Monday, April 6, 2020

In troubled times, kindness rises, and love conquers fear

It’s not all bad.  Not by far.
More than ever now, from safe distance, I see people genuinely inquiring of me; “How are you doing?  Are you okay?”  I really want to say, “Hey, those are the questions I’m normally asking...” but I quickly realise this is how people are saying, “I love and care for you.”  It takes humility to stand there, look them in the face, consider the question, and answer it and them honestly.
More than ever, now.
Practical needs, too.  I don’t know a single toilet paper hoarding person, but I know so many who have offered me and others I know toilet paper and other such necessities.
I know people who ordinarily would have no interest in being kind — not to say they’re unkind, they are just the types who get on with life — who have ramped up the kindness stakes.
In terms of kindness of deeds done, everyone is thinking creatively, as if to outdo others for all the right reasons, in deference to the need to be supportive at such a tough time for so many.
People are doing things for free that they would have charged money for, because they genuinely see that we’re all in this together.  Suddenly the marketplace is being turned on its head, because people are trading in love.
The leaders who are prospering at this time are succeeding because their tough decisions are thoroughly and courageously kind.  Love is what is underpinning all that they do.
The recent events of Covid-19 have broken our selfish resolve, and where selfishness remains it’s there for all to see.  The selfish are exposed.
But those who are kind are also exposed.  People are noticing and responding, because there is so much need of it.
Whatever we do, of all times, we can rest assured that our kindness means more now than ever.
What are the kindnesses you’re noticing?  Are they acts of humour to help settle the anxiety?  Are they practical needs met without the seeking of a reward?  Are they deeds done without request?  Are they financial kindnesses?  Are they the gift of presence?  Are they some other kindness?
Love will conquer the fear, always has, always will, and as kindness rises, so in that does love, for what is kindness other than love?


Photo by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash

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