March 18, 2020
Page 9
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O PINION
Caring for Our Children Right Now
All of us are
suffering as
pandemic
concerns grow
m arian W righT e delman
As the global coronavirus offi-
cially becomes a pandemic and the
effects in our nation become more
widespread each passing hour, chil-
dren and all of us are suffering from
anxiety and the virus’s many threats
and disruptions.
Many unknowns loom large, but
one thing is certain: children need
adults to help them process and cope
with any uncertainty and dangers in
their daily lives. Most are anxious
by
about changes to their
daily routines or afraid
something will happen
to them, their parents or
grandparents, or other
people they know and
love. They will need
clear, age-appropriate,
accurate information and loving
support during every step of this
massive crisis.
Here are a few prayers for the par-
ents, teachers and other caregivers
who must be the oaks of strength
children need right now even in the
midst of adults’ own uncertainty.
God, straighten our backs
clear our heads
strengthen our voices and judgment
infuse our hearts
with Your mighty and comforting spirit.
God, help us to be like bamboo,
which bends and bows and sways
in the winds but never breaks.
God, think Your thoughts in us
do Your work through us
build Your peace in us
share Your love through us.
O God, we pray for our children
and family members and for our
neighbors and their children.
Help us God to remember that all
Your people are our neighbors
and all children are our own.
We pray especially for every
caregiver, doctors and nurses,
health and hospital personnel,
and those who serve people
with special needs and other
vulnerable populations.
God, please help us to show our
children
By our actions as well as our words
That they are loved.
O God for whom nothing is too hard
Who makes the impossible possible
Every minute of every day
Kindle within us an unshakable
faith
In Your presence, power, and
goodness.
O God help us to remember that
You have the whole world in Your
hands—every baby, child, woman,
and man in every circumstance
everywhere.
Marian Wright Edelman is
founder and president emerita of the
Children’s Defense Fund.