A virus outbreak that shook the world: Coronavirus Disease, or COVID-19 . Many people are panicking, others are simply isolating themselves from the outside world, social gatherings are canceled, postponed and in some countries downright banned. The rapid spread of the disease made us realise that no matter how well prepared we think we are, there is always something greater than us. The death toll is snowballing.

The streets and malls are empty, the cities have become ghost towns. Schools have shifted to online lessons. Religious organisations have suspended prayer services. Flights are grounded. The economy is down. Countries are on lockdown.

Humans fear that the Grim Reaper is just outside , knocking on their doors. They are practicing “social distancing” and health is becoming everyone’s number one priority. Of course, it should have always been important, but many of us often neglected it due to time constraints and wrong priorities. Many people are out of work, and for others work is taking up the majority of their time, draining their souls and leaving them feeling like zombies by the time they get home.

Time is our greatest asset. How well we manage it will determine our future. We often fail to realise that work has calloused our minds. Around the clock, we are thinking of all the unfinished business we have, thus depriving us from spending quality time with our love ones or even getting a good sleep. The time spent with our spouses and kids is compromised.
A simple “How was your day?” feels like a chore as we are too tired to communicate.

Is work really that important in our lives? Or is it just for the reward it brings – money?

Many families have been feeling more united since the lockdown. Perhaps God has given us a chance to reflect on our priorities. Kids have time to get to know their parents more. Husbands are reconnecting with their wives. At times, married life can be hectic and couples tend to forget the way they bonded when they were dating. This is the moment to rekindle the good times we have had with our families.

Videos have been circulating on Facebook showing how neighbours connect with each other from across balconies. Some neighborhoods even enjoy ‘live performances’, since musicians take this opportunity to showcase their talents to family and friends. Music is an excellent medicine in this depressing situation. It’s funny how during peacetime we might not even know who our neighbours are but now being in the same boat makes us feel like we are family.

We need to FIND PEACE WITHIN THE CHAOS.

On one hand, families are reuniting, but the other side of the coin shows a different story. Healthcare professionals are on their feet all day, overworked and sleep deprived. Each day they wake up to the hope that all this will come to an end soon. Memories of their families flood their minds, their hearts longing to hold their loved ones. Many can only keep in touch with their families and support them emotionally through video calls

They work long hours, wearing full protective gear, not only to protect themselves but anyone who comes in contact with them. It would be a hassle to many, but to them, it is a basic necessity. The pain they endure wearing their tight masks, the sweat dripping down their faces from wearing their protective equipment are all sacrifices they make to help their communities.

How often do we place others before ourselves? How willing are we to stand face to face with the demon that is ready to destroy us, with the faint hope that we are able to defeat it? When things go south, we tend to focus on ourselves rather than others. As seen in the videos of people brawling over toilet paper, most of us can agree that we tend to prioritise our own needs before those of others.

The world needs healers right now. Any form of healing helps. Heal the hungry, heal the needy, heal the wounded. What we can learn from the frontliners right now is to put others before us.

They are doing all they can to keep themselves going. Teamwork is the most important thing during this crisis. United we stand, divided we fall. They are confined to the hospitals and unable to even go out for a breath of fresh air.  Fatigue is their enemy . But with incredible support from peers and the public, they are able to keep going. Healthcare workers bring us the light and positivity we all need to pass through this storm.

Let us take some time to pray and support all the healthcare workers who are putting their lives on the line for us.