Best and worst
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
In 1859, Charles Dickens wrote of London and Paris during the tragic time of the French Revolution. There have been many times since that we could use the same phrase to describe circumstances in our lives.
Even now…
Now? It seems clear how the coronavirus pandemic could be described as the “worst of times,” but how can this fearful and frightening pandemic ever be labeled the “best of times”?
Of course this is a tragic situation. People are scared. Many are sick. People are dying from Covid-19. The medical profession is facing enormous hardship as they put their own lives in danger to care for the sick.
Additional and seemingly insurmountable challenges are occurring. We are faced with financial hardship. Many have lost jobs and worry how they will pay their bills. Our children are out of school as educators scramble to plan alternative programming. High school and college graduates have been denied their final semester celebrations after years of preparation for those special moments.
And, as always, there are evil people attempting to profit from tragic circumstances and scam the most frightened and vulnerable. Examples include fake claims on the internet of a cure–robo calls offering medicine or testing–schemes to overcharge for needed items, making profit from fear and misery.
We ask, “How can people do such bad things in times of crisis?”
So…how dare I propose that these could be the “best of times”?
Sometimes crises and hardships bring out the best in people.
- Some factories and industries are suspending regular operation to make supplies needed for the coronavirus crisis.
- Food and medical supplies are being donated to areas of need. Small businesses are re-purposing themselves in service to others.
- Numerous volunteers are transporting food or other needed items to shut-ins.
- Entertainers and celebrities are using social media to provide public service announcements and free performances.
- Our medical professionals and scientists are serving here at home and abroad to care for those that are sick and work toward developing a vaccine.
- People are coming together to help others and achieve the goal to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Have you observed acts of kindness and helpfulness? Can you share ways people are demonstrating their best during this crisis?
We have hope in our Lord and Savior to encourage us through the trials and to help us do our best:
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. Titus 3:4-8
It is my hope and prayer that this time of trial will bring us closer together in spirit, that we will love ALL our neighbors, and that we will realize that we are all God’s children.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
God is always with us. Can we give our best when helping our family, friends, country, and world through this crisis?
Katherine, you applied a perfect quote to the current situation. The church of Jesus has a wonderful opportunity to share His love and Truth. I loved this sentence in your post: “It is my hope and prayer that this time of trial will bring us closer together in spirit, that we will love ALL our neighbors.”
Acts of kindness I’ve observed: A dear 90-year-old friend called to ask how WE were doing. I’d planned to call her, but she called first. She demonstrates such love for God and His people. My friend and her sister visited her mom in assisted living by making cheery signs and talking to her through the window.
Your note about visiting in the nursing home reminds me of some videos recently shown on the news. One was a granddaughter showing her grandfather her new engagement ring. Then they figuratively touched hands through the glass. It was so sweet–I cried. Today, my husband and I received a card from a from a former teaching colleague who is my hero! She is such a wonderful role model for kindness and compassion. Thank you for sharing, Jeannie, and for being a loving neighbor and friend to all.
Amen Ms. Katherine. We, the body of Christ, have a wonderful opportunity to shine God’s light and love in this dark period. We can show that our faith is greater than our fear in many ways ma’am. This doesn’t mean we should ignore precautions and take special care around those most vulnerable, but we should not cower in fear. Instead, we should acknowledge the risk, protect ourselves to the best of our ability, yet don’t surrender our common sense, our connection to God through the Holy Spirit, and our faith to this fallen world. God’s blessings to you and “Farmer Bob.”
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, J.D. You are a wonderful example for us and I’m so grateful when you share your insight. I’ve been praying for you, that you have safety and good health as you travel and that all is well on the Cross Dubya.
God always brings good out of what the enemy meant for evil to those who love Him. Finding the positive things we can do to supplement those are are suffering now will reflect God’s love to them and be an example of His will.
I agree, Barbara. I’m praying that God will show us those pathways to reach out to His children. Thank you for what you do in service to Him, my friend.
A local example of helpfulness is the distillery now making sanitizer instead of vodka. The family-owned business opened its doors to the public on Saturday and allowed residents to refill up to a 16 oz bottle of the scarce stuff for free!
Such actions give me hope that much good will come out of the pandemic.
Yes, this is awesome! My hubby and I watch the news often and saw this story (or one of the other distilleries that are also make this generous gesture). I often am brought to tears by the goodness of people that is shining through in this crisis. Thanks for sharing with us, Candyce.
You are so right! We do need to keep in mind all the ways we are caring for one another. Focus on the love!!!
That’s what scripture tells us, too.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Thanks for stopping by to remind us, K.A.!