It wasn’t so long ago that news emerged about a new virus in Wuhan province (China) that was killing Chinese in droves. Despite draconian efforts by the Chinese to contain the virus it was obvious that it wouldn’t be long before the virus spread to the US and the rest of the world. Globalization has facilitated seamless travel around the world; therefore, what affects one affects all, and whether we like it or not we are our sister’s keeper.
My biggest anxiety since learning about the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been rooted in its potential to spread to countries in Africa (among them my birth country) because of most of these countries’ immature and inadequate health care systems to fight such highly infectious and virulent pathogens. I have been hopeful that the Government of my birth country (Sierra Leone) might already have an established healthcare infrastructure that can contain the spread of this virus because of its experience with the deadly Ebola virus in 2014. Most African countries are also still fighting to control other infectious diseases like Polio, HIV and Ebola; therefore, the emergence of COVID-19 has added insult to injury. It will take the entire world working together to combat this disease and mitigate its impact.
That said, I’m still in shock over America’s anemic preparedness and callous response to this pandemic. The Chronic national shortage of test kits, personal protective gear, and ventilators is a true reflection of our complete lack of preparation to control the spread of this virus. It especially hit home when I heard doctors describing the situation as America being in the third world war with doctors, nurses and other health care workers on the front lines fighting with no armor or ammunition. Because of the urgent need to contain the virus and mitigate its impact, a partial to complete shutdown was inevitable. It has been painful to anticipate the final outcome of this pandemic especially when considering the devastating impact the virus has had on countries like Italy, UK and China. I feel nothing but profound gratitude for all the health care workers and others on the front lines fighting this virus. It has also been heartwarming to see ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help ease the impact of this pandemic on family, friends, co-workers and even strangers. There are still lots of unknowns including efficient and effective treatment; however, I can honestly say that I’ve had the opportunity to do some introspection, and these are my immediate takeaways.
Humility
For something so small that it’s not apparent to the naked eye to have wreaked such havoc, is in itself humbling. America is one of the richest countries in the world; our doctors and nurses still do not have what they need to fight this deadly battle. Britain, China, Italy and other top world economies do not seem to have the wherewithal to defeat this enemy either. Last I checked, there were approximately over 27 million Americans seeking unemployment due to COVID-19 related job losses. I can’t even begin to fathom the devastating impact this pandemic has unleashed on human lives and the world’s economy. To walk around the world thinking that one has control over one’s life is definitely hubris. Aside from taking precautions and assisting others whenever possible, we just have to pray that the scientific community discovers an effective treatment and vaccine to prevent a recurrence of this virus so we can get some semblance of safety, security, stability and normalcy until the next crisis emerges.
Gratitude
This experience has sharpened my practice of daily gratitude. There are millions of people globally who have lost their lives, loved ones, businesses, jobs, are homeless, can’t stay home to watch kids even though kids are out of school, and don’t have the wherewithal to weather this storm. My thoughts and prayers are with all those individuals and families who have experienced major losses during this time. I’m grateful to God for sparing our lives, and it’s my profound belief that this too shall pass. I’m not anxious about what I will eat or drink tomorrow because I know that my family’s needs will be met. And no, I was not part of the frenzy because I have access to basic necessities and I’m also assured that there will always be enough to go around. For that and all that we have I continue to remain grateful to God. I also pray that God will provide for those who do not have and will use me to serve others in any way God sees fit during this profound time of need.
Rejuvenation and Reconnection
I’m not blaming God for any of this but I experienced this shutdown as God’s way to slow us down as individuals and as a nation. Prior to this, I was in a constant state of movement; sometimes, I had to make a conscious effort to breathe. The impact that such a busy society has on our health and social well being cannot be overstated. Most of us tend to go through the motions without taking time to enjoy and acknowledge our fellow travelers or God’s beautiful creation around us. Since the shutdown I feel well rested; I also notice that my sons are well rested and are engaging in meaningful conversations with us and each other. We’re enjoying their intelligence, quick wittedness and sense of humor. Our family is bonding in ways we haven’t been able to for quite some time now. I’ve also been able to contact family members whom I haven’t spoken to in a while and they seem relaxed and happy to reconnect. I’ve experienced some random acts of kindness from family and friends which I hope to pay forward. I continue to see and experience the awesomeness of God during this uncertain time.
Reinvention
When I think about the people who were first to lose their jobs –school bus drivers, school cafeteria workers, food industry workers, airline workers and the like – it gives me pause. Is this going to be our new normal? How do we prepare ourselves to not get caught in a situation where we can instantly be out of a job? Either that, or how do we position ourselves to meet a need during such times without taking advantage of people who are already devastated? We can also think about putting ourselves in a position where we can safely volunteer by providing a necessary service to people in need. While I do not have all the answers to these questions – this situation got me thinking. Regardless, we cannot continue business as usual because if it’s not COVID-19 it will be something else!
Spirituality
I believe that God nudges us ever so often to grow in our faith. This situation has helped me to begin the process of evaluating what’s really important in this life. Does it really matter how many clothes, shoes and high- end pocket books I own? What are the quality of my connections and how do I impact others? How is God using this moment to communicate to the human race? I’ve pondered these and other similar questions but I continue to believe that in God, all is well. I have also been praying for peace and healing for my loved ones and the rest of the world. Whether we believe or not, we need God in our world and our personal lives. Without God’s intervention we are lost. At risk of sounding preachy –please make peace and rejuvenate your relationship with God no matter whom you consider God to be. We need peace in our world and we should continue to intercede on each other’s behalf. As we continue in this state of emergency, I pray that we all stay safe and extend ourselves to serve others as safely as we can. We are yet to see the true impact of this pandemic; therefore, let’s work together to make our world a very caring place. Stay Safe!!