thestream--2020-03-15--Pray for These, Too, Who Mock What They Do Not Understand

I thought I ’ d see how the president ’ s call for a day of prayer was playing on Twitter .
The response there , judging by a few hundred tweets containing “ prayer , ” is overwhelmingly negative .
I suspect the real numbers are better than this , because some of us are actually praying instead of complaining about it .
There are some , though , who slander what they do not understand ( Jude 10 ) .
They Mock What They Do Not Understand Some think the message is prayer in place of science .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweets in below . )
What gives them the strange idea that it ’ s an either-or ?
Don ’ t they realize that praying people founded science as we know it , and praying people founded medicine as we know it , too ?
If even a world-class physicist can make that obviously ignorant mistake , though , I guess it ’ s no wonder others can , too .
Praying isn ’ t only about medical answers , anyway .
There ’ s much more to pray for than that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president is violating the Constitution somehow .
One said , “ this is a clear violation of the Constitution & our founding fathers who DEMANDED separation of church & state !
!
!
” The anger is palpable .
So is the lack of historical awareness .
The Founding Fathers called frequently for national days of prayer , so this could hardly be any violation of their intent .
There is absolutely no doubt that they would have done the same thing .
Even Benjamin Franklin the unbeliever urged leaders to pray : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time and the longer I live , the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God governs in the affairs of men .
And if a sparrow can not fall to the ground without his notice , is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid ?
… I therefore beg leave to move — that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven , and its blessings on our deliberations , be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business , and that one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City be requested to officiate in that service .
These Twitter Users Need Our Prayers , Too Other tweets speak hatred toward the president and toward Christianity .
One Twitter user posted , “ when will trump announce that he ’ s got corona so i can start another prayer circle for his death.
” Another wrote , “ Say I want to rid the country of the disease of Christianity .
Would prayer work for that ?
” Prayer works , but not for evil purposes , and not like a coin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s an act of humility before our supreme and holy God , who will answer when and how He wills .
I don ’ t expect them to understand that , and this isn ’ t the place to explain it in any depth .
Those who know prayer , though , know that God hears .
That ’ s all we need to know as we enter into it .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » They won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have to like it ) , but these Twitter users suffer from an infection beyond the reach of all science .
It ’ s not a physical problem like coronavirus , but a spiritual one .
Unless they themselves submit to a cure , this infection will lead to spiritual death , far more surely than any virus leads to physical death .
But the finality of physical death , which is inevitable for all — by this virus or by other means — reminds us that spiritual death is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far more devastating , though .
So as we pray for the country ’ s and the world ’ s physical health , let ’ s pray for spiritual health , too .
Some sample scoffing tweets .
View them with both discernment and Christlike concern .

I thought I’d see how the president’s call for a day of prayer was playing on Twitter. The response there, judging by a few hundred tweets containing “prayer,” is overwhelmingly negative. I suspect the real numbers are better than this, because some of us are actually praying instead of complaining about it. There are some, though, who slander what they do not understand (Jude 10).
They Mock What They Do Not Understand
Some think the message is prayer in place of science. (I’ve copied all these tweets in below.) What gives them the strange idea that it’s an either-or? Don’t they realize that praying people founded science as we know it, and praying people founded medicine as we know it, too? If even a world-class physicist can make that obviously ignorant mistake, though, I guess it’s no wonder others can, too.
Praying isn’t only about medical answers, anyway. There’s much more to pray for than that in these days.
Others complain that the president is violating the Constitution somehow. One said, “this is a clear violation of the Constitution & our founding fathers who DEMANDED separation of church & state!!!” The anger is palpable. So is the lack of historical awareness. The Founding Fathers called frequently for national days of prayer, so this could hardly be any violation of their intent. There is absolutely no doubt that they would have done the same thing. Even Benjamin Franklin the unbeliever urged leaders to pray:
I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? … I therefore beg leave to move — that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service.
These Twitter Users Need Our Prayers, Too
Other tweets speak hatred toward the president and toward Christianity. One Twitter user posted, “when will trump announce that he’s got corona so i can start another prayer circle for his death.” Another wrote, “Say I want to rid the country of the disease of Christianity. Would prayer work for that?”
Prayer works, but not for evil purposes, and not like a coin in a vending machine, either. It’s an act of humility before our supreme and holy God, who will answer when and how He wills. I don’t expect them to understand that, and this isn’t the place to explain it in any depth. Those who know prayer, though, know that God hears. That’s all we need to know as we enter into it.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
They won’t like me saying this (they don’t have to like it), but these Twitter users suffer from an infection beyond the reach of all science. It’s not a physical problem like coronavirus, but a spiritual one. Unless they themselves submit to a cure, this infection will lead to spiritual death, far more surely than any virus leads to physical death. But the finality of physical death, which is inevitable for all — by this virus or by other means — reminds us that spiritual death is just as final. It’s far more devastating, though.
So as we pray for the country’s and the world’s physical health, let’s pray for spiritual health, too.
Some sample scoffing tweets. View them with both discernment and Christlike concern.
Prayer in Place of Science?
@Hillhick when has prayer fixed anything, ever. I respect if people want to pray to their deities or cows or alien Xenu or whatever. But suggesting it’s what the nation needs in place of science and deliberate action is beyond reprehensible. — Two Comma Portfolio (@2commaportfolio) March 14, 2020
I want a president who keeps a pandemic task force, knows to use science instead of prayer to solve problems, wants free healthcare for everyone, and who sends nice emails like this #Bernie2020 pic.twitter.com/ddP1wzaW7i — Lauren Zacharyasz (@laurenlzach) March 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/ProgressWeekly/status/1238895156679630852
Constitutional Complaints
Since this nation is comprised of people of so many multiple faiths & those who DO NOT believe in either God or prayer, this is a clear violation of the Constitution & our founding fathers who DEMANDED separation of church & state!!! — Terri Perry (@MyKidsHavePaws) March 14, 2020
If individuals want to pray, that is their absolute right. But the Constitution protects us from government involvement in religion, including a “national day of prayer.” Our garanteed separation of church and state must not be “Trumpled” upon. — Jane Shay Wald (@janefourmillion) March 14, 2020
Hatred
when will trump announce that he's got corona so i can start another prayer circle for his death — m. (@aceseungwan) March 14, 2020
Franklin: say I want to rid the country of the disease of Christianity. Would prayer work for that? — Nell Carter's vacuum in a fish tank (@Copy_Culture) March 14, 2020
Religion
Prayer to whom? God? Great! Shouldn't we also pray to Zeus, Ra, Odin, Marduk, An, Enlil, Enki, Ninhursag, Nanna, Utu, and Inanna, just to be safe? — Ellis Weiner (@EllisWeiner) March 14, 2020
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream, and the author of A Christian Mind: Thoughts on Life and Truth in Jesus Christ and Critical Conversations: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens, and the lead editor of True Reason: Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism.


thestream--2020-03-15--House Passes Coronavirus Bill That Provides Free Testing, Sick Leave Benefits

The House voted overwhelmingly early Saturday morning to pass a bill that provides coronavirus testing at no cost to patients , and extends paid sick leave to workers who come down with the virus or have to go into self-quarantine .
President Donald Trump expressed his support for the bill , the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , Friday night as House Democrats negotiated the details of the law with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin .
It passed by a vote of 363-40 , with all dissenting votes coming from Republicans .
Trump ’ s backing is seen as key to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aid package .
The bill requires the federal government to cover the cost of diagnostic testing for coronavirus , or COVID-19 .
That includes testing done by a primary care physician , at an urgent care center , or at a hospital emergency room .
The federal government has been slow to ramp up testing for COVID-19 , which began spreading from Wuhan , China , late in 2019 .
The first infection in the U.S. was confirmed Jan. 21 .
As of Saturday , nearly 2,200 Americans have tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 5,500 have succumbed to the virus across the globe .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » The possibility for a rapid increase in cases has prompted concerns of a possible recession .
The bill , if approved , will extend unemployment benefits for workers in states that are hardest hit by layoffs .
The bill also provides emergency paid leave benefits for workers who have to take two or more weeks off work either because they become infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-quarantine or care for sick family members .
The benefit , which is available for up to three months , will guarantee workers are paid two-thirds of their average monthly earnings , up to $ 4,000 .
The Trump administration is enacting other measures to limit any economic downturn stemming from COVID-19 .
The Treasury Department extended the April 15 deadline to file taxes , and Trump on Friday waived interest payments on student loan debt .

