“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:11
These are unique times! I hesitate to say that, because history often repeats itself. However, these are unique times. COVID-19 has changed so many things in our daily routine. This pandemic has changed so many normal events in our culture. We no longer gather in large groups. We want to do so, but we just don’t gather like we once did. Baseball begins this week, but the boys of summer will play in empty stadiums. College football is supposed to kick-off in just a few weeks, and we all wait with bated breath to see if our favorite teams will take the field – and if there will be fans in the stadiums that once held tens of thousands on a Saturday afternoon. Our sanctuaries are quiet. Where we once gathered together to sing and pray, we now broadcast to homes around town and around the world. These are unique times, indeed.
Not all things unique are bad. This past week, a wonderful event took place on the lawn at Windsor Castle in Berkshire in England. It was the first time that a small, social-distanced Royal investiture took place. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, welcomed Captain Tom Moore to Windsor Castle and confirmed on him the title of Knight Bachelor.
Sir Tom Moore has become a celebrity in England and around the world. In April, Captain Tom set a goal to raise $1,000, leading up to his 100th birthday. As Captain Tom walked, the country took notice. He raised far more than $1,000. In the end, he helped to raise over 36 million dollars for the National Health Charities in England. He did so by walking laps in his personal garden. He walked over 100 laps and challenged his neighbors to give while he walked. His actions inspired so many to give and to do good, even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.
Sir Tom became a national hero and was recognized by Parliament. The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, made a special nomination for Captain Tom to be knighted. The WWII veteran became the only person to be honored in such a way during this pandemic.
These are unique times, but one thing remains true. When we make efforts to care for others, to love our neighbors, we can truly make a difference. We may not be gathering in large groups these days, but we can make a large difference for so many people. Although we are living through a pandemic, we are called to love our neighbors, no exception. Sir Tom reminds us that each of us has the gifts and abilities to make a difference. There are no limitations to us doing good today.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
