Corona Virus Reveals the Need for Community

by | Mar 17, 2020

reel factory car meet graphic

The last few weeks have brought the Corona Virus to our neighborhoods. We are told none of us really have an immunity to this new form of the virus. It is a scary time…especially for neighbors who are immune deficient due to age, health concerns or to a certain extent social economics. 

I have watched and listened as the anxiety and fear have pushed individuals to behavior they would not normally exhibit. I have listened as newscasters remind communities they are vulnerable and should stay inside, self isolate. Neighbors have gone to the store and cleared shelves of items they believe will help them stay healthy and provide for their needs during this pandemic health crisis. 

It is all very understandable. It reminds each one of us that we are vulnerable to things we cannot see. This will pass. We will grieve losses together and for a time, our communities will never be the same. We will care for one another a little bit more. We will give each other a little more grace and forgive a little easier. 

Now imagine this cycle never ending. In many ways this is the everyday life of our shelter guests. They are vulnerable, immune deficient, health compromised and isolated. Everyday they are hoarding items they believe might make them safer or provide for a need they haven’t yet identified. They have lost more than most of us will lose in a lifetime and grief has consumed their mental health. 

Grace…unmerited favor. We all need a little grace right now. And moving forward. 

Severe Weather Shelter Network is committed to continuing to pray over and for our whole community. We bring each of you to our Lord asking for safety, provision, strength and healing. We bring our community to our Lord asking for eyes to see the needs of all, the wisdom to know how to share all resources to benefit the whole and the grace to give without judgement. 

I hope you will join us in praying for our communities, our neighbors, our guests and most importantly for those who are experiencing life like they have never experienced it before. 

Looking to the Light of the World, 

 

Lynn Ann Huizingh

Executive Director

www.swshelternetwork.com