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It’s time to keep our keels down and our faith strong

Kathleen McQuillan
Posted 3/16/22

I wish I wasn’t opening with doom and gloom but if you’re hearing what I’m hearing, humanity is being tested to the max. We can identify a host of serious problems, some that …

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It’s time to keep our keels down and our faith strong

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I wish I wasn’t opening with doom and gloom but if you’re hearing what I’m hearing, humanity is being tested to the max. We can identify a host of serious problems, some that threaten our very survival. Some days, it’s hard not to ruminate about what it might be next. I, like many reading this, have had to cope with a lot in their lives. My list includes childhood trauma, personal encounters with life-threatening illness and illness that has taken the lives of friends and family. I know about those unexpected conflicts that can tear families apart, severing relationships that I thought were strong and enduring. And the stress and strain of raising children were sometimes the worst of all, especially those moments when I doubted my ability to keep them safe. All the fears, anxiety, loss and grief can zap us of our energy and resources, making it hard to face another day.
But honestly, I can’t recall a period that has created as persistent an experience of shear emotional exhaustion like this one has. In addition to the usual ups and downs, the number of what pundits call “existential threats” are at a level that may top the world’s record highs.
For over two years, we’ve lived isolated from one another, engulfed by the stress of a global pandemic. We held on tight through four turbulent years of Donald Trump in the White House. And we still struggle with continued internal threats to our democracy. Growing inequality, economic disparities, disregard for truth and disrespect for the rule of law have weakened our confidence in the fundamentals of a well-functioning society. Team that up with too many guns and it becomes very hard to remain optimistic about the future. Oh, and then there’s global warming! If unabated, the future of our planet looks shaky — a perfect recipe for deep despair. And in case that’s not enough, there’s the domestic economy struggling toward recovery after pandemic disruptions, rising prices for gasoline and other goods hindering efforts to maintain a healthy middle class, our two-party system painfully divided, and a world-wide refugee crisis. No wonder we’re exhibiting signs of “toxic stress”. Humanity is overburdened by the weight of too many problems, too much complexity, and no one able to lead us out of massive geo-political entanglements. My ability to rally a positive outlook has definitely taken a hit.
Whenever I’m feeling “near-crazy”, a voice rises out of the din of worry, via phone or radio, reminding me that I’m not alone. Others are feeling the same way?! I pause and remember, we’re only human.
There are researchers looking closely at how well we are managing our high levels of stress. Some are developing techniques to release stress and prevent feeling overwhelmed. They are informing us about the warning signs of toxic stress, a condition that undermines our innate coping mechanisms, and weakens our immune system.
One researcher studied the role that “faith” plays in all of this. While listening to his thesis, my inner voice implored, “Faith in what?” As if reading my mind, he answered, “Science, world leaders, and God, of course.” And guess what else he added, perhaps the most surprising of them all, “Maintain your faith in others!” I latched on to his advice with all my heart and swore to practice “all of the above”. No harm in covering all the bases.
I was raised praying to “the man upstairs”. That was my grandfather’s way of referring to God. But in my adulthood, when Grandpa wasn’t there anymore, neither was the man upstairs. Not to make light of a serious topic, but when adversity struck I learned early on that my best bet was to rely on myself. I can’t say I never wished for some omnipotent, benevolent being looking down on me, ready to deliver on my desperate pleas for miraculous interventions or just a moment’s respite from the fray. But my faith and hope seemed better invested elsewhere. That is until now. Lately I’ve been praying more often. Probably because there are times when I feel like it’s the only thing I can do. If prayer can save me from total paralysis, then I’m all for it.
Now, on to foreign affairs. Russia recently launched an all-out invasion into Ukraine, a sovereign, fledgling democracy that borders some of our NATO allies. People around the planet are sickened by the destruction and bloodshed. We feel pressure to “stop” this awful act of aggression. But direct American military engagement could further escalate the war and trigger the forever-feared nuclear confrontation between Russia and the U.S. — an event so terrifying that we all should agree it must be prevented. I pray that our very best diplomatic efforts be directed toward de-escalation!
The weight of these woes challenge our wisdom and tolerance. They can interfere with our ability to process information, emotions and judgment effectively. Prioritizing our needs becomes more difficult. Increased violent behavior, whether in our homes or on our streets, may well be symptoms of stress overload that effects us, and world leaders.
Studies indicate that constant exposure to direct or indirect trauma can create lasting damage to our brain and nervous systems resulting in symptoms of traumatic stress syndrome that include irritability, hyper-vigilance, emotional hyper-reactivity, psychic numbing, and the inability to trust or accept evidence-based facts and information.
We all yearn for a “quick fix” for the issues that confront us. We want answers, and relief from our distress. When we can’t find either, we become prone to panic and that can lead to impulsive actions, some with tragic results. Ask veterans of past wars, victims of violence, or refugees. Their stories can become sources for better understanding. Potential solutions to our current problems might even be embedded in stories of the past. Some paths forward can be found by looking back. History is important.
These are precarious times. They require restraint, inquiry and rational deliberation before taking action. Continuous effort to stay engaged with allies and adversaries is critical. Listening with an ear for understanding are key to creating positive outcomes. Our elected officials must also feel the pressure to “do something”. They need our support to pursue the safest and most constructive path forward, even if it takes more time.
War and violence can no longer be the preferred strategy to solve our disputes. The tools of war have become far too lethal. To support Ukraine and all of humanity, let’s fold our hands, stand together, and raise our voices for all the world’s leaders to hear. Peace is more than just a laudable goal. It is our best and only choice.
Let’s hold the keel down and keep our faith!