Let's do this together!
Munich, Germany
COVID-19 bringS us together
If you’ve been like me these past few days, you are watching every update you can. You stagger between reading the scientific and government facts with popular opinion pieces. You watch in amazement at how things are being handled. The hoarding, the panic, masses of people congregated in airports with no space to separate them as they are attempting to hurry home to safety. Cancellations fill our newsfeeds, and somehow you struggle to find order in your mind knowing this is what needs to happen, but also knowing the fallout will be great.
The harshness of our new reality
You realize this will come to an end and yet, you find yourself hoping it will. The stats are climbing hourly and show increases all around the world. We are used to compartmentalizing ourselves within our communities. When this started in China, many of us watched at a distance, believing it had nothing to do with us. However, that changed in a matter of hours on March 11th after President Trump gave his speech, the stocks crashed, the sports teams abruptly ended their seasons, universities closed and with that, a cascade of cancellations in every sector of society. We watched in horror at the stark reality of this all.
In the midst of it, we do try to maintain some measure of sanity. If we dare to try to live normal life, there is little we can go to do. A combination of closures and fears leaves our towns and cities abandoned.
There is an irony that the only way we can conquer COVID-19 is to sanitize, self-isolate, to stand apart, but to do it TOGETHER.
Normally, I’m not driven by fear, but I will be honest, this is somewhat frightening. There are two key components that are of concern. Firstly, there is the illness itself. I’ve seen enough testimonials to see that many recover, however, for those who are vulnerable, it is of great concern. Secondly, the economic and political fallout has potential to be great, and there is little I can do in that regards. This truly is bigger than me, than you, than any group of us!
It requires entire cities, provinces, states, countries and the whole globe to come together to do the right thing. That is asking for a lot. We are motivated. We all want to fix this. Despair and fear will burden us down. Our hope is in God, who truly is not surprised by any of this, and will give us all we need to navigate through this.
What is my part?
Our part changes by the hour. We need to stay informed and not panic as we follow our government directives. If we are symptom free, we need to continue to sanitize and offer compassion and understanding. We can help those in need, dropping supplies off at their doorstep. If we are symptomatic, we follow the medical directives that are given.
One of the biggest things we can all do is care about and for one another. I spoke with someone who travelled recently, and came back prior to travellers being asked to self-isolate voluntarily. She was being shamed because she was not in isolation. In their fear, people can be hurtful and rude. They hoard with selfishness, leaving little for those in need. The things we post on social media can bring feelings of hope or terror. We do have hope! This will pass. As much as we watched in horror what happened in China, we can now watch and be encouraged as they send their medical teams to Italy to help others. They are recovering and resuming normal life, while offering hope to the world.
Offer a helping hand
Today, I was speaking with a friend of mine, Mary Hagstrom. She recently came in from out of the country and finds herself spending a lot of time at home. A neighbor cleared her driveway, and while she is normally the one helping others, she finds herself in a position where people are helping her. She indicated how nice it is for people to reach out and help one another during this time. She mentioned that people may be in a position to bring someone groceries or send a note of encouragement or thanks (imagine the joy of getting a card in the mail while in isolation). She suggested that something as simple as sending a text, email or an encouraging post can be tremendously uplifting. However, for those in isolation, there may be a need to be somewhat more sensitive and ask yourself before sharing a post if it will bring hope or fear to those who are shut in their homes. In upcoming weeks, there may also be families needing childcare. Whatever your gifting and time availability, there will be people around all of us needing help. It will mean a lot for them to know people care and will go a long way to lift their spirits
Take a moment to share beautiful stories of hope. Yesterday someone shared a lovely image on social media just to remind people that there is still beauty in life. In the midst of it all, let’s read more, hang out and enjoy our families in ways that we normally are just too busy to do. Take time to phone and video conference those who are spending more time than they would choose at home. I guarantee you can brighten someone’s day.
Let’s unite
The key to conquering this illness requires that we social distance AND come together as a caring community of humanity. Our borders may be closing, we may be locked up in our homes, but we will still come together as a nation and a people group that needs each other.
Let’s pray for and with one another, and remember that we are not alone.
“Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you. he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
“When anxiety was great within me, your consultation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
United we stand!
Let us show our love one toward another.
It’s what will heal our land.