DEAR FRIENDS:

(Transcript from above video)

I took my dog Matilda out for a walk on Sunday -- the first time in over six weeks. It was eerie...no cars, no people, no signs of life in the neighborhood -- silence. While I needed the fresh air and a chance to clear chemotherapy fog from my head, I suddenly felt very much alone and vulnerable...and it was disturbing. 

I struggled to get a grip...Isolation during a worldwide pandemic can do that to a person.

Through no choice of our own we have been forced to put our lives on hold for an indefinite period. I've even gone so far as to play Russian roulette with my health by cancelling my last treatment at the London Region Cancer Centre today...Much to the relief of a Wheels of Hope volunteer who had committed to making this one last three hour day-trip with me, before opting out of all other driving assignments for the foreseeable future.

In one way or another we all have had to make adjustments and decisions based on conscience and a sense of what is right -- right, not only for ourselves, but others too. We pretty much commit to playing the next few weeks at least by ear.

COVID-19 will pass. The world will recover. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll hold onto some valuable lessons about pride and priorities.

After all, our notion of invincibility and self-sufficiency is already shattered. Much of what we thought was invulnerable is in the throes of uncertainty, including the economy. The false gods of sports and entertainment can no longer call the faithful to worship by the thousands.

And much of what we take for granted is threatened.

Sure, the pandemic is bringing out fear, suspicion, bigotry and selfishness in some. But so many more are responding with love and concern, sharing what they have, looking out for seniors and the sick, and serving those around them, regardless of race and religion.

That includes doctors, nurses, and church workers who risk their own safety. It’s ironic, but social distancing is bringing people closer together, emotionally and spiritually.

In my view, it’s misleading theology to see COVID-19 as divine punishment. But the pandemic should make us see just how little control we actually have. And though the Bible never promises us a pass from pain and hardship, it does assure us God will be present amid it all, with strength, comfort, and serenity for all who ask for it.

For people of faith, COVID-19 is a test of what we say we believe.

Though things will likely get worse before they get better, the crisis will clear. But now is the time to be more grateful and stop taking blessings for granted; to re-order our priorities; and commit to the changes we need to make when life returns to a degree of normalcy.

Spread faith and encouragement, not fear. That’s contagious too my friends.