Love in times of crisis

When I look around (from a safe distance), I see a world facing unprecedented challenges, the worst of which is the real and present danger of the Coronavirus to our most vulnerable. It is horrible to see the numbers of people dying from this alarming disease. What is also deeply concerning is that those who are affected are the most vulnerable in our society. Among those are cancer sufferers. Facing cancer in normal circumstances is horrendous. Facing cancer during a worldwide pandemic is unspeakably awful.

My precious life-long friend who I have been privileged to have known and loved since I was in primary school, has lung cancer. It is devastating enough to see her suffering, but now, with the impact of Covid 19, a new, potentially life-saving trial was closed to new participants. It is utterly heart-breaking that this option has been closed to her.

My friend's Dad died yesterday of cancer. A popular man with children and grandchildren, his funeral will be restricted to a small number due to the guidance on group gatherings.

An older (but very sprightly) neighbour is being treated for cancer and faces regular treatment in our local hospital and lengthy queues for blood tests where it is almost impossible to be a safe distance from others equally in need.

My Dad has experienced Corona-like symptoms which exacerbated his COPD and, despite the fact that he is extremely fit and healthy for his age (he will probably disown me for this, he is in his early 70s), he is considered high risk. This means that despite an active life that belies his age, he now has to self-isolate for three months. An unpleasant prospect for a man who, having lost my Mum a few years ago, is saddened that his life choices have been curtailed and fears loneliness.

Many of my friends' parents are facing similar struggles with cancer, dementia, alzheimers and heart conditions whilst my father-in-law has Parkinson's disease among other health issues.

So, now, in these hugely difficult times, we need to bring love and light to those around us, find new ways of communicating and helping others practically, spiritually and emotionally. There is no better time to follow Jesus's word and apply our hearts and minds to navigate these troubled times. We can help those in our communities and friendship groups to be safe and know they are loved. We can pray for our world and seek to bolster our faith and share this with others. We can be thoughtful and find ways of helping our neighbours whilst respecting the guidance we have been given by the Government. We can all worship, but in different ways. Most of all, we should be guided by love.

Amanda