We did it before, and we'll do it again. [Spirituality & Religion]
Even before we as a nation, learned what HIV was (remember when we had never heard the word “retrovirus”?), we learned the power of resilience, resistance, and spirituality. Like David facing Goliath, we discovered strengths we didn’t know we had. We grieved, we cried, we fought, we became wiser, and we bonded. We made it through. We were wounded to an incalculable degree, but even wounded, we grew strong. We learned how to get along. We were made to survive.
Though we've lost so many through the ages from war, the Bubonic Plague, cancer, Swine Flu— we emerged from our losses with a resilience and wisdom that gives us the strength to deal with this newly emerged coronavirus.
We have lived through the terrifying and surreal before. We have lived through neglect and inadequacies before. We have relied on each other’s strength and the untapped resources of our spirit before. These things we know:
The power of love and support cannot be underestimated. Just as before, we will keep things in perspective and survive the insurmountable, reaching out to those who are at most risk and make sure no one feels isolated or alone.
The practice of prayer, either as individuals or as a community, draws on the treasure of our ancient heritage and harnesses its power to heal today's anguish. We are not defined by any virus, symptoms, or syndrome. We must never forget to reflect on our life, our resilience, and those things we have to be thankful for. Joy is an absolute necessity, not something we get around to later. We exercise our muscles of gratitude now, daily, when it’s hardest. We don’t wait until we are comfortable. Thankfulness in the midst of trouble and challenges, gives us the strength to face the world the other six days of the week.
We have survived much. We know what it takes to live through the Great Depression and disease. Love, prayers, compassion and support are at the center of survival. Remember to be kind and generous, while being cautious and vigilant about staying healthy and keeping others safe.
We will continue being a powerful community of resistance and love. May God surround you and your loved ones and give you strength and comfort, as we face the times we are in. We'll bounce back, and we'll be better than ever. That's what we do best. We're survivors.
"All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace. ~ Abraham Lincoln
