Is Peace Possible During a Pandemic?
Shannon White, M.A., LCMHC, RPT
We are all feeling it. The polarization, divisiveness and conflict within, not only our culture, but also in our workplace, friendships and families.
Many of us are experiencing complex feelings due to the current cultural events, including the COVID19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and, most recently, the schools in our area announcing the decision to remain virtual indefinitely. These emotionally charged issues have caused tension within relationships that often leave many of us feeling weary and lonely. I am constantly struck by the degree to which the current divisiveness of our society leads us to feel as if we need to choose an “either/or" approach to many of these issues. Life rarely affords us the ability to have straightforward black and white answers to complicated issues that are compounded, due to the significant ways they affect the lives of so many. This is a time when we need to challenge ourselves to be comfortable with the discomfort of the grey areas that become apparent in these uncertain and stress filled times. The fact that there is seemingly not a clear right or wrong response to many of our biggest questions right now is troubling, and leaves us anxious for an outcome. In addition, for many of us, there has usually been a clear dichotomy between fear or faith. Lately, we find ourselves in a time when we are waking up daily, unsure of how to navigate both present and opposing feelings at the same time. I have found myself like the father who pleaded for his child to be healed, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!”
In addition, due to the national outrage about systemic racism we are living in a time where we can no longer just claim to be anti-racist, but are called to act and speak out against this injustice. So how do we do these things without causing more division? I believe it is found in the seventh beatitude when Jesus tells us "blessed are the peacemakers." In other words, blessed are those who sit with someone with an opposing view, trying to understand, validate and not argue with their beliefs. Blessed are those who sit with their friends of color and ask the relational questions that may open their eyes to injustice that they themselves have never had to experience. Blessed are those that don't escalate tension or conflict when someone disagrees with them, but are willing to work to find a space where both opinions can be honored, heard and quite possibly open our own eyes to something we haven't considered before.
And when those lonely, hopeless times come, and you feel weighed down by the darkness of this world on your shoulders, I encourage you to remember the promise of our faithful God who said "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." Many understand the promise of God stating he will never abandon us, but few focus on the meaning of Him not forsaking His people. This means that He will not leave us in the same position we are in today. He will bring us out of this global pandemic, systemic racism, educational concerns, and whatever else lies ahead. No matter what comes, we as Christians know the end of the story. We will join God in Heaven as fully redeemed people, free of conflict and pain.
