Light in the Darkness
The primary function of darkness is to prevent you from seeing. In the wake of COVID-19, when all we hear, see, and talk about is crisis-related, many of us are left feeling defeated and hopeless. Consequently, the more we consume negative news and fix our gaze on our nation’s infection curve, the deeper into the darkness we fall..
That’s why incorporating hope is critical to taking control of our emotions and reshaping our perspective — not to soften the blow, or underestimate the crisis we’re in — but to find joy today and come out wiser, humbler and more resilient when this is over.
HERE ARE SIX REASONS TO REMAIN HOPEFUL RIGHT NOW:
1 Revival of faith
Despite worship services suspended and church doors temporarily closed, more people than ever are turning to God at this time. As 73% of our prayer calls in April were related to COVID-19 concerns, we’re seeing people dig deeper into their relationship with God to find much-needed peace. “The church has never been more accessible through online streaming and virtual prayer meetings.” — Cheryl Weber, Co-Host of 100 Huntley Street.
2 A decrease in air, water,
land and acoustic pollution
From shoals of fish returning to ancient lagoon-like waters in Venice canals to dramatic falls in air pollution worldwide and a shrinking ozone hole over the Arctic, we see God’s miraculous restoration at work on the planet He created for humanity. Imagine the impact we can have on the earth if we proactively do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and become more eco-conscious.
3 A unique opportunity for political harmony
From shoals of fish returning to ancient lagoon-like waters in Venice canals to dramatic falls in air pollution worldwide and a shrinking ozone hole over the Arctic, we see God’s miraculous restoration at work on the planet He created for humanity. Imagine the impact we can have on the earth if we proactively do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and become more eco-conscious.
4 Gratitude for unlikely heroes
This pandemic is putting a spotlight on services that are essential for our daily survival, yet tend to fly under the radar. Grocery clerks are stocking shelves so we can fill ours. Truck drivers are working around the clock, ensuring we stay fed. Manufacturers and sewers have retooled to support healthcare workers, and long-term care staff are working tirelessly to protect the vulnerable. A reminder that all jobs contribute a vital and respectable role to society, both from a micro and macro perspective.
5 Solidarity in vulnerability
This pandemic is putting a spotlight on services that are essential for our daily survival, yet tend to fly under the radar. Grocery clerks are stocking shelves so we can fill ours. Truck drivers are working around the clock, ensuring we stay fed. Manufacturers and sewers have retooled to support healthcare workers, and long-term care staff are working tirelessly to protect the vulnerable. A reminder that all jobs contribute a vital and respectable role to society, both from a micro and macro perspective.
6 Working parents are spending more time with their families
Staying home means families are now making up for lost time. Although life at home with kids, while working, cleaning, cooking and navigating the psychological strain of a pandemic, might be a challenge, it also presents a unique opportunity for parents and siblings to find new ways to get to know and get along with each other— for many, a once in a lifetime gift.
THE TAKEAWAY
Seeing hope during this transition from dark to light will require a steadfastness in faith while continuing to take a wider and more balanced view of the events unfolding in our own lives and the world. Reasons for hope are out there. Now, all you need to do is see.