3 Phases of Being Quarantined

We are now into the third week of self-isolation. In the first two weeks, we experienced how the shutdown impacts every part of life including relationships, government, education, and business activity.

Everything is shut off. We are shut off.

There are three steps to this new reality of coronavirus.

1. Fear, isolation, and confusion

2. Assessment and plans to minimize the damage

3. Decision and action

Fear, isolation, and confusion

Everyone is in this state. We are experiencing a worldwide threat of sickness and death. Our government, not knowing what all this means, has moved to protect us from this disease. They do it by protecting us from ourselves. We are the carriers and transmitters of this disease. Living a normal life would mean we all get sick and some die, maybe even me.

The result of this is isolation and distrust. I pass people on my daily walk, and I hold my breath until I am a safe distance from them. “Maybe they are infected,” I think as my pace quickens. Then I realize they are doing the same thing. 

Kathy and I are together, but we can not see our children and grandchildren. We video chat and talk about the virus. We are past being angry and have grown to accept the way we are now living. But this is empty. We can’t hug grandchildren. We can’t shake hands. We are isolated and desolate.

Kathy got up this morning and said, “There is no reason to get up if you can’t help people. I woke up every day for the last 40 years because someone was crying for help.”

She, like the rest of us, yearns to do something to help someone. To do something and not just be isolated.

Assessment and plans to minimize the damage

Now we are in the second stage as I see it. The government is examining the damage this isolation plan is causing to our economy. The damage it is doing to us, its citizens. 

They are beginning to realize the economic damage they are creating in their plan to keep us healthy. The cost to our big, mainstay employers. The damage to our infrastructure providers. The damage to mid-sized businesses. And the threat of virtual extinction of small and early-stage companies.

Our government is jumping into action. They are beginning to hammer out a plan which will save us economically. The problem is so big they are putting forth ideas that will cost trillions of dollars...trillions. Their plans are the size of our GDP. 

Our government is doing what we all want to do. They are doing something. They are defining the problem. They are trying to determine what can be done for us with the power and resources they have available to them. They are no longer just talking, complaining, pointing fingers. We know the hopelessness these behaviors bring because we are doing it ourselves. 

We are now relieved to see our government take the lead. They are passing legislation to help our economy—especially those of us experiencing unemployment from this mess.

But as individuals, what can we do? What problem are we trying to solve? 

I believe the problem we are trying to solve is the same problem the government is trying to solve. We have a government which is of the people, by the people, and for the people. The government is in place to serve us and to keep us safe and secure. Both physically and economically. 

We should expect the government to protect us. We the people created it, elected people to represent us, and paid for it all. 

But we should also do something as citizens, neighbors, friends, and family. We are Americans who live in communities. Opportunities are presenting themselves. Let us look and see people’s needs. Put a plan in place to see other people’s needs. Then plan to solve them.

Once we have a plan in place, it is time to move to the next step. 

Decision and action

We are already doing all we can to protect our health. And we have plans in place to protect us economically. Now is the time to take action.

The government must spring into action. To do what they are missioned to do. To use their resources to help those who need help. And we must do the same.

Love our neighbor as ourselves.

The first step in following this godly advice is to look up and see our neighbor. To listen. To be attentive to their needs. To stop spending all our time on our needs and start looking at other people’s needs. 

If someone reaches out to just talk, then talk. If you see someone in the grocery store having trouble paying for their groceries, pay for their groceries if you have the money. If you have an older person living in your building, shop or cook for them. 

How about the healthcare worker who is burning it at both ends. Do they need a home-cooked meal? Drop it at their doorstep. How about the people who are afraid they will get sick or are sick of being isolated? Start an online Bible study or support group. How about the mom and daughter who are missing their time together? Cook a meal together online.

These might seem like small examples, but at least we are doing something. Something to help others. The point is to stop thinking about your situation and start seeing other people’s needs. 

This last week we’ve been wanting to do something. Do something. Let’s serve one another when asked. This is the obvious one. But let’s also be intentional and seek opportunities to serve. Have the eyes to see other people’s needs. Then do something.

We are made to be in relationship. Let’s be intentional about being in relationship, even while isolated.