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FD 100 COVID-19 PAPER

Savannah Barrett

Truett McConnell University

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One can hardly believe how suddenly crisis seems to have settled upon the entire nation –

and indeed, the entire world. The COVID-19 virus pandemic is an example of something that

many people may have brushed off as ‘someone else’s problem’, plaguing those in faraway

China or Italy. However, the situation in which America now finds itself has served as a sort of

wake-up call. Everyone is now realizing how much they are personally affected, whether

directly or indirectly. Hopefully, the COVID-19 will serve as a reminder going forward to

remain aware and considerate of the issues people face every day, all around the world.

That being said, many people in America are not looking quite that far ahead yet. One is

looking just far enough ahead to the next step, the next breath, the next right thing to do. With

isolation being in effect for those who are well, the population is, ironically, uniting in the

commonality of being separated. Each person is finding ways to connect to his or her loved

ones, even if they cannot be together physically. This oxymoron is something of a rarity in this

age of chronic busyness, and that oxymoron is beautiful to see. Yet, even as so many are

drawing near to one another while they must remain apart, there are those that are alone in quite

a different sense. Many people staying in hospitals or nursing homes must be especially cautious

in who they see. For these patients, human touch might be even more scarce, much less even

being able to see loved ones. It is in these instances that the role of healthcare professionals is

especially critical.

Were I currently working in a hospital during this time, I would endeavor to go out of my

way to encourage patients. I would go from room to room, posting uplifting notes and asking for

prayer requests. I might bring healthier people flowers, if I could find some from a trustworthy
source. I would try to get my coworkers to collaborate with me on this scheme, splitting up tasks

between us so each of us could minister more effectively. Whatever I would do, I would purpose

to do it in order to better represent Christ to these people. I would want to show Jesus to these

people, because I know how much He reached out to the contagious and “unclean” in the name

of love.