By Graeme Dawson
‘Long Covid’ or its first variant ‘Omicron’, or its latest variant, ‘BA.2’, have added to our struggles with the entrails of all we has gone through in the last two years.
Long Covid seems to be the result of the struggle itself, given that the second anniversary of Covid’s landing was on the 24th of Feb this year.
Sadly the deaths and the daily stats along the way have left the average person in a state of confusion and uncertainty.
Unless we have been touched personally, it is hard to comprehend the terrible losses and grief thousands have gone through, and for many, are still experiencing it.
On top of that, the mass indiscriminant slaughter and displacement of millions in The Ukraine, is to us, inconceivable.
That war, and the floods in our north, drive a deeper despondency
So what are these life traumas doing to us?
I observe in our communities a lack of hope, a despondency, a growing divide between the haves and the have-nots, and a lot of the issues cropping up again that we dealt with in our previous lock downs – rising alcohol consumption, relationship breakdowns and domestic violence is on the rise again, and the level on depression in our young people has blown right out.
Counselling centers are quoting up to 8 weeks to see clients.
So how can we even start to address these ills?
There are efforts being made, like offering free ‘Second Bite’ food for those in need. One venue near me which opens at 10am on a Friday has most of its food taken by 9-45.
Another delivers many food hampers per week to the homes of the needy.
Then in most of our villages, sports clubs are thriving – a healthy balanced place for our young.
Another way to help, if you have a little more cash than most, is to try paying it forward by covering a food bill, or part – maybe when we see someone struggling to meet the total at the cashier in the supermarket.
The influx of coffee vans in our towns, offer great places for a chat, and if we are so wired, a friendship built there may even change a life and give us something worthwhile to do.
As Chaplain to Community I see many positive outcomes through a solid grounded faith in a God who promises life essentials like love, peace, security, hope, care, significance and purpose.
Although Covid has virtually closed the doors of smaller, older churches, people from all walks of life and various denominations meet together in the church I attend. The place is full.
I believe people are looking for that rock/the anchor that a faith in God brings, and a relationship with others who are seeking friendship and nurture as well. Most Sundays at the above mentioned church people loiter over a cuppa and cake for up to three quarters of an hour after the main service finishes.
One thing that encourages me is that the Football/Netball Club where I was chaplain wants me to continue to read out a prayer over the Club at the start of each season. At the start of Covid I wrote one for protection from it – two years on, no Covid – 100 players and 100s of members.
There is hope to be found and friendships to be enjoyed if we lift our eyes to see who we could encourage and be encouraged by.
Many Blessings,
Graeme Dawson, Chaplain to Community
