know your minister and love Jesus. The mother said that she was glad the child believed it but mom didn't believe it and didn't need it. The child finally told her mother, "I'll pray for you." Mother said she had to hang up and go to work. We are all in need of the faith of this 6yr old child. When you do what you want to do, because if it feels good, do it, without regard for the teachings of a merciful and gracious Father, the village and the children do not learn what true and everlasting love is. Be in prayer for this child's parents. (True story/phone call) Father, for the men and women who chose the worldly approach of "just do it", and not your teachings, I ask that you draw them to yourself. Surround the children with people in their lives that they will learn about your love and the village will grow stronger. I pray for the marriages that are strong to gain more strength in faith. The marriages that are struggling, they would come to you, together, as they refocus as they grow in love, commitment and strength in You. A Journey Through Grace By An Ordinary Woman- Cheryl

Living As A Follower Of Christ Now that I've looked within myself, how I deal with others. You see, it doesn't concern me how you align with Jesus, as much as it does how I measure up. Using a plum line according to the words and life of Christ, who I am a follower, is my goal. I will never completely accomplish this goal until I am in heaven with him. That does not deter my desire to become more like him daily. I first had to go to the Word that was given to me, and you, as a guide to live by. A biblical gps to direct our path in our/my daily walk. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things which are also abominations: "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers." We also know that adultery, fornication, put to death a medium or spiritualists. We all have heard used not to lay with man as a woman, but we forget the rest of the verses. You can't marry or lay with or marry a family member. Also gluttony is considered sin, most people choose to focus on one or two, probably the sin, they think, they are not committing. Paul wrote, “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat… So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister” (Romans 14:10, 12, 13). We are not to judge the heart of a person(as it pertains to salvation). We can not judge or look inwardly to determine the salvation of another. If you ask and they say they are saved, then who are you to say they are not. (That would be judging their salvation.) they might not show it, they could be working it out wit God. They don't have to pass your test, only his. Because one doesn't fall into your category of what a saved person looks like, doesn't mean they do not have a close relationship that includes salvation with Jesus. Be careful how you judge another. Judge not lest you be judged. (How many times have I heard that) What you can look at, is the fruit of a person. Their actions toward others. Is love their primary factor when dealing with others. You can discern the walk by the deeds. You tell a child to clean up their room, but your room is never clean. The child begins to notice what you do, while telling them something different. Be aware of your deeds. Someone is watching. Do not be a stumbling block to anyone around you. If they do not eat pork because of religious reasons, don't try to feed them pork. How are you going to love them if your first deed is antagonist. You can share the gospel through love and respect far more than hate or put downs. You do not know the path they had to walk (or chose) in their journey. You do not know the reasons behind the twists and turns. Do not judge what you do not know. Pregnancy, depression, prisoners, addict, living life differently than you. All these things are or could be more complicated than you know. The paths may not have been altogether their choice, but choices of others in their lives as well. Don't judge them into hell because of what you see. If you do, what does that say about you. They may be saved but will not go to church to be fed because of how the good Christian treats them. A follower of Christ will pray with them and for them. A follower of Christ will love them. God will take care of the rest. That is not your job. The inward transformation can be shown by your outward actions. Are you living a life as a “Good Christian” or are you loving them unto salvation. Are you inviting them to gather at a service, that tells of love and salvation or are you shoving them into a life to be lived alone and lost. I can love you and disagree with you. I don't agree with my kids always and they, in turn, do not always agree with me. They have opened my eyes, rethink a few things, and have an open heart of love for many. I have lived a life outside a bubble, in the real world. I am however, not of this world but set apart. I have a love for Christ that allows me to love all of his children. I am a woman of faith. I am a follower of Christ!! A Journey Through Grace By An Ordinary Woman- Cheryl

