The “TP” Crisis of 2020

Today, as I sit in my chair, the calendar says it is April 1, 2020. We are encouraged to stay home, practice social distancing, do “take out” food only, at least until the end of April. It is very quiet out. There’s not much traffic along the roads. Why? There is a world-wide pandemic caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). It is probably the most contagious illness since the 1918 Spanish flu.

I thought back in time when our country was also in a national crisis. It was during WWII when the country was at war across two hemispheres. Our people were patriotic and did everything to help. Young men went willingly to war to fight for our freedom.

That generation wasn’t called “the greatest generation” for nothing!

It was all about the war… I was a very young child, but even I had a “ration stamp book” used for staples such as sugar, flour, butter, etc. I still have my ration stamp book. It is a historical reminder of our country’s past history.

When I reflect on that time in history, and today with this pandemic, I can’t help but compare our America then, and our America today. I see a self-absorbed generation who can’t come to grips with the situation. I see people fighting over toilet paper (tp), and hoarding commodities. It is a “spoiled” generation who have never had to do without, but are now in panic mode, trying to be sure they do not have to sacrifice anything in their own lives.

We know, this too will pass, but the future of our America, as we know it, will take months, or even years, to recover the economic fallout.

This song came to mind:

“In times like these, you need a Savior.

In times like these, you need an anchor.

Be very sure. Be very sure.

Your anchor holds, and grips the solid rock.”

“This rock is Jesus. Yes, he’s the one.

This rock is Jesus. The only one.

Be very sure. Be very sure.

Your anchor holds, and grips the solid rock.”