When things went wrong in my life, my mother always had these encouraging words, “This too shall pass.” I now look back and realize just how right she was. I called her up the other day and after I shared my feelings and views with her, she used those same words. Somehow, after hearing them, I felt better. Now, rather than focusing on what’s happening, I shift those negative thoughts to those four simple words, and shift from fear to faith.
There will be good times, bad times, and then there are things that happen so fast it makes one’s head spin. What a way to begin the first quarter of a new year. Everyone I speak to feels anxious, worried, and scared. We heard the alarm, and have flipped the switch from calm to sheer panic. And media isn’t helping because all they do is portray doom and gloom. And as a collective, I would like to add, all of us need to remain vigilant, but at the same time, calm and collected during this trying time.
Life consists not simply in what heredity and environment do to us but in what we make out of what they do to us.
FAITH EMPOWERS
Fears grow because of the unknown. Questions are not being answered because there are no answers at this time. Statistics are provided daily. And we wait. We wait for more news that at present is nothing but bad news. There are brilliant minds at work, looking at ways to overcome the ordeal everyone is currently experiencing. We can trust we will eventually get back on track toward a state of normalcy. But the question is when? Some are predicting this may ride out a few months, while others are speculating it will take at least a year before we feel somewhat at ease. The thing is, we are all in the same boat. No one knows. But it’s important to be emotionally grounded while our patience is being tested.
FEEDING THE FEAR
The key is to not feed into the fear. I know, easier said than done. Before this pandemic, we heard about schools in lockdown, and now it’s countries. We watch as leaders deliver an account of what the government will do to provide aid. This is unprecedented. Never have we experienced something this unsettling. Oh sure, there were other diseases, there were wars, depressions, and recessions. But nothing compared to this on a global scale during our time, where the entire world is closing shop indefinitely.
Basically, there are two paths you can walk: faith or fear. It’s impossible to simultaneously trust God and not trust God.
As a society, we are always quick to focus only on the bad stuff. We are quick to pass judgment. Quick to blame others. Quick to respond with anger. Within the past few weeks, I’ve witnessed the beauty of people, but I’ve also observed the other side. The dark side. Where’s the compassion and kindness? We are all responsible for what we dish out. Perhaps we could be more patient, less aggressive, we could be more generous and caring. Maybe it’s time to dish out an extra helping of love, understanding, and respect.
MOVING FROM FEAR TO FAITH
It begins with each one of us. Just imagine how great the world could be if we practiced kindness during trying times. Knowing we can all make a difference if we so choose. If we are less selfish and more altruistic and considerate of the welfare and well-being of others than we can come through this with a sense of peace. And if we all looked out for one another in some way, shape, or form, just maybe something beautiful will grow during this dark time.
We have an opportunity to shine by showing what we are truly made of. Compassionate hearts willing to step away from the fear. Believing the darkness will eventually subside, so we can collectively in unison step into faith, trusting we will come out stronger than ever before.