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Iroquois Principal's Corner

Iroquois Principal's Corner — March 17, 2020

One of the strange things about a crisis is the fueling of unification. We are all in this together. Our differences are put on hold because we are enduring the same challenge.

Maybe you remember September 12, 2001, the day after the World Trade Centers and other buildings were attacked. The U.S. was actually united for the most part. We gathered around the momentum of overcoming something that was terrible. We did not linger in the tragedy but responded. 

How do we respond to something with an unknown end date like a virus?

Well, I think there is a response and it is effective. We find hope. That’s not supposed to be a cliché, but it’s true. I have seen pictures of people meeting through windows who aren’t allowed to come in contact with each other. I’ve heard of neighborhoods having church services outside. The acts of kindness through this are countless. The key to having hope is the choice of it. We can choose to have hope and act on it, or we can linger in the worry of what is next. The choice seems so obvious! Yet, we can get trapped. 

So how do we choose hope?

Read GOOD news. Maybe that’s stories from the Bible or the positive stories in the news. Get outside and investigate something God created such as a plant, bird or sunset. Play a game with someone (stay 6 ft. apart!). Do something kind for a neighbor such as helping with their landscaping. This message is for parents and kids! 

Join me in choosing hope in these odd times. There plenty to find hope in. I am praying for you all and I look forward to seeing you again soon enough. God bless!

—John Barkel

John Barkel

John Barkel

Principal
Grand Rapids Christian
Elementary School
Iroquois Campus

 

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