How are you doing today? Well and safe I hope! Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, and to all those who are currently unwell, including Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister. It’s a difficult time for us all, but there is hope – this situation will eventually come to an end. In fact we are already seeing signs of the virus slowing down in certain countries. Nevertheless, I can’t help noticing that society is in some ways changing for the better. No longer is it ‘Me first!’ Looking after each other is what matters now.

On 30th March Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, issued a statement in which he said: “COVID-19 is reminding us how vulnerable we are, how connected we are and how dependent we are on each other. In the eye of a storm like COVID, scientific and public health tools are essential, but so are humility and kindness. With solidarity, humility and assuming the best of each other, we can – and will – overcome this together.”

Around the world, those who are able to go outside are greeted by children’s brightly painted rainbows in many a window, placed there as a symbol of hope. I passed one the other day, underneath which was written:

“Smile and stay safe. Be happy. We can do this.”

It’s true, we needn’t be fearful; we can do this, but only with some divine help! Doctors in a West London hospital have recognised this, and have started meeting for prayer before each shift. Also, before entering a hospital you may expect to see a sign encouraging the use of hand sanitiser for instance, but on a handwritten poster, spotted outside the staff entrance to a hospital in Stoke-On-Trent, were the words of the Lord’s Prayer, described as “Help for NHS Workers.”

And talking of NHS (National Health Service) workers, I received a comment by text at the weekend. I don’t know who originally wrote the words; it had probably been forwarded many times. But despite my appreciation of the skill and hard work of actors, actresses, musicians and sports stars, I do find my self agreeing with some of the thoughts behind it. Here is what it said:

     “Next year I don’t wanna hear about the Brits, the Oscars, BAFTA’s or Golden Globes. I don’t want to see a single pathetic actor, actress, singer, celebrity or sports person on any red carpet!!
     Next year I want to see nurses, doctors, ambulance crews, carers, support workers, police, farmers, shop workers and lorry drivers having free red carpet parties with awards and expensive goodie bags. If this doesn’t happen, it will be the biggest injustice ever!! Thank you all of you that are working hard to keep me safe and allow me to have food on my table …”

Let’s remember how indebted we are to each other at this time of crisis. Those who serve – so often overlooked in the past – are the real heroes of our society. Perhaps from now on our values will reflect their true worth?

STAY SAFE – STAY AT HOME – STAY WELL!

Click HERE for John Patmos’s version of the song “Waymaker”, applauding those who serve us all so well.