As of the past Friday, I have realized that life as we know it in America has changed, and change always brings discomfort and some good things. I live in Wisconsin, and we now have 34 people sick with the COVID-19 virus. The public and private schools in the state must all close by this Wednesday. There was a run on the grocery store in our town for the following items: hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, bags of potatoes, and cold and fly-over-the-counter medicines. The CDC has changed the “social distance” acceptable between people to 6 feet and from 250 people in a crowd to 50 people. All I see on people’s faces is fear, not smiles.
For the first time in my 68 years, I see empty shelves in stores. I recall pictures of store shelves in other countries when there is a war or some natural disaster but never in this country. Now, we all know how important washing our hands is for everyone’s benefit. I have never seen people fighting over toilet paper in fist-to-cuff fights before. My mom used to say that during the Depression, people found many different ways to make and serve potatoes because potatoes were the “meat” on the tables of many families. I understand, to a certain extent, people grabbing cold and flu items because this virus is similar to the common cold and the flu. Many people are over-reacting to the crisis and are partially responsible for the mass hysteria over the unknown. Our government officials have tried to calm people’s behaviors but have failed to quell everyone’s fears.
The president closed the borders of our country to people trying to enter it from 28 countries, an action that has influenced officials from these countries to once again say, “You are only looking out for Americans, not the rest of the world.” Our own citizens were caught in these same countries, frantically trying to get back to America, only to find 7-hour- waiting lines to get tested for the virus before they could re-enter at our airports. How is anyone to know if a person, standing beside you, is infected when the characteristics of the virus are similar to the cold and flu? If we get the virus and have to quarantine in our homes, who will want to help those who live alone?
Plain and simple, America was not ready for a health crisis of this magnitude. The anger and division prevalent in our country, overall, as well as with our political parties, has found its consequence in a health system that is rapidly becoming overwhelmed by an anxious population. A deadly virus has brought all of us to our knees. Due to some people’s violent behaviors in the past, what is to stop one of these irrational people from picking up a gun or building a bomb in stores where people are already fearful about their futures?
Sitting in church yesterday, I became very aware of my own fears, as the pastor suggested that we talk about our concerns. I recalled the pain I felt while visiting countries whose church doors were chained shut. Now, my church will probably close until the crisis is over. Despite attempts to contain my fears, my faith is being tested. I suddenly felt very alone; throughout the day, tears came readily.
The church and my belief in God have been some of my core values throughout my life; they have grounded me when other things were less certain. I am fearful of this new paradigm; I pray that God will walk beside all of us, even those who do not believe in His love and grace. Many Americans have suddenly realized their “unpracticed” beliefs in God, dormant for years, may be the only way to stop this aggressive killer. It is truly disheartening to realize only when things get tough do some Americans return to their parents’ religious beliefs. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one of the results of this virus was that people return to God, either through organized religion or just by becoming more respectful and loving of each other?
As a young adult, a question crossed my mind about how God sees people’s behaviors and how we treat the world He created. Does He cry when He sees how we treat each other or how we take care of the world He created? I know He forgives our sins, and He gave His only Son to die on a cross for that gift. I believe the answer lies in how deeply committed we are to Him. God isn’t done with us yet, and He loves us day in and day out. Even though I’m struggling with my fears, I know that my Redeemer lives; we can do nothing better than God. He, alone, determines what will happen and how we will react to hard times.
On that final day, not only will I see my Eternal home, but I will realize that Christ has walked beside me throughout my life. By His sacrifice, we will survive this health crisis; we will not only survive it, but we will grow from it. Even as we prepare for the changes to come, He is planting in us seeds of determination, trust, faith, hope, and charity, above all else, charity.
Two verses remind me of God’s love:
1. Isaiah 41:10…”Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
2. Psalm 46: 10-11…”Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Anna Hartt
