Believe it or not, there is a lot more good in the world than bad. Wouldn't it be great if COVID 19 led to the greatest pivot shift of them all: A shift in the way we think about our fellow man? Could it really be the great equalizer?
I am an idealist. I stand for the rights and freedoms of every human being regardless of their gender, their sexuality, the colour of their skin, their position in the world. I blindly assume these idealistic stances which often leave me isolated and exposed with a big target on my back. Lord only knows why I keep getting back up. I just cannot help but see and believe in a world where justice and equality are sought after, obtained, maintained and fought for, every, single day. That's the thing about this virus. At this point, everyone on the planet is at risk. In this regard, we are all the same.
Tomorrow, thousands of people will gather in Guelph to protest against racism. Last week 20,000 gathered in Kitchener Waterloo. These protestors are not reckless or blind to the risks. They get it. And from what I can see, the leaders of these protests are doing everything possible to reduce the risk. I am so proud of them. The risk of the spread of the virus during this protest is actually quite low. Why? Because they will be wearing masks and frankly, the level of infection in our community is now so low, that I think the timing is right. I pray for their safety. I support them in their idealistic intent. They are striving for a better world where being black or gay or female or poor or elderly does not threaten your life. COVID 19 has exposed the cracks in our society. I sometimes feel like my voice is a pointless scream in an unjust world. Tomorrow, I am not alone. Scream as loud as you want. The world seems to be listening.
Be courageous and strong. Stand up while you are suffering and see the people who have suffered more, whose lives have been difficult from the start. They deserve to be seen and heard. There is no greater love than to lay down your life for the vulnerable and for those that suffer. There is no higher calling. There is no greater gift. That love and sacrifice is far more powerful than any virus.
On June 10th, at 7 pm, Bracelet of Hope is hosting a round table discussion called, 'Finding the COVID balance' featuring some of the greatest people I know: Marva Wisdom, Helen Fishburn and Jim Estill. I will throw in my 2 cents worth. These are incredible community leaders who understand the value of using their gifts and resources to improve the lives of others. Tracey McGrath and Crista Renner are the master minds behind this event. These women are two of the strongest and most compassionate people I have had the pleasure of knowing. You may be surrounded by discouraging news and your future may seem so uncertain. Have no doubt. People like these and so many others with incredible strength and integrity are poised to lead you through this.
You have every reason to be filled with hope.
If you need some good news tonight:
Fifteen of Ontario's 34 public health units have five or fewer active confirmed cases. None of the public health units north of the Muskoka region has more than three active cases.
After losing more than three million jobs in March and April, Canada's economy added 290,000 jobs in May. Can you see it? We are recovering.
Canada reported it's lowest number of new cases since March 22nd ( 609 ). That is progress!
The number hospitalized and the number in the ICU continues to decline and the number recovered continues to increase.
The doubling time for cases in Canada crosses three months. Read that again. That just makes me want to cry.
Stand proud. We are succeeding. Let's use this momentum and what we have learned while under adversity to truly make this world better.
From one crazy idealist to another.
Sleep well.
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CMHA WW Website: www.cmhaww.ca
Here 24/7 at 1-844-HERE-247 or www.here247.ca.
And for post-secondary students, Good2Talk
https://good2talk.ca/
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