“We’re all in this together.”
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American people have been strengthened and united unlike ever before in our lifetime. Neighbors are grocery shopping for neighbors. Friends are sewing masks for friends. Strangers are offering to buy other strangers meals. Essential businesses and employees risk their own safety by remaining open for customers.
April 10 saw the deadliest day thus far in the domestic COVID-19 battle—over 2,000 infected Americans passed away. New York is currently the epicenter for heavy losses.
These catastrophic days have sparked fear in the hearts of Americans. However, love has been a rallying and triumphant emotion as it has shone through even the darkest of days. People who are forced to remain home have found clever methods of reaching out to those around them, such as drawing beautiful chalk art along sidewalks and driveways. The younger generations of Americans have never lived through a more life-threatening event. Because of the pandemic, Americans have come together in beautiful ways. It is vital to recognize that Americans are more united than ever, because this can bring healing to a country growing in division.
Related: “Americans have become more divided amid the pandemic”
UNITY OF HEROES
Countless medical professionals put their lives at risk each and every day, fighting against sickness and death. They sacrifice their own safety and health by pouring themselves into others—saving many lives. Some medical professionals are even traveling to hard hit areas in order to provide support—a Minnesota nurse volunteered to serve in the hard hit New York City.
Within the Big Apple, Samaritan’s Purse has established a large field hospital in Central Park. Their goal is to help relieve hospitals by taking as many coronavirus patients as they can. This is a beautiful example of organizations serving a hurting community.
Around the nation, people are coming together to support doctors and nurses. In my community of Orange County, people have driven up to hospitals and sang with nurses, praying over them for protection and strength. In addition, social media pages have connected locals who use this as an opportunity to serve each other. One group of women has banded together over Facebook to sew masks and gloves for their neighbors.
I have seen people purchase meals for strangers, just out of kindness and with the intent to bring others joy. With the unemployment rates skyrocketing and social distancing still in effect, Psychology Today reports that many Americans are feeling the heavy burden of stress. Little acts of kindness can brighten the most difficult of days.
UNITY IN THE GOVERNMENT
So much has changed since the stay-at-home orders in the states. Fox News’ contributor Greg Gutfield explains that it’s the little things. Crime rates are dropping and television commercials are less politically divisive. He points out that despite our diverse beliefs, Americans are “sticking together.”
Politicians are coming together as well. Both President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have been working together to eradicate the virus. Given their history of disagreements, this unity is significant because they are putting the needs of the American people before their own political agendas. The Hill reported the governor’s praise for the president, who ordered the USNS Mercy to dock in Los Angeles. There is unity even among the political parties.
On March 18, Trump tweeted, “We are at war with an invisible enemy, but that enemy is no match for the spirit and resolve of the American people.” He went on to say, “…it cannot beat the love, patriotism, and determination of our citizens. Strong and united, we will prevail.”
I want all Americans to understand: we are at war with an invisible enemy, but that enemy is no match for the spirit and resolve of the American people…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
UNITY FROM BELIEVERS
Christians are displaying remarkable unity as well. Ever since large gatherings have been banned and most church services have shifted online, one might think it would be hard to find unity in the church. However, more than ever, Christians are reaching out to each other and their community.
Scripture highlights the importance of unity. In Ephesians 4, Paul writes about the importance of unity for the body of Christ. He exhorts the believers in Ephesus to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” In John 17, Jesus also explains how believers are all united through Him. It is a powerful and loving bond for eternity.
The unity we see from everyday Americans, from the government and from believers can encourage us to persevere in these difficult times. The unity seen here can bring healing to our nation—as we have been divided for too long.
Americans are resilient. Nearly 20 years ago, we rose from the ashes of the 9/11 terror attacks. Today, we fight another battle. Our unity and love are our guiding lights and it is during these dark days that light shines the brightest.
