...to those who died...
...to those who lost friends and loved ones...
...and to those our local and state governments decied to destroy through dehumanization.
The nonessential.
How does it feel, to have put your heart and strength into building up a business that serves a community, employs your neighbours, brings in tax revenue for the common good, and then have it declared nonessential and summarily shut down?
The TV adverts said, with a background of soaring violins and muted brass, We're all in this together.
Not, however, if you own a hair salon. In that case, your business is not needed, and your employees can apply for government help.
But as the owner, you can't get unemployment.
Same thing for bookstore owners here in New Mexico, who weren't even allowed to offer curbside pickup.
Baby and bridal? Nope. Get married in your sweats (oh, the church is closed, sorry!), and don't you know about hand-me-downs?
Baby and bridal? Nope. Get married in your sweats (oh, the church is closed, sorry!), and don't you know about hand-me-downs?
You could buy sporting goods at Walmart, but have your own specialty shop? Too bad.
But...the property leasing companies are essential, so the rent's still due. So are the baseline utilities.
When this is over, we have to help...and for those brave souls who defy the prohibitions, we really have to help.
Buy your books locally, or havethem ordered by your local bookseller. Amazon won't go broke without you; Bud's Paperback Barn will.
Get your hair and nails done, and yes, guys, you can get a manicure without having your caveman card revoked. (It's a nice feeling, and you may get hooked. Seriously.)
Go to a biker bar and have an overpriced Diet Coke. Bars were hit especially hard, and bikers have kids, too.
Eat out, three meals a day (you were looking for an excuse for this!).
Go to the Muscle Mall and buy a set of weights that can gather dust in the spare bedroom.
We are what makes community.
"You're not needed," they've been told,
"and you must just shut down.
Yes, perhaps your shop may fold,
but lose that selfish frown!
You just have to take a look
at what needs to be bought;
no one really needs a book,
but tokers need their pot.
As your leaders, duly sworn,
we had to pick and chose;
no nappies for your newborn,
but we can't disrupt the booze.
So suck it up and face the facts,
and don't forget to pay your tax."
You'll notice that I didn't mention 'nonessential' churches and gun shops (and yes, in case you haven't guessed, a Bible in one hand, a rifle in the other...). Didn't mention them because they're a weighty Constitutional issue, and another topic altogether.
You'll notice that I didn't mention 'nonessential' churches and gun shops (and yes, in case you haven't guessed, a Bible in one hand, a rifle in the other...). Didn't mention them because they're a weighty Constitutional issue, and another topic altogether.
Here's Phil Collins, with In The Air Tonight.
I do try to answer each comment in a timely fashion, but with Internet providers really stretched, I have only about half of the access I once did. Please bear with me!
Thanks to Carol Ashby, Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart is back on Kindle, and will be available in paperback soon.
Each state has it's own ideas of essential and non-essential. In Arizona, the governor wanted everyone to get outside, so sporting goods stores are doing booming business. It's a weird time, isn't it? We are ALL essential to each other. And as businesses go under, we'll find out just how essential everyone is.
ReplyDeleteAnita, these are indeed strange days. And yes, we will find out, sometimes painfully, how essential we all really are.
DeleteI think our thoughts were on the same page today Andrew. Good words, great advice.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, I'm always honoured to be on the same page as you! You're an inspiration; I would have quit the sonnet-world long ago, were it not for the grace of your poems, calling me to keep trying.
DeleteVery apt and thought provoking, Andrew, thank you. x
ReplyDeleteFiona, thank YOU! X
DeleteAs always, very good and essential.
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you so much!
DeleteGood words, Andrew. Gave me something to think about.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Great-Granny-Grandma. I'm so glad you're here!
DeleteI find this interesting and helpful as it is hard to understand how each state is affected watching from the UK. Plus I purposely don't watch too much news. It is right to remember the lost but we do need to be mindful that you don't have to have the virus to be affected by it. Everyone is affected in some way.
ReplyDeleteLoretta, you're so right; we are all affected by thee fell times.
DeleteAnd not watching the news, I find, is excellent therapy!
May we be intentional to let each person we are in contact with to know they are essential. May we rise to the challenge to be there for all those who will have a super hard time recovering from this. Thank you for your boldness. Preach it.
ReplyDeletePeggy, you brought in exactly the right word...'intentional'. Thank you for this!
DeleteYou're brilliant Andrew! I love and agree with it all.
ReplyDeleteLeon, thank you so much!
DeleteThis is a time that will be remembered forever in history.
ReplyDeleteJan, I think you're right...though how we wish we could forget!
DeleteWell said - and much needed!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, thank you so much for this, and for being here.
DeleteCutting to the chase. I'm going to post it on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Norma, I'm honoured that you'll share this on Twitter!
DeleteIt's so sad, but in God's eyes, we are all "essential"! Maybe part of the purpose is to draw close to Him so He can show us that. And so He can show us how "essential" He is in our lives. Praying still that you remain still and know you make us all feel essential. Thank you!
ReplyDeletemMry, the thought that God's using this to show us how essential we are...that's intriguing! Thank you!
DeleteYour words reminded me of the old Alan Jackson song "The Little Man."
ReplyDeleteI go back now and the stores are all empty
Except for an old coke sign from 1950
Boarded up like they never existed
Or renovated and called historic districts
There goes the little man
There goes the little man
Now the court square's just a set of streets
That the people go round but they seldom think
Bout the little man that built this town
Before the big money shut em down
And killed the little man
Oh the little man
I am praying for you and Barb.
-Jolene
Jolene, we love Alan Jackson, an particularly 'The Little Man'; thank you for this, and for your prayers!
Delete(((((Andrew)))))
ReplyDelete(((((Barbara)))))
Annie in Texas
((((((Annie!))))))
DeleteAndrew, such a great post. I have so many thoughts and feelings about how this whole thing has gone down. Feeling pain for those whose businesses are now defunct, frustration for some peoples' reactions and the divisiveness they've inspired, and so much more. Thanks for good food for thought, and for practical ways to help.
ReplyDeleteI'm continuing to pray for you and Barb.
Jeanne, I'm so glad this spoke to you. It was on my heart for awhile, but I didn't know how to put it into words.
DeleteWe so appreciate the prayers!
Astute observations. Sending love and prayers as always to you and Barb.
ReplyDeletePaula, thank you for this, and above all, thank you for the prayers!
DeleteI enjoyed this. The church actually never closed. It just moved outside the church building and is in peoples homes as we worship online.
ReplyDeleteTara, truly, the church is the people. Thank you so much for being here!
Delete