Times Square, NYC. Flickr.
Who ever imagined that Times Square in the Big Apple would empty into a ghost town or the streets of Toronto would clear like smoke? Shuffling behind Asia, we’ve surrendered our Starbucks ritual, vacations, graduations, and worship gatherings. And in so doing, we’ve torn from the social fabric of our humanity: community. What has really upended our life in the West is the power of choice the pandemic has compelled us to forfeit. In our technological prowess and the comforts it’s secured for us, the loss reveals a people who are culturally not very good at suffering. >> Read more.
DH. The Banner magazine
A Holistic Journey 
Nicely put. Feeling, and accepting the smallness is a giant in progress. God’s grip – Alan
Our smallness and our significance fascinate me. But both make perfect sense in our image-bearing of the Creator. Thanks, Alan.
The community may be stronger in the future because of our self-isolation now. Stay safe and healthy, Diana.
That certainly is the hope. Wishing you and yours the same.
Hug,
Me
I have been in Times Square all times of the night, I have never witnessed anything like that.
Amazing how things have changed.
Be safe.
You mean you caught it empty?
Never, not once. I have been there at three, four, and five in the morning. And there would still be plenty of people there.
Yeah. I grew up in NYC, went to high school in the city. Crazy times.
I know.
Stay safe.
very well expressed and with a touch of appropriate Scripture. it is truly a time for Americans especially to pause to consider the lilies of the field and how they grow. take care.
Smile. Appreciate your taking the time, Tom.
My best,
HW
my time was well spent. you have a fresh perspective that I have not seen elsewhere.
Well done!!! Good will come out of this.
Thank you, and well said, Debbie.
“I am willing not to hoard, but I can’t bank on you.” What a telling statement, Diana. When this is over, what will we find? That should be interesting. Take care, Diana.
Been rough for many. And I think for those who’ve borne only inconvenience, it’s a great opportunity to relearn real gratitude.
Hope everyone is well there, meowers and all.
Nobody imagined a situation like now in the great capitals of the world. Just as we are not sure to what extent our lives will change after the quarantine is over. The social distance will continue and we will miss the hugs and the meetings with friends. Anyway, it will dawn and we will see.
A good article that calls us to reflection.
Manuel
I have trouble imagining that I can feel safe hugging someone again. Seeing a flash of newlyweds kissing on my Youtube screen, I thought Oh no, you can catch the virus! (laugh, cry)
Unfortunately we will be conditioned to accept reality. In the end, life is one and we will learn to live as best we can.
Times Square in the Big Apple and all those other empty big cities suffering, Corvid-19 bad news indeed… But for all the Amazons of this world, love em or hate em, but thank em the powers they be, that we now got em. What with all commerce, as in fashion before em now closed, says without em we starve and or be sick with no delivering of on line food groceries and pharmacies like em…
Without em be like back in the 30s depression, and the constant chant of, Brother, can you spare a dime… until Roosevelt’s fair deal, started to bring life back.
Here’s a verse from a poem of mine circa 2013, that speaks of the terrible thirties… just to give a feel;
“ Brothers ”
– for but a time –
I’d heard it said
Be fortunes lost,
And later read
Of human cost,
Be of men dead
And riches bust,
Near nation wide
While few survived,
Those who did cried
Brother please,
Can you spare a dime,
Was maxim of the times…
© Jean-Jacques Fournier
Ciao, Diana, and take care to be well…
JJ
Thanks. The poem works. And you’re right. It would be even more catastrophic without the online amenities that have become lifelines for us (shall we throw blogging in there?). That is why the students without the means to go online and connect to remote instruction have been hard hit.
Absolutely include blogging, and I stand corrected for not having done so, but thankful I am that you did. As to students without the means to go online to connect, this covid-19 crisis should be and must be the wake-up call. Thus to correct these acute social deficiencies, by our governments, and industry leaders, who are in position to act with the knowledge of this said crisis. One that exposed these powers that be to the short-coming and the ignorance of doing nothing until it’s too late. Much like the exposing of the criminal neglect of the homes for the aged, in my neck of the woods, for the majority are one step removed from rat infested dens. Sadly man requires crisis situations do more for the betterment of his fellowman!
Thank you Diana, for your wonderful motivating apropos post.
JJ
Brother, can you spare a dime? LOL
I lost my paternal grandparents during 1918. They did not know to observe social distancing. Both my parents were reared as orphans–but for different reasons. My Daddy was just five when he lost his parents and my mother lost her mother just before time to go to college. We can endure. We can be less social. We can focus on what really matters and that is studying to be better for a better day.
Thanks for sharing, Beth. I’m always amazed to hear stories from a hundred years ago. We are set up at home with our computers and phones and yet complain as though our world’s come to an end. Healthy folk, I mean.
In one sense we are having a rest and we should be glad, but it’s is only because we fit into the “elderly” category. There is plenty to be said for and against that. Living in someone’s vacant home free of charge is a plus, but it also means we have to look for utensils like a potato masher to make our lunch. Being alive is the best part right now.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the provision of a safe place, Beth. Certainly makeshift living isn’t the easiest, but I count every blessing. Small business owners are rightly crying right now. Some have lost their savings in this crisis, and my friends have been losing loved ones and dear friends to COVID on both sides of the country. I keep thinking of all that I am spared.
“Studying to be better for a better day”. With that outlook, there shouldn’t me much standing in your way of achieving your goal of a better day, with room to spare and then some, to share with your parents and grandparent’s memory! Good luck to you knowing you have what it takes to make it happen. Bravo!
JJ
This virus teaches us that Mother Nature is more powerful than all the social systems we take pride in. Perhaps we need to be more cooperative with Mother Nature as she gets the final say and veto power over our modern lifestyle when it is not in the interests of future generations.
Wonder how many of us caught onto that.
People keep saying ‘Mother Nature.’ Where did that term originate?
Ha ha. Good question. I’m sure Mr. Google can handle that one, but it’s sorta the female version of God for some. At least it’s a recognition of our place in the world.
I presume it originated in pagan religions which believe some unknown force is within everything we are conscious of or attribute nature as being under the control of male or female gods. But its used without that connotation today to illustrate that if we fight against nature or the environment if you prefer that term you pay in some way for that indiscretion. Case in point? If we pollute the atmosphere then we contribute to climate change in a negative way.
The remarkable thing is people are responding, without shedding too many tears over our shallow past Iives. Yes, being handed perspective this way is never easy …“ By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. ”
— Confucius
Love it, Peter. I will be revisiting this bit of wisdom for myself. Many of us haven’t entered the flames. We’ve been kept outside it and yet we grouse like kids.
Yes. You said what I’ve been quietly shouting to my partner behind closed doors. I even mentioned to another blogger that I don’t think Americans have truly come together since WWII. We’re an extremely lucky bunch that has forgotten how blessed they are and how to work as a team. I could really get into a lather over this, but I can’t say it as well as you.
I was chatting/catching up with my friend American Cambodian friend and he asked if we were okay. I said, this was nothing. We’re fine. He agreed and when I asked him, he said he survived the Khmer Rouge, this (COVID crisis) was ‘a piece of cake’. And we laughed. But I’m sharing a private conversation, I can’t say this really but to a few folks who understand.
Sigh – Khmer Rouge, yes. Shudder. In my full article, I cite a rightly famous pastor and author who observed that the generations that came after WWII haven’t known how to suffer. That is what the article springboards off.
“We’re an extremely lucky bunch that has forgotten how blessed they are and how to work as a team.”
Said perfectly. The USA has just been stumbling over itself with a president who cries for affirmation left and right, although CA has had a sharp governor, the first in the country to institute the quarantine. I don’t think we can make sweeping judgments, and it begs clarification that people have suffered in different measure on the spectrum. My friends have lost loved ones to COVID on both sides of the country, many are in the red or have lost their savings, esp the small and private businesses. It’s a very hard time to be pregnant, sick otherwise, or giving birth. But those of us who’ve stayed safe hold the majority, and we do well to keep our whining mouth shut.
I read the article, it was a good quote from the pastor. Yes, there is true suffering going on. A friend of mine just gave birth to her first child and was gutted when she was told her husband couldn’t be with her. It all worked out in the end, but my goodness there’s a lot going on – agree, it’s time to be extra careful what we complain about! (Should always be the case! :P)
Saw a FBook post at the start of the lock-downs:
Our grandparents went to war. We’re being called to sit in front of the TV. We can do this.
It’s been a powerful exercise for the world, and yes, particularly most of us normally-freedom-privileged/blessed westerners, to see what it’s like to have freedoms reduced. Some very good things have come of it, as well as some things less good. In every situation, some will dive and some will thrive. We have to do our best in these times to bloom where we are panted, and see how the garden pans out.
