Reflecting on the coronavirus crisis

It’s an unprecedented crisis
that our president has likened to a war.
There is a price tag in terms of human lives and the economy.
The bottom line is tallied on a daily basis.

My city’s a ghost town.
And it’s likely yours is, too.
And what is worse, the ghost is still at large.

It’s larger than life but equal to death.
Although invisible, this ghost casts an enormous shadow.
It drenches our hopes and dreams in darkness
while our doubts and fears are allowed to flourish in the mist of mourning.

Parents don’t dare tell ghost stories to their kids.
But they’d do well to talk about their COVID-19 concerns with each other
(just not in the same room).

Is there a ghostbuster in the house?
Absolutely, there is.
It’s called heeding what the authorities advise us.
It’s called social distancing.
It’s called diligent hand washing.
It’s called working from home.
It’s called worshiping remotely.
It’s called checking in oftern with those we care about.
It’s called calling out to the Creator for divine intervention.
It’s called listening to our hearts amid the unfamiliar sounds of silence.
It’s called embracing faith and renouncing despair.

Lord, have mercy!

What to do and what not to do

Wash your hands 12 times a day.
Stay at least 6 feet away.
Stay at home if you feel sick.
Sneeze into your arm.

Stay away from nursing homes.
Disinfect your mobile phones.
Work remotely if you can.
FaceTime those you love.

You can manage, yes you can.
Plan your day then work your plan.
Play it safe and safely work.
Start each day with prayer!

Where following our fears find us

The markets fall.
The edicts stand.
A virus we don’t understand
has fostered fear
and jarred our nerves.
It’s brought us to our knees.

We’ve stocked our pantries,
cleaned stores out.
Our panicked buying
leaves no doubt.
Coronavirus has us spooked.
Just how long will it last?

Forget the masks,
but wash those hands.
Prepare to cancel
what’s been planned.
Let’s pack our patience,
feed our faith
and learn to elbow bump.

Interceding on behalf of a world in peril

Corona is a city.
It’s a beer.
But what is more…
It’s a virus that might prove a global plight.
What was birthed in Wuhan China
has now led to countless deaths
while a growing fear projects a common fight.

God in Heaven,
earthlings need you.
This pandemic gives us pause
as we ponder just how vulnerable we are.
Help us care for those in crisis.
Sensitize us to their needs.
Prompt us, Lord, to pray for victims near and far.

Why Chapter 11 could be the final chapter in an iconic organization

I don’t recall a Chapter 11
in the Boy Scout Handbook.
Do you?
Was there one?
If there was,
it certainly wasn’t the one
making headlines today.

Lord, have mercy!

The fact that there is any mention
of Chapter 11
with reference to the Boy Scouts
is because of one despicable reason.
Over the decades
troop leaders failed to practice
the twelve principles of the Scout Law
to which they held
their merit badge seekers accountable:
to be trustworthy,
loyal,
helpful,
friendly,
courteous,
kind,
obedient,
cheerful,
thrifty,
brave,
clean,
and reverent.

Just think about it.
If these depraved adults had embraced
the twelve basic ideals,
(instead of those innocent, vulnerable
and trusting boys)
there would not be
the disgrace or calamity
associated with Chapter 11.

There would not be a violation
of the vows promised in the Scout Oath:
to do my best,
to do my duty,
to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
to help other people at all times,
to keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake
and morally straight.

Lord, have mercy!