15 May COVID – 19: The Most Defining Period of the 21st Century
At the close of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) China Office was informed of a surge of pneumonia cases stemming from an unknown cause, detected in Wuhan, China. Staying in close contact with national authorities, WHO began monitoring the situation and requested further information on the laboratory tests performed and the different diagnoses considered.
On January 30, 2020, WHO Director-General declared the 2019 coronavirus outbreak an International Public Health Emergency. By mid-February, WHO issued guidance on mass gatherings, and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. With minimal or misleading information in some instances, and not knowing what the disease looked like, medical professionals scurried to the front lines of a blazing fire with all fire extinguishers on full blast.
As state and local authorities issued the shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of the disease, our new reality was born. Millions of people across the world were suddenly left to grapple with layoffs, terminations (to no fault of their own), loss of loved ones, colleagues, and friends.
Form the Greatest generation (those born starting in 1910) to Generation Z (births ending in 2012), we have never seen a pandemic sparked by a coronavirus, and few have lived through a pandemic. As we assess the magnitude of this virus and the threat it has imposed on our lives, we have come to learn that a pandemic cannot be controlled — at least not by man. COVID-19 has left everyone confused and void of the capacity to accurately determine its beginning and its end.
Although the virus has brought us face to face with fear, death, stress, loneliness, and grief, it has also forced us to “reset”. Reset simply means to go back to the purpose for which we were created. In the process of going back, it allows us to deal with unresolved issues, first within ourselves, and then with others. As we address unresolved painful matters from the past — forgive. Then, let us file them away in the sea of our memory so that this fresh start is free from the dark shadows of past events.
With an inherent desire to strive and achieve success, COVID-19 has served as an unprecedented evolution as it relates to our Creator and our purpose. As strange as it may seem, social distancing, which is merely physical distancing, has brought many families and friends emotionally closer. Some are seizing the chance to repair broken relationships and mend offenses, while others appreciate this time to develop new relationships and maintain healthy relationships. As we continue to stay at home, we learn to appreciate our loved ones and not take precious moments of quality time for granted. If we spiritualize this concept, the virus has afforded us an opportunity for a new beginning.
We are no longer busy and concerned with the external world. We have become withdrawn and introspective, very aware of our bodies and our mind. We have come to the sobering reality that our wealth, status, and education have all been rendered powerless in the face of this COVID-19 pandemic. The very entity that once defined us has been removed from us, forcing mankind to seek the Lord and not earthly treasures. Our Father has implemented a divine healing plan, causing us to become more concerned about our physical and mental health, and most importantly, our spiritual health.
The veil of the flesh must be destroyed for us to achieve spiritual clarity. Once we dismiss carnal pursuits and perspectives to see what the Lord is showing us, and to hear what he is saying to us, then, we will experience a greater sense of purpose.
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