How to Support Our Communities During COVID-19
During this time of social distancing and quarantining, many businesses are closing their doors to the public out of safety concerns. While a portion of corporate America can work from home, many industries like retail, city services and health care must keep their doors open and continue operations. For those of us who are blessed enough to work from home, it is crucial that we come alongside those who must go to work despite COVID-19 and help our communities stay financially and emotionally stable during these trying times.
One working population that is very often overlooked right now is our public servants, such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, trash collectors, mail carriers, and city employees. Consider supporting them by sending or leaving them encouraging cards and letters thanking them for all of their hard work. This small gesture can remind our public servants that their efforts during these difficult times are still appreciated.
Additionally, doctors and nurses are more ragged than ever, as the already overrun hospitals are crammed with patients needing to be tested and treated for COVID-19. These brave men and women are continuing to work, knowing that they can be exposed to a new and viral illness. As a result, they’re working long days and nights, often without the proper PPE equipment. In addition to sending cards, we can support our medical professionals by leaving care packages at hospitals, sending a nurse or doctor you know a thoughtful text message of encouragement and, if you’re not at high risk for COVID-19, offering to babysit for them while they continue to work.
Tip everyone delivering food or groceries to you generously. These men and women are working harder than ever while much of the world can stay at home and they cannot. Especially considering that many restaurant services are offering take out services and hefty discounts to encourage business, make sure that you support your local restaurants often and tip more than the standard if you decide to order in at this time.
Furthermore, consider sending crafts, encouraging notes and any supplies needed by nearby nursing homes, where many of the patients are currently not allowed to see visitors or family. It is crucial to keep our most vulnerable populations emotionally and physically healthy. It will require more creativity, but we can and must seek to stay connected as communities during this time.
Finally, I implore us all to continue covering the world in prayer during this time. Seek to stay connected with your churches virtually as much as possible, and ask your neighbors if you can help them in any way. Find the good encouraging stories in our news cycle, and stay grounded in hope for recovery! God has got this! One thing this pandemic has shown us is that we are not in control. God is in control. And He may be using this in a way to return us back to focusing on our personal relationship with Him.
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