A Pandemic Proposal: Viral Vitality: Hope for the Human Soul

By Art Toalston

Even amid the horrors and heavy sorrows of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there can be a distinct vitality in our souls, in our circumstances, in our relationships, in the world within our sphere of influence, and in how we each move into the future. It may not be a euphoric vitality when a prolific number of us suffer illness, and many die, in a society gripped by fear, economic tumult, and looming infections facing healthcare and law enforcement personnel and store clerks.

But still, just as our physical bodies, when well, function as they were intended to do, so too can the spirit within us. Journalist and spiritual disciplines advocate Art Toalston ventures into a vitality that can enhance our daily lives, even in a time of social upheaval and widespread grief. As long as we have a heartbeat and can breathe, why not venture forward with an optimized view of life? A coronavirus pandemic cannot alter God's creation of the human soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Apr 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781456634537

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Amid a global pandemic, can there be any vitality in our lives?

You may be surprised by this, but the answer is yes.

There can be a distinct vitality in our souls, in our circumstances, in our relationships, in the world within our sphere of influence, and in how we each move into the future beyond the sorrows of the present.

It may not be a euphoric vitality when a prolific number of us suffer illness, and many die, in a society gripped by fear, and when we see our loved ones, friends, and neighbors suffer, whether from disease or from financial hardship that has gripped a nation.

It may seem glib or audacious to be hopeful especially when there is a sweeping loss of life, but still, just as our physical bodies, when well, continue to function as they were intended to do, so too can the spirit within us.

Definitions of vitality abound. It’s a bit like a gift – something more than you had before.

It can be a new or deepened faith, or peace of mind, or love and wisdom, or healthy relationships.

Let’s not waste a minute longer to explore a vitality that can enhance our daily lives, even in a time of horrific crisis. As long as we have a heartbeat and can breathe, why not seek as much vitality as possible? Why not venture forward with an optimized view of life even when we’re confronted with tumult and sorrow?

Sure, we may have some lighthearted conversations amid harrowing times, read a good book or two while homebound amid a pandemic, and turn to various media outlets for momentary entertainment. But there can be so much more.

Beyond the natural

The vitality to be described in these pages is supernatural. Certainly the intricacies evident in our bodies, in the complex biological milieu in which we live on planet Earth, and in the wonders we see in the universe – these are supernatural. At least they’re supernatural to those within various religious traditions and to some who, with uncertainty, ponder the source of these marvels.

It is certainly reasonable, then, to assume that a supernatural dimension can likewise exist within our souls, our circumstances, our relationships, the world around us, and in our future.

From a Christian perspective, the existence of a Creator and his handiwork fills the revelations of the Old Testament and New Testament. It filled the life of Jesus in his full reliance on God the Father, even as he endured crucifixion and, just as vitally, as he emerged from the grave in his resurrection and sent forth the Holy Spirit to dwell in, to transform, to impart peace and joy, and to guide his people.

Followers of Christ through the ages have accepted martyrdom and financial ruin for their faith, even in our modern era in countries with brutal authoritarian regimes. Inspirational writers have sought to convey the glories of this faith while theologians have grappled with any and every tough question about its truth and viability.

And followers of Christ, like others around them, have weathered pandemics and economic disorder.

So, then, as the Scripture states in the book of Hebrews, chapter 4, verse 16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hearing from God

You may wonder, as everyone probably does: Why doesn’t God speak audibly in our circumstances? Why doesn’t he verbally tell us that all can be well with our souls? Why won’t he give us moment-by-moment, point-by-point instructions for how to live not just amid turmoil but in all the ups and downs of life?

Think, though, of our daily conversations, how fleeting they are. Certainly some are memorable in how they have affected us. Yet think of how little we can recall from our innumerable conversations over the years or from the words spoken in our schooling.

Yes, God could make an impression on us by speaking audibly. But he does something different, something more.

By the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who trust in him, he imparts an ability to seek his guidance, along with a receptivity and a readiness to follow it. At times when we miss the mark, he is always ready to provide compassion, to relieve any and every guilt through his forgiveness.

This is something far more than conversation, far more than listening with our ears. It is the divine transformation of our souls by our Creator. It is the deepest sort of connection to him, a heart-level relationship with him.

It’s a life with him even when there’s a global pandemic and fiscal fallout, when a horrible virus is upending our lives.

CHAPTER 1: YOUR SOUL

No global pandemic, nor any accompanying impact on the world’s economies, can alter the human soul, which is eloquently described throughout Scripture.

Consider the marvel of God’s handiwork, poetically described by the Old Testament’s King David in Psalm 139, verses 13-14: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. / I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Note: In this book, when a poetic form is used in the biblical text, a forward slash – / – will be used to divide the verses.)

The ability to think and reason, to have emotions and passions, to have compassion for others – these are elements of our soul which can be elevated by an upbeat disposition and good favor yet, sadly, corrupted by evil or dampened by dire circumstances.

Through our souls, we perceive the world around us. We can choose to go it alone into looming uncertainties or dangers, or we can band together with others around us. Both can be good. But they are human endeavors.

They lack the supernatural, the empowering of God.

A fruitful faith

Human effort is devoid of a source that can impart the fruit of the Spirit, as it’s called in the New Testament book of Galatians, chapter 5, verses 22-23, reflecting the attributes of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

This succinct passage, like all of Scripture, is invaluable. Certainly, in a day-to-day sense, it points our souls toward a noble, optimal way of living.

It calls us to embrace love as a foundational element of our character.

It stirs us toward joy and peace. Though it can be dampened in uncertain times, yet it can lift our souls when we meditate on the great value of a transcendent faith.

The fruit of the Spirit can elevate our humanity as we extend forbearance, kindness, and gentleness to others from an increasing earnestness to honor the divine creation that God has fashioned each of us to be.

And in its call to goodness and self-control, it points us toward a personal integrity in our soul that also affects our homes, neighborhoods, and places of work.

This, indeed, is a viral vitality – one worthy of our deepest contemplation as well as our dialogue with people near and dear to us and, whenever possible, our interaction in every realm of culture.

‘More precious than gold’

God’s grace, often generally described in Scripture as his law, can be seen in numerous passages that reflect its viral vitality.

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul, King David wrote in Psalm 19, verses 7-11. "The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. /