This week has been a challenging one as we have dealt with the reality of what is required to prevent a devastating COVID-19 outbreak in our country. What does Christian courage look like in these challenging times? How do we help ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities are protected and have access to resources? These and other questions are ones we must face as individuals, as CCDA organizations, and as communities.
With this unprecedented pandemic, we have an unprecedented opportunity. The Church, and we as CCDA, can be people of courage, steadiness, hope, sacrifice, generosity and relentless care for the poor. In the midst of fear, we remain rooted in the truth that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Operating from this power, love and sound mind we take the opportunity to manifest the grace, justice and mercy of the Kingdom of God.
Practical ways to live faithfully into this opportunity are to practice good preventive measures. Seek and share only accurate information from reputable health organizations and stay up to date and follow the guidelines of your local health agencies. In these times of “social distancing”, find creative ways to reach out, stay connected, and build community to combat loneliness and isolation. Finally, advocate for legislation on federal, state and local levels that ensures justice.
We are working to create an online presence so you can share what you are doing to help the needs of your community and so that we can join one another in those efforts. We encourage you to join your local CCD networks (or organize one if they are not available) to work with one another in our continued efforts to serve the most vulnerable people in our neighborhoods. We affirm that this requires differing responses that are determined by your varying contexts. We encourage a steadfast, creative and contextual commitment to the most vulnerable. CCDA will monitor the situation, take precautions, and keep our association informed about future trainings and other activities.
We must also pray for each other, pray for those left out, pray for wisdom, and pray to overcome fear with action.
Being rooted in faith, may we live out God’s love, generosity and justice as we face this crisis opportunity with hope!
