It was our last “normal” day together. Sunday (after online church, hmm), we ate at a favorite local restaurant (remember those?), and watched a movie at a local theater (remember those?). It was The Invisible Man, an excellent film about an invisible enemy. Speaking about invisible enemies…
The empty shelves at the supermarket were a bit jarring. But it wasn’t until we heard online that all of the restaurants in our state were now closed that we realized it had been our last normal day.
The invisible enemy has attacked, and the only defense we have is isolation, becoming virtual shut-ins so the growing coronavirus curve can be “flattened.” A vaccine will not be available until next year. Unless we stop the spread now, this virulent virus will kill, even at a “mere” 1% death rate, millions of people. (The Spanish flu killed up to 200 million people in a world with less than 1/3rd our current population.)
There’s no question it will be harder than simply not finding everything on our grocery lists–much harder. People will suffer. Companies will fold. Jobs will be lost. Bills will go unpaid. The economy will lose trillions. And yet…
Humans are the best—and the worst—species on earth. We’re the only ones capable of destroying it, and the only ones capable of saving it. Whales and cockroaches might survive an asteroid, but only humans are working on out how to divert one away from our planet.
St. Patrick, in whose honor parades are held on this date (although cancelled this year) was a purveyor of hope. We too can be purveyors of hope. If we chose to be.
How?
Ironically, the virtual community (smart devices, the internet), much maligned as a source of fake news and shallow friendships, is, for now, the only community we have.
How can we use it to be purveyors of hope? By breaking into each other’s isolation. In a world of virtual shut-ins, people will need to be remembered, sought out, listened to, encouraged, and helped when needed.
Let’s gather around the virtual fire and tell stories of survival, of overcoming. Information is important, yes, but it’s not enough. Let’s be helpers, healers. Let’s tell our stories of hope. Why? Because hope is more virulent than fear, and it can spread faster than any virus.
If we pass it on.
Mitch Teemley 
Mitch, how can I share this on Facebook?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Under “Share this:” at the end of the post, there’s a “Facebook” button. You can use it to share the post, along with a note of your own, if you wish. Or, if you prefer, copy the URL (web address), and then paste it as a part of your own post on Facebook. Blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Women Who Think Too Much by Jeanne Marie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Blessings, Jeanne Marie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ditto Mitch…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said sir – finding the right word is difficult at the moment and I like yours.
On-line church is a bit weird, but on the other hand I could get use to sitting on the couch drinking tea during the pastor’s sermon …
LikeLiked by 3 people
;>)
LikeLike
Thank you! Beautiful reminder to be a hopeful helper! ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Hope is More Virulent than Fear — Mitch Teemley – Carla Loves To Read
Reblogged this on Carla Loves to Read. Great words, Mitch.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Carla. And bless your ongoing efforts to spread hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES! Thank you, Mitch. I need to share this with my small on-line universe of friends and hope that they share it, too.
Then here is a thought to add to the mix: what if this crisis becomes the time when we all relearned how to sit still, calm ourselves, read, reflect, listen to music, and step away from chatter and busyness? What if this leads to a new era of soul-tending? Hmmmm…
LikeLiked by 3 people
That would be a silver lining indeed, Russ.
LikeLike
Pingback: Hope is More Virulent than Fear — Mitch Teemley | themomfred
Thanks Mitch. Yesterday was the first time I went grocery shopping. Very surreal. We closed down our family business yesterday-small cozy Japanese homestyle cooking Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop. So sad. WE are in good health. We are elderly but healthy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sad indeed, Genie. But glad to hear you’re healthy. Stay that way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you have it right!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The world is shutting down for a while… blessings to you and yours, Mitch.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You too, Erika.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this Mitch! It’s more important now than ever that we “use our powers for good.” We have a unique opportunity to speak hope and love into others’ lives. Stay safe, my friend. Blessings to you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Terri. And, yes, we do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ ❤ A wonderful read and reminder -thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
*sharing*
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’ve always been a purveyor of hope, Mitch, and we thank you!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Likewise, Nancy. Keep it up!
LikeLike
Well said, Mitch!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Anne Marie.
LikeLike
I’m starting to see more hope than fear on Facebook today .
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Mitch, this is beautifully said.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, M.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen brother. Stay well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You too, E!
LikeLike
A great message, Mitch. Well said! 🙌💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lesley!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We, above all others, must be purveyors of hope in times like these. Thanks, Mitch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent, Mitch. I have to admit that the selfish side of me is happy to have more company joining me in the virtual world I’ve been living in for the last twenty years. I am glad you are a part of my virtual world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re good company, Bill.
LikeLike
I like the idea of virally spreading hope. Good advice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, it’s time to spread hope instead of fear. Mental and emotional health matters too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope is also contagious & powerful, and hopefully goodness will win out over all of the selfishness we’re sadly seeing lately.
This is such an incredible post, SO very well said. I think this should make front page news so everyone can read it. Very nicely done ♥
Caz x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks, Caz. Stay well–and hopeful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said 👏👏👏👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Hope is so important!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so very true. Hope has always been a motivation to carry on and for good reason. Really liked how you brought that point up. We’re a small team of bloggers too, trying to provide a community to those who feel they are insecure, alone and depressed by sharing our own stories and how we are coping up with things.
Once again, great article 🤟👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jay. Stay safe!
LikeLike
And hopeful!
LikeLike
I loved your content,its amazing. How you put forth it so easy to understand. Beautifully written on overcoming fear .
Keep writing and inspiring us.
By the way i write too.
Check me out.
https://unfcukwithable.wordpress.com/2020/06/05/how-to-overcome-fear-of-failure/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I will.
LikeLike
Welcome😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: In Praise of the Almost-Ordinary | Mitch Teemley