HOPE: A RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

“Losing your head in a crisis is a good way to become the crisis.” — C.J. Redwine, Defiance

Everyone wants, and needs, to talk about the Coronavirus pandemic. Sharing our stories with others reminds us that we’re not alone. But the way we frame those stories will either breed hope or fear. I’ve been delighted with the many positive expressions of unity, humor and hope that are circulating on the Internet. Let’s keep that up. My suggestions on how to become a “hope-breeder”…

Breed hope with your thoughts: “The future is going to be better than our current circumstances, and I can be part of making that happen.” Make a list of all the reasons we should have hope — scientists from every country working on a cure, medical staff laying down their lives, people finding creative ways to encourage others, Christians praying around the world and more.

Breed hope with your attitude: “People may be hopeless, but there is no hopeless situation.” Refuse to wear a face of doom. Lift your head, smile, let hope fill your eyes. You may find yourself in difficult circumstances — self-isolation or carrying the virus — but look for opportunities to laugh or to see the good God wants to bring out of this or to celebrate the courage of many around you facing the same things you’re going through.

Breed hope with your words: “My words create the environment where hope either grows or dies.” Refuse to fan the flames of fear. When others speak of the looming tragedy, acknowledge their concerns, and then speak of a future where God breaks through. Move quickly to prayer if fear starts to dominate. Prayer can turn a depressing conversation into a hope-filled consensus. 

Breed hope with your actions: “I’m not a hope-consumer, I’m a hope-dispenser.” It’s not enough to have hope, we need to share it. That looks like thinking of the lonely and sending them a message. That looks like getting groceries for those in self-isolation. That looks like sharing personal words of encouragement and not just generic online ones. That looks like considering daily how you may help someone suffering through this pandemic and then acting on it.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).