What a time we are living in! Facing a worldwide pandemic from COVID-19, everyone has to adjust to a “new normal” for who knows how much longer. A sense of fear and uncertainty may set in as we face the unknown. Disappointments may arise from cancelled trips, events and meaningful gatherings. Just last week in April my husband had to officiate a wedding that will be broadcasted online for their guests.
Though this “new normal” may be hard, for the most part for those who are living with a western lifestyle this is merely an inconvenience to our lives. During this time we can really see the difference between those who have more privilege and those who have less. If being “all cooped up” with your loved ones in the same home or boredom is the only inconvenience you are facing, then you are actually quite blessed during this pandemic.
Privilege can be defined as “things we don’t have to worry about”. If you don’t have to worry about the following, you may have a lot more privilege than you think compared to people around the world!
- A home with heat or air condition to stay in
- Clean and hot running water at home
- Job security and income
- Enough money to buy food or pay the rent
- Internet data and device to connect with others
- Needing a car or a way to carry all the groceries needed
- A disability or chronic sickness that makes you more vulnerable
Instead of focusing on how hard this is for ourselves, I like to challenge you to reflect on – what can you do with your privilege during these challenging times to bless others? Maybe reaching out to those who are vulnerable? Donating a small amount of what we have to help those who are in much urgent need? Spending time in prayer for healthcare workers and essential workers?
I’ll leave you with this, a powerful prayer from Jeremy Lin posted on March 24, 2020.
Prayer from Jeremy Lin
May we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options
May we who settle in for quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home
As fear grips this world
Let us choose love
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other
Let us find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbours.
Amen
願我們這些僅只因疫情感到生活不便的人們
能記住那些生命真正受到威脅的人們
願我們這些不在高危險群體裡的人們
能記住那些生命如履薄冰的人們
願我們這些有幸可以在家工作的人們
記住那些必須在維持健康或養家糊口之間抉擇的人們
願我們這些在學校停課時還有機會可以照顧自己孩子的人們
記住那些無可奈何沒有選擇的人們
願我們這些能居家隔離的人們
記住那些沒有家的人們
當恐懼牽動著這個世界
讓我們選擇愛
在這不能真實緊緊相擁的時刻，
讓我們化為上帝慈愛的擁抱，關懷我們身邊的所有人。
阿門
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