CCL Weekly Update – 5/1/2020

We Are the World

With the passing of another week in the Corona Stand-Off, I’m reminded of another time, for another reason, when the world was fighting a different battle. Coming together for the good of all, there were many messages of unified support and care.

“We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie at the request of Harry Belafonte to raise funds for USA for Africa in 1985. The video is moving. Check it out below. I’m getting chills just thinking of everyone reading this singing along with the recording, loud and strong. These are some of the lyrics:

“There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, and it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can’t go on
Pretending day-by-day
That someone, somewhere soon make a change
We’re all a part of God’s great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day, just you and me

Oh, send them your heart
So they know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand

We are the world …”

A variety of recording artists came together to raise awareness and funding for a tragic world situation. (Aside: Wouldn’t it fun to hear Katie Davis pull this together with her family & friends? If you don’t know the reference, check out Katie’s videos in two posts by Jay Davis: Light of a Clear Blue Morning, and The Parting Glass.)

In these days of hyper-awareness of our own and others behaviors, with the sole interest of protecting each other, we truly are the world. We have come together for the good of all and we are the children making the right choices to save our lives, trying to make better days for us all.

So many have lent a helping hand so we can cope with this change in our life pattern, and we are stronger. We’re learning a different way of life and managing, through personal perseverance, creativity, cooperation, collaboration, generosity … and trust. For some of us, trusting others and accepting that helping hand can feel like an even bigger “lift” than helping ever has.

Our organizations are also helping in so many different ways, bringing us care, food, other essential support, and some really fun diversions in ways we might never have imagined. This week, I hope to encourage you again to take a look at the Lyme Events Calendar. There are more things to do from the safety of your home, and, increasingly, safely outside. While you’re on the CommunityCare of Lyme website, I invite you to visit the News and Events link and see lots of new posts, with inspirations, celebrations, and explorations contributed by neighbors, friends, and extraordinary people (like you and me) around the world.

Thank You. Our World, here in Lyme, is a better place because we do give and receive and love and care. Hearts and Help are available to all. We are making better days.