I’m a Libra.  For those of you not into astrology, it’s that sign with the scales and for me it tends to ring pretty true.  Not that I take this astrology thing seriously, but it’s fun to look at.  Anyway, I always try to look at all sides of a situation and make decisions based on that information.  For the last week or so, I have watched multiple news outlets, read stories on line, talked to friends, and listened to various “health officials” at the local, state and federal levels.  I want to be informed.  I want to balance all the info and make the right decisions.  Partly because I want to do the right thing and partly because frankly, I hate being wrong or making mistakes.

As I have said before, I tend to have friends on both sides of the aisle, friends who are passionate and those who are stoic, those who panic and those who laugh in the face of possible danger.  Variety is the spice of life after all. I don’t make friends just willy-nilly – they are friends because I trust their hearts and their intellect.  And yet, at times like these – (have there ever been times like these?) – they can be polar opposites.  Who do I believe?

I have friends who are saying we’re completely blowing this out of proportion and that our leadership is leading us to panic.  I have other friends who have prepared like it’s we’re going to be in isolation for months and are very fearful.  Even within my own little nuclear family, the reactions run the gamut.  I tend to think better safe than sorry but then the tiny bit of panic hits and I’m thinking, do I need to take out some cash?  Do I need to buy more food to store? (and where would it go?)  Just like the scales, I switch back and forth from feeling silly for overreacting to feeling completely unprepared and wondering about what-ifs.  Where is the balance?

Well, I’m not known for balance, but I’m really feeling the need right now.  My friends in faith remind me that I don’t need to be anxious and that no matter what, God is in control.  Silly that I need to be reminded, but as humans, we tend to try to figure everything out or do everything ourselves and THEN go to God when we can’t make things work.  That’s not to say that we shouldn’t do anything, but we should do what we can, help others when we can and depend on God.

There are still many areas of uncertainty in the upcoming days and as a friend says, we will need to remain patient and flexible.  The thought of teaching remotely using technology quite frankly stresses me to the point that I’m living on more Pepsid than usual.  Thank goodness there hasn’t been a run on it like there has been on toilet paper!  There have been a lot of learning curves lately and this situation has just added to the stress.  Patience and flexibility, right?

So, who do we believe?  WHAT do we believe?  Perhaps we really just do what we can do for ourselves and others, being especially aware of people who need our help at this time.  Not giving in to panic will help us not be so selfish when getting things we need so that we’re not hoarding at others’ expense. Regardless of what is actually happening or may be happening, people are going to be struggling in every area of our community.  Supporting the most vulnerable in our communities like local businesses is so important.  Buy gift cards to use later at those places you usually frequent.  Tip a little higher when you do go out.  Donate to the local food bank.  If everyone does a little it will help a lot.

So, who do I believe?  In the end I have to believe my gut and lean on my faith.  I’ll continue to take in all the info but in the end, nobody else can do my believing for me.  I have to make my own decisions for the good of my family and my community.  Who and what do you believe?