We are one humanity. Regardless of race, religion, gender identity, education level, physical/mental ability, sexual orientation, income, ethnicity or land of origin, we are ALL human. Sadly, we too often forget this reality. Ironically, it may be a global pandemic that reminds us of this precious truth.
Recent events have been a stark reminder that we are all inextricably connected… and vulnerable. We are all at risk of getting sick, not only from Covid19 but from a whole host of other diseases and symptoms. We all need care sometimes. We all give care sometimes.
We are one humanity. If we open our hearts to this reality, a time of crisis such as this can be a clarion call to recognize that what we share in common as fellow human beings is far greater than what separates us. Rather than give in to the temptation to blame, divide, and hoard, it is my deepest prayer that we will dig deep and choose to share, unite and care for one another.
We care for one another by listening to well-trained health experts and following the medically necessary and proven strategy of ‘social distancing.’ We care for one another by reaching out to those who may feel isolated, donating to a local food bank, babysitting for a friend, or making a meal for an elderly neighbor. When this initial threat fades and we slowly begin to reconnect, we must be especially vigilant about caring for one another by addressing the staggering economic fallout; especially for those in deepest need.
We are one humanity. If we dare to claim this reality, then this could be our finest hour. We could model for generations to come what it means to embrace the best of being human – to honor, respect, love and care for one another.
What if … instead of being remembered as a time of social distancing, this crisis were remembered as a time of social honoring; a time when we honored our shared humanity? What if we acknowledged our common need for food, shelter, health care, kindness and love? What if we truly lived out the ideal of loving our neighbor as our self? The practice of social honoring guides us away from the myth of ‘us vs. them’ and instead gets us to we.
We are one humanity. Let’s act like it.