#BeKind

On Stuff, Caroline Williams wrote about Coronavirus and specifically about the Kiwis who are sharing stories of kindness under #BeKind hashtag on Twitter....

 

Kiwis have taken to Twitter to share stories of kindness as New Zealand enters Covid-19 level four lockdown.

New Zealanders must now stay indoors for four weeks and only emerge for essential purposes, including going to the supermarket and work, if their job is an essential service.

On Wednesday night, Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles encouraged people to share stories of kindness on Twitter, under the hashtag #BeKind, a phrase coined by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as she addressed the nation on Monday. Some examples:

A PhD candidate said her supervisor had agreed to lend her flat a bicycle for going to the supermarket so she could avoid public transport.

"My elderly father saw a woman get yelled at in the supermarket because she was confused about where/how to line up. Dad let her go in front of him forcing the ill mannered person further back in the line," said another.

"Be kind," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.

One woman said she had been enjoying spotting teddy bears in windows despite the idea being targeted at children.

Sadly, I do not have a teddy bear to add, but maybe these Pigs will brighten up someones day??

Others shared acts of kindness they had done to make others' lives easier.

"I've told my tenants that if they are made redundant during the next two months not to worry about rent. We will keep you housed."

A woman who usually helped an exchange student get to and from the airport said she took her in as she couldn't return home, nor could her family fly to New Zealand to be with her.

"Now I have a third daughter to care for. An awesome addition to our bubble."

Another said she helped an older couple load top up vouchers onto their phones.

Check out sharing stories of kindness under #BeKind hashtag on Twitter....

LOCKDOWN

My very dear friend and colleague, Annie White from the USA has sent this beautiful poem written by a priest at this time. So much is happening in these very uncertain times. My heart goes out to Carla Rinaldi especially, so many very difficult challenges for the Italians and especially for Carla. Take care everyone, where ever you are in the world.  Take time to look for the silver lining.

Love Wendy

Lockdown

Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.

Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM
March 13th 2020

There is no doubt in my mind that our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is putting kindness and care into her front frame as she navigates these very uncertain times and gives the nation very clear messages to act on. Thank you for enabling hope to be kept in view!!