A message from Vivienne Aitchison, Past International President (2014-2018)
By Vivienne Aitchison
Dear International Friends,
It is a privilege to be asked to bring a message to you at this very strange time.
All around the world we are contending with this new virus with its unexpected restrictions, unprecedented challenges, frightening pictures, utter confusion and unknown outcomes. It is hard for us, for our families, for our friends, for our workmates and for our girls to understand it all and deal with it.
As the Easter season is upon us, I have been reflecting on the narratives of Holy Week. It struck me that many of the feelings we are experiencing right now, were similar to those faced by those who journeyed with Jesus that week. Were they not confused? Did they not get frightened? Weren’t they challenged by the circumstances? Didn’t they face an unknown future?
How we deal with such times is important. Some panic. Some get ‘down’ and some feel useless. Some try to pass blame – on the government, on society, on past decisions or on ‘the authorities’. Some try to hide away or pretend it isn’t happening. But some determine just to see what they can do! Look at the women in Mark 16:1. They must have shared some of those scary, emotions as they watched their friend Jesus die. But they were determined to do what they could and we read that they got busy and ‘bought spices that they might anoint Jesus’ body’.
As GB leaders around the world read these words, this Easter time, I commend you for being just like those women. Despite the confusion, fear, uncertainty which reigns around us, I am reading of the many ways you are reaching out to your girls, maintaining contact giving them words of hope and encouragement, helping them to see what they can do. Thank you for being those hope bringers, those joy givers, those beacons in the darkness – doing what you can!
One of our local GB leaders here in London issued a challenge to all her church and GB friends. I share it with you now. In the dark days she reminded us of these words:
“whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
… and she challenged us to find one beautiful, good, kind, or lovely thing each day and share it. Let’s all do that in these difficult days and we, and the girls we serve, will be blessed with His promised peace.
“The God of peace be with you!” Philippians 4:9
Vivienne Aitchison
Past International President (2014-2018)
