Knowledge brings power, and often freedom. For me, knowledge sets aside fears, provides comfort, and allows an opportunity to alter your reaction from what it would have been without it.
How does a pandemic and a crisis differ? I recently learned a crisis unites people naturally. They come together to find a solution. On the other hand, a pandemic creates division. People become divided, disagreeing at every turn. Let’s see why, and how we can unite.
Our Corona pandemic provides the perfect illustration.
Why Division Happens in a Pandemic
A global pandemic is definitely war, but not against other nations. Instead it truly is an invisible enemy . . . one with no previous battle plan to reference. Wars fought with hand to hand combat, guns, or air strikes, have all brought people together for one cause, even if on opposing sides. Same with natural disasters or tragedies.
The surprise attack of Covid brought unknowns and uncertainties, starting the battle plan in panic mode. Hypothesis had to be formed quickly, off of similar past knowledge and rapid new developments. No time to make long-term plans at its onset.
Remember the initial announcement of the Corona virus? Constantly changing information confused us. Fear gripped us, leaving a strangle hold. Anger heated up and offense became easy. Disagreement stood on the front lines.
Doubters existed from the beginning. If not doubting it really was a pandemic, they doubted reports and didn’t believe restrictions were necessary, at least not to the degree imposed. When aid was given, it was done so under criticism by many.
The blissful “vacation” among families when quarantining quickly came to a halt. Marriages couldn’t handle togetherness, home educating the children while working at home, or the pressures of no income. Negative emotions were all people could grasp.
Is it any wonder riots and injustices surfaced from tension, difference of beliefs, and more? We were cooped up, stripped of the outdoors, entertainment as we knew it, and our ability to worship and grieve as before. When we were set free, it wasn’t freedom as we knew it, nor was it the same time or manner as our friends near and far. No unity.
Stress compounded. No visitation to loved ones in nursing homes, nor attending them in hospitals. I thought my husband was going to have a heart attack to be admitted beside me when I had to go to the ER. Medical care was near impossible. When available, it was on video or you had to wear a mask. Funerals and weddings were cancelled or postponed.
Shopping became difficult, needing to call ahead to see if they allowed customers, had special hours, or did curb-side assistance only. Tracking down toilet paper, thermometers, hand sanitizer, and meat, left people learning when trucks came or shopping online.
As pastors, we had to quickly learn and stay on top of information to help congregants stay calmer. We had to figure out a way to reach out, eventually sanitize and arrange chairs, and how many services to have when reopening. In the beginning a quick, necessary self-taught lessons in video had to be learned while grieving yourself. Larger churches already used media, but had bigger financial struggles.
Bickering intensified with it being an election year. What minority can speak the loudest and have the greatest need? Problems do exist, but the only way a solution comes, besides prayer, is through unity.
Let’s Unite
We can’t stop wars completely. We can’t stop natural disasters, even though we might be able to minimize some. And, there is no way we can stop a pandemic. What we can change and control, is our reaction.
When diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a hereditary, progressive, and incurable eye disease, a sweet Christian friend shared a truth I’ve held on to ever since. While God cares about what happens to us, he is more concerned about how we react to conflict, hardship, loss, and more. Let’s choose to react with actions that unite us.
UNIFYING ACTIONS
- Understand you’re not alone. Every single one of us are experiencing the same emotions, even if time periods vary or the hardships differ slightly. We’re all in the same boat. Even those we disagree with.
- Ask the Lord Jesus to help focus on similarities over differences
- Turn the news off and read fewer headlines if too negative. Stop, for sure, when muscles begin to tense or your temperature rises.
- We can’t alleviate anger altogether, but we can learn to cool off quicker so our reaction doesn’t ruin our testimony.
- Seek the Lord for wisdom and guidance in all matters.
- Help others. A listening ear is a gift in itself. Run an errand for someone, offer a ride, teach something technical, or bake cookies.
- Speak only when necessary, and led. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
It is possible to override our natural reactions of buying into information trying to alter our perceptions to promote personal views.
Let’s be the light by avoiding getting caught up on earthly things and stay focused on our Heavenly reward.
© 2020, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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