Will We Ever Return
We live in difficult times. First the raging fires here in Australia and now a pandemic.
My daughter and I were crossing the street and an elderly man stopped and asked if we knew where to get toilet paper. I told him of a recent delivery and he went on his way.
I was sitting on a bench and a mid-aged lady stopped and began telling me she was afraid of losing her money in the bank. I tried to calm her by listening to her concerns.
I came across a web-page that had a photo of an elderly lady standing in front of empty shelves at the grocery store and she was weeping. Many people responded with messages that they would have gladly helped her.
There have been acts of kindness out on the streets and in the shops. But there have been even more acts of fear than anything. And fear is more deadly than the virus for it breeds distrust and greed. It has compelled buyers to empty shelves and take more than they need, leaving nothing for those who are truly depleted.
What is the solution? We need to get back to the garden we once knew where love and kindness grow. Instead of fear, we need faith. This does not mean being careless or not taking precautions to prevent spreading the virus and it does not mean it is wrong to have a few cans of soup in the cupboard but excess / panic buying will only take away everyone’s fair share.
This is a time for charity and offering a helping hand. There are different things we can do. My daughter brought home a couple notices from church to hand out that said:
“Hello! If you are self-isolating due to COVID-19, I can help with:
Picking up shopping
A friendly phone call
Posting mail
Urgent Supplies
To the helper it also includes a reminder:
Coronavirus is contagious and to take precautions to ensure you are only spreading kindness. Avoid physical contact (2 m distance). Wash your hands regularly. Items should be left on your doorstep.”
These simple acts of kindness are a few pleasant things you can do. And leave a few extra items out of your shopping cart that you don’t really need!
Stay home, stay safe and give someone a call who may need cheering during isolation.
Write a story, play a song, read books, watch a good movie. There are so many things we can do to help us through this period of uncertainty.
We need to be positive through this turmoil as together in unity we can survive this nightmare. It will keep us happier and healthier and our immune systems will thank us for it! For a positive attitude will help us fight any deadly thing that comes our way. For take away hope, then we are left with despair and that leaves us vulnerable.
Here is a good phrase from Napoleon about the negative effects of fear:
He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat.
We should think more like Eleanor Roosevelt when she said:
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself. "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along."
Below is a song with my lyrics on Colin Mold’s CD - Now You See Me. Poets John Milton and William Blake, authors C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien and sculptor/artist Michelangelo are just a few of the greats that inspired my words. It asks many questions but will give you much to ponder while you self-isolate at home.
Vocals and Music by Colin Mold (copyright 2011) and lyrics by Cindy L Spear (copyright 2011). This song is from Colin Mold's "Now You See Me" Cd. Photos are ...