"Horrifying" does not accurately describe the corona Virus and the deadly paths it trails in its wake. Every single facet of society and mankind trembles as this virus unleashes its merciless force upon us, splicing through the core of the minutest elements, molecules and atoms of our lives. Nothing is the same and when this is all over and done, a new society will come into existence. Right now, at this very moment, every strike of the virus reforms the way we think, the way we do things, the way we dream. To some the virus is a merciless Sword slicing through whomever and whatever crosses its path. Others perceive it as a two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Something more than a mere merciless killing is happening, there is a test, a challenge that this virus places on each individual, each nation and on the entire universe. The virus does not just create a physical health crisis. Our health on a whole is being attacked, tried, tested. As the sword swings to and fro over our heads, our physical, spiritual, mental, social and emotional health are being weighed in the balance, sized up and measured before the final blow is struck separating what appeared to be inseparably bound. Under the dread of the gleaming blade, medical professionals are pushed to their limits and sometimes beyond, international relations are tested, faiths are being tried, domestic arrangements become trial grounds. The sword forces us to choose, to decide who we really are by how we respond. And once that decision is made, its force falls brutally separating wheat from chaff.
It is in times of crisis that we understand who we truly are, whether we are wheat or tares, faithful or faithless, compassionate or harboring hate, balanced or unbalanced. Of course, many of us, whole nations even, claim to be good; morally sound, led by good faith, guided by love and compassion towards our neighbors. Yet this pandemic like many before it is shines a light so deep within us that we are forced to see that we are not merely who we claim to be, we are what we chose to do.
Two weeks ago, Barbados accused the US of seizing ventilators purchased by a philanthropist for the benefit of those on their island. Countries such as Canada, Germany, France and even some states within the US have made similar accusations claiming that the US government has unfairly diverted medical supplies and equipment. These accusations are being levied at the Great USA whose Declaration of Independence states that "All men are created equal". If the accusations are true, the US's response in these times of crisis shows that George Orwell's statement in Animal Farm that, "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others." is what the US government truly believes. By throwing good faith out the window, undermining trustworthiness, weakening international relationships, the US has shown what they hold to be sacred and true. The truth is that the strong and mighty must chose to feed themselves while smaller weaker nations fend for themselves. The truth is that some people are superior to others. The Declaration of Independence has just being rewritten with George Orwell's famous quote. Swish. Shish. The sword bears down and thoughts and world views are split, wheat is separated from chaff.
the other side of the sword, small, less powerful nations who have renounced the narrative of superiority and greed must uphold their end of the bargain. They too cannot mere claim but must act and continue to act as they face the mighty sword. Nations like Cuba, risk their little for the sake of the greater good. As the world crumbles under the weight of the virus, nearly 600 Cuban medical workers, step out and step up to boldly face the challenge on behalf of the rest of the world. Their response to the Covid 19 challenge says more about them than any creed written in any national document. Cuba's reaction is akin to David's in the Biblical story of David and Goliath. Remember that while the seasoned soldiers stood talking and planning, of how they would attack the Philistines, while they sharpened and touted their weapons and muscles, while they ate up to gain strength, David walked in, accepted the challenge, grabbed some stones and slayed a giant. I wonder what claims and motivational chants those soldiers uttered as they hyped themselves to face the challenge. I wonder how long they stood there bidding themselves to believe the words they spoke, to become puffed up in their own strengths and abilities. Perhaps you think the time doesn't matter. But it does. In times of crisis, time is the single most important factor. David's reaction reveals this. While experienced swords laid dormant, and puffed up soldiers argued and disputed, delaying attack, a simple slingshot was pulled back with great force and in that split moment, talk and action are distinguished. Yet it is not just that David or Cuba acted, it's also about what they did and when they did it. While more powerful players choose to hoard, hesitate, hem and haw the clock which dangles from the mighty sword pulls it closer to its target. Tick Tock. A timely slice into matters of the heart separates the Davids from the rest of soldiers.
At the onset of the pandemic, China and Chinese nationals came under heavy criticism and ostracism. More foul words were hurled at Chinese than one could conceive even existed. In the weeks and months to follow, there were increasing reports that Chinese nationals in China were taking racist actions against Blacks. This fueled retaliation against Chinese living in African countries. In t presence of this sword, xenophobia is illuminated. Hate for the other thrives as each nation and race desperately clamor to be chosen by the "good" tip of the sword.
This hate is not birthed from the virus nor does the color rays of the sword provide it with light for photosynthesis. The hate was always there like the common cold, waiting for the internal human environment to change and to become more conducive to its growth.
The fear of a sword bearing down upon us, causes our truth feelings to rise. The hate we buried within us can no longer stay hidden under the gravitational pull of the sword. Like cream in milk, like oil in water, it floats to the top. In the presence of the virus, Americans attack Chinese, Chinese attack Blacks, Africans attack Chinese. A Jamaican passenger cuts the neck of a taxi driver who dares to cough. Clink. Clank. The sword painfully skims the infections of the soul.