Judgement of Character Remember the girl who became pregnant way back in school? She is grown now and so is her child. Do you recall how you gossiped and laughed as she walked by you in the hall? Did you ever wonder why she had such a sad countenance and rarely smiled? Did you care? The names you gave her, she heard. The words that cut like a knife, she felt. The love and friendship she desperately needed, she never found. You went about your life without a second thought, except to think of something more to say about her clothes, her character, or plain unassuming look. She wasn't really anybody. She was simply someone to make comments about while you felt better about yourself. Why, because you weren't her. She is grown now. She added drugs to her daily routine as she lived with the shame, the words or looks of disgust concerning her character. She was broken because no one asked about her life. She is still broken. No one cared how she was doing or why she was so sad. No one asked to be a friend with a hand held out in love. No one, because they were glad, they weren't her. Had you asked, you would have know. She was raped, repeatedly. She was sexually molested daily by a family member. The baby, the pregnancy was a result of that abuse. The child was born and she did not know how to be a parent, because she was not whole. She was only a part of what she could have been. No help, no support, just condemnation of her character. They say kids can be cruel and they can. Who taught them to be that way? What do they hear at home to repeat or express such things to another. When you are condemning the character of another, what does that say about yours? A Journey Through Grace By An Ordinary Woman- Cheryl

Terminal In Faith January 14, 2014 Sorrow looks back Worry looks around Faith looks up (On a church board-Vancleave) Many times sorrow goes with regrets. We should have, could have, meant to moments that we intended to spend more time with, be kinder to, listen more someone we cared about. Worry doesn't do anything to change the circumstances, just changed you. Health, attitude and wasted time best spent doing something productive, like praying. Faith is a release from all of this. It doesn't mean life will be perfectly situated the way we want it. We are not perfect. It simply means, faith will carry us through while a merciful and loving God full of grace will perfect us through the difficult times. He will always do what is best in each situation. I know full well how hard it is to say "Lord your will and your way be done. Walk me through it and carry me when I need it." I know, because I prayed it and two weeks later he allowed my husband to be diagnosed with terminal cancer. My family was broken, my heart was saddened and my faith sustained me. I went through the steps of sorrow and worry and then my sweet husband said, “why worry, it won't change a thing. We will never say goodbye. Someday "see you later". His faith strengthened my faith. That is what sustains us now, our faith. We don't know why things happen the way they do but we know the almighty God who holds and sustains us as by faith we look up. We pray for you the peace and faith that only through the saving grace of the Father as in obedience the Son took your place and mine. My family is mended we learned what was important, love for the Father and each other. (Yes terminal cancer but he is still here , 16 years later) we are all terminal, it's where are you going to spend your eternity that really matters. Update: Our sweet, loving man passed from this world to his heavenly reward and perfect healing on October 17, 2016. Surrounded by the love of his family. Taken by his angels to his Heavenly Father, who loved him more than we did. By faith. A Journey Through Grace By An Ordinary Woman--Cheryl

My Journey of Awakening & Discovery 2019 December 26, 2019 I must admit that 2019 was definitely a year of discovery for me. This culminated during my road trip of 4 months. My intention was not to stay from Texas for so long, but my road was paved, not from intentions, but desire. I wanted to reconnect with my friends in Tennessee, Mississippi, & Alabama. I successfully accomplished most of those visits. I had another quest, and stayed to try to accomplish it, but it was not to be this trip. Soon it will be because even though the wheels are turning slowly, they are turning! I learned my children are grown. The do not need me to parent as they did when they were young and finding their way in life. The need a parent that will encourage, love, and listen. I pray I get better at that in 2020. I came out of a 3 year fog of grief, but I still have days that are hazy. Mostly I have days of laughter, hugs, Memories, and occasionally those memories run down my cheeks. I look toward a future and I'm not dwelling in a past that will never be again, no matter how much my heart may want it to be. I realized I can care about someone, even if nothing more than a friend, to have dinner and a movie. I've not ventured out on that road, but it is enough for now, to know I can feel. Especially after being numb for so long. Drained of emotion and feeling for myself or anyone new. I am looking forward to a future now. I want whatever future that my most gracious Heavenly Father has set for me. All is well with my soul! My future looks bright because GOD kept the light on for me!! A Journey Through Grace By An Ordinary Woman- Cheryl

