By Brittany Graves
COVID-19 has brought with it a new reality where grief is on the rise and anxiety looms over the days ahead. The rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths has prompted creative responses to alleviate its spread. As safety parameters increase, interactions with front line workers happen behind obtrusive barricades and there are constant reminders and recommendations to help protect ourselves. These are uncertain and extraordinary times.
Swift changes like social media overload, eagerness for new ways to connect, and a scramble for hope in trying circumstances has increased anxiety and disrupted routine. Grief is a normal response when normalcy is fleeting. After all, these are uncertain and extraordinary times with unemployment on the rise, capitalism slowdown, loss from sickness, and a struggle with how best to respond.
For many, this new reality of grief and uncertainty is opening eyes to see the plight of vulnerable communities for the first time. We are awakening to deeper introspection and insightful ways of living now, and after COVID-19. We are giving greater attention to our essential needs and letting go of materialism. We are rethinking sustainability as reduced travel creates less car pollution and we breathe in fresh air. Though physically separate, together we await the end of this pandemic. As we do, let us lean into what we can reimagine and consider what systems need to be made new.
Questions to consider:
- How can I utilize my time to create healthier habits that bring better environmental, social, and spiritual sustainability?
- If I have everything I need, how can I share from my abundance with those who need it most?
- In what ways is grief encouraging me to take action or try something new?
What you can do:
- Stay home. If you do need to go out, use the CDC’s updated recommendation to wear a cloth mask or face covering, when maintaining a 6-foot distance from others is difficult.
- Boost your immune system. Create a new routine to take care of your body and your mind.
- Donate to your local food pantry and organization’s aiding in COVID-19 relief.
Litany for Uncertain Days
(©Fran Pratt franpratt.com Used with permission)
God, in this time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty,
Many of us fear for our lives,
Our livelihoods,
Our loved ones.
We fear for our people:
Will we lose them?
We fear the unknown:
How will life be different, once this crisis passes?
We fear for our futures:
How will we provide for ourselves and our families?
We fear for our society:
What systems must break down so that new ones can emerge?
We know that no material comfort,
No physical health,
No job,
No person,
Is ever guaranteed;
And in fact, all things pass away.
So help us, oh God, as we deal with seismic shifts to our lives,
Our communities,
Our economies,
Our ways of being.
Help us to hold onto peace,
Cling to compassion,
Lean into service,
And help imagine a better world.
These things remain:
Faith, hope, and Love.
So as we weather this crisis
And look toward the world after,
Let us stick close to the example of Christ
Put our hands to Kin-dom work,
And commit to rebuilding whatever has been torn down
With faith, hope, and love as the foundation.
Amen.
Brittany Graves is associate coordinator, Public Witness & Advocacy, American Baptist Home Mission Societies. She welcomes your input at [email protected]
By Brittany Graves
COVID-19 has brought with it a new reality where grief is on the rise and anxiety looms over the days ahead. The rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths has prompted creative responses to alleviate its spread. As safety parameters increase, interactions with front line workers happen behind obtrusive barricades and there are constant reminders and recommendations to help protect ourselves. These are uncertain and extraordinary times.
Swift changes like social media overload, eagerness for new ways to connect, and a scramble for hope in trying circumstances has increased anxiety and disrupted routine. Grief is a normal response when normalcy is fleeting. After all, these are uncertain and extraordinary times with unemployment on the rise, capitalism slowdown, loss from sickness, and a struggle with how best to respond.
For many, this new reality of grief and uncertainty is opening eyes to see the plight of vulnerable communities for the first time. We are awakening to deeper introspection and insightful ways of living now, and after COVID-19. We are giving greater attention to our essential needs and letting go of materialism. We are rethinking sustainability as reduced travel creates less car pollution and we breathe in fresh air. Though physically separate, together we await the end of this pandemic. As we do, let us lean into what we can reimagine and consider what systems need to be made new.
Questions to consider:
What you can do:
Litany for Uncertain Days
(©Fran Pratt franpratt.com Used with permission)
God, in this time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty,
Many of us fear for our lives,
Our livelihoods,
Our loved ones.
We fear for our people:
Will we lose them?
We fear the unknown:
How will life be different, once this crisis passes?
We fear for our futures:
How will we provide for ourselves and our families?
We fear for our society:
What systems must break down so that new ones can emerge?
We know that no material comfort,
No physical health,
No job,
No person,
Is ever guaranteed;
And in fact, all things pass away.
So help us, oh God, as we deal with seismic shifts to our lives,
Our communities,
Our economies,
Our ways of being.
Help us to hold onto peace,
Cling to compassion,
Lean into service,
And help imagine a better world.
These things remain:
Faith, hope, and Love.
So as we weather this crisis
And look toward the world after,
Let us stick close to the example of Christ
Put our hands to Kin-dom work,
And commit to rebuilding whatever has been torn down
With faith, hope, and love as the foundation.
Amen.
Brittany Graves is associate coordinator, Public Witness & Advocacy, American Baptist Home Mission Societies. She welcomes your input at [email protected]