Whenever I get discouraged by news headlines and problems of all kinds, I not only pray more earnestly, I also grab a good history book. For I am a firm believer that history can both encourage and guide us. (My minor in college was History and Government.)
Recently I saw an interview with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin about her book Leadership in Turbulent Times. I was so intrigued, I bought the book! Goodwin said three of our greatest U.S. presidents lived during extremely turbulent times: George Washington (Revolutionary War and Founding of the Nation), Abraham Lincoln (Civil War), and Franklin D. Roosevelt (The Great Depression and World War II.)
She stressed that people who lived during these turbulent times experienced “enormous anxiety,” because they didn’t know how things were going to turn out. It’s understandable for us, during this time of major upheaval (COVID-19, political divisiveness, extreme financial insecurity, ever-present racism, etc.) to be experiencing enormous anxiety too. But leaders and citizens in the past, faced their immense challenges together. Kearns focused on FDR, saying the personal qualities that helped make him such an effective leader were these: his empathy, his acknowledgement of his mistakes, his grasp of the situation, and his reputation for trustworthy communication.
FDR involved all citizens in making sacrifices for the common good. He called for rationing of food and other goods. For example, citizens were allowed one cup of coffee a day. When rubber became scarce, he asked women to donate their old girdles, and kids their rubber toys. Immediately, tons of rubber were collected for the war effort. He emphasized that every citizen had a part to play. In our current crisis, we too are being asked to make certain sacrifices. We suspect even more might be asked of us. How are we responding?
I read a another good article on the importance of a historical perspective. Frederick E. Hoxie, professor emeritus of history at the University of Illinois, writes, “There are other moments in our past that were similarly dark” to our own times. (He wrote this before COVID-19.) Here are two of his examples.
Concerning racism: March 1857. Chief Justice Roger Taney announced in the Dred Scott Decision that African-Americans could never be citizens. President James Buchanan and his fellow Democrats applauded the decision. The newly formed Republican Party despaired.
Concerning journalists: January 1890. Jacob Riis published How the Other Half Lives, “a searing portrayal of human poverty” using intimate photos of New York Tenement life. (Go to “mymodernmet Jacob Riis photographs” to see some of the actual photos. They’re incredible.) While the book shocked people, it would take many years before any meaningful reform would occur. Why? Because most politicians at that time were more interested in operating their political machines and winning partisan battles over tariffs and the gold standard. While millions languished in poverty, the rich enjoyed their “privileged lives” with no wage and labor laws, no public health standards, no environmental controls, and no federal income tax.
Hoxie writes, “Today we see echoes of these sad times–indifference to poverty and mounting environmental crises, combined with political paralysis.” (And now COVID-19.) We might think these examples suggest we wait for a great man or woman to come and save us. But, Hoxie argues, these periods of reform “were set in motion by thousands of people who demanded an end to apathy and despair, and called for specific changes and innovations to improve public life.” Such public action also relied heavily on free speech and a free press.
We Christians embrace a faith that is constantly challenging us to look beyond our own individual lives to the lives of our brothers and sisters around the corner as well as around the world. What’s more, we believe our God is active and alive in human history—and in us—to bring about a better world. The worst thing we can do is despair. The best thing we can do is pray and then do something specific–large or small–to help bring about that better world for which we long.
What other lessons can we learn from history that could help us now? Do you see God at work in today’s world? If so, where and how?
After the song, I am putting the link to a 4 minute video put out by the Jesuits. It is Fr. Arturo Sosa’s short reflection entitled “What Part of the Path to God Does COVID-19 Show Us?” Fr. Sosa, originally from Venezuela, is the Superior General of the world-wide Society of Jesus.
The song today is Phil Wickman’s “Living Hope.” He reminds us that for us Christians, hope is a person: Jesus Christ.
Here is the link to Fr. Sosa’s short reflection. Closed caption is available. It is also available in Spanish.
https://sjcuria.global/en/more-other-news/1049-covid-19-discerning-a-path-to-god
I welcome your responses below. The Spirit can speak through all of us.
15 Responses
Good morning, Sr Melannie, and good morning, everyone!
I enjoyed this reflection, and now I’m enjoying the first of what I imagine will be several cups of coffee (no shade at FDR intended!).
Yes, God is at work in the world. At work whenever my friend Elena writes a poem. At work in the forsythia. At work in the “essential workers.” At work in the lives of the suffering. At work whenever human dignity is affirmed and safeguarded. At work whenever injustices are rebuked, redressed, and put to rout. At work in the fertile silences of monks and others who pray. At work in science. At work in Sunflower Seeds.
Peace and light, everyone, health and hope.
That is beautiful, Tom!
Feel free to continue the list! And thanks.
Thank you, Thomas! You said it all. It is all around us. We only have to look…..
Tom, thank you for always making me think and smile as well. Blessings, dear Tom, to you and yours in this very, very challenging time.
Good morning, Sr. Melannie…
Good morning, all…
Sr. Melannie, thank you for giving us some much needed historical perspective. The examples you have provided show us that we can do this! That the “better angels” of the human spirit will prevail! For the most part, this calamity — as the head of the Jesuits suggests — is uniting the world. More than ever it seems our every action has a consequence that ripples to unknown shores. May our actions, then, be ones of mercy, compasion, patience, and kindness.
Yesterday, across the pond, the Queen gave a rare television address to her subjects. It’s worth checking out!
Be safe, be loving, believe!
Indeed, John, the Queen’s address was outstanding; well worth viewing.
The Queen’s speech reminded me a little of the one she broadcast when London was being bombed in WWII. She is a steady rudder for the UK.
Sister,
Thank you. Fr. Sosa tells us to pray for the light to see our way forward. So much darkness in our world today. But also, so many rays of light penetrating the darkness…..so many personal and collective sacrifices. Effective leaders inspire hope, as in the examples Kearns Goodwin shares in her marvelous book. Jesus, of course, inspired hope in people, and He does so today, and every day. Light, Hope, Trust, Faith…..words that are so fitting, especially during this Holy Week. May we fervently pray for one another to see the light of hope. May all have a blessed Holy Week. Be safe, everyone.
Ed J
Good Morning Everyone!
Fr. Sosa’s message was truly inspiring during these frightening times.
As I watch the selflessness of essential workers such as heath care professionals, grocery store clerks, mail carriers, bus drivers, cleaners, and garbage collectors, I am truly amazed at their willingness to put their lives on the line every day to keep us all safe. They are keeping us safe and protected. God bless them all.
Be safe.
Kathleen
Thank you, S. Melanie. We have so many heroes in our lives, both present and past. May God embolden us to open to Divine Grace and follow their lead. May we walk these days with zJesus and in His Spirit. May we grow in HOPE. Blessings.
Good Morning Sister Melannie,
My sister Maggie who lives in Tennessee introduced me to you through the link that she came upon last year. I am so very thankful to her & now to you for the wonderful inspiring stories that you present from time to time. I absolutely love this song ” Living Hope” written & song by Phil Wickham. So beautiful & loving are his words that mean so very much to me. I even sign along with him. God Bless you & all your readers.
Thank you Sister Melannie for your words, the song and the clip from Fr Sosa’s. They all were great and we need this as we all go through such a difficult time.
Thanks again and stay safe and stay home!
Thank you, Sr. Melannie, for the History Lesson and for the song. I had forgotten the traits that made F.D.R. so special. We will listen to Fr. Sosa later today. Stay safe and well so that you may brighten our Monday mornings for many more years.
God Bless.
Thank you for your wise words. Each week I look forward to your inspiring message and music.
I really appreciate the Sunflower Seeds and all of your insights,
Gratefully,
Marilyn