The strengths we need to defeat virus

Our U.S. political and medical leaders are telling us that we are fighting a real war against the coronavirus. I agree that it is a new kind of war. In WWll and in Vietnam, the enemy was sometimes hidden, sometimes captured. In the COVID-19 virus war, the enemy is totally invisible without the technology of microscopes and medical research. But this invisible enemy must also be defeated by an invisible defense. We who are quarantined have it in our power to aid in this war by our hourly actions.

Here is how: the three little letters "v - I - r " appear in both of the words "virus" and virtue." And this word-base has to do with strength, especially human strength. A virus is a strong agent; it can cause illness and sometimes even death. In comparison, a "virtue " is an inner strength, something that is invisible but real enough to help us decide what to do when in doubt.

Virtues give us our character. They are things like patience, concern for others, wisdom, tolerance, intelligence, faith.

So, winning this current and very threatening war is more than following the news and staying home.

It is about the daily battles being fought between a strongly contagious illness and the strong virtues that all of us can show to others each day.

We surely do rely on our fine medical professionals, and on appropriate treatment, but it is also important that we ourselves practice the patience, compassion, and concern for all that will bring us through this time of restriction.

Jean Rosen

Wheaton