We rely a lot on military metaphors to describe our response to the virus. We are in ‘a war’, ‘fighting a battle against a deadly enemy’.
God fights our battles against enemies – our job is to protect ourselves and our loved ones, to stay full of hope, to pray, be vigilant and to be generous.
Perhaps we should be using more feminine images of protection, care and maternal strength.

Psalm 91 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. They say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. …He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.”

Women are the main caregivers in families to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, friends and neighbours, and they play many roles while caregiving—health provider, care manager, companion, financial advisor and emotional support.

Women in the UK report spending an average of 13 hours on housework and 23 hours on caring for family each week – that’s double what men provide.

A senior UN human rights official has noted that, for many women, “the emergency measures needed to fight COVID-19 have increased their burden regarding domestic work and the care of children, elderly relatives and sick family members.”

Please pray for all the women you know who have extra care responsibilities during this crisis:
school children at home
trying to work from home
caring for elderly relatives
caring for the sick
going out to work in more risky circumstances
getting food and supplies for the family

Pray for women to be strong and patient, and protected from illness. May their faith be constant and may their caring arms shelter all in their realm of influence.