My List of Covid’s Top Ten Responders

There’s no question that Covid has robbed us. It has stolen lives too soon. It has wrecked American livelihoods. It has polarized our people even more and spawned enough angst that our psyche may take longer to recover than anything else. 


A crisis exposes our weaknesses, but I revel in how it can also bring out our strengths.


Here are some examples of some powerlifters in my community:


1). I met a senior citizen who was handing out sack meals to kids in need. Not just for one day, but for months.



2). Then there were teachers working extra-long days making sure “their kids” had what they needed—even driving miles to take things to them. Now they are preparing to do it again.


3). While Covid closed businesses all around me, one young entrepreneur made sure those business owners knew how to apply for disaster relief and guided them through the process.



4). One young woman helped the disabled in our town use technology so they could remain connected to critical services during the shutdown.



5). A teen told me he never knew how hard his mom worked—as day after day she worked in a makeshift office in the corner of the living room.



6). A Facebook parent-network evolved helping parents ask homework questions.



7). Another teacher became a Zoom tutor...offering free help so kids wouldn’t feel helpless. 



8). An industrious teacher expanded the school garden providing good food for young eaters while giving them a healthy, outdoor activity.



9). An older worker gave up his work hours, so a younger worker could have them and support her family.



10.) And then a highly motivated 2020 high school graduate, who missed the best part of her senior year, and now will not enjoy her freshman year on her college campus, decided to take college summer school courses studying epidemiology. She’s determined to be a medical researcher, helping discover cures for novel viruses. 



These “good” things happened because Covid brought an opportunity to serve others. I’m humbled to know the people in 1-10. You probably have your own Top Ten Covid Rockstars. Pandemics and economic crises are never good, but good things can emerge because of it.


While I'm praying for our nation's health, I'm thankful for those who are working hard to help us heal.






Photo Credits from Unsplash: Mike Erskine, Kelley Sikkema, Chris Montgomery, and Barb Silva







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