Note from Padre Robertson - 39 Canadian Brigade Group
April 17, 2020 - Defence Stories
Friends – Now that we are several weeks into “self-isolating” ourselves in aid of the battle against the Covid-19 virus, I thought I’d send a note of encouragement as I suspect some of you may be getting as “squirrely” as I am – being cooped up as we are, indoors and away from those we would normally choose to spend time with! With that in mind, I thought I’d offer a few words of encouragement:
1) Stand Firm – Please! This is not over! The situation is certainly looking better in BC than some other locations around the world, but it’s not over. The virus remains, it’s still a threat, and it can still come back in full-force if we let down our guard. At some point, the authorities will tell us that this situation is over – or over enough so that we can return to a ‘normal’ (or a new normal) way of life; but that time is not now! So until then, please, stay the course, be safe, be mindful of washing, keeping proper distances etc.. You and those around you are worth the effort!
2) Reach out – If you have been doing this already, thank you! Please keep it up. Reach out to those you know, like and love. Don’t assume they know you are thinking about them. A random call or actively seeking to connect, can go a long way to help someone who has been staring at a wall all day, or perhaps is anxious about the future. Write a letter, have coffee over Skype; send an e-card; call them on the phone; send ‘hi’ in an email. It’s important and will be appreciated!
3) Choose Hope – These are curious times. There has never been an event quite like the one we are living through today. That said, strive to be positive and keep your spirit up. It will come to an end, and we will be stronger for it! As the song goes “Don’t worry, be happy!” That may sound a bit cheesy, but it’s wise advise. Choose to be positive and hopeful; think happy thoughts – the present might be a bit odd at the moment, but the future is good. Trust that the end will be sooner (than later) and better (than it could have been) – so choose hope! And pass that hope on to others!
4) Seek help – if you are struggling! We may be separated, but there is no need to go through this alone. If you find that you are struggling and that hope is hard to find, then I would encourage you to seek help. Talk to a family member or friend. Connect to your spiritual community or Unit Chaplain. Seek out peer-to-peer support from a Unit Sentinel. The CF has lots of resources available – they are there for you, so please make use of them. I have listed a few below:
- Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP): 1-800-268-7708
- Canadian Forces Moral & Welfare Services
- Military Family Resource Centre
5) Reflect on & Practise your Spirituality – As a Chaplain I find Spirituality is often something people tend not to put a lot of effort into – to their detriment. The CF encourages us to be Spiritually Resilient – which means having the Spiritual Resources in place beforehand to help us deal with and overcome challenging and difficult situations. If you have a spiritual tradition, then I would encourage you spend some time with it – explore it and develop it – make sure it makes sense to you. If you don’t have a spiritual tradition, now is a good time to start! Life and existence are fascinating topics. Look into it, reflect on it, pray about it, meditate on it. We exist – how and why that is, and how we connect to what we see (and don’t see) around us, are worthy topics – especially if you find you have some extra time on your hands!
In closing let me say that it is truly an honour for me to be associated with this Brigade and you who serve within it. In you, the Canadian Armed Forces and our Country have much to be proud of!
Until next time - Be safe and stay well!
Sincere Regards
Padre Robertson