Inspiration during “Lockdown”

One might think that finding inspiration during a crisis such as the Covid 19 pandemic would be difficult, but it isn’t.  It’s in times like these when the best and the worst in humanity emerges, but even in the worst examples there are insights into what it means to be human and to love.

Those behaving badly are very likely coming from a place of fear, ignorance or a lack of fullness within themselves.  When witnessed, inappropriate actions in trying times often elicits an initial reaction of distaste or disgust, but more often than that it is a reminder for those of us that are trying our best our doing our part that we need to be stronger because of it.  Shine brighter, each in our own way, doing our own part to make up for those who aren’t able to do so in their moment. It provides a contrast to what is right and good, not righteous or judgmental, just right and good. It reminds us that the strong parts always support the weak parts and that everyone is capable of learning and growing.

Now is not a time to judge.  It’s a time to support the strong, put out the fires, comfort the sick, the frightened and those who are weary until we nurture balance to its feet.  Find ways to contribute in a meaningful way.  Just what you can and are willing and able to do.  Collectively, it will make the difference we need to get through.  And we will.   Count any little blessing you find and share a smile, a kind word or a song. Stay strong. Act as needed. Be patient.

Here is a beautifully written piece by Fr. Richard Hendrick.

Lockdown
by Fr. Richard Hendrick

Yes, there is fear.
Yes, there is isolation.
Yes, there is panic buying.
Yes, there is sickness.
Yes, there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighborhood so that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So, we pray, and we remember that
Yes, there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes, there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes, there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes, there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes, there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square,
Sing.