Coronavirus caused social and spiritual distancing
Social distancing during COVID-19 2020 suggests staying at least six-feet from others, especially if persons are free of face coverings
The physical separation allegedly better increases protection from a virus that has infected 25 million worldwide and killed approximately 850,000.
U.S. numbers show six million cases and 190,000 people deceased since March. Those statistics underscore a physical destruction of lives swept away by coronavirus while many people confess to emotional and psychological challenges during exceptionally difficult times.
Perhaps our most significant challenge involves a spiritual distancing as human interests override religious beliefs or disconnect from relationships with higher powers.
Saturday and Sunday services, plus, weekday masses allow for spiritual maintenance and presents opportunities for reaffirmation of faith in the presence of others.
COVID-19 forced a closing of houses of worship throughout U.S. towns and cities which diminished spiritual interactions with fellow worshipers.
Getting God out of the way, so to speak, created a spiritual void that allowed an uptick in discord, hate, murder, violence, greed and other human traits that flourish without
Of course, many people delivered noteworthy acts of assistance to frontline workers, medical staff and hospital teams although one act of mercy for one day hardly qualifies individuals for sainthood.
Love the adage regarding performing a giving act and not telling anyone about the deed. Such self deprecation removes ego from the equation of goodness.
A quick segue acknowledges actions by actor Chadwick Boseman who helped children with cancer while keeping his own colon cancer diagnosis private.
A statement on Twitter recalled “Two years ago, (Boseman) visited the St Jude campus and brought with him not only toys for patients but also joy, courage and inspiration.”
Heart moves toward throat with consideration of Boseman’s humanity that apparently discarded self pity and opted for heroic acts.
Believe truly that adversity provides opportunities for amazing tests and personal growth, especially when we maintain our religious faith in times of coronavirus, culture clash or calamity.
Make no mistake, our higher powers remain constant and wait for an invitation to reenter our lives. God, Yahweh, Jehovah, etc. remain alive.
An email inquired “What wisdom, solace, or strength does your faith, your spirituality provide
in these times? As a multi-faith community, we need to reflect together so that our response can be rooted in our deepest convictions.”
Our nation shows disintegration as race, unchecked police violence, a pandemic and politics expose our worst human behaviors.
Our higher power and faith get kicked to the curb because personal desires and agendas take precedent over religious beliefs.
A discussion with Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried engaged an idea that some constituents encourage leaders to enact prayer.
“I agree (with that sentiment,”
Fried said during a Robbinsville Unity Day event in early June.
“One nation under God. Think about those words, plus, liberty and justice for all. That’s what we have to strive for. Democracy and freedom do not work if it’s not offered to everyone,” Fried said.
Social distancing may offer solutions to coronavirus but we should avoid spiritual distancing.
Come closer and let’s pray.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@ Trentonian.com.