Living the Connection

Dave Brisbin 3.22.20 On the first Sunday of COVI-19 lockdown, streaming to those in self-isolation, the surreal quality of living the reality of a pandemic outbreak is amplified. In just a week of lockdown, many of us are already strongly feeling the effects of disconnection from each other and the regular routines of life that once connected us. How can we best help each other in times like these—or any times? As always, Jesus gives us the principles: establish authentic connection first, see others and their needs as they really are, respond with action that because it is grounded in connection is always relevant, always feels like love. Connection always takes precedence over program—connection is the only program that matters. Those who are really making a difference during this crisis are those continuing to extend themselves to others, letting their actions flow from really knowing who they are flowing to. The uncertainty of a time like this raises a thousand questions, and maddeningly, the questions we’re asking out of our fear have no answers. But if we just continue to connect in any way we still can: finding the beauty in each moment, cheering a friend, hanging on to humor, helping those who need us, retaining our basic humanity, we find other answers that are much more powerful and make those other questions fade like the stars at sunrise. Living the fear kills connection. Living the connection keeps the fear at bay. Doesn’t kill it, but allows us to live fully in its presence.