Fear and anxiety are no respecter of persons, particularly when we are faced with challenges, difficulties, and an invisible enemy such as COVID-19. While it may be true that people of any religion seek consolation, wisdom, and peace from God of their Higher Power to help them through this present health crisis, it would be woefully erroneous to suggest those same individuals are somehow mystically exempt from feeling these emotions.

Which is why I have decided to take a different perspective with the word abbreviation that is redefining our world as we once knew it. Over the next few weeks I am going to use the letters and numbers of COVID-19 for a different purpose. Please feel to come up with your own that may be helpful to you.

C is for COURAGE

COURAGE: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. [Merriam-Webster]

We can all use a strong dose of courage right now. The question is, what do you and I need in the way of mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand?  And I will be quick to add, to withstand in love and compassion with one another?

  • The biggest temptation is to respond to danger, fear, and difficulty with more fear. Ergo, the choice some have made to hoard material goods.
  • Absent mental or moral strength, we react rather than respond. We rush to spread the latest tidbit of “news” or “information” without due diligence to make sure it is true, and even then, consider the consequences of adding to the already high levels of fear and anxiety.
  • To venture is to proceed, to take a step figuratively or with physical intent. Which means it’s our choice whether or not we stir up our courage to move forward. As we do, we face another choice—will our venturing occur within the context of the current popular phrase, “we’re all in this together?” For the truth is, we are. Period.

So, what do we need to be people of courage, living examples of mental and moral strength?

  • Recognize unhealthy fear for what it is—unloving and potentially destructive to others and self.
  • Take a few moments [or longer] to form a compassionate response to what is shared on social media or broadcast on the news channels. Or better yet, limit your time with all media, pick up the phone, or write a letter filled with smiley faces and stick figure hugs.
  • Choose to venture. Take a step in whatever way you can to help. Check on a neighbor. Make extra food to share with those with less resources. Say prayers. Lots of them. And yes, hand out some of those toilet paper rolls if need be.

We are all aware of the importance of physical distancing right now, however that does not mean we should distance ourselves socially. If anything, we need to get creative and connect in ways that provide plentiful opportunities to encourage, support, and love one another.

C is for COURAGE. Seems a good place to begin. 

“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

Up next week, the letter O. Until then, Godspeed fellow sojourner.