The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken every aspect of society. Concerns about mental health and substance use are at an all-time high. People stress and worry about contracting the virus, job losses, how long this pandemic will last, as well as the devastating loss of loved ones due to the universal crisis. Amid the fear, worry, and uncertainty, each day seems to bring more challenges than the day before.
We are all suffering. And though my story is not nearly as bad as some of yours, I experienced, quite possibly, the worst 2 months ever. Due to travel restrictions, we haven’t been able to visit our families in 2 years and the prospect of traveling at all this year looks bleak. That has been tough. Then I lost my Godmother - a big setback. She was much more than my aunt, a great friend, or my beloved Godmother. She has been an integral part of my life and her passing left a huge hole in an already tender heart. I had to say goodbye virtually, attend her memorial service virtually and comfort my mourning family, virtually. The day before her funeral my mom fell down some stairs, broke her elbow and suffered a concussion.
Three weeks later both my elderly parents tested positive for Covid and got debilitated quickly. Being on a different continent, incapable of assisting in any (worthy) manner, and feeling so out of control and hopeless, were some of the most challenging feelings I have ever had to face.
If that wasn’t enough, my son suddenly developed a recurring 102˚ fever, which ended in a trip to Urgent Care where we spent 6 long hours with very sick children. And then, to top it off, the poor sleep and excessive stress left me with a severe chest cold. I felt defeated. Physically and emotionally.
But during all these trials and tribulations I experienced goodness, mercy, kindness, and sacrificial love like I’ve never encountered before. I saw something that ignites a fire within: I saw people serving, empathizing, carrying our burdens with us, coming alongside us, and making the load lighter.
Friends brought food, we had prayer groups and individuals praying daily for people they have never met, living 8 000 miles away. Flowers were delivered, constant encouraging texts, meal trains, random calls, cards in the mail… Back in South Africa, neighbors dropped groceries at my parents' gate. My best friend and her family made the long drive to the farm, risking their health to check in on my parents and provide medicine.
I experienced tangible, visible acts of kindness. The goodness of humanity. Vulnerability. Eyes filled with tears as they comforted, words unspoken, a touch worth a thousand hugs. I saw people on their knees interceding. Encouraging messages, check-in texts, Scripture, holding our hands high when we were too weak to do it ourselves. What I saw these past weeks was unity, care beyond mere words, people not asking how they can help or what they can do, but actually doing and helping and praying. I think I saw love in action. The hands and feet of Jesus. I think I saw the heart of God.
To all these generous, compassionate good-hearted people, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. You have taught me that love is tangible, that the world is filled with good. That bearing each other’s burdens does make it lighter.
May we have eyes that see hurt and need. May we gain a deep awareness of the suffering of others. And may we never underestimate our ability to make a difference.