Life on earth has changed dramatically in the past few weeks. The COVID-19 virus has infected humanity in every nation and wreaked havoc throughout the world. Panic, fear, disbelief and anger is in our own backyard and you may be experiencing those very emotions yourself. Even before the coronavirus, it was a frightening time and it’s easy to give into those fears.
As of press time, Nevada had seen 63 cases of COVID-19 and one death. Unfortunately, we expect more. The Governor has mandated that casinos and what he termed “non-essential” businesses shutter for at least 30 days. Every single person in this state is affected by this pandemic. Beyond the fear of actually catching COVID-19 is the financial concerns. People are worried about their ability to keep food on the table and pay bills as businesses shut their doors. Business owners are considering ways to cut expenses and stay afloat. Parents working for an “essential” business must now find childcare as schools are closed for the foreseeable future. To put it simply, these are crazy days.
In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning”, Viktor E. Frankl, a holocaust concentration camp survivor, said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Frankl experienced great personal trials and realized something important, we cannot control our surroundings or future, only how we respond to those things.
We’ve seen some during this time respond in great fear, hoarding everything from milk and eggs (which will certainly go to waste as they expire) to toilet paper. We’ve seen others respond in compassion as healthcare workers continue to treat patients, despite risks to themselves or their families. We’ve seen neighbors shop for those that are elderly or at higher risk and people respect social distancing so as not to accidentally spread the virus further. In short, like many other crisis’ we have faced, we see some bad, but we also see so much good.
For myself, I believe this is the perfect time for all of us to slow down and take a look at our lives and how we respond in times of hardship. What do you value, what is most important to you and where do you find your hope? If you’re fearful, do you give into that fear and let it control your actions or do you strive to calm your fears?
In times like this it’s vital that we exercise common sense and not panic but it’s also important to realize that, with the bad, there is good. Take this time to evaluate your priorities. My family and I are praying for those that are being affected during this time. I’d be happy to pray for you personally and tell you about the hope that I have as well. I invite you to email me at lyle@lylebrennan.com. Stay safe and healthy, Nevada.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Originally Published
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