The novel Corona Virus, COVID-19, has turned the world upside down in a matter of weeks. Our world has been locked down, borders closed, and people sheltered-in-place across the globe. This epic transition was thought to never be possible, yet here we are, living in a surreal dream-like state. No one is unscathed from the effects of this virus. While not everyone is infected, everyone is AFFECTED. This is certainly an unprecedented time for our world.
Many have begun to speculate what is happening and why. Is it a plot from some government conspiracy? Is it an attempt to unite to a one world system? Is it biblical prophesy beginning to be fulfilled? While we don’t have the answer, we do have to admit the reach is astounding and unbelievable.
Looking at the US alone right now, our young nation is in shock. We, a the global power, are knocked down and have been sent to the corner to pout. We have always touted ourselves as the winners in all arenas, and today we are scrambling for toilet paper. What impact has this virus, ‘Rona, had on our society as a whole?
We have seen our stores shut overnight. We have seen jobs ended rapidly, and “essential businesses” clearly redefined for us. What has this done in an economic sense to our nation? Currently it is difficult to predict the outcomes and impact, but immediately we see small businesses close indefinitely. These are our neighbors, the PTO supporters, the little league coaches and sponsors, and the highlights to each of our communities. As their storefronts close, mortgages and building rents won’t be paid. This will impact our finance departments, often local banks and credit unions. Again, community partners we rely on heavily, especially in the non-profit sect. Speaking of non-profits, they will not be able to host fund-raising events, and they will not have the needed funds to aid locals who need their support. This will include cancer patients, children with special needs, the hungry, the poor, the elderly, even the abandoned or abused pets.
Schools have been closed, many for the remainder of the school year. This impacts students of all ages in all communities. It is more than just losing time learning math facts and playing spring ball. Many children will lose two meals a day, proper socialization, and even safe environments. Our nation has already seen an increase in child hunger, an issue before ‘Rona, as well as child abuse/endangerment. Yes, seniors will miss graduation, prom, and more, but they will also miss opportunities to earn/receive college scholarship funds. College students are not able to get time in the lab, or hands on training to complete course requirements, either postponing their graduations or exempting essential training. These students will not enter the workforce in a timely fashion, ands they will begin to lose their minimum wage jobs to adults who are seeking employment during their furlough from their previous positions.
Wow, this sounds devastating. Our world could possibly collapse from this and never recover. Or will it? What could happen from all of this?
What is happening that encourages us? We see goodness in all of this, just as God promises.
We see our people connect virtually on a daily basis to work, communicate, educate, and worship! Even while social distancing, our innate need to connect with others overrides and improvises. We check in on friends, we share how we are “surviving”, and we express our vulnerability in a time of relatability.
Connection has been everything during this virus. Families are connecting more within their four walls. In America, where most households are supported by two working parents and schedules run the roost, we are seeing a surge in “down time”. Families are enjoying time together at home with games, rest, activities, and work. While there is mounting stress in many homes, I have seen a resounding surgence of families enjoying the stillness of quarantine.
There has been a rise in family meals at home. More people are cooking at home, some with less than desirable results, but with practice all things improve! Family meal time improves communication and changes lives, literally.
Worship time has become more deliberate. While many attend services on a weekly basis, the routine is often just that, routine. This measure of bringing our worship home with virtual meetings, has made our study time more deliberate. It also has the ability to make it easier to fall out of habit, but it certainly hasn’t slowed down the church in spreading the message of God’s word.
I have seen humanity shine through. From meals donated to mission essential teams, to small gestures like hand sanitizer for the postal carrier, I have seen people rise to the challenge of doing good for others. Home seamstresses are sewing masks for others. Car manufacturers are making ventilators, cruise ships creating floating hospitals, distilleries making hand sanitizer, and 3D printers making face shields.
Neighbors are offering to pick up essentials for others, and folks are leaving surprises just to be nice. Bears and chalk drawings on driveways are giving smiles to kiddos. Online lessons and stories are entertaining and educating while kids are otherwise stuck at home with “nothing” to do.
What have you seen come from this virus? Have you only seen the bad, the suffering, and the demise? Or have you seen the goodness, the graciousness of God, and the pure humanity of people uniting for the betterment of our neighbors? Which will you seek to honor and glorify today?