This morning, I decided to stop for a cup of coffee, a personal treat to myself some days on the drive to my office.
Of course, I felt a sense of apprehension. I asked myself “even if there is little health risk in a drive-thru situation, is it really worth chancing it for a cup of coffee?”
Driving along, I wondered if this were a test of faith. Would skipping the coffee, obviously NOT a necessity, show wise precaution or fear-based decision-making?
Deciding to go for it, but with trepidation, I eyed the vacant dining area. Lights out. Chairs stacked on tables. Nearly desolate. But yaaayyy, for the first time, there were ZERO cars at the drive-thru! I could have turned back, but I proceeded. “Small hot coffee with one Splenda and one cream, on the side”, my usual. Cheerfully accepting my purchase from the lone cashier. I pulled over to sanitize my hands..
As I sit writing this, I am enjoying my cup of coffee and pondering the personal and spiritual value of this somewhat surreal crisis. And I am intrigued by the faith journey of this great nation. Proudly, we still profess, “In God We Trust”.
According to recent reports, America’s belief in God (or other higher power) has declined, but only slightly. I find this reassuring. But if this is indeed the case, why are so many seemingly overcome with Corona fear and panic?
We remain in a collective state of uncertainty and for many, CoVid19 hysteria. I ponder daily, “where is faith in all of this?”
As a faith-practicing physician, I view this crisis through two sets of lenses. I appreciate and am intrigued by the historic and current epidemiological data. I recognize the profound public health implications across the Globe. However, my intellectual insight does not trump my spiritual foundation.
For me, this has been the perfect opportunity to examine my personal faith and to pray for that of our nation. To call on God’s supreme guidance in simple everyday decisions, like stoping for a cup of coffee.
Yes, we are in the midst of unprecedented times. We are questioning the threat to our lives, livelihoods, and that of those near and dear. It is natural to fall in line and follow the herd.. We must not cave into the spirit of fear and anxiety. Those of us strong in faith must represent calm in the midst of the storm.
The struggle is real. But I find that where there is faith, there is peace.
I choose peace.
Dr. Charisse
Thank you so much for verbalizing what has become so difficult for most of us! I too stopped to get coffee and prayed for the person serving as well as myself, standing steadfast in my faith, praying for acceptance! Thank you 😊
From a friend of “Sunshine”
I love this piece. So well written and beautifully expressed.