The House voted overwhelmingly early Saturday morning to pass a bill that provides coronavirus testing at no cost to patients, and extends paid sick leave to workers who come down with the virus or have to go into self-quarantine.
President Donald Trump expressed his support for the bill, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Friday night as House Democrats negotiated the details of the law with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. It passed by a vote of 363-40, with all dissenting votes coming from Republicans.
Trump’s backing is seen as key to getting the Senate to sign on to the aid package.
I fully support H.R. 6201: Families First CoronaVirus Response Act, which will be voted on in the House this evening. This Bill will follow my direction for free CoronaVirus tests, and paid sick leave for our impacted American workers. I have directed…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 14, 2020
The bill requires the federal government to cover the cost of diagnostic testing for coronavirus, or COVID-19. That includes testing done by a primary care physician, at an urgent care center, or at a hospital emergency room.
The federal government has been slow to ramp up testing for COVID-19, which began spreading from Wuhan, China, late in 2019. The first infection in the U.S. was confirmed Jan. 21. As of Saturday, nearly 2,200 Americans have tested positive for the bug. Forty-nine people have died. More than 5,500 have succumbed to the virus across the globe.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The possibility for a rapid increase in cases has prompted concerns of a possible recession. The bill, if approved, will extend unemployment benefits for workers in states that are hardest hit by layoffs.
The bill also provides emergency paid leave benefits for workers who have to take two or more weeks off work either because they become infected with COVID-19, or because they are required to self-quarantine or care for sick family members.
The benefit, which is available for up to three months, will guarantee workers are paid two-thirds of their average monthly earnings, up to $4,000.
The Trump administration is enacting other measures to limit any economic downturn stemming from COVID-19.
The Treasury Department extended the April 15 deadline to file taxes, and Trump on Friday waived interest payments on student loan debt.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
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thestream--2020-03-15--How and What to Pray on This Day of Prayer (and Beyond)

Today is a national day of prayer , for a world suffering the only pandemic any of us has experienced .
How shall we pray ?
What does it mean to take an extended period of prayer ?
Here are some ideas that may help you as you pray .
Start by finding a comfortable place to pray , or by kneeling if you can .
There is much to pray for , but don ’ t let it worry you if you find it hard to remain in prayer for a long period of time .
Prayer — real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s okay if it feels like hard work .
Just take a break when you need one , and return to praying later on .
Here ’ s a suggested opening prayer .
( If you ’ re praying in a group , adjust the wording to fit , but allow time for individuals to pray prayers of confession . )
God , thank you that no matter what goes on in the world , your love and grace are constant .
Please calm my heart , and turn my attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Let me listen to you .
If I have been harboring any sin in my heart , I ask you to reveal it to me so I may confess it and receive your forgiveness , according to 1 John 1:9 , and proceed with a clean and ready heart .
[ This would be a good time to pause and let the Lord search your heart . ]
Guide me , Lord , as I pray .
Suggested Bible reading : Psalms 16 , 23 , and 34 contain good teachings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time like this .
Regarding Church : Many of us will be missing church today because live worship services have been canceled .
Many churches have online options .
One way or another , be sure to find someplace to participate , either in person or else virtually .
Pray and ask the Lord to make us all ready in spirit to face this challenge .
Start by praying yourself and your family , then other loved ones .
Let your prayers expand to include your city , state or province , your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God to give us all hope in Him .
We all have important work to do in a time like this , especially medical workers , but God is our only ultimate hope .
Pray specifically also for courage , for calm , and peace in our hearts , and for peace between persons .
Pray especially for children to maintain calm .
Pray that families will live in harmony with kids and ( in many cases ) adults staying home .
Pray that we can all find ways in our homes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ ll find ways to stay happy , joyful , and productive ; and even to find appropriate entertainment during these strange days of increased isolation .
Pray for lonely persons isolated by the virus , in nursing homes , in quarantine , and in medical isolation .
Pray for spiritual leaders and others leading us through this hard time , that they ’ ll have wisdom to lead well .
Pray that the nations will remain at peace .
Pray for those who have taken sick , for their full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give their family members and medical caregivers wisdom and patience , and protection from catching the virus themselves .
Pray for elderly persons you know , and for people with conditions that would increase their risk if they catch the virus .
Ask God to give them special protection .
Pray that the contagion would slow quickly , locally , nationally , and globally .
Pray for God to guide those who are working on medical answers to the pandemic .
Pray for quick , safe , effective , affordable solutions .
Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on vaccines and treatments , to those who are deciding what work to fund ( and how much ) , to those who are making hard decisions on regulations regarding activities , travel , and so on , to manage the spread of the virus .
Pray especially for Vice President Mike Pence and the coronavirus task force in the U.S. , and/or for other similar leadership efforts in your own country .
Pray for Schools , for Workers , and for the Economy Lift up students in your prayers , that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educations successfully even if they can ’ t attend classes .
Pray for teachers and administrators scrambling to transition to online teaching systems .
Ask God to help workers who have to stay home with their children , and those whose incomes are being reduced because of the virus ’ s effects on commerce .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Pray that supply chains can remain open , and that shortages will ease .
Ask God to guide government leaders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) in dealing with stresses on the economy .
Give God thanks that He is great enough and good enough to turn tragedy into joy , just as He did with Jesus Christ ’ s death and resurrection .
Ask Him for the faith to trust Him with what we can not understand .
And pray that this might even cause many to turn to God for perhaps the first time , and find faith and hope in Jesus Christ , who loves us all with an everlasting love .
Please feel free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments .

Today is a national day of prayer, for a world suffering the only pandemic any of us has experienced. How shall we pray? What does it mean to take an extended period of prayer? Here are some ideas that may help you as you pray.
Set Your Heart to Pray
Start by finding a comfortable place to pray, or by kneeling if you can. There is much to pray for, but don’t let it worry you if you find it hard to remain in prayer for a long period of time. Prayer — real prayer — is hard work, and it’s okay if it feels like hard work. Just take a break when you need one, and return to praying later on.
Here’s a suggested opening prayer. (If you’re praying in a group, adjust the wording to fit, but allow time for individuals to pray prayers of confession.)
God, thank you that no matter what goes on in the world, your love and grace are constant. Please calm my heart, and turn my attention to you during this time of prayer. Let me listen to you. If I have been harboring any sin in my heart, I ask you to reveal it to me so I may confess it and receive your forgiveness, according to 1 John 1:9, and proceed with a clean and ready heart. [This would be a good time to pause and let the Lord search your heart.] Guide me, Lord, as I pray.
Suggested Bible reading: Psalms 16, 23, and 34 contain good teachings and prayers to read from Scripture in a time like this.
Regarding Church: Many of us will be missing church today because live worship services have been canceled. Many churches have online options. One way or another, be sure to find someplace to participate, either in person or else virtually.
Pray for Grace, Hope and Courage
Pray and ask the Lord to make us all ready in spirit to face this challenge. Start by praying yourself and your family, then other loved ones. Let your prayers expand to include your city, state or province, your nation, and the world. Ask God to give us all hope in Him. We all have important work to do in a time like this, especially medical workers, but God is our only ultimate hope.
Pray specifically also for courage, for calm, and peace in our hearts, and for peace between persons. Pray especially for children to maintain calm. Pray that families will live in harmony with kids and (in many cases) adults staying home.
Pray that we can all find ways in our homes to build and strengthen good relationships. Pray that we’ll find ways to stay happy, joyful, and productive; and even to find appropriate entertainment during these strange days of increased isolation.
Pray for lonely persons isolated by the virus, in nursing homes, in quarantine, and in medical isolation.
Pray for spiritual leaders and others leading us through this hard time, that they’ll have wisdom to lead well.
Pray that the nations will remain at peace.
Pray for Health
Pray for those who have taken sick, for their full and successful recovery. Ask God to give their family members and medical caregivers wisdom and patience, and protection from catching the virus themselves.
Pray for elderly persons you know, and for people with conditions that would increase their risk if they catch the virus. Ask God to give them special protection.
Pray that the contagion would slow quickly, locally, nationally, and globally.
Pray for the Medical World
Pray for God to guide those who are working on medical answers to the pandemic. Pray for quick, safe, effective, affordable solutions. Let your prayers include everyone from researchers working on vaccines and treatments, to those who are deciding what work to fund (and how much), to those who are making hard decisions on regulations regarding activities, travel, and so on, to manage the spread of the virus.
Pray especially for Vice President Mike Pence and the coronavirus task force in the U.S., and/or for other similar leadership efforts in your own country.
Pray for Schools, for Workers, and for the Economy
Lift up students in your prayers, that they’ll be able to continue their educations successfully even if they can’t attend classes. Pray for teachers and administrators scrambling to transition to online teaching systems.
Ask God to help workers who have to stay home with their children, and those whose incomes are being reduced because of the virus’s effects on commerce.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Pray that supply chains can remain open, and that shortages will ease. Ask God to guide government leaders and the Fed (and other national banks) in dealing with stresses on the economy.
Pray With Faith and Thanksgiving
Give God thanks that He is great enough and good enough to turn tragedy into joy, just as He did with Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Ask Him for the faith to trust Him with what we cannot understand.
And pray that this might even cause many to turn to God for perhaps the first time, and find faith and hope in Jesus Christ, who loves us all with an everlasting love.
Please feel free to share more prayer requests in the comments.


