GC Share with City Life
We know that many have expressed the desire to help where they can but have felt unsure as to how to go about it during the lockdown period.
The Lockdown has left many in our community financially vulnerable because they are casual employees, working on a “no work- no pay” basis. We would love to reach out and help those in need with the daily essentials that they require.
Love in the time of Corona
FROM ROSANNE BINDER
As Christians we often quote the verse, ‘God is love’, and we have listened to many preachers speak of ‘loving our neighbour as ourselves’. This love surely looks like something - and in these days of unprecedented uncertainty, I feel that this is our moment to be the ones displaying the opposite spirit to that of the day. We can sincerely ask God for creative and selfless ways in which we can engage with the world around us, meaningfully express His lavish love for all people, and demonstrate laying down our lives for others.
In South Africa, with our many challenges, it is important that we take the focus off ourselves and resist the pull to selfishness and fear. If we do we will not only be able to reduce the severity of this pandemic but will also find that our anxiety is alleviated and that we are able to enjoy the deep fulfilment that comes from caring for others.
What then can our contribution be?
I have thought of a few options for us to consider:
We can start by caring for the carers e.g. our domestic workers and gardeners and give them fully paid leave. We can offer for them to stay with us should they so wish. If they have elderly or vulnerable members in their household, we can consider offering them our spare room or cottage, as it is very difficult to self-isolate in an overcrowded setting.
Don’t hoard. Supply lines are not being hit, so we can be mindful of those who are unable to stockpile and generously buy food and hygiene products for them or give them some of ours. Before the lockdown starts we can drop the food in bags at their homes so that they don’t have to take public transport and risk getting infected. We can cook in bulk and make meals for people. During lockdown we can donate money into their bank accounts or to those places that are helping the poor.
Those who rely on handouts at robots or who work as car guards are going to collect significantly less money as the streets become emptier. We can support them by giving more than seems reasonable, and we can also add some tins of food and bars of soap to what we hand out. During the lockdown we can support and donate to places that are going to be taking care of them, like the Durban Exhibition Centre.
We can offer to shop for the elderly and for those who have conditions that make self-isolation a necessity.
We can donate to NGOs and NPOs as the needs of the vulnerable and poor that they supported before the Corona outbreak continue.
We can offer our BnB/hotel/spare flat as a home for doctors and nurses who will be quarantined from their families.
We can set up infrastructure for our employees to work from home.
We can support local and small businesses as they are really going to suffer at this time, e.g. buy a voucher that can be redeemed when this pandemic is over.
We can care for our friends and family who are living alone and be mindful of how isolation and social distancing can affect mental health.
We can give to various organisations working to help at this time.
We can spend time praying:
For the nations of the world most especially the most vulnerable, like Syria, Yemen and other beleaguered nations.
For the doctors and healthcare workers, many of whom are working in a voluntary capacity, and without adequate protective equipment. They are working very long hours under enormously stressful conditions, putting their lives at risk.
For the police, grocery store staff, pharmacies, and those performing other essential services.
For those who are sick for healing and for them to encounter the deep love of God.
It is obvious that right now the world is in pain. We can take time to acknowledge and process our own emotions and grief and be comfortable with having some unanswered questions. What an opportunity to display the powerful compassion of God-with-us and to bring His tenderness and hope into a dark situation.
Rosanne