Padre's Corner: Trust in times of stress

August 25, 2020 - Padre (Capt) Chinedu Chukwu, 3^rd Canadian Division HQ Chaplain

All the commotions surrounding the initial reactions to COVID-19, most well-thought out, some experimental and some ad hoc, have elicited different reactions from individuals all over the world, including our soldiers and their families, at home and overseas.

Many of us have realized the challenges of getting social beings to be physically isolated from one another, and many have used the time as an opportunity to spend more time with families, to do something different and to take some online courses.

The reality is that none of us has been in such a situation before, and we are all learning, adjusting and seeking ways to thrive despite the restrictions resulting from precautionary measures aimed at preserving the force as well as keeping us and our families safe. After the initial stresses, fears of the unknown with regards to the virus, the uncertainties of what these all mean for “normalcy” as we knew it, many people are thriving.

In the midst of this and given the depressing news of deaths from coronavirus streaming daily through the various news media, the two major incidents affecting east-coaters – mass murder and accident at sea – it is important for us to think of our total wellness: mental, spiritual, emotional and physical. The storm may be raging, but there are programs to help us cope with its effects and to know that it will someday subside. This also presents an opportunity to re-connect with that which one may have used to cope with adverse events in the past: one’s spiritual foundations and resiliency toolbox.

A few years ago, on a gloomy rainy day, I was in an airplane about to take off. Most of my co-passengers were probably feeling low, as we were all waiting quietly for the plane to take off, some scrolling through their phone, others just sitting and waiting. The plane took off, and as soon as it broke the clouds, there was up there a bright shinny sunny morning. One of the passengers spoke loudly, “Hurray, what a beautiful morning,” and as soon as another passenger started clapping her hand, everybody joined, and the whole plane became lively. Passengers started talking to their fellow passengers.

This story reminds us that if only we can push through the glooms we all face at any point in our lives, above the clouds, there is often the sunny side. It also reminds us of the need to trust. The pilot of the plane trusted that the plane is capable of pushing through in order to get above the clouds, and the passengers trusted the pilot’s ability.

In these time of uncertainties, there is need to trust that the decisions made by those in leadership positions are well-thought out and that although the winds may sway from side to side, brighter days lie ahead.

If anyone is feeling overwhelmed by the gloomy events of the last few weeks, please reach out to your padre, mental health personnel, through the Canadian Forces app, or other organizations. Help is always a phone call away.

Remember, above every storm lies the brighter side of life. You have the spiritual resources to be resilient and overcome life’s adversities, big and small. Reach within.