thestream--2020-03-15--President Declares Sunday a National Day of Prayer, Issues Proclamation

President Trump has announced major step in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic .
He ’ s declared Sunday , March 15 , a “ National Day of Prayer.
” On Saturday , he issued a proclamation , which reads : In our times of greatest need , Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty .
As we continue to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic , millions of Americans are unable to gather in their churches , temples , synagogues , mosques , and other houses of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must not cease asking God for added wisdom , comfort , and strength , and we must especially pray for those who have suffered harm or who have lost loved ones .
I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God ’ s healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation .
As your President , I ask you to pray for the health and well-being of your fellow Americans and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for God to handle .
We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7 : “ Casting all your care upon him , for he careth for you.
” Let us pray that all those affected by the virus will feel the presence of our Lord ’ s protection and love during this time .
With God ’ s help , we will overcome this threat .
On Friday , I declared a national emergency and took other bold actions to help deploy the full power of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the coronavirus pandemic .
I now encourage all Americans to pray for those on the front lines of the response , especially our Nation ’ s outstanding medical professionals and public health officials who are working tirelessly to protect all of us from the coronavirus and treat patients who are infected ; all of our courageous first responders , National Guard , and dedicated individuals who are working to ensure the health and safety of our communities ; and our Federal , State , and local leaders .
We are confident that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need to make difficult decisions and take decisive actions to protect Americans all across the country .
As we come to our Father in prayer , we remember the words found in Psalm 91 : “ He is my refuge and my fortress : my God ; in him will I trust.
” As we unite in prayer , we are reminded that there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to bear with His help .
Luke 1:37 promises that “ For with God nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words are just as true today as they have ever been .
As one Nation under God , we are greater than the hardships we face , and through prayer and acts of compassion and love , we will rise to this challenge and emerge stronger and more united than ever before .
May God bless each of you , and may God bless the United States of America .
NOW , THEREFORE , I , DONALD J. TRUMP , President of the United States of America , do hereby proclaim March 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Prayer for All Americans Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for our National Response Efforts .
I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers for all those affected , including people who have suffered harm or lost loved ones .
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of March , in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty , and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth .

President Trump has announced major step in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. He’s declared Sunday, March 15, a “National Day of Prayer.” On Saturday, he issued a proclamation, which reads:
In our times of greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty. As we continue to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, millions of Americans are unable to gather in their churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship. But in this time we must not cease asking God for added wisdom, comfort, and strength, and we must especially pray for those who have suffered harm or who have lost loved ones. I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God’s healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation.
As your President, I ask you to pray for the health and well-being of your fellow Americans and to remember that no problem is too big for God to handle. We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” Let us pray that all those affected by the virus will feel the presence of our Lord’s protection and love during this time. With God’s help, we will overcome this threat.
On Friday, I declared a national emergency and took other bold actions to help deploy the full power of the Federal Government to assist with efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. I now encourage all Americans to pray for those on the front lines of the response, especially our Nation’s outstanding medical professionals and public health officials who are working tirelessly to protect all of us from the coronavirus and treat patients who are infected; all of our courageous first responders, National Guard, and dedicated individuals who are working to ensure the health and safety of our communities; and our Federal, State, and local leaders. We are confident that He will provide them with the wisdom they need to make difficult decisions and take decisive actions to protect Americans all across the country. As we come to our Father in prayer, we remember the words found in Psalm 91: “He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
As we unite in prayer, we are reminded that there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to bear with His help. Luke 1:37 promises that “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” and those words are just as true today as they have ever been. As one Nation under God, we are greater than the hardships we face, and through prayer and acts of compassion and love, we will rise to this challenge and emerge stronger and more united than ever before. May God bless each of you, and may God bless the United States of America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15, 2020, as a National Day of Prayer for All Americans Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for our National Response Efforts. I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers for all those affected, including people who have suffered harm or lost loved ones.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.
DONALD J. TRUMP


thestream--2020-03-16--Ten Reasons Why People of Faith Cope With a Crisis

You can bank on it .
People of faith cope better in a crisis than those without .
Here are ten reasons why : • People of faith believe in a higher purpose .
Instead of focussing only on material possessions , pleasure and accomplishments , they try to live for something and someone greater .
This helps them put everything in perspective and helps them keep calm when trouble comes .
• People of faith believe in community and family .
Having support in times of crisis is super important .
A person who has a strong network of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receives the help , support , confidence and unity that family and a faith community provides .
• People of faith help others .
Not only does the person of faith receive support from the relationships they have built , they also give support to others and that helps everyone cope in times of crisis .
Part of the deal when you receive the gift of faith is to care for others , and to sacrifice oneself to help and assist those less fortunate .
Helping others always helps us cope with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • People of faith believe in personal responsibility .
Because they have acknowledged their own faults , they have automatically taken charge of their lives and they believe it is possible to solve problems and take initiatives to solve problems .
This adds confidence to the hope in their hearts , and helps them to take positive action .
• People of faith are realistic about life .
They know that suffering and difficulty are part of the human experience , and that sickness and death are only a heartbeat , a virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helps them cope when trouble comes .
Without this realism people live in a make believe world where they expect everything to be perfect all the time .
• People of faith live without fear of death .
I should say “ they ought to live without fear of death ” .
This is because their faith is in the one who overcame death and promises to share that victory with them .
Do they sometimes lapse into the natural fear of death and suffering ?
Of course , but beneath that failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to overcome the fear .
• People of faith find meaning in the midst of suffering .
Those with the fullest understanding know that suffering can be redemptive .
Light can shine through the darkness and a meaning that can not be put into words wells up in the midst of the worst difficulties .
• People of faith live moment by moment .
Someone has said , “ Live each day as if it is your last and live each day as if you will live forever.
” This ability to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one eye on eternity is a great gift of faith .
It gives meaning and purpose to every moment of life , but it also means the person of faith looks beyond that moment to a greater life .
• People of faith expect the unexpected .
With a wider vision of reality and a greater vision of God ’ s working in the world , people of faith are always on an adventure , seeking new answers and expecting the unexpected .
Therefore when an unexpected crisis comes along they are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge .
• People of faith believe there is One who oversees all things .
This gift , most of all is a trust in what is called Divine Providence .
Trust in an all good , all powerful God who does not always take the suffering away , but is always there to walk with us through the dark valley helps people cope with times of crisis .
Not only does He accompany us in the time of trial , but he is always striving to wrench good out of evil , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragedy .
This belief generates the gift of hope— a light that does not go out—even in the darkest of times .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Does this mean people without faith can not cope in time of crisis ?
Of course not .
Many people without faith also have the human virtues of courage , concern for others and a hopeful , spirit of action and co operation .
However , even if they do not practice a religion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general “ faith ” that exists at a foundation level within humanity .
The practice of faith , however , strengthens that natural gift like practicing a musical instrument refines the natural musical gift a person might have .
Why is the world caught up in a storm of fear , uncertainty and panic ?
The answer is because there has been a colossal loss of faith in our society .
For a long time we have pursued only our materialistic answers .
We have sought to control all things with our technological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical lives with marvelous medical advances .
We control our economy , our politics , our media , our entertainment and every aspect of our lives , and we have forgotten that it is a house built on sand .
We have mastered everything except our faith .
We have left that on the side because we didn ’ t think it was useful or relevant .
Then when crisis hits and we are confronted with a disaster over which we have little control , it is natural that we panic .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sand falls flat .
Dwight Longenecker is a Catholic priest working in South Carolina .
Follow his blog , browse his books and be in touch at dwightlongenecker.com

You can bank on it. People of faith cope better in a crisis than those without. Here are ten reasons why:
People of faith believe in a higher purpose. Instead of focussing only on material possessions, pleasure and accomplishments, they try to live for something and someone greater. This helps them put everything in perspective and helps them keep calm when trouble comes. People of faith believe in community and family. Having support in times of crisis is super important. A person who has a strong network of family, friends and a faith community receives the help, support, confidence and unity that family and a faith community provides. People of faith help others. Not only does the person of faith receive support from the relationships they have built, they also give support to others and that helps everyone cope in times of crisis. Part of the deal when you receive the gift of faith is to care for others, and to sacrifice oneself to help and assist those less fortunate. Helping others always helps us cope with a crisis because we share the burden. People of faith believe in personal responsibility. Because they have acknowledged their own faults, they have automatically taken charge of their lives and they believe it is possible to solve problems and take initiatives to solve problems. This adds confidence to the hope in their hearts, and helps them to take positive action. People of faith are realistic about life. They know that suffering and difficulty are part of the human experience, and that sickness and death are only a heartbeat, a virus or a germ away. This realism helps them cope when trouble comes. Without this realism people live in a make believe world where they expect everything to be perfect all the time. People of faith live without fear of death. I should say “they ought to live without fear of death”. This is because their faith is in the one who overcame death and promises to share that victory with them. Do they sometimes lapse into the natural fear of death and suffering? Of course, but beneath that failure of faith lies a much deeper reason to overcome the fear. People of faith find meaning in the midst of suffering. Those with the fullest understanding know that suffering can be redemptive. Light can shine through the darkness and a meaning that cannot be put into words wells up in the midst of the worst difficulties. People of faith live moment by moment. Someone has said, “Live each day as if it is your last and live each day as if you will live forever.” This ability to keep one eye on the present moment and one eye on eternity is a great gift of faith. It gives meaning and purpose to every moment of life, but it also means the person of faith looks beyond that moment to a greater life. People of faith expect the unexpected. With a wider vision of reality and a greater vision of God’s working in the world, people of faith are always on an adventure, seeking new answers and expecting the unexpected. Therefore when an unexpected crisis comes along they are more ready to adapt and rise to the challenge. People of faith believe there is One who oversees all things. This gift, most of all is a trust in what is called Divine Providence. Trust in an all good, all powerful God who does not always take the suffering away, but is always there to walk with us through the dark valley helps people cope with times of crisis. Not only does He accompany us in the time of trial, but he is always striving to wrench good out of evil, and win triumph in the midst of tragedy. This belief generates the gift of hope— a light that does not go out—even in the darkest of times.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Does this mean people without faith cannot cope in time of crisis? Of course not. Many people without faith also have the human virtues of courage, concern for others and a hopeful, spirit of action and co operation. However, even if they do not practice a religion, they share in a basic, general “faith” that exists at a foundation level within humanity. The practice of faith, however, strengthens that natural gift like practicing a musical instrument refines the natural musical gift a person might have.
The Storm of Fear
Why is the world caught up in a storm of fear, uncertainty and panic? The answer is because there has been a colossal loss of faith in our society. For a long time we have pursued only our materialistic answers. We have sought to control all things with our technological wizardry. We have control of our physical lives with marvelous medical advances. We control our economy, our politics, our media, our entertainment and every aspect of our lives, and we have forgotten that it is a house built on sand.
We have mastered everything except our faith. We have left that on the side because we didn’t think it was useful or relevant. Then when crisis hits and we are confronted with a disaster over which we have little control, it is natural that we panic. When the storm comes the house built on sand falls flat.
Dwight Longenecker is a Catholic priest working in South Carolina. Follow his blog, browse his books and be in touch at dwightlongenecker.com


thestream--2020-03-16--Coronavirus is Making This Verse Famous. Misunderstanding It Can Be Deadly

I ’ ve been dashing in and out of stores today , running errands in the midst of an unrelenting downpour .
The rain is soaking all who venture out into it , no matter if they are good or evil , just or unjust .
I ’ ve heard many frightened Christians shout this verse in support of their idea that God will visit pestilence equally on the lost and the saved .
( How that is comforting I ’ ll never know ) .
They argue that while we may have a measure of hope that God will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must expect the exact same “ rain ” to hit both Believers and unbelievers .
The force of the assault , whether it ’ s a demonic advance or judgment of God , can ’ t be avoided .
Of course , any true Christian would agree that they have an advocate in Jesus .
So , the disposition becomes , “ We can ’ t avoid the plague but we can hope that God meets us in that place.
” Basically it ’ s the passive , hands-off “ whatever God ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the belief that can be exceedingly dangerous .
The Sun and the Rain “ You have heard that it was said , ‘ You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
’ But I say to you , love your enemies , bless those who curse you , do good to those who hate you , and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you , that you may be sons of your Father in heaven ; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just and on the unjust .
For if you love those who love you , what reward have you ?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same ?
And if you greet your brethren only , what do you do more than others ?
Do not even the tax collectors do so ?
Therefore you shall be perfect , just as your Father in heaven is perfect .
Matthew 5:43-48 ( NKJV ) Spoiler alert : both the sun and the rain are good !
Many are expecting to be plagued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonic attacks because of a terrible misunderstanding of the meaning of this passage .
The context of this truth is all about love .
God loves both those who are evil and those who are good , the unjust and the just .
His mandate is that we are to do the same .
In farmer-speak , both sun and rain are very good .
This truth about rain on the just and the unjust has absolutely nothing to do with expecting ills and ailments .
The reason a wrong understanding of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causes us to come into agreement with a demonic strategy !
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » We as Christians are absolutely not sitting ducks !
If we stand in great faith , refuse the taunts of the enemy and resist leaning on our own understanding , we will rise up with great authority and command with fiery resolve that no plague shall come near us !
Waiving the white flag of surrender by accepting plagues and pestilences will bring death and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is not our portion !
Simple prayers of petition that are driven more by fear than faith may do more damage than good .
We don ’ t want unbelief to be the driver of our intercession .
Rather , we must stand in our great authority and insist that what ’ s in the Word of God manifests !
We command the enemy to back down !
We decree and declare the Word of God !
But first , we have to ask ourselves if we truly believe the Word of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful faith will burn through our being !
This rampant wrong understanding of the sun and the rain has caused many to expect the worst instead of contending for what the cross of Christ has provided for us .
It ’ s not possible to believe that plagues will visit both the just and the unjust while also believing the many scriptures that proclaim our protection !
Why Does Trouble Come ?
Of course , many would argue that Christians do have trouble visit them .
Sickness does come .
Poverty is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another article , or a book , to fully address this , but I wanted to at least encourage you to venture into the Word of God for your answers .
It ’ s true that Satan won ’ t stop raging , but the secret to our success is in our response .
Of course , a barrage of arrows hurled by the enemy will strike us if we allow them to .
My wife once had a vision of someone standing confidently with a massive shield of faith protecting them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ started flying they lost faith and dropped their shield .
The shield of faith is the most important piece of armor we have !
If we stand in great faith , we will have great success .
If we fight the enemy , go to battle , renew our mind , take thoughts captive , pray with power , stand in our authority and believe every single word of the Bible we will most certainly live in victory !
John Burton is a sought out teacher , prophetic messenger and revivalist .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular contributor to Charisma Magazine , and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer ( IHOP ) in Kansas City .
He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry .

I’ve been dashing in and out of stores today, running errands in the midst of an unrelenting downpour. The rain is soaking all who venture out into it, no matter if they are good or evil, just or unjust.
…He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45 (NKJV)
I’ve heard many frightened Christians shout this verse in support of their idea that God will visit pestilence equally on the lost and the saved. (How that is comforting I’ll never know). They argue that while we may have a measure of hope that God will ultimately heal or rescue us, we must expect the exact same “rain” to hit both Believers and unbelievers. The force of the assault, whether it’s a demonic advance or judgment of God, can’t be avoided.
Of course, any true Christian would agree that they have an advocate in Jesus. So, the disposition becomes, “We can’t avoid the plague but we can hope that God meets us in that place.” Basically it’s the passive, hands-off “whatever God’s wills” belief system. This is the belief that can be exceedingly dangerous.
The Sun and the Rain
Let’s read the verse in context.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 (NKJV)
Spoiler alert: both the sun and the rain are good!
Many are expecting to be plagued by coronavirus or other ailments and other demonic attacks because of a terrible misunderstanding of the meaning of this passage.
The context of this truth is all about love. God loves both those who are evil and those who are good, the unjust and the just. His mandate is that we are to do the same. In farmer-speak, both sun and rain are very good.
Ask the LORD for rain In the time of the latter rain. The LORD will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone. Zechariah 10:1 (NKJV) For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; Hebrews 6:7 (NKJV)
This truth about rain on the just and the unjust has absolutely nothing to do with expecting ills and ailments. The reason a wrong understanding of this passage is so deadly is because it causes us to come into agreement with a demonic strategy!
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
We as Christians are absolutely not sitting ducks! If we stand in great faith, refuse the taunts of the enemy and resist leaning on our own understanding, we will rise up with great authority and command with fiery resolve that no plague shall come near us!
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91:10-11 (NKJV)
Waiving the white flag of surrender by accepting plagues and pestilences will bring death and destruction to the people of God. This is not our portion!
…He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14:17 (NKJV)
How to Stand
Simple prayers of petition that are driven more by fear than faith may do more damage than good. We don’t want unbelief to be the driver of our intercession. Rather, we must stand in our great authority and insist that what’s in the Word of God manifests!
We command the enemy to back down!
We move the mountains!
We heal the sick!
We decree and declare the Word of God!
But first, we have to ask ourselves if we truly believe the Word of God or not? If so, powerful faith will burn through our being!
This rampant wrong understanding of the sun and the rain has caused many to expect the worst instead of contending for what the cross of Christ has provided for us.
It’s not possible to believe that plagues will visit both the just and the unjust while also believing the many scriptures that proclaim our protection!
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. Psalm 34:19-20 (NKJV)
Why Does Trouble Come?
Of course, many would argue that Christians do have trouble visit them. Sickness does come. Poverty is a reality for many. It would take another article, or a book, to fully address this, but I wanted to at least encourage you to venture into the Word of God for your answers. It’s true that Satan won’t stop raging, but the secret to our success is in our response.
Of course, a barrage of arrows hurled by the enemy will strike us if we allow them to. My wife once had a vision of someone standing confidently with a massive shield of faith protecting them. Then, strangely, when the arrows started flying they lost faith and dropped their shield. The shield of faith is the most important piece of armor we have!
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV)
If we stand in great faith, we will have great success. If we fight the enemy, go to battle, renew our mind, take thoughts captive, pray with power, stand in our authority and believe every single word of the Bible we will most certainly live in victory!
John Burton is a sought out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. He has authored ten books, is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine, and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry.
Originally published Burton.TV. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-03-16--Military Photo of the Day: Raptor Over Singapore

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs during an aerial demonstration near the Changi Exhibition Center in Singapore on February @ @ @ @ @ us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs during an aerial demonstration near the Changi Exhibition Center in Singapore on February 11, 2020.
Have a great week, everyone. Stay safe!
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thestream--2020-03-16--The Story of Our Lives Has Turned Suddenly, Drastically Different. Is It a Good Story?

A couple years ago my wife and I sat through a disastrous meeting with leaders at our church .
I can ’ t tell you how badly it went ; I ’ ll only say that we both knew that it was quite abruptly and unexpectedly time to leave that church .
We prayed with them and left as graciously as I could .
Getting in the car , I said to my wife , “ You know , there ’ s really nothing very new in this .
It ’ s just another episode in a story that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Church somehow keeps surviving its mistakes , and God ’ s word keeps advancing .
Let ’ s go out somewhere and get lunch.
” Today I wonder about coronavirus , which certainly feels like a new story being told in our day .
Here in Ohio all the restaurants are closed , their sudden dark emptiness symbolizing the fear and isolation we ’ re all experiencing .
Social distancing means loneliness , and that ’ s the best of it , in this drastically different world we ’ ve been thrown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could be like this ?
Then I remember : This is hardly the first time plague has swept the planet .
One-quarter of the planet ’ s population caught the Spanish flu just 100 years ago , and one in every 15 to 100 persons died of it .
Other historical contagions have been worse yet .
This story ’ s been told before .
Is There Anything Good About This Story ?
Maybe it seems different this time : Science is so much more advanced , and we all know so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crazy-fast news cycle .
Still , this virus really ought to remind us of our continuity with our past .
The differences are what they are , but we ’ re just as suddenly subject to the fear of contagion and death .
And while statistics are what they are , no person is a statistic , and everyone in every pandemic has lived through it one individual at a time , one life at a time , one story at a time .
It raises the question , is there any possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good story ?
I think of how much there is that ’ s wrong with it : opportunities lost , jobs lost , lives lost .
Then I remember that every good story has losses , or at least some kind of struggle to overcome .
Without it there ’ s nothing interesting to tell .
( I could do with a less interesting story than coronavirus . )
But there are good stories and there are good stories , and our question isn ’ t about whether our individual stories are good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with all the right drama .
We want to know whether our stories mean something good .
We have an idea what that involves , I think .
Meaningfully good stories are stories in which characters grow through their struggles .
They land in a place of rightness , of justice , and with a sense that the outcome fits what led to it .
Is our story like that ?
It seems to me that must depend on what kind of grand Story our own stories are a part of .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Live In ?
I pity the atheists and secularists , for whom there really is no grand Story .
Every individual ’ s tale is like a book with the last fifty pages ripped out , so that it ends with neither meaning , nor explanation , nor any point at all .
I pity followers of some religions , who believe the story gets repeated time after time after time , virtually without end , and the grand Story ends eons from now with all of us being absorbed into the impersonal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Both of these grand Stories land every person lands in ultimately in the same place , regardless of his character or choices .
Therefore neither one can offer the right , just , and fitting end that a meaningfully good story needs .
Which means no individual ’ s story can be a good one by either of these perspectives ; not in any circumstance , but least of all in a time of pandemic .
Each person ’ s story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but especially in its utter and final meaninglessness .
The Grand Story Told by the Greatest Storyteller There ’ s another grand Story on offer , though , fashioned by a good and great Storyteller who truly leads his characters to grow , and who creates fitting , meaningful outcomes for each person in accord with truth and justice .
This Storyteller knows ( as all the world ’ s best story crafters have also known , for they have only been echoing Him in it ) that what counts isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the growth of the characters .
This Storyteller , the God of Christianity , has even done what the world ’ s best could never do : He has stepped right into His own story .
He came not as some intrusive deus ex machina , — there was no machine — but as an integral part of the story He ’ d been telling from the beginning .
He suffered as only He could suffer , to rescue us as only He could rescue us — if we ’ ll accept His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dire outcomes that would otherwise be fitting for us all .
This is a meaningfully good Story .
It ’ s the only kind of Story that could make sense of our own stories in any day , but especially in times of pandemic .
Thankfully it ’ s a true story .
Ultimately it ’ s the only true one .
Its goodness and fittingness are reasons ( there are many ) we can know it to be true .
It surprises me , honestly , that there are some who don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Especially in times of pandemic .
Especially when it ’ s our own stories that are in question .
Why choose what ’ s meaningless over what gives meaning even to the darkest of times ?
Their outcome is not destined to be what they wanted it to be ; but it will still be fitting .
Coronavirus is unfamiliar .
It ’ s frightening .
On a longer view , though , there ’ s really nothing very new in it ; it ’ s another episode in a story that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Church somehow keeps surviving its challenges , and God ’ s word keeps advancing .
Let ’ s go get lunch .
Maybe not at a restaurant this time , that ’ s all .
Not today ; not anywhere in Ohio , anyway .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream , and the author of A Christian Mind : Thoughts on Life and Truth in Jesus Christ and Critical Conversations : A Christian Parent ’ s Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism .

A couple years ago my wife and I sat through a disastrous meeting with leaders at our church. I can’t tell you how badly it went; I’ll only say that we both knew that it was quite abruptly and unexpectedly time to leave that church. We prayed with them and left as graciously as I could.
Getting in the car, I said to my wife, “You know, there’s really nothing very new in this. It’s just another episode in a story that’s been going on for centuries. The Church somehow keeps surviving its mistakes, and God’s word keeps advancing. Let’s go out somewhere and get lunch.”
Today I wonder about coronavirus, which certainly feels like a new story being told in our day. Here in Ohio all the restaurants are closed, their sudden dark emptiness symbolizing the fear and isolation we’re all experiencing. Social distancing means loneliness, and that’s the best of it, in this drastically different world we’ve been thrown into so abruptly. Who even imagined it could be like this?
Then I remember: This is hardly the first time plague has swept the planet. One-quarter of the planet’s population caught the Spanish flu just 100 years ago, and one in every 15 to 100 persons died of it. Other historical contagions have been worse yet. This story’s been told before.
Is There Anything Good About This Story?
Maybe it seems different this time: Science is so much more advanced, and we all know so much more day by day through our crazy-fast news cycle. Still, this virus really ought to remind us of our continuity with our past. The differences are what they are, but we’re just as suddenly subject to the fear of contagion and death. And while statistics are what they are, no person is a statistic, and everyone in every pandemic has lived through it one individual at a time, one life at a time, one story at a time.
It raises the question, is there any possibility that the COVID 19 story is a good story? I think of how much there is that’s wrong with it: opportunities lost, jobs lost, lives lost. Then I remember that every good story has losses, or at least some kind of struggle to overcome. Without it there’s nothing interesting to tell. (I could do with a less interesting story than coronavirus.)
What Makes a Story Good?
But there are good stories and there are good stories, and our question isn’t about whether our individual stories are good in the sense of being well crafted, with all the right drama. We want to know whether our stories mean something good.
We have an idea what that involves, I think. Meaningfully good stories are stories in which characters grow through their struggles. They land in a place of rightness, of justice, and with a sense that the outcome fits what led to it.
Is our story like that? It seems to me that must depend on what kind of grand Story our own stories are a part of.
What Kind of Grand Story Do We Live In?
I pity the atheists and secularists, for whom there really is no grand Story. Every individual’s tale is like a book with the last fifty pages ripped out, so that it ends with neither meaning, nor explanation, nor any point at all.
I pity followers of some religions, who believe the story gets repeated time after time after time, virtually without end, and the grand Story ends eons from now with all of us being absorbed into the impersonal All.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Both of these grand Stories land every person ultimately in the same place, regardless of his character or choices. Therefore neither one can offer the right, just, and fitting end that a meaningfully good story needs. Which means no individual’s story can be a good one by either of these perspectives; not in any circumstance, but least of all in a time of pandemic. Each person’s story must be dreary in every possible sense, but especially in its utter and final meaninglessness.
The Grand Story Told by the Greatest Storyteller
There’s another grand Story on offer, though, fashioned by a good and great Storyteller who truly leads his characters to grow, and who creates fitting, meaningful outcomes for each person in accord with truth and justice. This Storyteller knows (as all the world’s best story crafters have also known, for they have only been echoing Him in it) that what counts isn’t the magnitude of the drama but the growth of the characters.
This Storyteller, the God of Christianity, has even done what the world’s best could never do: He has stepped right into His own story. He came not as some intrusive deus ex machina, — there was no machine — but as an integral part of the story He’d been telling from the beginning. He suffered as only He could suffer, to rescue us as only He could rescue us — if we’ll accept His rescue, that is — from the dire outcomes that would otherwise be fitting for us all.
The Story Is True!
This is a meaningfully good Story. It’s the only kind of Story that could make sense of our own stories in any day, but especially in times of pandemic. Thankfully it’s a true story. Ultimately it’s the only true one. Its goodness and fittingness are reasons (there are many) we can know it to be true.
It surprises me, honestly, that there are some who don’t want it to be true. Especially in times of pandemic. Especially when it’s our own stories that are in question. Why choose what’s meaningless over what gives meaning even to the darkest of times? Their outcome is not destined to be what they wanted it to be; but it will still be fitting.
Coronavirus is unfamiliar. It’s frightening. On a longer view, though, there’s really nothing very new in it; it’s another episode in a story that’s been going on for centuries. The Church somehow keeps surviving its challenges, and God’s word keeps advancing. Let’s go get lunch.
Maybe not at a restaurant this time, that’s all. Not today; not anywhere in Ohio, anyway.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream, and the author of A Christian Mind: Thoughts on Life and Truth in Jesus Christ and Critical Conversations: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Discussing Homosexuality with Teens, and the lead editor of True Reason: Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism.


thestream--2020-03-16--’15 Days to Slow the Spread’: President Issues New Guidelines for All Americans to Follow

Love your neighbor ?
That means keeping your distance .
At least for the time being , if we want to nip this Coronavirus pandemic in the bud .
President Donald Trump has announced four specific new guidelines for all Americans to follow for the next 15 days to “ slow the spread ” of the coronavirus : Also , says White House Coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx , “ if you are sick , no matter who you are , please stay home.
” Said President Trump , ” If everyone makes these critical changes and sacrifices now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation and we will defeat the virus.
” So how long will we be dealing with this virus ?
Dr. Anthony Fauci says “ the trajectory of the outbreak ” could go until July .
However , if Americans follow the new guidelines , the severity of the outbreak can be diminished .
What about rumors of a nationwide lockdown ?
“ At this point not nationwide , ” said President Trump .
“ We may look at certain areas , certain hot spots.
” A million more Coronavirus tests will be available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have symptoms , and your doctor doesn ’ t recommend getting the test , “ don ’ t get the test.
” Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » What about the stock market ?
“ Best thing I can do for the stock market is we have to get through this crisis , ” the president said .
“ … Once this virus is gone , I think you ’ re going to have stock market like nobody ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and essentials ?
Chill out .
They ’ ll be there .
Shortly after today ’ s press briefing , President Trump issued two tweets assuring Americans there ’ s no need to rush out to the stores and hoard goods .
Are the Italians still singing ?
Can we Americans sing too ?
Always .
And here ’ s an even better idea .
During the Great Depression , the great Fred Astaire offered Americans an encouragement that sounds as right today as it did then .
“ There may be trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But while there ’ s moonlight and music and love and romance .
Let ’ s face the music and dance.
” We may not have restaurants and bars for a few weeks .
But we do have moonlight .
And music .
And love .
And romance .
So as Fred told Ginger , “ Let ’ s face the music and dance .
”

Love your neighbor? That means keeping your distance. At least for the time being, if we want to nip this Coronavirus pandemic in the bud.
President Donald Trump has announced four specific new guidelines for all Americans to follow for the next 15 days to “slow the spread” of the coronavirus:
“Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.” “Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.” “Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants and food courts — use drive-thru, pickup or delivery options.” “Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.”
This comes in addition to the previously discussed recommendation to not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. And of course, PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE!
Also, says White House Coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx, “if you are sick, no matter who you are, please stay home.”
Said President Trump, “If everyone makes these critical changes and sacrifices now, we will rally together as one nation and we will defeat the virus.”
A Quick Q&A on Today’s Presser
So how long will we be dealing with this virus?
Dr. Anthony Fauci says “the trajectory of the outbreak” could go until July. However, if Americans follow the new guidelines, the severity of the outbreak can be diminished.
What about rumors of a nationwide lockdown?
“At this point not nationwide,” said President Trump. “We may look at certain areas, certain hot spots.”
What about testing?
A million more Coronavirus tests will be available this week. But if you don’t have symptoms, and your doctor doesn’t recommend getting the test, “don’t get the test.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
What about the stock market?
“Best thing I can do for the stock market is we have to get through this crisis,” the president said. “… Once this virus is gone, I think you’re going to have stock market like nobody’s ever seen before.”
What about food and essentials?
Chill out. They’ll be there. Shortly after today’s press briefing, President Trump issued two tweets assuring Americans there’s no need to rush out to the stores and hoard goods.
Yesterday I spoke with the great American Grocers and Supply Chain Executives. We are confident that supply will continue to meet demand nationwide. These beacons of our community will remain open for you, no matter what. We are working hard to remove any barriers to that effort! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2020
I ask all Americans to band together and support your neighbors by not hoarding unnecessary amounts of food and essentials. TOGETHER we will stay STRONG and overcome this challenge! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2020
Two More Questions
Are the Italians still singing?
Yes.
https://twitter.com/Jamierodr14/status/1239553736172875789
Can we Americans sing too?
Always. And here’s an even better idea. During the Great Depression, the great Fred Astaire offered Americans an encouragement that sounds as right today as it did then. “There may be trouble ahead,” he sang, “But while there’s moonlight and music and love and romance. Let’s face the music and dance.”
We may not have restaurants and bars for a few weeks. But we do have moonlight. And music. And love. And romance. So as Fred told Ginger, “Let’s face the music and dance.”


thestream--2020-03-16--Putting Things in Perspective

Putting Things in Perspective

“ You know what people are missing as they hoard toilet paper and hand sanitizer ?
They are missing that our lives are gifts .
We are blessed to ever be here in the first place .
Everything we have in life is a blessing .
Our families .
Our homes .
Our jobs .
You may think you earned it all , but none of it would be without a loving God who created you and the world.
” An Uber driver told me this .
On one of my last Uber rides for a while , I suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have some real peace about him as he drove me to Catholic Mass , the same day that Mass cancellations became a thing here in the United States .
I knew it was happening in Rome , but , gosh , it sure did seem to happen here quick .
I read one testimony from a Christian American woman in Wuhan , who reflected on her time in quarantine at the 48-day mark .
She , her family and her neighbors have experienced community like never before .
They know each other better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more sensitivity .
I also keep thinking about a man named Patrick who gave me a hug outside Saint Patrick ’ s Cathedral not too long ago .
I can ’ t help but wonder what is happening to Patrick today .
He had talked to me about maybe going to see folks at Catholic Charities , but he told me how he prefers sleeping on the street rather than a homeless shelter .
He told me about the beautiful sleeping bag someone had given him as a gift — “ it really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was stolen at one of the shelters .
It ’ s colder , but generally safer on the streets , he ’ s concluded .
Every time I hear people talk about staying home and self-quarantining , I think of Patrick .
How does Patrick take care of himself in these circumstances ?
Now that many of our lives are being upended , might we care to think a bit more about the likes of Patrick ?
Might we pray and find out what we might do to help support services that make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overlooked in a health crisis ?
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » People like Patrick make a real impression on me because , despite their challenges and the cold brutal reality of their lives , they have a spirit of gratitude and goodness about them .
Patrick seems to have hope .
I obviously don ’ t know his whole story and all its complications , but there seems a simplicity about him , of the kind we could all afford to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Another conversation I had as everything was starting to shut down was with an 80-year-old man named Dennis .
He told me about his adult son , Michael , who had a good job but eventually lost it because of Crohn ’ s disease .
Dennis told me that while he is applying for government assistance , there ’ s nothing yet .
But government assistance isn ’ t what Dennis wants for his son ; Dennis wants him to know he is loved .
“ I ’ m not going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my skills anywhere , ” he says .
And so , he drives for Uber .
“ And I can ’ t stop , ” he tells me .
“ I don ’ t know what I ’ m going to do if everything really shuts down.
” There are people truly struggling on a good day , financially , trying to fulfill their obligations and have some semblance of a healthy life with healthy relationships .
Will this time of coronavirus help us see each other and help each other ?
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our lives may not be what we thought they were .
Our sense of security may have been completely unfounded .
If we are Christians , do we really trust in God alone , or have those just been words we have occasionally said in rote prayer ?
For how much of our lives have we heard the saying “ What doesn ’ t kill you makes you stronger ” ?
That seems crass at a time with such a dangerous virus spreading and taking lives .
But during this religious season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the change in the seasons , too , this virus that is changing the way we live for months can also give us new life .
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute , editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics : Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living .
She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan ’ s pro-life commission in New York .
She can be contacted at klopez @ nationalreview.com .

“You know what people are missing as they hoard toilet paper and hand sanitizer? They are missing that our lives are gifts. We are blessed to ever be here in the first place. Everything we have in life is a blessing. Our families. Our homes. Our jobs. You may think you earned it all, but none of it would be without a loving God who created you and the world.”
An Uber driver told me this. On one of my last Uber rides for a while, I suspect. He is Muslim and seemed to have some real peace about him as he drove me to Catholic Mass, the same day that Mass cancellations became a thing here in the United States. I knew it was happening in Rome, but, gosh, it sure did seem to happen here quick.
Experiencing Community
I read one testimony from a Christian American woman in Wuhan, who reflected on her time in quarantine at the 48-day mark. She, her family and her neighbors have experienced community like never before. They know each other better, make room for each other with more sensitivity.
I also keep thinking about a man named Patrick who gave me a hug outside Saint Patrick’s Cathedral not too long ago. I can’t help but wonder what is happening to Patrick today. He had talked to me about maybe going to see folks at Catholic Charities, but he told me how he prefers sleeping on the street rather than a homeless shelter. He told me about the beautiful sleeping bag someone had given him as a gift — “it really keeps you warm!” — that was stolen at one of the shelters. It’s colder, but generally safer on the streets, he’s concluded.
Every time I hear people talk about staying home and self-quarantining, I think of Patrick. How does Patrick take care of himself in these circumstances? Now that many of our lives are being upended, might we care to think a bit more about the likes of Patrick? Might we pray and find out what we might do to help support services that make sure people like Patrick aren’t overlooked in a health crisis?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
People like Patrick make a real impression on me because, despite their challenges and the cold brutal reality of their lives, they have a spirit of gratitude and goodness about them. Patrick seems to have hope. I obviously don’t know his whole story and all its complications, but there seems a simplicity about him, of the kind we could all afford to rediscover.
Can We See Each Other?
Another conversation I had as everything was starting to shut down was with an 80-year-old man named Dennis. He told me about his adult son, Michael, who had a good job but eventually lost it because of Crohn’s disease. Dennis told me that while he is applying for government assistance, there’s nothing yet. But government assistance isn’t what Dennis wants for his son; Dennis wants him to know he is loved. “I’m not going to get a job at my age and my skills anywhere,” he says. And so, he drives for Uber. “And I can’t stop,” he tells me. “I don’t know what I’m going to do if everything really shuts down.”
There are people truly struggling on a good day, financially, trying to fulfill their obligations and have some semblance of a healthy life with healthy relationships. Will this time of coronavirus help us see each other and help each other? This is a time that should change us. Our lives may not be what we thought they were. Our sense of security may have been completely unfounded. If we are Christians, do we really trust in God alone, or have those just been words we have occasionally said in rote prayer?
A New Life
For how much of our lives have we heard the saying “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”? That seems crass at a time with such a dangerous virus spreading and taking lives. But during this religious season of Lent, at the time of the change in the seasons, too, this virus that is changing the way we live for months can also give us new life.
Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review magazine and author of the new book A Year With the Mystics: Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living. She is also chair of Cardinal Dolan’s pro-life commission in New York. She can be contacted at [email protected].


thestream--2020-03-16--‘I’ve Loved You 67 Years and Still Do’: Man Not Allowed to Visit Wife in Nursing Home Waits Outside

‘I’ve Loved You 67 Years and Still Do’: Man Not Allowed to Visit Wife in Nursing Home Waits Outside Holding Sign on Anniversary

A husband separated from his wife on their anniversary due to a coronavirus quarantine stood outside the window of her nursing home with a sign that reads , “ I ’ ve loved you 67 years and still do.
” The Connecticut huband , Bob Shellard , would visit his wife every day in her nursing home before Democratic Connecticut Gov .
Ned Lamont banned visitors from entering nursing homes for 30 days due to the coronavirus pandemic , according to NBC Connecticut .
So on the couples ’ 67th wedding anniversary on Saturday , Shellard stood outside his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that said “ I ’ ve loved you 67 years and still do .
Happy Anniversary.
” Nancy Shellard waved back at her husband through the window , blowing kisses and telling staff that she felt like a queen .
“ It makes me feel bad because I want her down with me and I know she can ’ t be , ” her husband told NBC .
His wife has both Alzheimers and dementia , and her husband told the outlet that he worries she might not remember that he came at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » “ I wouldn ’ t want anybody else , ” he added .
“ I don ’ t think she could put up with anybody else besides me.
” The Shellards ’ daughter , Laura Mikolajczak , told the outlet that this was the first time the couple had ever spent their anniversary apart .
“ It ’ s just been an example for us , for all of us of kids , ” she said .
“ So all four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from them and I can only hope that I have half as much as what they have shared over the years.
” “ They have always been an inspiration to us and I think just seeing every year go by that they still express it in some way on their anniversary , ” Mikolajczak added .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org @

A husband separated from his wife on their anniversary due to a coronavirus quarantine stood outside the window of her nursing home with a sign that reads, “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do.”
The Connecticut huband, Bob Shellard, would visit his wife every day in her nursing home before Democratic Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont banned visitors from entering nursing homes for 30 days due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to NBC Connecticut.
So on the couples’ 67th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Shellard stood outside his wife Nancy’s window holding a sign that said “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary.”
Due to coronavirus precaution, Bob Shellard isn't allowed to visit his wife in her Connecticut nursing home. So he stood outside her window and held up a sign that said "I've loved you 67 years and still do. Happy Anniversary." https://t.co/cIwZxwmZeN pic.twitter.com/nW86SYm4HU — NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) March 16, 2020
Nancy Shellard waved back at her husband through the window, blowing kisses and telling staff that she felt like a queen.
“It makes me feel bad because I want her down with me and I know she can’t be,” her husband told NBC. His wife has both Alzheimers and dementia, and her husband told the outlet that he worries she might not remember that he came at all.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“I wouldn’t want anybody else,” he added. “I don’t think she could put up with anybody else besides me.”
The Shellards’ daughter, Laura Mikolajczak, told the outlet that this was the first time the couple had ever spent their anniversary apart.
“It’s just been an example for us, for all of us of kids,” she said. “So all four of us have really learned a lot from them and I can only hope that I have half as much as what they have shared over the years.”
“They have always been an inspiration to us and I think just seeing every year go by that they still express it in some way on their anniversary,” Mikolajczak added.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-03-16--Flattening the Curve — What Does It Mean and How Can You Help?

In recent weeks you may have come across the phrase , “ flatten the curve.
” What does that mean , and why does it matter ?
In short , “ flattening the curve ” is about slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus , COVID-19 .
It matters because the slower the virus spreads , the better hospitals will be able to care for those affected — even cutting into the number of deaths .
Why does flattening the curve matter for you ?
Because it ’ s going to take us working together to successfully slow the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people most at risk for complications from COVID-19 will be able to get the care they need .
Why Flatter is Better The Center for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) advises that “ community mitigation strategies … often are the most readily available interventions to help slow transmission of [ COVID-19 ] in communities.
” They are “ especially important before a vaccine or drug becomes widely available.
” As of right now , there ’ s no vaccine , drug , or built-in immunity to stop the new coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ population health and policy educator and assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia , shared an image on Twitter that ’ s since gone viral .
The chart shows just how “ community mitigation strategies ” have the potential to work .
On the chart there are two curves .
One is steep , one much flatter .
The flatter curve peaks below a dotted line .
The dotted line represents the capacity of the healthcare system .
As Health.com summarizes : “ The ideal goal in fighting an epidemic or pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Harris told The New York Times .
“ But merely slowing it — mitigation — is critical.
” He goes on : For a glimpse into what an overwhelmed system looks like , read a few articles about the current situation in Italy .
Some suggest Italy could pose a grim preview of what ’ s coming here .
But that doesn ’ t mean it ’ s too late to make a difference .
How do we flatten the curve ?
It basically comes down to good hygiene ( see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
Dictionary.com explains : To that end , the CDC recommended on Sunday that all gatherings of 50 or more people be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Why do these strategies work ?
COVID-19 spreads person-to-person .
Specifically , it spreads through “ respiratory droplets.
” Think sneezes and coughs .
Experts believe the virus can also survive on surfaces for a time .
The more you ’ re around other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to catch the virus — and pass it along .
Some people who react mildly to the virus may not even realize they have it , and are spreading it wherever they go .
For a helpful visual of how COVID-19 spreads , see The Washington Post ’ s interactive graphics .
It ’ s Up to Us The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. “ is going to be totally dependent upon how we respond to it , ” Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress .
Fauci is the director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diseases .
He ’ s been the Trump administration ’ s leading voice on the pandemic .
“ I think Americans should be prepared that they are going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing , ” Fauci said in a press conference with President Donald Trump on Sunday .
While experts have been warning sick and high-risk populations to self-isolate , Fauci recommends healthy people following suit .
His suggestions include skipping travel and meals at restaurants , and taking other steps to reduce contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Way to Love Your Neighbor What if you ’ re not part of a high-risk demographic ?
Should you really disrupt your routine to avoid getting mild symptoms from which you ’ ll likely recover fairly quickly ?
Yes , and here ’ s why .
COVID-19 is especially dangerous for the elderly and people with underlying conditions .
High risk demographics include those with heart disease , lung disease , HIV/AIDs , compromised immune systems due to certain cancer treatments , and pregnant women — to name a few .
Chances are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into one of these categories .
These people are most likely to have to go to the hospital and receive intensive care should they become infected .
If we , as friends , family members , and Americans , don ’ t take the recommended precautions , the virus will spread very quickly .
More vulnerable people will be infected over a shorter period of time .
Hospitals will become overwhelmed .
Those who need intensive care won ’ t receive it .
Take the precautions , and those we know are better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been called on to make sacrifices during crises .
The global outbreak of this new virus is a crisis , but one that we can face — if we take it seriously , act responsibly , and put our neighbors ’ needs before our own .
Liberty McArtor is a freelance writer in the great state of Texas , where she lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with her husband and son .
Follow Liberty on Twitter @ LibertyMcArtor , or learn more about her at LibertyMcArtor.com .

In recent weeks you may have come across the phrase, “flatten the curve.” What does that mean, and why does it matter?
In short, “flattening the curve” is about slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. It matters because the slower the virus spreads, the better hospitals will be able to care for those affected — even cutting into the number of deaths.
Why does flattening the curve matter for you? Because it’s going to take us working together to successfully slow the virus. If we do that, the people most at risk for complications from COVID-19 will be able to get the care they need.
Why Flatter is Better
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that “community mitigation strategies … often are the most readily available interventions to help slow transmission of [COVID-19] in communities.” They are “especially important before a vaccine or drug becomes widely available.” As of right now, there’s no vaccine, drug, or built-in immunity to stop the new coronavirus.
In late February Drew Harris, a population health and policy educator and assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, shared an image on Twitter that’s since gone viral. The chart shows just how “community mitigation strategies” have the potential to work.
Important to remember that #Covid-19 epidemic control measures may only delay cases, not prevent. However, this helps limit surge and gives hospitals time to prepare and manage. It's the difference between finding an ICU bed & ventilator or being treated in the parking lot tent. pic.twitter.com/VOyfBcLMus — Drew A. Harris, DPM, MPH (@drewaharris) February 28, 2020
On the chart there are two curves. One is steep, one much flatter. The flatter curve peaks below a dotted line. The dotted line represents the capacity of the healthcare system. As Health.com summarizes:
A high curve means the virus is spreading quickly; some people won’t get the medical care they need, and the number of deaths is likely to increase. A low curve means coronavirus is spreading slowly, which gives doctors the time and resources to treat more people (and hopefully save more lives).
“The ideal goal in fighting an epidemic or pandemic is to completely halt the spread,” Harris told The New York Times. “But merely slowing it — mitigation — is critical.” He goes on:
This reduces the number of cases that are active at any given time, which in turn gives doctors, hospitals, police, schools and vaccine-manufacturers time to prepare and respond, without becoming overwhelmed.
For a glimpse into what an overwhelmed system looks like, read a few articles about the current situation in Italy. Some suggest Italy could pose a grim preview of what’s coming here. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late to make a difference.
Keep Your Distance
How do we flatten the curve? It basically comes down to good hygiene (see the CDC website for details) and social distancing. Dictionary.com explains:
Social distancing measures often entail canceling big gatherings (such as conferences, classes, church services, concerts, and sporting events), restricting mass transit and travel, and working from home. The CDC specifically recommends maintaining a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between people.
To that end, the CDC recommended on Sunday that all gatherings of 50 or more people be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Why do these strategies work? COVID-19 spreads person-to-person. Specifically, it spreads through “respiratory droplets.” Think sneezes and coughs. Experts believe the virus can also survive on surfaces for a time. The more you’re around other people, the more likely you are to catch the virus — and pass it along. Some people who react mildly to the virus may not even realize they have it, and are spreading it wherever they go.
For a helpful visual of how COVID-19 spreads, see The Washington Post’s interactive graphics.
It’s Up to Us
The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. “is going to be totally dependent upon how we respond to it,” Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress. Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He’s been the Trump administration’s leading voice on the pandemic.
“I think Americans should be prepared that they are going to have to hunker down significantly more than we as a country are doing,” Fauci said in a press conference with President Donald Trump on Sunday. While experts have been warning sick and high-risk populations to self-isolate, Fauci recommends healthy people following suit. His suggestions include skipping travel and meals at restaurants, and taking other steps to reduce contact with others.
A Tough But Tangible Way to Love Your Neighbor
What if you’re not part of a high-risk demographic? Should you really disrupt your routine to avoid getting mild symptoms from which you’ll likely recover fairly quickly?
Yes, and here’s why.
COVID-19 is especially dangerous for the elderly and people with underlying conditions. High risk demographics include those with heart disease, lung disease, HIV/AIDs, compromised immune systems due to certain cancer treatments, and pregnant women — to name a few.
Chances are you know at least someone who falls into one of these categories. These people are most likely to have to go to the hospital and receive intensive care should they become infected. If we, as friends, family members, and Americans, don’t take the recommended precautions, the virus will spread very quickly. More vulnerable people will be infected over a shorter period of time. Hospitals will become overwhelmed. Those who need intensive care won’t receive it. Take the precautions, and those we know are better protected.
Throughout our history, Americans have been called on to make sacrifices during crises. The global outbreak of this new virus is a crisis, but one that we can face — if we take it seriously, act responsibly, and put our neighbors’ needs before our own.
Liberty McArtor is a freelance writer in the great state of Texas, where she lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with her husband and son. Follow Liberty on Twitter @LibertyMcArtor, or learn more about her at LibertyMcArtor.com.