What makes the difference in how people are dealing with the Pandemic?

I have been concerned about all the people who have "lost heart", who are fearful, and discouraged, and I have been wondering why I don't feel that way. There are many people I know who also are not overwhelmed with the pandemic. What makes the difference? 

First, I thought about what is the opposite of fear, that terrible anxious feeling which devovers our courage. I found that the antonyms to fear were such things as love, calmness, assurance, confidence, happiness, and faith. Why are some people not feeling these good positive feelings? Of course you probably think that is frighteningly obvious for we are experiencing a pandemic. Not only are people losing their jobs, and some their businesses, but people around the world are dying. This is true, but I still don't think that explains why so many people are succumbing to fear. 

It is well accepted by psychologists that what we tell ourselves about a situation, not the event itself, is what causes our emotional response. All of us are at risk with this pandemic, but some are panicking in fear, while others bravely confront this virus, enabling them to lovingly care for those who are ill. 

What are some people telling themselves which makes them so fearful? Perhaps it is more what they have been telling themselves in the past. If you have been telling yourself that man is all powerful; that everything you have is the result of your own effort and talents; that our doctors and scientists can handle anything; and if you deny the Creator of all you have, your world falls apart and you feel completely powerless when things do not go as you expect. When confronted by such things as being attacked by microscopic invaders, and it becomes obvious that man's strength alone isn't enough, those that have relied solely on man will be overwhelmed by fear. 

Those with hope have hearts which have been strengthened by noticing, remembering, and giving thanks for all they have received. We appreciate,  learn, love, grow, and have the ability to see the big picture. We are those who know that there is more to life than these few moments we have here on earth. Remembering all the help we have received in the past, we are prepared with the courage to face life without fear, because we have put our trust in God. 

 

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