‘I’m Not Going to Live In Fear’ of COVID-19

“I’m not going to live in fear.”

I’ve seen a number of people say this in response to COVID-19 on social media.

If they mean, trust that God will bring us through this crisis, I completely, totally agree. He will. We don’t have to panic. We don’t have to horde toilet paper. Those of us who follow Christ do not have to fear death.

But, that’s not what they mean. The attitude is to “live your life” as if you don’t have to make any temporary behavior modifications in light of what is happening.

Look, COVID-19 isn’t the apocalypse. It isn’t a hoax either. It’s not a ploy to give the government an opportunity to infringe on your liberty (yes I’ve seen that claim as well).

It is a public health crisis. Also, it’s not about you. It’s about the elderly and those who have underlying health conditions. They are the ones who are at risk of serious complications and hospitalization.

And those who want to just “live their lives” could end up spreading the virus before experiencing any symptoms and even when they do they could be mild so they don’t think much of it.

Don’t be selfish. Follow public health recommendations the best you can. Love your neighbor. A friend of mine, Gabe Haugland, wrote a list last night of things we can while we deal with the impact of COVID-19.

I want to adapt his list.

1. Pray. Pray for wisdom for our elected officials and for medical personnel. Pray for those you know who are sick.
2. Stay connected with your grandparents and the elderly you know via FaceTime, Skype, or phone.
3. Check on the elderly and informed in your neighborhood. Perhaps put the NextDoor app to good use.
4. Don’t horde. You can always go back to the store.
5. Offer to help with childcare for first responders, health care professionals, and those who still have to go into work.
6. Encourage your grocery store to allow only the elderly/disabled to shop the first hour of the day after everything has been sanitized. (Better yet, help your elderly and disabled neighbors and shop for them).
7. Buy a gift certificate from your favorite local restaurant or store and use it later.
8. Buy take-out and tip generously.
9. If you are an employer who can offer a tele-work option for your employees, do it.
10. Business owners should take action to help mitigate COVID-19’s spread. Government shouldn’t have to mandate you to do it. Be responsible.
11. If you can financially help young families pay for childcare, be a blessing (or #5 offer to watch kids yourself).
12. If you are sick stay home. You should stay home as much as possible regardless, but definitely if you are sick.
13. Exercise social distancing, cover your cough, and wash your hands!
14. Treat everyone with kindness (we should do this all of the time).
15. Stop complaining, this is only temporary.
16. And remember, this is not about you.