Fear or Love
Schools are closing. People are self isolating. Finances are looking shaky and uncertain. The streets are empty. Among the emptiness and calm in the streets, that self-isolation has created, the feelings of fear and uncertainty are palpable.
Should we be fearful? If so what should we be fearful of? Is it panic buying? Being fearful of the fearful people? Fearful of contracting Covid-19 because we are the ‘vulnerable’ ones? Or fearful of passing this virus onto our ’vulnerable’ loved ones? Should we fear not being able to find childcare when schools close? Or fearful of explaining this whole thing to our children? Are we fearful because we may face being isolated from all we know and love for 14 days?
Of-course, some of these fears are rational and some may be seen as irrational. But in all of it, fear is a very real and powerful emotion and we must recognise that first and foremost. If our young people do not see us processing what is going on in the world around us in a healthy way then that will increase their fear and anxiety. So what can we do when we don’t have all the answers (if any)?
There is something that is stronger than fear and that’s human kindness and LOVE. I read a quote somewhere that said there are two things that motivate us. We are either motivated by fear, or we are motivated by love. I have pondered this quote a lot in this past week and whether we agree with the statement or not, there is certainly something in it!
What is motivating you right now? If it is fear, are you talking about it? Are you finding sources of information that ease your fear instead of feeding it? Are you able to process your fear and put it in it’s rightful place? Do you have people around you that can help you do that?
If it is love. How are you showing that love? Is it through kindness? Helpful communication? Listening and comforting those who are fearful? Pointing people in the right direction for accurate information? Reaching out to people in your community to see if anyone who is self-isolating needs practical support? I heard somewhere that “when there is a crisis always look for the helpers, there are always those that are willing to help”. When we look for kindness and love we will always find it.
The next generation are watching us closely, as a mother of four I’m all to aware of that fact, how we respond to a crisis will affect them greatly - in light of that - can I encourage all of us parents to reflect on our fears and how we deal with them and think about how we respond to the needs around us in love and kindness.
To anyone who reads this who is fearful for any reason - please reach out for support. You will find it from your GP, Salvation Army, MIND and other wellbeing mental health charities. you will also find support in many local church (and other spiritual / religious) communities.