In these strange and uncertain times of “social distancing” caused by Covid 19, it is a blessing to see examples of people finding creative ways to support and care for each other. The self-sacrifcial commitment of health care providers in our country and around the world is a clear example of Christ-like love. People reaching out to check on and help their elderly and otherwise at risk neighbors is another sign of the love of God at work. Even decisions to alter our normal lifestyle including worship gatherings out of concern for the most vulnerable among us are acts of love. One of the most creative expressions of love and support that captured attention around the world was people in Italy and Spain who joined together in music from their respective balconies while maintaining physical isolation. This was followed by the coordinated sound of applause from those balconies in gratitude for the dedication of healthcare workers in two of the most impacted countries of the world. The photo and videos posted below are examples of these expressions of love. I also want to share a poem that was sent by a member of our church. It was written within the last week and expresses both the reality of the need for social distancing while also calling us to use this time to open our hearts in ways that will connect with others in deep ways even as we are apart:
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
–Lynn Ungar 3/11/20
