The Manlangits

One of the most important life lessons a person can learn is, “This too shall pass”.

It’s a simple realisation that this pandemic is not permanent. At this moment, the way things are as they currently appear shall change… and it already has. Everything is always changing.

People changed and people learned from this crisis. This thought is something to ponder.

Without death, there can be no life. Without the transition from day to night, you could see no stars. Things must change.

In spite of this pandemic, it give us opportunity to ChEqS three things in life:

Charity

You’re washing your hands. You’re avoiding large gatherings. By staying at home you’re saving lives. But, in addition to taking all the steps to follow crucial safety guidelines for yourself and your family, there are many things you can do to help the individuals and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your voice is powerful—use it to advocate for the individuals and organisations that need our help. This isn’t the time when we need lots of armchair epidemiologists voicing opinions on stats. This is a time when we need to give deference to experts and, importantly, not cloud the air with misinformation (Prov. 15:2). Love your neighbors by sharing important information—don’t harm them by being unwise about what you share.

It’s helpful to share and footnote reliable information; it’s harmful to circulate hearsay (Eph. 4:29). Before you share something on social media, love your neighbor by taking a few minutes to at least read the whole article, and better yet, do your best to verify it’s coming from a reputable source.

Seeing your example will help those in your network to realize that they can take action too. Even during a crisis that requires us to keep our distance from others in our community, we can support each other throughout. Speaking up for the needs that exist and sharing how you are helping can inspire others to action as well.

You can volunteer – we should think of health-care workers and the rest of frontliners. They’re the ones risking life and limb to protect others. We should be praying for them, supporting them, bringing meals to them, offering them childcare, and supporting in any ways possible. They’re fulfilling their ministries (duties); walking into burning buildings to do things we cannot do, so let’s help them with the things we can do.

You can donate- remember no small amount it too small to give. It should come from your heart and it will go a long way and will come back to you a thousand fold!

Equality

There’s no exception with Covid-19 — whether you are poor or rich, politician, actor, businessman, or ordinary citizen, if you get infected and tested positive — all are on the same cliff edge. All are equal! All are helpless and powerless. All wear the same clothes (hospital gown). All sleep on the same bed (hospital bed). They all depend on healthcare workers. All are on the same boat hoping and praying that they will survive. They all call for God. They have different religions, but they all have faith. In this situation, it taught us that no one should feel entitled of whatever possession in life you may have.

Simplicity

You can have all the material things in life; you may have plenty of Hermes bags, signature clothes, money to spend at the bar, and so on; yet you can’t go out. What matters now, are your loved ones – your family and your true friends.

It taught us that money is only vehicle to survive in everyday life but it’s not everything. Money is significant, especially in times of crisis; thus, it serves to help others, showing kindness and generosity.

If you are blessed and born with fortune — it’s not your fault, if you work hard for it — you deserve it and it’s not your fault. But it is your fault if you have it and don’t share it. Remember that God blesses you because you have a purpose. He is the source of everything and He’s in control of everything. You could be gone in just a blink of an eye. Because your life is just borrowed. You will not be on earth forever. So remain simple and humble because you’ll never know when you will be needing help too.

These things that occupy our time, money, thoughts and attention have been where God is supposed to be.

There are so many things that clamour for our attention and devotion: our jobs, our businesses, our hobbies—the demands and distractions of life. And we have to be careful not to let them become more important or more of a priority than our relationship with God.

In the end, just remember two things:

Love God and Love your Neighbour.

“Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

“Mark 12:31 Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Our bodies don’t just need health; our souls need God (love) ❤️.