Pause for Thought

Many things spread virally around the world these days: trends, campaigns, sporting moments and, of course, funny animal videos.

Now we face a menacing viral threat that is redefining ‘normal’ life for every person in our nation.

As I watch Sheffield responding to this unfolding, previously unimagined scenario, I’m struck by how our city is pulling together.

People are choosing to connect across the street, across social media, across our usual daily routines.

The sometimes uncomfortable reality of our globalised society means that you and I are connected in many ways. If the food chain to our local supermarkets struggles, we will each struggle to feed our households. If somebody on my street begins to suffer, then in an important way, so do I.

An ancient Proverb in the Bible speaks directly into today’s situation: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbour now, don’t say ‘come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you’.”

Every street in Sheffield can put this into practice if we wish to. I’m suddenly connected to many new names and personalities in my own road, through our new WhatsApp group.

We share if people are in quarantine or need a favour doing. The temptation is to let other people provide the help being asked for. The temptation is to stay in the safety of my home and disconnect from the potential dangers of the world around me.

Rather than crossing the road if you see somebody heading towards you on the pavement, some of us may choose to walk across the road to knock on the door of a neighbour in need, and connect with somebody we’ve never previously spoken to or looked in the eye.

Small acts of kindness are taking over our local communities, and that can only be a positive consequence of this challenging situation.

How amazing it would be if the newest viral trend was ‘the kindness of strangers’.

The Reverend Nick Allan is minister of The Well Sheffield church, Ecclesall Road, Sharrow. See wellsheffield.com