From the Pastor…        Should We Panic?

Panic causes tunnel vision. Calm acceptance of danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see the options. — Simon Sinek

You can’t miss all the news being generated about the corona-virus, can you?  It’s the first feature of all current broadcast and causing a wide degree of concern among people today.  Is it as bad as it sounds? This week the World Health Organization labeled it a pandemic.

We’ve known for a long time that earth’s population is susceptible to outbreaks of diseases which can reach pandemic stage.  The 1918 flu outbreak is a good example.  Such things can and will occur in the future.  So, it’s wise to take preventive measures to hold them at bay.  Are the current responses of governments around the world appropriate over overkill?  One can argue for the need to err on the side of caution.

Should we panic?  From the run on cleaning supplies to the stock dives on Wall Street, it appears that there is a degree of panic.  But a cold analysis of the facts probably doesn’t warrant such a response, and even in worst case scenarios, panic doesn’t help.  It makes things worse.  Yes, handwashing, avoiding sick people, and staying home if you are ill are quite sensible and should be done.  Let’s just keep our eyes and ears open to be aware.

Jesus’ friends were panicked when they were in a small boat in the middle of a large lake when a powerful storm threatened to kill them.  Jesus was sleeping in the back.  They woke him up and informed him of the danger!  He was more annoyed than worried… definitely not panicked.  So, he told the wind and waves to shut up and sit down… which they promptly did. – Now can’t he do that for our life-storms, too?

                 God’s best to you today,     

                                  Lee