Good Can Shine During Hard Times

by Brandy Webb

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).

I know I have used the above scripture in a lot of my blogs, but it is just such a good reminder of what we need to be meditating on daily. Plus, I feel that it is especially fitting during this time. The times that we find ourselves in are not very enjoyable, and my heart goes out to the thousands of families that have lost a loved one during this virus. These times seem very dark and bleak, but there are lots of bright “lights” that are happening despite this virus. Thus, the reason for the scripture is to remind us to focus on the positives that are happening during this trial.

A woman looks out the window of her house, holding a sign saying "Everything will be fine"on March 22, 2020 in Rome, Italy.

I wanted to share some that I have read and heard about. One that I found out about through Fox News was that the little free libraries are replacing books with supplies (Dean 2020). I also heard about how a young college student in, I think, Nevada started a non-profit organization that goes and picks up groceries for senior citizens so that they do not have to risk being exposed to the virus.

The BBC reported that people have started what is called “car mongering” groups on Facebook to support each other during this crisis (BBC 2020). They also reported that a fitness instructor from Spain led an exercise class from a rooftop so that residents in isolation could join from their balconies (BBC 2020). I am sure everyone has heard of the singing Italians from their balconies, but one I had not heard about until I started looking up positives during the Coronavirus was from the Insider. “People in Spain, Italy, and Israel held rounds of applause for healthcare workers from their balconies and rooftops (Lakritz 2020).”

These positives, or what I like to call them “lights,” during this time are just a few that I have heard or read about. There are many good things out there in the midst of this trying time. I know one major one for me is families spending more time together and less time being busy. I know that it can get a bit boring being stuck at home, but it can also be a time of creativity, a time of Bible studying, a time of getting to really know your family, and a time of prayer. It can be a time for parents to learn what their kids are learning in school. It can be a time where you are able to slow down and get projects done around the house. It is definitely a time to heed Paul’s advice and make sure that what you are meditating on actually edifies your day. 

What this time is not is a time of fear, worry, and anxiety. We must hold fast to our Father and our Messiah. Give them your fears, and trust in them for your well-being. I end with another good reminder from David, Psalm 18:1-3:

1 I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.

Work Cited

“Coronavirus: Creativity, Kindness and Canals Offer Hope amid Outbreak.” BBC News, BBC, 

21 Mar. 2020, www.bbc.com/news/world-51963446.

Dean, Janice. “Free Libraries Replace Books with Supplies; 96-Year-Old Man Gives     Exercise Advice.” Fox News, FOX News Network, 26 Mar. 2020, video.foxnews.com/v/6144790401001#sp=show-clips.

Lakritz, Talia. “16 Heartwarming Ways Everyday Heroes Are Helping People Affected by Coronavirus.” Insider, Insider, 27 Mar. 2020, www.insider.com/coronavirus-help-acts-of-kindness-good-deeds.