The And in the Times of COVID-19

As the cancellations and reschedules (God willing) begin to pour in for me, I figure I can’t be the only one needing some reminders…

As our lives begin to feel like they are being turned upside down or halting or disconnecting in person or like everything is canceled (temporarily, let’s remember this part)…

As the financial ramifications begin to surface and the defeat and fear that comes with that…

As those of us who are in the at-risk or vulnerable populations feel even more alone, isolated, and scared…

As those of us who don’t get the uproar and want to go on living as is…

May we remember and make room for both:
the fear and the hope,
the knowing and trusting,
the afraid and brave,
the frustrating and grace.

May we have grace for how we are all reacting.
May we take a breath and instead choose to respond.

May we give the most generous assumption that companies, schools, bosses, and families, and yes, even governments, alike are all doing their best.
May we take a breath and remember we are all making decisions based on the information we have right now and that most people, damn near all actually, aren’t being assholes just to be assholes.

May we remember we are in this together.
May we take a breath and turn toward and not away (virtually if you are feeling under the weather, of course).

May we get through this weird and wild time together.
May we take a breath and know it will somehow be okay, actually better than okay because I know God will work it for good.

There is room for both.
There must be room for both.
Lean in, get uncomfortable, and feel it all.
Speak the unspoken and cope in a healthy way.

And hey, while you’re potentially quarantined or maybe you just have nowhere to go now, I know two really great TEDx talks about these topics. Help a courage warrior out and give her a few views on YouTube.?

Or maybe you just need to scream sing and sock dance your out of the defeat for a bit – the song below will help with any and all of the above. <3
#permissionofTheAnd #daretoleadwithJustine