The Pandemic

I believe everything happens for a reason. The most important thing that I have learned

during this terrifying time is the meaning of love. We were created out of love by God

who placed love in our hearts from the very first moment of life.

Over the years, my brother and I have avoided seeing each other due to arguments in

the past. We were both extremely prideful people. Neither of us stepped up and asked

for reconciliation. This created tension in the household and I knew my mother was the

person who felt the most pain observing our relationship. One way I tried to break away

from this unhealthy relationship with my brother, I promised myself that whenever I felt

hatred toward him, I would pray for him instead. This was a way for me to train myself to

stop judging him and to approach him out of a place of love instead. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my brother learned that he had tested positive for the

virus. I was worried for him. During this time, I prayed for him to recover and asked God

to give him strength. When I learned he had recovered, I was joyful! I don't know when

or how but the wall between us seemed to disappear. Throughout this year of dark

uncertainty, we realized we needed each other more than at any time in our lives. We

learned to hug and to cry with one another.

As I imagine God, my heart aching and tears shedding as his children live in a chaotic,

hopeless, and devastating time, I cannot allow myself to continue to live in the sin of

hatred and unforgiveness. I pray for peace in the world. Loving each other brings joy

and purpose to my life.

Hèn Mọn,

Jul 01, 2021