The Aftermath: Finding our way back to each other

Life after Covid

Since Covid began in 2020, I have spent a lot of time thinking, praying and talking to other people about community and connection.  As we move toward a post-pandemic society there are more opportunities to socialize, but it can be daunting to know where to start. We have felt isolated and disconnected for so long, and relationships have become more distant and in some cases damaged. I have felt some anxiety in how to move forward, but I don’t want to let fear win.  In the aftermath of the pandemic, it is time to start finding our way back to each other.

The Fallout

Covid has been like an earthquake – exposing the fault lines in our lives. The fallout has been significant, and it’s hard to know where to start in the rebuilding process. Where are you in the aftermath of these strange times?  What grieves me most of all during the last year and a half is the ever-increasing division and broken relationships. The pandemic has been traumatic on all of us.  But over and above all that, we have also turned on each other. Our reactions to all the uncertainty in the past 18 months have been destructive.  We have taken sides  against each other – allowing issues to define our relationships.  We have used our freedom of speech to criticize and judge others, especially the government (ouch!) And in some cases, we have even reported our neighbours. What is left of our families, friendships, churches, and our communities?  For my part, I know I haven’t been perfect in my words, attitudes or in my actions. I have been looking at my heart in order to take responsibility for the ways that I have judged and hurt people.  I want to be part of healing and reconciliation.

No one is an island

If Covid taught us anything, it’s that we are all connected.  And we need each other.  We have all suffered due to isolation and lack of connection in the last year and a half.  Let’s face it – we have been all been in survival mode. We’ve been doing our best, but it’s been a stressful time. And all of our choices do affect each other.  No one is an island.  It takes courage to look at how we have let each other down.  But if we are brave enough to look at how we do life and relationships and take steps toward reconciliation, we can come out of this pandemic stronger and more loving.

What about you?  Have you noticed yourself judging more or becoming more defensive?  What healing do you need in the aftermath of Covid?  What relationships need re-building?  Let’s find our way back to each other, and not let fear win.