Easter: a day of joy, full of love and hope. Easter: the day that Christ was resurrected. 

However, this Easter those who have died from COVID-19 will not be resurrected. For many, Easter 2020 will not be remembered as a joyous Easter. Those that have passed away will not be able to see their children and grandchildren run, play or hunt for hidden Easter Eggs. 

The world is different! There is an underlying sadness; a deep dark cloud hanging over us all called collective grief. Christian, Jew, Muslim, Atheist, we have all been affected by a virus that does not discriminate. If you pray, always remember those who have passed. Include in your prayer’s doctors, nurses and all that are risking their lives daily so that COVID-19 is eradicated quickly and permanently. Pray for the researchers who are working behind the scenes to develop vaccines, and treatments that will destroy COVID-19 forever. 

And, as is dear to my heart, pray for our first responders and their families. Law enforcement officers are still out there, working on the front lines. Even on Easter. In the midst of this pandemic. They are still out there fighting for safety in our communities, putting their lives on the line in more ways than one. They risk getting shot, assaulted, and now also the risk of being infected with Coronavirus as they patrol the streets. Many can’t even return home during this pandemic for fear of spreading it to their families. 

During Easter Sunday, I kept thinking about the men and women on patrol or sitting isolated away from their families during the holiday that is supposed to be filled with joy and celebration. 

Today I ask God for the ability to eradicate COVID-19. To protect all those on the front lines and for them to be able to return safely to their families. I pray we all remember their sacrifice long after this is over. 

Let’s work together to make next Easter a happier one.

– JF