Love One Another

My heart has been feeling so heavy recently. Just hearing day after day, the increase in cases, the increase in deaths, both of which have affected people I know personally. Being in lockdown is really starting to get to almost all of us. There are moments of fear, anxiety, panic, boredom, depression, desperation, feeling the need to get out, get back to "normal" life. Many are without food, an income, jobs. Others are working more than ever and are just praying they don't bring this virus home to their families. Yet, many healthcare workers are becoming sick, along with other family members. Some have even moved out of their homes in hopes to keep their families safe as they work hours upon hours. Meanwhile, many have tried to turn this into a political issue, conspiracy theories, and just continue to show anger, hatred, and blame towards others. A few days ago, a mother of some friends, who is a nurse, was attacked and stabbed multiple times after providing home health care at a patient's home. She is someone I really looked up to when I decided to become a nurse, all during nursing school, and as I started my career in the hospital. Thankfully, she has pulled through surgery and remains in the ICU as she heals physically and mentally. 

But what ever happened to love? Loving your neighbor? Helping those who are really struggling right now? We're all in this pandemic together. Some are struggling more than others. Some are struggling with different things than others. But you know what we could all have in common: loving others and doing what we can to help one another through this time. Some people are making masks and giving them to healthcare workers or those who are working right now. Others are donating for organizations and ministries to be able to buy food for those in need. Those organizations and ministries are providing food to thousands upon thousands of people who are starving right now. Other ministries are providing medical care to those who have never seen a doctor before and have literally 0 access to healthcare otherwise. Many are praying for those who are sick and for those who are working. Others are providing meals and groceries to healthcare workers and those in need. Many are reaching out more than ever with technology to get connected with people, letting them know they aren't alone, that people are praying for them. Some have taken in healthcare workers who have decided to leave their home for the time being to try to keep their families safe. Others are babysitting for healthcare workers who have to work and need childcare now that kids are all home from school. Teachers and parents are learning how to do school online for the students. And the list could go on with the many acts of kindness and love that are happening. That is what we need to hear about right now. All the acts of kindness and love. Not the hatred, blame, and anger. All that is doing is adding fuel to the fire during this pandemic as people already feel trapped, alone, depressed, and downright hopeless at times. How can you help to spread more love, kindness, peace, and joy to others?

John 14:27
I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.

Matthew 22: 36-39
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 25:40
The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”