April 22, 2020
The Pressures of Staying the Course
As three governors move to reopen their states, right at the apex of the exponential growth in COVID-19 cases, they know full well that the move will kill more people and risk another explosion of illness. No one could possibly look at the data without coming to that conclusion. Governor Kemp of Georgia said as much when he made his announcement. When the President and Vice President of the nation support such a decision, against the advice of their own medical experts, and medical experts the world over, the lack of leadership in our country becomes overwhelmingly obvious and supremely dangerous.
As the pressures of a collapsed economy continue to weigh heavily on leaders and individuals, this kind of decision making may increase. Some will believe that getting money flowing again is worth the tradeoff of individual lives. For folks who have lost their job and have no prospect for making ends meet, these pressures to survive have to be weighed against the risk of contracting the virus. People all around the world are forced to make that decision every day.
For those of you who are in that situation, for those in our GSP family who are debating how much longer you can go without a regular income, please know that we are here for you. Congregants whose income are not affected during this time have been regularly stepping up to assist any of you who need some help until you are back at work. I am certain more will do so as the need increases. Know that we will do all in our power to financially assist any of you who are furloughed or laid off.
If we are going to get through this crisis with the least amount of infection spreading, it is imperative that we stay the course, stay the course even when our leaders are not willing to do so. Know that here at GSP and in this Diocese, as our Bishop has already demonstrated, safety and flattening the curve will be our number one priority as we continue to come up with ways to connect you with God and each other. The only way we can continue to do that is to make sure that those of you on the financial edge are supported during this time.
If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to call the office 9 AM to 12:30 PM Monday through Friday, or email (
[email protected]
)
or text me directly. Together beloved. Together all the way.
Steve+
