Where Is the Silver Lining behind the Dark Coronavirus Cloud?

             All of us experience dark days from time to time. My husband lost his only brother to pancreatic cancer on Saturday, and we were not able to visit him in his last days or attend his funeral. This death and burial have added to the darkness that we feel, but we see light in the distance because we know that we will meet again in the next life.


            The entire world is experiencing dark skies with problems caused by the coronavirus, and the earthquakes, tornadoes, and eruptions do not help. The coronavirus continues to spread and has now infected people in more than 200 countries. As of about 15 minutes ago, Bing listed the following numbers: Alaska has 143 cases with 3 deaths, and 0 recoveries. United States has 216,154 cases with 5,115 deaths, and 8,878 recoveries. Globally, there are 935,817 cases, 47,208 deaths, and 193,700 recoveries. 


            We are stuck in our homes away from our extended families and friends, and our bank accounts may be quickly shrinking. However, there is a silver lining in the dark clouds we see. This silver lining is a good cause for hope that these dark days may end soon. The curve of coronavirus growth in the United States seems to be flattening. The numbers of recoveries in both the United States and the world are steadily growing higher than the number of deaths. Medical professionals are figuring out what works and what does not work. More and more people are staying in their homes, and our food supply lines continue to be strong – thanks to farmers, ranchers, and store personnel. There is much good happening despite the bad.


            As I typed the above words, I sensed a lifting of my spirit as the lyrics of a hymn filtered into my mind. The hymn is titled “Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words.” It was written by Joseph L. Townsend (1849-1942) with music by Ebenezer Beesley (1840-1906)




1. Let us oft speak kind words to each other

At home or where’er we may be;

Like the warblings of birds on the heather,

The tones will be welcome and free.

They’ll gladden the heart that’s repining,

Give courage and hope from above,

And where the dark clouds hide the shining,

Let in the bright sunlight of love.



Chorus:

Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live

And sunshine forever impart.

Let us oft speak kind words to each other.

Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.



2. Like the sunbeams of morn on the mountains,

The soul they awake to good cheer;

Like the murmur of cool, pleasant fountains,

They fall in sweet cadences near.

Let’s oft, then, in kindly toned voices,

Our mutual friendship renew,

Till heart meets with heart and rejoices

In friendship that ever is true.



Chorus:

Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live

And sunshine forever impart.

Let us oft speak kind words to each other;

Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.



            Whether the skies are gray or blue, we will be dealing with the coronavirus for longer than any of us would like. The darkness of the disease and the problems it brings do not have to cause darkness in our homes. As the hymn states, we can bring sunshine to our loved ones by speaking kind words and showing love to them. We can make these days some of the best that our families remember. I encourage all of us to look for the silver lining behind the dark clouds of coronavirus and to keep our spirits bright.