Children’s rainbows are a sign of hope during the coronavirus crisis
LIKE most of us, I find it very difficult when I’m not in control of what’s happening to me or to those around me.
As the impact of Covid-19 has spread across the globe and into all of our local communities, we’ve felt our ability to protect ourselves and those we love slip through our hands.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
There are moments when it would be easy to panic. Hearing the numbers of people who have died, realising that being relatively young or healthy isn’t always enough protection against the virus.
We might not be in control, but this doesn’t mean that we give up on hope or loving our neighbours.
People are finding new and heart-warming ways to care for one another, from shared food deliveries to prescription collections.
Social gatherings, support groups and faith communities have moved online. Generous donations are being made to charities and food banks.
As we stay home, limit our shopping trips and physically distance ourselves from others in the street, we are supporting those who have the expertise to manage and contain this pandemic. We are, undoubtedly, helping to flatten the curve.
We are immensely grateful to those frontline workers who keep us fed and manage the essential infrastructure of society.
‘EASY TO PANIC’
I worked for the NHS for 36 years, starting when I trained as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in Waterloo, central London in 1980.
So my thoughts are with those who make up that extraordinary gift which is our health service, the men and women putting their lives on the line to save others.
I am also full of admiration for those responsible for the overnight miracle of the new Nightingale Hospital in London’s ExCel Centre.
Such hard graft and sacrifice reinforces our belief that this anxious season will pass and a more settled life will return.
The rainbows painted by children to brighten our nation are a gentle reminder of this hope for the future.
We’ve just come through Holy Week and Good Friday, when Jesus went suddenly and dramatically from being a leader and influencer, in control of his own destiny, to being on the receiving end of other people’s decisions.
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
MOST READ IN OPINION
Unlike those held in the healing hands of the NHS, Jesus could not trust that those people had his best interests at heart.
Yet with tenacious love for the world and a quiet, undying hope for new life beyond the agony, he played the long game.
The message of Easter is that the steadfast love of God never leaves any of us, even in our darkest times, and is renewed every day of our lives.
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk.