There’s no denying it, things have shifted. And emerging from this is the invitation before us to start thinking about the kind of world we want to live in, and how we turn that into a tangible reality. I’ve used this quote from Jared Noel before, but it has never held more weight - “we created something precious, together, in the midst of very dark times. Is that not what love is all about?”. So this week, we took a break from the series instead to focus on the ways our community is loving our city, each other, and ourselves. From connecting with loved ones to Covid-19 memes, we asked what are some pockets of kindness you have witnessed this past week? What are the ways we can be generous right now? Where are you finding God in this?
1. “Ironically, I believe we should be as close-knit to our friends and family as we have ever been. Doesn’t have to be in a physical sense, but in a spiritual and emotional sense. Communicating vulnerably our fears, insecurities, anxieties, and encouraging each other that this will pass. Despite the circumstances, ‘It is well with our soul’ and God is working in this.”
2. “Being kind and generous right now looks like: Taking time to ring someone you haven't talked to in a long time; writing letters to people who you know will be feeling lonely; picking up groceries for people who are in self-isolation; buying extra to give to those who are struggling financially; finding out what organisations are creating care packages and go and help; create your own care package.
3. “Spending each morning re-calibrating my focus on God has been really helpful to resist the urge to cling to what seems so precarious in these moments. Things like money, food, job, health. etc. It's an interesting moment where we get to, because we really have to, trust beyond ourselves amidst all of our fears, and our need to be in control. And from that place maybe there's a greater ability for us to take hold of the unique opportunities before us, and live prophetically.”
4. “I think the key to kindness during this time IS generosity! Be generous with your time, call your friends, send them letters, authentically check in with people (both in your community, and those who are on the fringes). Tune into that emotional intelligence! Be generous with your skills and talents, if you have great taste in music/movies/TV shows curate some personalised playlists for people to watch at home.We all know the basic steps to surviving this pandemic, but approaching this time with a posture of generosity and kindness will allow the communities that we are in contact with to not just survive in isolation, but lean on each other to remain strong throughout what can be a really scary time!”
5. “We can come alongside (not physically) the people in our community who need us the most. At the moment, we're collecting grocery items to put together care packages for the Gratis Free Store community. It's really simple to do - you just pick up an extra can, or roll of toilet paper, and bring it to the designated drop off spots. It makes the world a better place to be - one where we're not stockpiling for ourselves, but sharing what we have.”
6. “In this time of shutting down, we can be generous with our time - reach out and spend quality time (virtually) with those around you. This could be anyone from your flatmates to family to the neighbours you’ve been meaning to get to know.”
7. “I have actually found it enjoyable and reassuring sharing hilarious memes (especially the work-from-home genre) from Instagram to deal with the impending stress and feeling of being unemployed during this time.”
8. “Having a laugh with friends at funny memes, remembering that there's actually so much good stuff going on in the world right now too. That I still have a home, and a sem-stocked fridge haha (potentially the majority of vegetables are off but hey who needs them anyway haha. that I right now do have a job and wonderful flatmates who love me and a family who is there should I need them. Getting stoked on things like the sun and reading a book or even have a bath. Just remembering those sorts of things”
9. “Stay in, reach out online.. check in on those who may need a hand.. be a people of peace when it’s tempting to panic.”
10. “To be honest, I’m self-employed and the government help announcement last week has just taken a big load off my mind in the way of mortgage and monetary stress. So the government’s generosity has helped me!”
11. “What helps me is knowing that, historically, this wonderful country has consistently demonstrated a commitment to overcoming tragedy and fear with compassion, selflessness, and an entrenched belief that we are far stronger when we lift one another up than when we act in isolation. While unruly quantities of garlic pills and health juices may well have done my immune system wonders, the greatest solace I’ve found is in the optimism and faith I have in my community. At a time teeming with uncertainty, that hope does me wonders.”
12. “Psalm 91”
13. Something that has made me feel incredibly hopeful is the impact this is having on the planet! Like how the lockdown in China has likely saved 77,000 lives just by reducing pollution, or the waters running clear in Venice. Our planet is finally getting a breather.
14. “Supporting the kids and teaching them how to respond to a situation like this is important too. I’m getting my students to write letters, poems, songs or send a video to their family expressing how grateful they are to have them. All these little things will go a long way.”
15. “Last week I had one of those God divine moment experiences. Over the last week I have lost about 4-5 jobs and with every job lost I thought about their company and what they must be facing. I had made it a priority to get to Wednesday night to pray with the intent to bring support to our amazing church through prayer, and on my way to CH riding my bike as I arrived, I saw one of the directors who has been giving me work drive by in his Ute. He looked emotionally tired and heavy. He explained how hard it was for their company, as it was like a family and looked devastated with the reality of having to lay off over half their staff. The pain was very real in his eyes and it made me sad. So I asked to pray for him. I didn’t have money to give to him but as Peter said “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk” and I so I asked to pray for him. He allowed me and I gave of my faith. I asked God to protect their company, as their company had sustained me over the years, I asked God to sustain them during this season. I asked for Godly wisdom and boldly declared this company would not go under but would prosper. I prayed for surprise money and jobs to come their way. ” It reminded me that we might not always have money to give but as Peter said in Acts 3, we have something so much more powerful and that is the Spirit of God flooding people's lives. More than ever we need to rise up our faith and be the encouragement to a world believing the worst. We need to be generous in all areas of our lives, with our money, time and prayers!”
16. “One thing helping me through is literally just praying and listening to worship music. I have also given my flatmates a list of things to look out for, for when I become anxious and things that will help (list below):
A little reassurance it will be okay and that things are temporary and we are all in this together.
Putting things in perspective. Doing a realistic assessment of the events.
Reminder of the things I can control instead of what I can’t.
Turning off the news and social media for a break.
Talking things through with family/flattie’s/friends.
Prayer
17. “I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
As we enter our first week of lockdown and a trying time, stories and connection are more important than ever. Please keep sharing your stories, moments of gratitude or encouragements on CV Chats or email Laura