Everything was put on hold when the lock down happened. People went into their homes to protect the immune compromised, the elderly, the little ones. Some people grumbled about it, others followed because they understood what it means to protect the weak. But many people fail to see the opportunity we have been given to press pause and begin again.
Some of us have lost those we love to this virus…a reminder none of us are promised tomorrow and we all need to take care of each other. We are our brother’s keeper. The givers, the selfless people, healthcare workers, grocery store workers, teachers, the parent, the grandparent, the common worker. The common person. The humble person. These people are the real heroes of the pandemic.
I am reminded of the beatitudes of the sermon on the mount…
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3-10 (NAB)
These common people who love others as they love their own family, these are the real hero’s of today. The people that are living through faith and not fear. People that would sacrifice themselves and possibly their own family for the well being of others. Sometimes because they don’t have a choice, because they have to provide for their family and for others. Because their love for others outweighs the risk that COVID brings.
It’s not the C.E.O. sitting in his high and mighty office, willing to put profit before safety that is the hero. It’s not the politician that is the hero, that is willing to sacrifice the common man for his political and selfish gain.
Without the common man, the worker… the economy would fall. These are the very people being offered up as a sacrifice. All so the economy continues to turn and profit is put before people.
We have an opportunity to overturn the money changers, to love one another. To turn this around to love and protect one another. History repeats itself again.
Remember who you are. A child of God. You’re brother’s keeper.
Press Pause.
Spend time with those you love.
Don’t forget to laugh and enjoy this life you have been given!
Want to write that book? Do it!
Want to create that masterpiece of art? Do it!
Want to start that business? Do it!
Want to tell someone how much you love them? Do it!
We have been given a chance to start over again. To love more deeply, to live more fully. To begin, press play.
Snapshots of a Life 