We are in uncharted waters here, folks. Wherever you go, you can see the anxiety and fear on people’s faces, and the tension in the air is palatable. We’re nervous. We’re worried about our children, our parents, and grandparents. The future is uncertain. But this precise moment in time?

It has the possibility of being our finest hour as human beings.

We have the opportunity to band together like never before. “How are we supposed to band together while we’re being told to maintain distance?” you may ask. It’s actually quite simple: think of others. 

When you go to the grocery store, take only what you need; don’t hoard. If you’re not on assistance and see that assistance-only items are running low, choose a different brand so others will have food for their homes. Is there an elderly person behind you in line at the checkout? Let them go ahead of you so they can get in and out quickly. Show our seniors the respect and care they deserve. Do you have an elderly neighbor who can’t leave their home? Order grocery delivery for them. When you purchase items, tell your cashier you appreciate them. Let them know that their hard work isn’t going unnoticed. 

Are your kids home from school? Spend time with them! Play board games, watch a movie, bake cookies, go outside! Try to be as calm as you can be. Our children look to us for guidance. If they see us constantly checking the news, Facebook, or Twitter for updates, they will pick up on our unease. Let your house be a safe place for them. After all, we’re going to be indoors for a while–use this time to reconnect and unplug. 

Want to do your part to keep immunocompromised people safe? Stay home unless its absolutely essential for you to leave. Encourage others to do the same. Wash your hands, cover your coughs, and stay 6 feet apart in public areas. We do not want to spread fear or panic, but rather be cautious and have discernment. 

Small businesses are going to suffer during this time; they already are. We can help our favorite local business by buying items from them online or purchasing gift cards now, to use later. Share their posts on social media so others who may not have known about these businesses, can! 

Are you a teacher suddenly finding yourself at home for the next three weeks? Help those mommas who are suddenly thrust into the position of “teacher” to their school-aged children by telling them about resources you utilize in the classroom. Are you a homeschooling mom? Be an encourager to public school families–even a simple “You can do this!” will go a long way. 

These may seem like small, maybe even inadequate, ways to affect change, but if everyone followed suit, our communities would be stronger, kinder, and better places to live. When we all emerge from our homes in several weeks, do we want to come out to a world that is broken, bitter, and hurt? Or do we want to come out to a world that has become stronger, more compassionate, and more considerate? It’s up to us.

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”  -Margaret Mead