Impacting the World For Good While Social Distancing
With COVID-19 spreading quickly across our country, “shelter in place” orders coming from several states, and everyday activities like school moving to digital platforms, it’s as important now, as ever, that we shine as a light for Christ in this broken world.
At Portsmouth Christian Academy, our vision is for Christ-centered graduates impacting the world for good. While this vision speaks specifically to the type of young men and women who will graduate from PCA someday, we hope PCA students begin on the track of impacting the world for good at a young age.
This week, Lower School Principal Dr. Carrie Abood challenged Lower School students to find creative ways to impact the world for good (check out this video of her challenge!) If they delivered, Dr. Abood promised some entertainment – a polar plunge in the ocean! We expect great things from PCA students, and the students delivered, finding ways to impact the world while social distancing at home.
PCA students chose to make an impact by helping their siblings, making coffee for parents and even making face masks for local hospitals. Inspired by the hearts of our students, we’ve compiled a list of different ways to impact the world for good!
Write letters…
Social distancing can quickly become lonely. Video and phone calls are a wonderful way to keep in touch, but few things are as special as opening the mailbox to find a hand-written (or hand-drawn!) letter or card from a friend. We encourage children and adults to try this exercise. Adults and children alike can write to friends, neighbors, and relatives. You may also choose to write to those who are in the hospital or the elderly. We recommend reaching out to your local church, hospital, or nursing home to find out how children can send letters of encouragement.
Share a positive message…
It seems that social media is packed with news lately, and in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it hasn’t always been positive. While the news is important and social media is a helpful way of distributing information, challenge yourself to share positivity online today! Whether you share a bible verse, an encouraging quote, or even a photo of a happy moment for your family today, you can impact the world by spreading joy and peace online. Your children can follow suit by sharing encouragement with siblings and friends.
Offer your services…
Organizations throughout the US are facing new challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Churches are moving services online, restaurants are shifting to take-out only, and schools are now operating online. Reach out to local organizations to see if you can offer services that may aide in the transition. Churches may need assistance with online services, schools may need help creating tutorial videos, and food banks may be in need of donations. Encourage your children to do the same, like Isabella, a PCA 3rd grader, who is creating face masks for local hospitals!
Grocery shop for someone in need…
Older folks are being encouraged to stay home to prevent exposure to the Coronavirus. If you are healthy and heading to the grocery store, call your elderly neighbor and see if there is anything you can pick up for them. This simple gesture shows that you care, and it will likely bring a sense of relief to the at-risk population who are being asked to stay home.
Be a leader…
Our response to a crisis can serve as a model for children, friends, and neighbors. Be a leader in your family and community by responding with compassion, grace, prayer, and faith to situations beyond your control.
This is just a start! There are many more ways that we can make an impact in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. What ways has your family found to impact the world for good this week? Share with us! Post on social media and tag @pcadover on Instagram or @pcaschool on Facebook to share your family’s ideas!