Getting Through Tough Times Together

If you are like me, you wake up in the morning thinking it’s a typical day, then you remembered: Everything as we know it has now changed.

I’m thinking about the Depression a lot. How did an entire world, an entire generation of people survive, what was then, the most horrible of global crisis?

Somehow our ancestors survived. No work, no food, and no hope. Men jumping out of windows and women left to raise their children alone, without income or opportunity. Prohibition was on. There was only a radio. People lined up for hours for bread and water.

I think that we are in for an extended period of uncertainty. Despite having the internet, literally at our fingertips, we are not being given all the information we need to feel safe. But there is something inspirational in thinking about history.

One famous quote puts it in perspective by the author, John Steinbeck. He was talking about the Depression and what it felt like when they woke up:

“How can you frighten a man whose hunger is not only in his own cramped stomach but in the wretched bellies of his children? You can’t scare him–he has known a fear beyond every other.”

Hunger, despite all the empty grocery store shelves, is not our worry, at least not today. But fear is real. Or is it?

Daddy with Child print features a sweet little child with dad's arms wrapped around as they contemplate what they mean to each other.

F.E.A.R. is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Be sure to sort through your thoughts. We know what we need to do to keep this virus from entering into our lives–so do that. We cannot be with our loved ones, so we must trust that they, too, are doing everything they can to be safe. And we know that our country and our government, no matter who is in charge, will not-cannot-and has never let us down in times of crisis.

We are a community, and because we have the internet we can teach our children from home, we can see our parents and family right from our mobile phones, and we can be inspired and comfort others in our community.

I challenge each one of you to reach out to neighbors–slip notes in their mailboxes, introduce yourself, let them know your name, your phone number, and your willingness to help them. Doing things for others is the quickest way to calm the storm of fear in our bellies.

And for me? I am a strong advocate for how art can inspire our lives, so that is what I will do in the weeks ahead. Inspire you with stories and beauty, and encourage you to share your own stories of courage and beauty as well!

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Frome KH:

Wow, what a moving article!