One of the largest arts-and-crafts retailers, Hobby Lobby, remains open amidst coronavirus pandemic. But they say they’re observing all precautionary measures needed to minimize risk against the virus, and trusting God above all.
Hobby Lobby founder and CEO David Green wrote to the employees last week. He said, “While we do not know for certain what the future holds, or how long this disruption will last, we can all rest in knowing that God is in control…To help ensure our Company remains strong and prepared to prosper once again when this passes, we may all have to ‘tighten our belts’ over the near future.”
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Vast Retail Stores Forced To Close
The rapid widespread of coronavirus have forced some retail stores to close. According to Forbes, more than 100 have already shut all their stores. Also, some companies chose to reduce working hours, including Chick-fil-a and Walmart. But Hobby Lobby remains open in some states. Because of this, an atheist blogger criticized the Christian-owned company. He was criticizing them for opening some of their stores in states that have not yet announced a lockdown.
Hemant Mehta wrote, “The chain, owned by the evangelical Green family, is refusing to shut down no matter how much harm they could be creating for their employees and customers.”
Hobby Lobby’s Response During The Pandemic
However, Hobby Lobby explained the company’s response regarding the unlikely situation on its website. It says Hobby Lobby “continues to closely monitor the latest developments regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus to ensure we are following recommendations from health authorities. We have also proactively implemented measures to help minimize risks of shopping in our stores.”
Moreover, the company stated that they have “increased the frequency of store cleaning, including more cleaning of areas regularly touched by customers and employees. With anti-viral cleaning products throughout the day.”
“If an employee is suspected of having COVID-19 based on symptoms and/or known direct or indirect exposure, we will send that employee for medical care and to self-isolate at home, and will promptly coordinate with public health officials.”
The Prayer Warrior Of Hobby Lobby
In David Green’s letter, he also mentioned his wife, Barbara, is “the prayer warrior.”
“Today, that title takes on such a different meaning than I ever imagined before. Because we are at war with this latest virus,” wrote the CEO. Also, he quoted the late Dr. Billy Graham’s words, “We are to pray in times of adversity, lest we become faithless and unbelieving. We are to pray in times of prosperity, lest we become boastful and proud.” And further, “We are to pray in times of danger, lest we become fearful and doubting. We are to pray in times of security, lest we become self-sufficient.”
He revealed how the Lord put three profound words on his wife’s heart, to remind that He’s in control. “Guide, Guard, and Groom. We serve a God who will Guide us through this storm. Who will Guard us as we travel to places never seen before. And who, as a result of this experience, will Groom us to be better than we could have ever thought possible before now,” he explained.
Source: The Christian Post
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