We are in an uncertain time right now, as people wonder what to do in the face of coronavirus outbreak. Through crisis, we build community. However, right now we need to be building community virtually. Take a moment to look beyond your own individual, localized surroundings to see the bigger picture. Many will downplay things. Many will form judgments based upon what they see in the immediate present. Many will assume things are going better than they are.

I'm not here today to shill fear - coronavirus isn't going to kill most of the people who get it. But looking beyond that:

The elderly are most susceptible to its effects. Maybe that's not you. Maybe it's a mom or a dad, or an aunt, or next door neighbor. Maybe it's my dad, who is actually kind of old now.

The more people who contract the disease at one time, the harder it is for medical professionals to take care of everyone. Think of my brother, an ICU nurse, with 10 beds to take care of, then think of him again with 20. Imagine someone you know is in one of those beds. Which scenario is best for everyone?

People can spread coronavirus before they're even symptomatic. Just cause you feel fine now, doesn't mean you can't give it to someone else if you've somehow contracted it.

This will at some time in the future pass us by. We will eventually emerge from this, hardened, more intelligent collectively, better equipped to formulate a response. But realize the greater imperative of the present; this is occurring everywhere. In China. In Italy. In Argentina, Ireland, and France. Everywhere. We are a global community. So today, I ask merely that you do your part, and shut it down for a bit. Work from home if you're able. Skype your loved ones. Write emails. Watch some Netflix, or read some books. Be bored. Express creativity as a way to combat the boredom. But reduce your interaction outside to essential needs. Press authorities to mandate this when you are able. Do so electively when you have that capacity yourself. Be part of the solution, not the problem. If you are among those who must be out there - our first responders, our medical professionals, I commend you and pray for your continued health and mental well being. Best of luck.

Bud

Bud's normal scope returns next week. Shut it down. We'll talk about this for years to come; embrace the novelty of the situation, but do your part to keep everyone safe.

...Show some Love...