Faith: The Thin Line Between Despair and Hope

The Covid-19 pandemic started as a health issue in December 2019. Over the months that followed it has not only affected the health of people but also in the areas of finances, emotions and even spirituality. Many professionals and church people have linked efforts to address this global crisis.

As a dentist, I have seen how this health crisis has affected the lives of many colleagues. During the early months, dental clinics were closed and money became scarce. Remember that the oral cavity is the entry and exit point of the virus through droplets. Many dentists were afraid to work. As one of my friends said, “dapang-dapa ang propesyon ng mga dentista sa pandemya.”

As a counselor, I have seen how this pandemic has affected the psycho-emotional health of people. It is not easy to be locked down for several months (or even a year!) at home. We now have work-from-home and online class arrangements and these are new. Change is always a mental issue. Yet, we try as much as possible to cope and move on. Until when do we feel uncertain, fearful and anxious? We do not know.

In this time of unwanted change, it is helpful to hold on to our faith. We do not have to be Catholic or Christian to be spiritual. We only need to see the hands of the Divine in all these. I must say that one of the best things this pandemic has brought us is the fact that many have become more spiritual. Many are now praying, participating in online masses and church services and holding on to God’s assurance — “do not be afraid, just have faith.”

In the midst of life’s difficulties, do we call on God? Do we see his loving hands amidst the trials and problems? Life is not easy. There is no room for denial at this time. Many people have died and some of them are our family members, relatives and friends. I, for one, am lost for words on how to give comfort to my cousin who lost her husband and father in one month. Facebook has become a virtual obituary every day. It is so painful and it is sad.

At this time, we do not have much choice but to make God the Captain of our ship. The disciples caught in the storm panicked and were afraid. Yet, Jesus calmed the strong waves and relieved them from their fears. At present, do we still hope that He is powerful enough to restore our lives? Naa pa bay paglaum nga atong makit-an?

Happiness as well as sadness are just but temporary. Everything is fleeting. The writer of Ecclesiastes, rightfully said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot…” Ang tanan lumalabay lang. Everything happens for a reason. In our life, there are two most important dates: the day one is born and when one dies. In between these two dates, we ought to make a difference for ourselves, for the world and for God.

I believe that God will restore our lives in the new normal and He will make us an instrument to restore others. In these days, there is a very thin line between despair and hope. And that thin line is faith.

Kalinaw sa tanan!

(Dr. Nelson de Castro Magnaye is a Dentist by profession. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Family Ministry and Counseling from the Ateneo de Manila University. he is currently a Guidance Advocate at the Ateneo de Davao University. He may be reached at drnelson_magnaye@yahoo.com)