by Bill Teepen
Throughout the COVID outbreak, I hear stories of heroism and plight. While it is easy to cheer on our national and worldwide leaders it is hard for me to accept fully the plight of the world. This is because I don’t know how to help them.
- How can I help an AA member who is lost a sponsor to COVID?
- How do I help another AA member who lost two family members and business due to COVID?
- How do I help the millions that are out of work and struggling to meet their basic needs?
For me, the worst part of the COVID shutdown was not having internet for a month and, until May 22, having to go without my favorite coffee shop. Why do I get blessings while others suffer? The answers I found:
- HAIL TO THE VICTORS
- Different use of resources
Hail to the Victors, Bo Schembechler was right, those who stay will be champions. As shocking as it may be to quote Michigan, I find it to be true.
One of the reasons I am doing well now is because of the crisises of 2011,2012, 2013, 2015-2018. In 2011 I lost my food stamps because I was homeless. After finding food for myself, I made a plan to manage without food stamps. During 2012, I got sober, this is important later. In 2013, an illness caused me to learn that being in the hospital does not prevent one from the eviction process but paid my rent in time to avoid court. From 2015 to 2018, due to church conflicts, I learned different coping skills that help me with COVID. Because of these past experiences I have learned how to cope and excel in this crisis.
The second reason I am doing well is that I use my resources differently than others. I can buy necessities by going to places that most do not think about, such as gas stations. Because I live alone so I can buy little and still have a lot. My neighbors use drugs and enjoy showing me how much fun they think drugs can be. The problem is they get high, cannot pay their rent and eat Ramen noodles. I live sober and live like a KING and my rent is paid.
The last thing I am doing is making sure each day I am doing something. The options available to me may have changed, but I still have a lot of choices.
The biggest lesson from the COVID crisis is that while things are going well for me now, and I am blessed. I still need to have to answer the following questions:
- How prepared am I? Will I have enough resources if I lose my income?
- And, can I meet my basic needs?
- If yes, how can I bless others?
- If no, what do I need to do to be able to meet my basic needs?
Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay