CLEVELAND, Ohio — We can’t see it.
That’s one of the frightening parts of COVID-19.
It’s more than the virus being invisible. We don’t understand everything about it. The news we hear is so grim. Seldom do you see an interview with someone who had the virus and then recovered.
I’m in the news business.
I understand that scary often sells in terms of attracting TV ratings and internet traffic, and that news about the virus also is important because it keeps us informed and safe. But the fear can eat away at our hearts and souls. That’s especially true when it seems we don’t hear or talk about much else except the virus and the crushing economy.
That was part of the reason I asked readers last week to send me stories of the tough times they have endured before the virus hit. My facebook page was overwhelmed with their tales of tears, fears and eventually, some type of recovery. You can read some of them in my column from last week.
One person over hit upon a theme that is important right now.
Todd ended his post with: “I have been abnormally calm through all this. I have come to understand what I can and can’t control.”
It’s easy to read that and think: “Good for Todd. Wish I could say the same.”
THE REST OF THE STORY
But you don’t know Todd’s story: “In a span of 18 months, I found out my father had lung cancer. . . then I spent five days in the hospital with double pneumonia. . . I lost my job of 15 years . . . and finally, I lost my father (also my best friend) to cancer.”
There is power in preaching through our pain, as they say in some churches.
Todd loved going to Indians games, but couldn’t for a year because they reminded him of his father and what he had lost.
“Too painful,” he wrote. “I finally had to reach out for professional help. I’m still in counseling after six years. I have found faith helping me along recently.”
And then there is his sense calmness in the middle of today’s chaos.
One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Never be afraid to pray for that peace. And yes, the right kind of counseling can help.
There are times when we forgot how we've managed to fly over some real problems in our lives. Photo by Terry Pluto / Plain Dealer
WE DON’T SEE IT COMING
Most of the things that have upended me are events I never imagined.
My father’s major stroke in 1993 was a big one. He wasn’t in ideal health, but we went to a Browns practice together in Berea a few days before he returned to his home Sarasota, Fla.
Not only did my father seem fine, his friends thought so when they were playing cards with him.
No one saw it coming.
Most of the things I fear have not come to pass. But I tend to forget how I was wrong about those fears the next time something such as the pandemic or a family crisis comes along.
None of this is to discount the serious nature of COVID-19 and the need for social distance, washing hands, etc. People have died. It’s real.
But most of us have endured situations we couldn’t control, yet somehow survived.
One last story from Kathy: “I survived the sudden passing of our beautiful sweet daughter who had special needs. She was like a 2-year-old at 21, but brought so much love and joy to our family. My husband and I made it through as well – we just celebrated 40 years of marriage.”
RECENT FAITH & YOU COLUMNS BY TERRY PLUTO:
Surviving The Shadow of Valley of Death
Dealing with isolation and a scary economy
Feeling trapped in a tomb during Easter.
Looking of the ‘Little Miracles’
What to say when you don’t know what to say
Boy was I wrong when I wanted that to happen!
I know I should be grateful, but...'
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