As our nation begins the process of reopening our economy, I found myself ruminating over the events of the past two months. In my lifetime, I have never seen one single event affect an entire nation like this. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought our nation literally to its knees. Lives have been lost, schools and churches have been closed, and businesses have been shuttered. The looming economic and mental health crisis facing many Americans is a real threat to public health. This crisis is real, and it has affected all of us all in different ways.
Social media continues to be a cesspool of political rants and conspiracy theories. Stir crazy is a real thing, and I have seen this play out on my own Facebook feed. However, I have also seen some incredibly inspirational posts from people who are using their social media presence as a tool for unification and inspiration.
I read this powerful Facebook post that went viral several weeks ago. The title is “We Are Not in the Same Boat.” I have copied the message from Facebook for your reading pleasure. I wish I could cite the author, but apparently the writer is unknown.
WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT …
I heard we are all in the same boat, but it’s not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.
For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.
For some that live alone, they’re facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.
With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment some are bringing in more money to their households than when they were working. Others are working more hours for less money, due to pay cuts or loss in sales.
Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus, while other families of 4 saw $0.
Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter, while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.
Some want to go back to work because they don’t qualify for unemployment, and are running out of money. Others are enraged at those who break the quarantine.
Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling, while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children, on top of a 10-12 hour workday.
Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it, and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don’t believe this is a big deal.
Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.
So, friends, we are NOT in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different. Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.
We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey. Compassion is key. Let it be your guide.
In my next post, I want to address the idea of “We are all in this together.” The coronavirus has brought the worst and the best out of people. As we continue to navigate these uncharted waters back to some semblance of normalcy, it is very clear and apparent to me that we are not all in this together. More to come.
Stay well and God bless.
Bill
#wereallinthistogether
