“When this ends, may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be, we were called to be, we hoped to be, and may we stay that way – better for each other because of the worst.”
– Laura Kelly Fanucci
A month ago, we did not even think we would be where we are today. The world is facing an unknown enemy and in turn, it is creating chaos, anxiety and fear. We are all living in fight or flight mode and this is understandable since we are human beings. This hit us out of nowhere and now our lives are altered forever.
We cannot help but reflect on the things we once took for granted. Simple things such as a grocery run, hugging a friend, traveling to another country and yes, even our freedom. Leaving our homes with a carefree attitude is now a thing of the past, now we duck in fear of the unknown every time we have to step out of the house to run an errand or earn a living. The things that we worried about four weeks ago now seem trivial and insignificant.
My heart breaks daily for our kababayans who brave the unknown daily because otherwise they wouldn’t survive. I praise those who are in the frontline of a war we never imagine we would fight — the health workers, members of the media, food workers, and yes even our government officials. They are our new soldiers, sacrificing their own well-being to heal another.
And while the stories we hear about the virus can be disheartening, there are also stories of hope. People who go out of their way to help another, people who may not have the funds themselves but choose to give, people and giant corporations doing their best to contribute all that they can.
This is what I choose to see during this crisis. This is what gives me hope. Because despite the dark season that we are all facing, a reassuring thought is that we are all in this together. There are many stories of neighbors doing the groceries for the elderly, corporations giving salaries and bonuses to employees so they stay afloat while staying at home, and celebrities and regular folks alike raising money to give to the less fortunate.
Some may say that the virus brought out the worst in humanity but I believe the opposite. I believe this season is bringing out the best in us. It is reminding us that we are all connected, and one little act of kindness goes a long way.
This time also made me reflect on my faith.
We must all understand that being afraid in the midst of this doesn’t mean that your faith is lacking, it only means that you are human. Faith is not the absence of fear but rather the moving forward despite it. Faith is the confidence and assurance in who we believe in. Faith strengthens us to fight battles, but it also enables us to rest.
When we have done all that we can, we must learn to rest. Especially during this season, stress and panic only weakens the immune system and we need to be strong not just for us but those around us as well. So, pray when troubled and know that despite all the chaos in this world, Heaven is not in panic mode. We may find it hard to believe now but all is well and we will all get through this, together.
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If you find yourself anxious about the situation, some resources that have helped me include Dr. Caroline Leaf, Billy Huffman and Elevation Church.
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