Loving parents didn't stop me, a good education didn't guide me, and love couldn't hold me. So much for sociology, human wisdom, and earthly nurturing. I was never unkind or unloving and my conscience, being sound and developed, was healthy. Yet, my story bears witness to the frailty of the human condition. Like one who cuts the anchor, raises the sails and throws away the compass and the map, those who worship on the alter of humanism are doomed to the whims of the winds. It was summer and my mother had recently passed away. I had a wonderful wife and though there were struggles there was no reason to feel anything but blessed. I was employed, educated, and surrounded by all sorts of opportunities. The one thing I didn't have was God. I believed there was a God, not a problem there, but believing He could care less what I did there was nevertheless no Godly influence to draw from. Suddenly, I was overtaken by strong feelings of regret over my marriage. Looking back I understand now that those feelings which a man refuses to master will in turn master him. Nevertheless, I wanted freedom, at least my version of it, and so I asked for a divorce. I had been playing fast and loose with drugs, drinking, gambling, and staying out late. Godless and rooted in nothing but self-desire it wasn't long before I began to call good evil and evil good. It seems that pride truly does precede destruction. It's been said that one should be careful what is asked for in case it is received. So it was with me and it was now time to see if I truly wanted what I got. No more mom or wife to worry about, no more worrying about others, and no more guilt. This was true freedom, or so I thought. To make things even easier it seems that God, in His wisdom, had timed the revival of my credit to coincide with this precise moment in time. I took on debt and proceeded to buy “stuff” to further feed my selfish desires. Surely it surprised no one in my family at this point that I ended up finding myself a new girlfriend with similar desires. We partied late, worked a little, partied some more and threw money around without much care for anything. Remember, no more anchor or silly compass and definitely no map. The tragic thing about sailing through life without these things is that the wind still does what the wind will do; and so, a storm is certain to rock the boat eventually. It didn't take long for me to run into my own personal God-ordained storm. Having parted with sanity and completely bereft of morality came the inevitable, I lost control. The money started to dry up as my new girlfriend and I spent ourselves poor. Our desires neither wavered nor slept and we wanted more and more fun and freedom. Drugs, gambling, and late night drinking provided us with the “escape” from our problems. Then it happened, I lost the better of two jobs and the money ran out. As sure as the money ran out so did she, the romance was over. Appreciating poetic justice I can now look back and truly say that I got what I deserved. Now alone, depressed, and broke I was smack in the middle of the storm. No more money for rent and no more roof. My brother, who was my landlord, took me in and rented my former place but still it seemed good for me to refuse chastisement. So, unappreciative of his counsel, I loaded my car with what was left of my “stuff” and left. I spent a couple of years sleeping in the car, selling off what I had left, gambling, working hard, doing drugs, trusting in so-called friends, and dwelling in strange living arrangements with salty characters. I severed my relationship with family and real friends and lived for the moment. I was betrayed, mistreated, used, and unappreciated. I was feeling very defeated and quite useless and was not even present when one of my two brothers passed away from cancer. Freedom, it turns out, is itself not free from consequence. So how does this story end? But God! That is how this story ends. Preached to at work by two kind souls I looked and found and I knocked and it was opened. Wisely following sound counsel I was gripped with the reality that God is real and that his name is Jesus and so I cried out for forgiveness while sitting in my car one night. I believed in Him and He came into me and in the blink of an eye I was forgiven. I felt forgiven and felt blessed and most importantly I was reborn into a whole new creature. Suddenly, every change in me that could produce peace and happiness began to happen. Desires can change but not easily and so we know, those of us saved by the grace of Christ, that we are living breathing miracles to His glory! A roof, a wonderful wife, new desires and tremendous peace is what I now have. I am provided what I need and rejoice in Godly desires: to help others, to be kind, work, preach, love, and seek the fullness of God. The bible is my book of choice and prayer is my delight. His word, His love, His way. And so my friends it is that I am finally Free at Last!