Be Good to Each Other

These are challenging times – and am I not talking about the long lines at Costco or technical glitches with Zoom meetings. The very fabric and stability of our society is now tested, yanked apart, and rocked in so many ways. This uncertainty is unprecedented for my generation (Gen X) and for those that are younger. Despite this alarming unknown, as I watch our community work together to help each other in the face of this pandemic, I see great promise in how the response to adversity unites us. Generations past have shown us strength in times of trial, and resilience when challenged. We, too, can learn those skills. This pandemic is not the first time we have faced adversity together. And it will not be the last.

However, I also worry about the inevitable spread of the virus. Undoubtedly, it will impact us in significant ways that tear at our relationships, our economy, and our sense of community. In short, the challenges have truly just begun.

This reality has led me to think about the real threat. A disease like Novel COVID-19 can not only threaten one’s life; it confronts our selfishness, pride, fear, hypocrisy – this threat is an attack our very humanity. The crisis, too, highlights the inextricable bonds of humanity and prompts us to consider how much we have in common. We are all in this together. Today, more than ever, we must use this terrible crisis as an opportunity to learn, to lend a helping hand, and to remember our core values. We must exhibit humility, kindness, and service above self.

Stay home. Connect remotely, Share what you can. Stay well, and offer up your goods to those whose needs are greater than yours. We must care for each other and be kind to each other. We can’t take anything for granted.

We must remember this – “DO give yourself grace. You have been given a big task during an unprecedented time with possibly no training. Any access to learning is significant.”