Hope for the Future

You may not be able to tell from the way grocery store shelves look these days, but people are being nicer to each other right now. They may be hoarding, but they are doing it kindly, for the most part. They may be thinking of themselves, but it is with mostly reluctant hearts.

They may be scared and staying inside, but they are mindful of those who must be out and about, and who are scared too.

They may be living with little change in routine, but they are affected too.

Hearts are beginning to unite again.

That's the nature of the American spirit--of the human spirit.

We are at our best when we come together in a bipartisan way. And tragedy always brings us together.

It's a shame, but it's true. It takes trouble to bring us together, to help us re-set our priorities, to stop us from thinking only of ourselves all of the time. It encourages us to think of our brothers and sisters, extend courtesy to those we come in contact with, let go of our inclinations to be unmindful.

A global pandemic puts us all in the same shoes walking the same path and we feel for one another. It's too bad, really, that it takes extreme conditions to acknowledge our commonality. There are no more racial, economic, or cultural barriers.

It's the way we survive.

Because the way each of us responds on the community level will make all the difference.

Aside from obvious responsible measures--removing ourselves from public venues, staying at home when we're sick, cancelling travel plans, checking in on our elderly or compromised neighbors to make sure they have what they need, we can all act with remote responsibility too.

We can all refrain from negative speech on social media.

From instilling panic to finding fault with our government, we can all have a little respect, for crying out loud! Now is not the time for division. Now is not the time for insensitive comments or for personal agendas!

Support your government. Laud what we are accomplishing TOGETHER.

In today's press conference, Dr. Ben Carson reminded us that we are unique. We have so many people here who are willing to put aside their own interests for the good of this country. Our teamwork is making all the difference in the world. We have an opportunity to pull together as a nation.

To pray.

We've gotten away from prayer and faith in the country. "There is nothing wrong with godly principles," he said. Loving your neighbor, caring about the people around you...having principles that govern your life...those are things that have made our country great from the beginning.

And Dr. Jerome Adams, our U.S. Surgeon General asked us all to "lean into and prioritize the safety of the American people." It isn't about you, but about your Nana and the people who are compromised, he told us.

We can expect this to get worse before it gets better, and the data is still inconclusive in many regards, but every American has a responsibility to work to avoid the spread of the virus. If we are complacent, selfish, and uninformed, we are not doing our part.

We are not doing our part either to hoard or panic. We need to keep kindness flowing and smiles coming. We need to live in compassion and responsibility.

Off and on line.

And we need to keep praying in patience. For it's in patience and consideration we will get through this, with God's help.