I like your post, particularly with the image… I’ve never been to New York. Have only seen it in movies, images and news and so on. Thanks so much for sharing. :))
I grew up in NYC. The city is alive at 2, 3, 4 am seven days a week. At least it was.
Yes! I figured that. :)) Amazing change, now.
Thanks for this wonderful article. Words we can take courage from these days.
Glad you are safe and well taken care of, not to mention loved. =)
Hug.
“But I now realize the mettle and grit of people like my immigrant parents stemmed organically from their understanding of the nature of life. They knew that suffering isn’t an occasional visitor but our home, sure and intrinsic as the cells that make up our body.”
Diana — this is a brilliant essay and I thank you for sharing. I think my immigrant grandparents passed this down to me as well as suffering is in my DNA. Like you, I don’t see this virus as the end all, but as a bright little light in an otherwise dark world that may help us illuminate a new path if we could all just start with being a little less selfish and self-absorbed. Amen.
HA. Amen, Amen. So the lines were long in the beginning. (I try to stay away from Trader Joe’s.) So we had to wait for some items. Gee, we haven’t been rationing as though it were war time. And I figured I can always use rags for tlt paper if it came down to it. Shortage is a good problem to have, considering those who’re falling like flies where my parents are in NYC.
I appreciate the good word on the commentary. You’ve been like the angel on my shoulder. *Grin*
😇 🙏❤️
Congratulations on the publication Diana. It surprises me that people are already calling for an end to a lockdown that has only lasted a few weeks, surely we can last longer than this. Yes there is fear and uncertainty and of course real illness and death, but for those of us not affected by this, it surprises me how little many of us can endure in our comfortable homes with no shortage of food or things to do for leisure.
Exactly. Swarms have been protesting in fresh outburst across the US, people standing shoulder-to-shoulder without masks. For the life of me…
Fantastic article! And yes, talk to the paraplegic or cancer survivor — they are likely handling this much better than most of us.
Right? The cost of privilege on character.
We certainly aren’t as all powerful as we thought. The question is, how will that reality change us? Or will it? If not, then what will happen?
Excellent, J. There are many levels we can answer that. At the level of personal humility as well as the collective, and then importantly, as it applies to our leaders. Those are questions of character and gov’t readiness for future humbling lessons! But if the Californians who were partying at the beach this past weekend are any indication, we’re in trouble.
Brilliant article Diana thank you. It illustrates for me what we’ve taken for granted – and what others fought for. But hells bells, the govt here in my part of the world is on a megalomaniacal trip, curtailing freedoms like never before – I can understand the motive for revolution methinks ..
Yes, the human condition. To thrill in power. How different the world would look if we looked to love God and neighbor first.
Congrats. on the publication.
Thanks, friend. Glad you’re safe and well.
It’s quite amazing isn’t. Even Time Square cannot protect itself against a small virus. I think we human beings have something we need to learn. Great story – and congratulations with the publication.
That’s just it, Otto. A pretty glaring lesson that we are not in control, if you tell me. I appreciate the thoughtful word. I trust you are keeping well.
I am thank you. 🙂
Vintage Diana! Great post.
Those of us who are lucky enough to make it out of the whom in time find that life does not come without risk. Your post reveals an important oversight on the part of many. And that is we foolishly take too much for granted. Not simply the good in our lives but also that we waste our trials in complaint. Those who endure their sufferings come to find that they are not useless. For from endurance emerges a greater good. We need but look to the event of Calvary for proof of that.
Joni Eareckson Tada has said she doesn’t want to waste her suffering. I have come to see it is imperative that we don’t, not because suffering is some special addendum to our life we best get the most out of while we can, but because it is the fabric of life this side of heaven. We sure as hec are going to have it even harder if we don’t try to learn from our hardship! I appreciate the humble comment knowing life has brought you its share of challenges, Alan.
Blessings,
D.
The “Restart” button seems to have been pressed. While physical distances have been created, artifical distances of money, colour, religion have vanished at the altar of Corona. Everyone is almost equally susceptible, like the article says. Humanity, that evolved over millions of years, developing resistance to disease, staving off predators, developing, changing, are suddenly exposed. Perhaps not the time to look for scapegoats. Hopefully time for introspection.
But many still have not understood the lesson in humility, Ankur.
You are right Diana. I suppose those people can expect another call from nature.
