So here we are…

By Lauren B. Davis | March 14, 2020 |

So here we are, in turbulent seas and howling winds. So here we are, in a pandemic.

What to do with our fragile selves, our fragile hearts? Where do we put our fears?

This first: look at the person next to you (animal or human) and say thank you for not fleeing. Tell your neighbor: I am here for you, and I know you are here for me.

Sure, the time is dark, and our leaders are mad fools, but look… I have a candle, as do you. I also have a bowl of soup and a loaf of bread and a song we can sing together.

I have this poem/prayer:

Pandemic
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
–Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

And so… do not despair, for when this passes, as it will, the world will be born anew and love will remain, and life will flourish.

We are together, I believe that’s true.

Share with me how you are helping your brothers and sisters through this time. I’m listening.

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4 Comments

  1. Louanne Wilson on March 14, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    Simple, heartfelt, and beautiful. Thank you, LW

    Reply
    • Lauren B. Davis on March 14, 2020 at 5:01 pm

      Thank YOU, Louanne.

      Reply
  2. Christa on March 15, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    Hi, Lauren. Lovely words. We are in Belize, and our only worry is getting out of Houston for the flight home. Memories of azure seas, tropical paradise will sustain me.

    Reply
    • Lauren B. Davis on March 15, 2020 at 10:20 pm

      Oh, Christa, so good to hear from you. Be safe and healthy.

      Reply

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