Hopes and Fears and COVID-19
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
At the beginning of this pandemic, we thought the quarantine would only last a few weeks. But after three weeks of self-isolation in our homes, there seems to be no end in sight. People are starting to get restless, sometimes with each other, sometimes with the monotony of being stuck in one place. Some anxious thoughts and fears are creeping in as well, especially for those on the frontline and in essential services. So, how do we decide on “what to do with the time that is given us?”
First, we start by acknowledging what’s happened. A coronavirus pandemic has shutdown our economy and threatened our lives and livelihoods. Over 80% of us are confined to our homes. We now scramble to get needed supplies and groceries to last us 30 days at a time, if possible. We admit we don’t get it. And nobody else seems to get it. We don’t know how long this will last. We don’t know how many people will get infected. We don’t know about all the risks.
In addition to quarantine, public health authorities tell us to protect ourselves and act as if everyone might be infected. This means social distancing (which strains our natural affections), wiping down surfaces, washing clothing, cleaning objects, constant cleansing of hands, and keeping hands away from our noses, eyes, and mouth.
Our concern about viral exposure is ongoing. If we suspect we have symptoms, we call Telehealth. If a hospital visit is necessary, we hope we can get to a hospital and have access to a doctor.
Here are some areas of concern we’ve heard from people: safeguarding against virus exposure, maintaining physical health, keeping fit without a gym; caring for the disabled, the elderly, and those living alone; praying that shortages don’t overburden our hospitals as they care for extra patients, and that panic does not lead to hoarding and violence; providing children with homeschooling, fun activities, and addressing their questions and worries; financial hardship, loss of work, difficulty paying bills, economic downturn, shuttered businesses.
Out of the All Saints Church Health Team, * grew a small group of volunteers called the Sunshine Squad. Going down the list, they have been calling all the families connected to our church to see how people are coping and if they need anything. So far, the Squad has made 300 calls, delivered food to two homes, and made two referrals to Fr. Haridimos for spiritual counsel. We can all use some words of encouragement at this time.
How is our mental health in all this? Human beings are not meant to isolate for long periods of time. In the letter to the Hebrews 10:24-25, we read: “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”
When we lose regular routines and contact with others, we risk discouragement. We can get “cabin fever,” with feelings of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and boredom. These can arise from long stays in a confined space. Impatience and conflict with others can occur when we are cooped up and have a short fuse. Sometimes a feeling of hopelessness comes upon us, and we feel powerless to change things. We don’t react well when there are too many unknowns. Some of us are tempted to give up, retreat to our addictions, and spiral downward – body and soul.
It’s tempting to go it alone and not tell anybody about our suffering when we are less connected. That’s why we assembled the Sunshine Squad to assist our parishioners. We Christians can’t look the other way.
Part of our healing and repentance in these times means reaching out to those who are vulnerable and help them with their needs. “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35) Indeed, the act of giving is life-giving and contagious, with others lovingly joining in.
With so many unknowns we support each other in turning to God. In Romans 12:12 and 15:3, St. Paul writes: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer…. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Knowing not what will happen, we go about each day, looking to God for reassurance and resolution to this crisis. Christ Himself instructs us, as St. Matthew writes (6:8, 34): “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
In Colossians 3:15-17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18, St. Paul writes: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you…And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him…. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
God has allowed us to live to see such times. We begin by thanking Him for providing for our basic needs. We thank Him for protecting and preserving the workers in farming, grocery chains, restaurants, water works, the electrical grid, sanitation, transportation, oil and gas, buildings and roads, communications, healthcare, first response, governance, finance, social services; and for all those giving of their personal resources and wealth, and for our Church – which continues to offer prayers on our behalf.
* Part of Orthodox Natural Church Development (ONCD)