Spread Hope and Love, not Virus

Written by: Princess Alwin See
UTROS in Philippines

Entering 2020, everyone is hopeful for a year of prosperity, success, and breakthroughs. Though we all know that life is full of challenges, we got overwhelmed with the global happenings that occurred by the end of 2019 to the beginning of 2020; Amazon wildfires, Australia wildfires, coronavirus, and Taal Volcano eruption dominated news headlines worldwide. It felt like the longest January ever. Just as we thought we could take a break from all the top issues the following months, we have faced a challenge which we never thought would get out of hand, the COVID-19.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.” People are advised to always take the basic preventive measures as per WHO. “The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow.)”

A virus that has affected the entire world started to change our regular lifestyle. People began to panic and feel scared of the fast-spreading virus which caused an enormous number of fatalities. Certain measures such as lock down and community quarantine were implemented by the government of each country to control the situation. We were advised to stay at home and limit our activities outside. Front liners such as healthcare workers, government personnel, bank employees, delivery workers, food establishment staff, and more are working to make sure that goods and services are provided to the public. Intending to flatten the curve, stop and kill the virus, we obey and follow the rules.

With all these circumstances happening around the world, it is normal to feel anxious. However, we strive, we fight, and we support! Everyone tries to give in their best effort and capacity. Through different fundraising and donation drives, we gather together to offer the needs of our fellow citizens such as necessities, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and other services. Moreover, people extend moral support and most importantly, prayers – for provision, strength, safety, protection, and wisdom to overcome the challenge. We exchange love and compassion.

As citizens, we should be vigilant and aware of the current issues in the country and the world. We act in response to what is right and for the benefit of the masses. We must not only think of oneself but also others. Additionally, let us use the various mediums we can use to reach people in different parts of the world. Let’s share credible news and motivational posts. Connect with family and friends. Gratefully, everyone comes together to bring hope in their own unique ways. People from different fields create pieces in line with the crisis to lift up the mood, from music to art to science and math and all other fields. At this moment, we are not alone, we are all in this together. It is difficult but we move forward and believe that we will be victorious! After all this, it will never be the same as before anymore. There will be a lot of changes, and those changes are for the better.

Amidst the huge problems, we have learned to recognize a lot of things that we do not usually notice before. We have taken things for granted as we are busy with our daily lives. We have become more appreciative of the value of time, food, resources, nature, art, leaders, workers, privileges, and the act of caring and sharing. We were able to see our real treasures – our loved ones, and mostly, our God-given LIFE. Our lives are all special. It is a precious gift from above and we should live every moment with love and thankfulness.

The world is not perfect. We are not perfect, but we could be better. We make mistakes, we turn things right. We do well, we succeed. We fail, and we rise again. This is a continuous cycle. That’s what life is all about. It is an ongoing progress. We continue and live with hope in our hearts.

How are you doing? Let us keep safe and healthy, reaching one another through prayers. May this crisis pass and let the light shine through to see the brighter future ahead!