I’m so pleased I was steered here by an invisible hand to read your post today Diana. At first we were panicked all our work dried up, ways to make our livings then a few weeks in the government SEISS scheme helped out with the bills. Then ‘re-start’ we performed on our balcony for our apartment block complex and have since built up a community of connections that wasn’t there before, I’ve had online lessons with opera singers who wouldn’t normally teach and taken advantage of online courses I normally wouldn’t have time for to try to grow my knowledge.
you are so right to say that it gives time to really appreciate what matters to you, of course we have to cover the bills to keep a roof over our heads but constantly striving for the next thing has its own stresses and strains and learning to appreciate the small things has been key, realising that what I miss most are family and hugs too. Love to you x stay safe and well.
I know the crisis threw your many wonderful plans into a tailspin, Charlotte. But we have learned that some things cannot be quarantined, snuffed out, or lost unless we choose to throw them away. Love, creativity, beauty, music, hope, joy. Thank you for connecting. Wishing you the best the year still holds.
Diana
There you are, Diana! I can’t tell you how good it is to “hear” your voice again, even if I’m months late to the party. Wise words, as usual. Hope you and yours are healthy . . .
Everyone’s been healthy, K. I trust the boys are adapting to circumstances. Keep the joy.
Xx
Most are not good at all at suffering. When I heard wearing a mask was called a sacrifice, I don’t know, it made me think something was wrong.
While there are so many other troubles except virus threats, people still want their small pleasures and comforts and I suppose, life is just too easy for majority or otherwise people would not feel that we live in dreadful times and everything is limited and we cannot do so many things.
I sometimes think then how people lived through war. That is even more horrible.
You can also hear how this virus situation is supposed to be very unfair. Not that anybody welcomes it, but lots of companies have made huge bucks.
I hope you’re well and safe.
I love this, and agree, Inese. That is what I was saying, that we grumble at our present inconveniences, our “suffering”. There are, of course, those who’ve fallen ill or lost a loved one, or whose livelihood has taken a hit.
Good hearing from you.
My, Diana what a beautiful strong and powerful essay, and it is good to hear you and understand you are doing well. This year has twisted the world upside down, and I agree that we are not very adept at the thought of being helpless ~ losing pieces and control of our lives. It is not a bad thing to have gained some fear seeing all the things we had become to believe we are entitled to suddenly vanish. This pandemic has shown a dark side of human nature, the panic and selfish actions, but as much as such reactions makes us recoil – it also allows us to become introspective about what is important in life. Outside of the past month when I have been in Seattle, I spent most of the pandemic in the countryside of the Czech Republic, and nature was my oasis. Seeing the beauty in nature made it easy to see the beauty in the simple things of life, in community and in people. As horrible as this pandemic is, there is also beauty to be found and it can be what moves us all up to a higher plane of existence. Wishing you and your family well ~ take care.
I’d wondered where on this earth you were, R.
Of course I love how the beauty of nature reminded you of the beautiful good in people. We do well to remember our place in the universe and our need of one another. I’m very glad to know our present crisis sequestered you in safety.
I am knee-deep in a new semester teaching university composition. Was 111 degrees today here in Southern CA. Hope it’s been cooler for you.
Xx
D.
D., it is a bit cooler in Seattle, and however much I do love the heat, but not sure 111 would be much fun. University composition, difficult on its own but throwing in the challenge of teaching in today’s environment and I need to wish you a lot of luck 🙂 Take care of yourself, and enjoy the week ahead ~
Nicely explained
Thanks.
“We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Cor. 4: 8-10). ❤
Indeed. Thanks, Anna. Hope you are well.
Xx
“I decline discomfort beyond the common cold and pesky neighbor.” I dunno. I’ve read too many news stories in the US about people calling the police for a “pesky neighbor,” sometimes ending in violence or fatality.
Depends on how pesky, eh? The trouble we cause ourselves sometimes, as though life weren’t hard enough.
Apparently for some, people with different skin color is pesky enough. Sorry this comment is totally irrelevant to the topic. Reading that line just triggered this thought. Apologies….
It’s fine. And yeah, that’s what I mean. Some folks go looking for problems.
I was deeply moved by Dr. Brand’s book, The Gift of Pain, and highly recommend it.
As for the current “crisis,” it may get a lot worse with New York’s governor proposing detention for up to three days based on if he or his delegate thinks someone poses a health risk. California will not be far behind before Illinois, Oregon and Washington (state) jump on the bandwagon.
We’re about to get some lessons in suffering that will either reveal we have the love of Jesus in our hearts or that we are “of the world,” not just “in the world.”