Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

We’re well into several weeks now of having our lives turned upside-down with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Many people have been furloughed or have lost their jobs. Schools have been closed, and it looks like they won’t be opening back up anytime soon, leaving parents to assume the roles of teachers, and teachers (like myself) struggling to reach out and teach over the internet.

First responders of all stripes are having to risk their lives daily in order to perform their jobs to the best of their capabilities, and large cities have become virtual ghost towns.

Meanwhile, the case numbers continue to rise…

It can be easy to live in despair and fear in our homes during this time, when the outside world seems so deadly and dangerous.

However, it’s important that now, more than ever, we hold on to hope. And if you’re reading this and are like me, you know that that hope comes from Jesus Christ.

You may read that and roll your eyes and dismiss the idea, but I have to be honest…throughout all of this, even now, I’m not afraid of what the future holds.

Does that mean I don’t care? Not at all! My heart was broken this week when news of a beloved school principal passed away due to the virus a day after news of his diagnosis became known. I’m taking precautions to make sure I keep a far distance from others outside of my household, and am withholding travel unless it’s absolutely necessary.

There have been some joys about being homebound during this time. I’ve gotten to take more walks in my neighborhood and enjoy the nice weather we’d had. It was interesting seeing so many people out of their houses working on their gardens and other outdoor home projects. I’ve had more time on focusing on things I’ve been neglecting, such as reading and practicing my music – things I enjoy that I usually do in a rush when I’m crunched for time.

At the same time, though, deep down we know that none of this is normal. Those of us who have not been as deeply impacted by the outbreak are in shock by how quickly we have come to this point.

Events and vacation plans are being canceled, traveling is basically non-existent…life has pretty much been put at a stand-still.

All of these concerns are valid and need to be exercised so that this doesn’t become worse before it gets better…but we should not allow ourselves to live in a fearful state of mind, one that makes us stop living.

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On my very first article for this blog, I mentioned that I had created Hope, Play, and Love because I was a great lover of stories and the art of storytelling. I believe God is the ultimate storyteller, and that we can look at the story being written currently as one that it’s in climax. The dark moment, when all hope seems lost.

But hope is never really gone from the world…not in God’s book.

Through most of the stories and games we play, we enjoy happy endings the most, or at least endings with satisfactory conclusions. We watched, read, and played well during those journeys; it ends up feeling like we’ve earned those endings, and we depart from them feeling satisfied.

We’re in a journey right now, enduring a heavy bump in the road…how we respond to these circumstances may affect how it’s wrapped up in the end for us.

I want to recommenced for you three games here that you and your family can play during this time of quarantine. Of course, there are many more out there that I could recommend for you, but definitely try to check out these and see if they’re your cup of tea!

1.) Flower (2009) – Thatgamecompany

A highly-acclaimed game that allows players to control the wind and collect flower petals while exploring a lush, colorful environment. Its innovative gameplay often seeks to create a soothing and relaxing experience through a combination of visuals and audio to complement the narrative.

Description from Giantbomb.com

Flower is probably unlike any other game I’ve ever played, which is a unique statement to make when you know how innovative video games are becoming. There’s no dialogue throughout its entirety, yet a story is still present as you channel the wind in various directions through fields of wildflowers, creating a colorful stream of petals that you can twist and turn in the air with.

The music really helps tell the story you undertake and is gentle and serene; it really encompasses the idyllic path you undertake in the world of Flower.

It’s by no means a very long game to complete either; the entire story would take only a handful of hours to complete, but it is a game that will stay with you long after you shut it off.

Give Flower a chance, and see how it’s a game that reinvents the idea of what it means to tell a story that you can play through and control.

2.) Dragon Age: Origins (2009) – BioWare

When history tells the story of the Fifth Blight, what will be said about the hero who turned the tide against the darkspawn? Determine your legacy and fight for Thedas as a noble dwarf, an elf far from home, a mage apprentice, or a customized hero of your own design.

Description of Dragon Age: Origins from Steam

The world in Dragon Age: Origins is similar to the one we’re facing right now in that there is a mysterious disease affecting its denizens all over with something called the Blight. It’s enough to poison their minds and corrupt their souls, which is where you come into play. You are a Grey Warden, or a special warrior with the only means available to rid of the cause of the Blight, the Darkspawn.

Dragon Age will not be for everyone; it is rated M for Mature, and does have dark themes and choices the character can make, as well as blood, gore, and sexual actions. However, hope is still present throughout as you gather an army of different races and backgrounds together for a final stand to rid the powerful evil once and for all.

If the description sounds interesting to you, and you feel you’re spiritually mature enough to handle the more mature themes and scenes, then I would definitely recommend this game for you. If you enjoy it, there is Dragon Age II which takes place after this one (although I have not played it), and Dragon Age: Inquisition, the third entry in this franchise (this one I have played and completed).

3.) Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) – Nintendo

Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.

Description of Animal Crossing: New Horizons from Nintendo

This one might seem a little obvious; it’s the newest hit just released by Nintendo in late March, and it really couldn’t have come at a better time.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Animal Crossing franchise, it’s a social simulation series where your character lives in a village and interacts with anthropomorphic animals while carrying out various activities such as fishing, planting flowers, selling fruit and insects, and fossil hunting.

There’s much more to the series than that, but it’s well-known that Animal Crossing is just one of those series that you can pick up, play, and just relax. There’s no pressure or no time limit present; you’re free to do whatever you wish in your village at whatever time or day (or night) you choose.

It’s fitting then that New Horizons has been hailed as the perfect game to play during this time, when most if not all of us have been cooped up indoors in order to practice social distancing.

I’ve been able to play New Horizons a bit since purchasing it, and it really does a good job just making you feel good and at home, which is what I believe most of us want at this time.

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Again, there are many other different games I could recommend that would be great to play if you’re stuck at home because of the outbreak. If there’s one you’re playing right now that I haven’t mentioned, let me know – I would love to know what you’re enjoying right now!

I want to end this by encouraging you again to hold on to hope during this time. Life is, and always will be, uncertain. However, learn to pray and choose joy, no matter what the circumstances are. We’re in for some tough times in the weeks ahead, but that’s no reason to give up and stop living life. It’s all the more reason we should keep on going and take care of each other, even if we’re not physically present to do so.

Meditate on this last piece of scripture below. Know its truth in your own life, and for the lives of those you care about; that God is looking out for you and loves you, always…even in the bleakest of times.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 14:27