Finding hope in difficult times

Revd Gerry Riviere, School Chaplain

Over the past 18 months, we have been through a lot. We have been forced to learn to live with a level of uncertainty, which is a shadow that lingers over so many of our future plans. For some, this uncertainty and loss of control can be quite stressful. No longer, it seems, can we confidently chart the path of our lives, for the threat of a lockdown and its restrictions is ever present – but we can find hope in a seemingly hopeless time if we try.

The question ‘Where is God in all this?’ is an interesting one. How does one’s faith stand up in the midst of such a difficult season? When things are going well, we can feel like we have full control over our lives. We celebrate family milestones, we plan holidays, we visit people who are significant to us, we share meals and we enjoy a latte and laughter with friends. When it seems like we are losing control we often feel vulnerable and anxious.

At such times, we can feel the need for greater stability in our lives. The narrative of the bible is that God meets us in our vulnerability and need, providing strength in our weakness, hope in our confusion and peace in place of our anxiety. We can look to the stability provided by God, and accept that we can’t control everything, even in the best of times, so we must focus on the things we can.

For example, it’s okay to disengage with the difficult news of the world sometimes and instead discover the good. Like our Wind Symphony students, who in spite of not being able to rehearse together in person, recorded a beautiful rendition of ‘No One is Alone’ by Stephen Sondheim and shared it with an even greater audience than they would have if they performed it live.

Also, recently, a number of Afghan refugees arrived in South Australia, and the community rallied around them to make them feel welcome in their new home, with letters of support and donations of toys for children – this included Australian children’s book author Mem Fox, who wrote welcome messages in copies of her book Possum Magic for all the children who arrived.

And in Shepparton, we saw another community gather to ensure those in isolation or struggling to afford or access food were taken care of through innumerable donations and hard work, making sure no one gets left behind.

We cannot underestimate the value of community in difficult times. We are so fortunate that, at Carey, we already had such a strong, connected and supportive community before the pandemic began, and we have been able to lean on each other and find hope and positivity through connectedness.

A strong sense of community is so important for us as we endure the uncertainties of this period. I am thankful to God for this Carey community.

Sad and difficult times often bring to the surface qualities and attitudes that inspire. As such, we have seen people reaching out to one another in genuine care. There have been phone calls, texts, cards and Zoom catch ups that have been a source of great encouragement. I have seen families with closer relationships than ever before. I have seen the commitment of staff to the students entrusted to their care. I have seen the appreciation of staff and parents to one another, as together, we negotiate our way through a season that has unfortunately become an accepted part of our lives.

From the many donations to the Carey Student Fee Support Fund last year, to the overwhelming number of people wanting to get involved with Carey Care to help other Carey community members in need, and the gift boxes sent by the parents associations to all Carey staff in appreciation for their hard work – our community has thrived through the opportunity to show their support and love.

When our school was founded by the Baptist Union of Victoria in 1923, the hope was that the continuing story of God’s blessing would be upon our school. We have seen this throughout our inspiring history. This is not the first time we have faced difficulties as a community, and we have always thrived and made our way through together. We are presently living through uncertain times, so may we continue to see the hand of God’s blessing upon our community as we express kindness and compassion to one another. A strong sense of community is so important for us as we endure the uncertainties of this period. I am thankful to God for this Carey community.

COVID-19 does not have the final say. Hope and happiness can – and must – be found, when we look for it.