This post was written during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is the best source of information about Coronavirus, its symptoms, latest updates, and other resources for the community.
Even though the word “crisis” has a negative connotation, by definition, a crisis is actually “a turning point for better or worse”. Which means that some crisis are good, and some are not so good; but one thing is certain – nothing is the same after a turning point.
Positive history makers never set out to “make history”, nor are they necessarily remembered because of what they did when everything was stable. They are remembered because of the way they handled the crises of life. They were faced with a turning point and leaned into it with decisive actions. Not every decision was perfect, but they were not afraid to try. Ultimately the turn was complete and a positive new normal was established.
Positive history makers never set out to “make history”, nor are they necessarily remembered because of what they did when everything was stable. They are remembered because of the way they handled the crises of life.
You do not have to set out to make history to ultimately become a “History Maker”.
Here is what I propose you do to lean into this most recent crisis (or any other you may face):
1. Pray for yourself as well as pray with, and for, others.
2. Check on others who may be experiencing fear, anxiety, and/or apprehension as a result of the crisis. It is better to over-communicate than to later regret not communicating with them at all.
3. Be educated on the facts, but do not allow the information to consume you. If you need to step back for a beat, then do so. The largest, and most dangerous, nation on earth is named “Imagination”. It has no borders and will hold you hostage if you are not careful.
4. Unless there is a ban on any social gathering, connect with a small group with whom you can talk, pray, study, grow, and worship with online. Community is important.
5. Should there be a temporary ban on social gatherings, remain connected to your online worship community.
6. Look, in faith, to the day the crisis is over. That will provide you with a vision of better days to come. A vision provides hope, or the expectation, that things will ultimately be better.
7. Be a source of encouragement for others. This does not mean that you are not concerned, but you just may be surprised at the energy and joy you gain from helping someone else.
Our world is in a crisis and future generations will write, read, and study about the way in which we handled this turning point.
Hold on tight and lean into this crisis.
Your Turn:
The list above is certainly not exhaustive. What are some ways in which you can lean into a crisis?