What falls to the other side of the sword in this context? Is there any true evidence of love for the other anywhere on this planet? The eyes of the sword searches far and wide and looks deep. Not too long ago on March 1, 2020 we celebrated International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Programs promoting peace and love is rampant in every country and throughout our societies. We proclaim that we love our neighbors and treat them as we want to be treated. Do we see the glistening edges of the sword as it pulls closer to each one of us as it aims to cut out the hate that still darkens our hearts. Thump. Thump. Thump. Our hearts pound hard against our breastplates leaving us naked before the sword. Beep. Beep. Beep. The machinery of the sword performs its cardiology surgery.
Reports are that incidences of childhood sexual abuse and intimate partner violence are on the rise. Being locked in with little to do, the devil has found willing hands to do his evil works. The United Nations Secretary-General said that cases have doubled in some countries. In developed and developing nations alike, the vulnerable amongst us are being mistreated.
The pressure of the sword has given us sudden amnesia. We have forgotten our vows to love, to show compassion, to nurture, to be our brother/sister's keeper. Or is it that we never truly loved and nurtured? The anger, rage, unnatural lusts grows within us. In these times of crisis, hands and feet choose to strike rather than stroke. Blood boils for debase activities rather than for nurturing. Bang. Bang. The sword swings, straightening unaligned joints and disinfecting marrows and spleens.
At the same time, agencies are regrouping and doubling their efforts to fight domestic violence and sexual abuse. The call to action is even more potent now than it has ever been. The banging, the screams of terror, they give us renewed energy in the fight against violence. As the sword does its will, we, each of us find ourselves on a scale, being weighed, not by our words but by our actions. Now is the time to decide whether we are our brother's keepers or not, whether we will stand up and protect the vulnerable of the society. The sobs from next door can no longer go unheard. The bruises on that child's body can no longer go unnoticed.
We can close our windows and doors against the virus but the sword cuts through all manmade resistances. The sword pierces all, pressures all, analyses and diagnoses all and now the sword weighs all. We can squeeze our eyes shut, cover our ears, twiddle your thumbs or we can pick up the phone, make an anonymous call to the police and help stop the violence? Swish Swash. The pendulum on the scale swings as our weight creates unbalance forcing the sword to cut along jagged paths.
Some of us have more toilet paper in our houses than we can use in ten years. Some of us refuse to hear the hunger pangs of the next door neighbor even though our pantries are full beyond capacity. Of course with a looming sword before us who can afford to take note of others. There is no time to look into the eyes of the cashier at the grocery store or be courteous to a fellow shopper. There is no time to call and check in on a loved one. Corona virus emits s sound of "Me, myself and I." Can't you hear it? It is that sound of a mighty flood. Christians and people of faith can hear it. Don't you see them huddled like the disciples who were locked behind closed doors after Jesus was crucified? Can't you see them trembling behind closed walls, a roll of toilet paper in one hand and a microwaveable dinner in the other? They there are in the corner, crouched down between the refrigerator and stove, trusting in their own abilities to rid out this storm. Their spirit and soul cloaked in fear. Meanwhile the sword sails on undeterred by the raging waters and the waves which crash, Smash, Crash into their faith.
Yet on the other side of the sword, faith thrives. Online churches have increased. Bible Studies and prayer meetings and Sunday morning services are being streamed at unprecedented rates over the world wide web. Just a week ago, I participated in a baby dedication service conducted online. People who had little time for God prior to the outbreak are drawing nearer to the God now and trusting that He can and will save us. Behind their closed walls, they hear the sound of the floods but they hear an even louder sound still. They hear God's clarion call. It is the sound of a trumpet which blasts above the sounds of raging waters. It commands the sea to quieten within us and it calls us to go deeper in Him. Instead of man made rain coats and make shift boats, it offers God as our Saviour, Shield, Guide. It forces us to our feet, to lift our head and see that He is our Light House. God's call is a call to faith. Through it, he reminds us that "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." The floods will come, in the same way that there will always be Goliaths, hatred, inequalities and violence amongst us. But He promises that as we trust in Him he will lift us to new standard, a different platform, if you will. He will separate us.
The wheat continues to grow amongst the tares. The scale still pounces up and down. The clock ticks. The machines beep. Our hearts beat. The waters roar. But do you hear the sound of the trumpet. Boom. Boom. Aidst the sway of the sword, do you hear it? This is the ultimate challenge and we can choose to respond in faith or in fear. Ultimately how we respond and what we do will tell us who we are and will say more about us that any proclamation we can ever make. Feel the weight of he sword bearing down. Look at its sharp edges. Decide.
