While millions of us around the global are asked to “shelter in place,” “self-quarantine,” and “social distance” ourselves, thousands of healthcare workers arrived at work a month or so ago for their routine shift, and found themselves deep behind enemy lines, in a nasty battle against an unseen foe, woefully unprepared.
Photography: Adli Wahid
The Brave and Courageous Citizen-Soldiers
By David Hammond
Honestly, no one really cares what movie you watched last night with your dog or what take-out food you were forced to order because your favorite restaurant was closed due to the CORONAVIRUS.
While millions of us around the global are asked to “shelter in place,” “self-quarantine,” and “social distance” ourselves, thousands of healthcare workers arrived at work a month or so ago for their routine shift, and found themselves deep behind enemy lines, in a nasty battle against an unseen foe, woefully unprepared.
Doctors, nurses, office administrators, janitors, receptionists, nurse practitioners, orderlies, EMT’s, security guards, x-ray technicians, cafeteria workers, and a host of other critical and not-so-critical employees were thrust into battle on the frontline…none of which…could have imagined that that day, their very best would be called into action, and that this very day, their own lives would be at risk.
For nearly all of these now frontline combatants, their oath to serve didn’t come with a “OORAH” battle cry. They didn’t climb over obstacles covered in mud while being yelled at or shot at. They didn’t tread water for hours on end in the bitter cold and dark of night waiting, hoping this exercise would soon be over.
No. At the end of their shift, pre-COVID-19, they simply clocked out and went home to be with their families just like the rest of us. Not anymore.
Today, these weary warriors in scrubs, face shields and trash bags, catch a few winks in a supply closet or in a corner of the cafeteria, thinking, that to return home, may put their family, roommates, aging parents or significant others at risk of catching the virus. So they stay in the field and in the fight.
I for one am most grateful. I note that most did not opt-in for this assignment, but we are all blessed because these brave and courageous citizen-soldiers, rose to the occasion and accepted the call to hold the line! We cannot thank them enough. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You! May God grant you peace and protection. Confidence and victory in the Mighty Name of Jesus!
It’s mind numbing to think how the roles have reversed. Our traditional warriors, trained enemy combatants, service men and women who train for years to be able to effectively handle stressful conditions and life threatening scenarios are now serving in support roles behind those that before served from the rear. Traditional non-combatants are now on the frontlines, fighting to save lives inches away from infecting themselves as they struggle to connect respirators and ventilators, while the rest of us are told to stand-down and distance ourselves from others.
Obvious? Maybe so, but that’s not why I’m writing this article.
If I were on the frontline, and managed to find a moment to check my social media channels…I for one would feel a lot better, maybe even inspired to soldier-on, if the posts on FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and other channels, were more supportive.
Instead of posts about what you had for dinner or stupid pictures of how you dressed your dog out of boredom, I think I would rather see posts that inspired me, encouraged me and reminded me that strangers were praying for my family, my coworkers and me.
And for those that are still employed and leveraging these channels to sell stuff to the 10 million plus that are trying to log in to complete our unemployment claims…give it a rest! Take a break. Distance yourself from Capitalism for a season.
Instead, share an encouraging story. Reach out to someone in need and make a difference. Pray for those that are risking their lives for total strangers.
As of this writing, 80 doctors and 40 nurses have lost their lives in Italy alone fighting this virus. Two surrendered to suicide! Sadly, these numbers will increase.
As they do and as our fellow citizens from around the globe, attempt to cope with their own realities…I’m simply asking those less affected by the virus and the fallout it will bring, to show a bit more sensitivity in what you share online. Your inconveniences are of little interest or concern to many.
The online music uplifts are great. The outpouring of appreciation and applause from balconies around city centers across the globe, to those in the fight…truly inspiring. Keep these expressions coming. We can’t have too much of these acts of love, compassion and creativity.
We will prevail. This virus will die and humanity will thrive once again.
What’s unclear is how many of our fellow brothers and sisters, young and old, rich and poor, white or brown, short and tall…regardless of nation, will have fallen when it’s over.
So I’ll leave everyone with these encouraging words from the Bible. I call them “POWER SCRIPTURES,” as they are packed with great power and encouragement. I pray they bring you peace and assurance, that we are not alone.
Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring. (Exodus 14: 13)
He has not given you a spirit of fear, but of Power, Love and Sound Mind. (2 Timothy 1:7).
He will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you; because he trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6-7)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
If Christ be for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)
Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you, WHEREVER you go! (Joshua 1:9)
The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes MUCH! (James 5:16)
Together we will all accomplish much!
Know this. Millions of believers still exist. They are all fervently praying. We are praying for those that are sick, for those that have passed, for those that continue to fight, and for those that continue to serve. We pray for those that are scared, worried, and lonely. We pray for those that are going through this alone. We are praying for our leaders; Presidents, Prime Ministers, Governors, and Mayors. We pray for the volunteers, advisory teams, commissions, Czars, health specialists, essential workers, CEO’s, and the employees that are building ventilators, assembling makeshift masks and face shields. We are praying for those behind the scenes that we have yet to see on TV that are so very close to discovering an acceptable treatment, medications and a vaccine. In His name we ask for favor, wisdom, grace and mercy. We ask for one Spirit…His Spirit to unite us once again, one nation, one world under God Almighty.