Strength in Adversity

Much has been written and spoken in recent months supporting and encouraging us as we deal with the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is broadly accepted that each of us is currently faced with change and stress that asks so much of us in our personal, family and professional lives. We share this with people not just in our own community but throughout the whole world. Our homes, workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods have become places that are not as familiar and comfortable as they once were. 

I came across a quote by the esteemed Japanese writer, Hakumi Murakami: 

When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.

These words caused me to reflect on how I am dealing with my journey through ‘the storm’ of the pandemic, and how I might emerge from the experience. 

1. Will I be strengthened as a person, more resilient and skilled? 
2. Will I have been able to assist others by setting an example of calmness, courage and compassion? 
3. Will I be understanding and supportive of those I deal with each day, demonstrating empathy and recognition that they also are attempting to do their best despite the anxieties and pressures that they too are experiencing?

In these times of unprecedented change and challenge, I pray that we might always consider that each of us shares one thing in common - the fear and insecurity of our times that can only be overcome with the compassion and understanding of those around us. Keeping this in mind, we might all strive to emerge with pride and a sense of wellbeing knowing that we, as individuals, contributed in a positive way to our survival of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in doing so, set an example for our loved ones, especially the children in our lives, of how adversity made visible our strengths and the values we claim as Christian people.

God of mercy, hear our prayer:

In this time of bewilderment and fear, we ask you to give us the courage to take care of one another as Jesus did.

In the midst of our sadness and grief, we ask you to give us words to comfort one another. 

In the midst of our own anxiety, we ask you to give us the courage to support one another as you would.

In the midst of our growing awareness that all life on Earth is connected, we ask for the heart to respect and cherish all life.

Amen! Amen!