In Kubler-Ross’s five stages of grief, the Great Pause has the same stages. They are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.   

 

According to the news of the day it could be said the stages are alive and thriving right this moment in all 50 states in varying degrees.  The states that are having the most challenges with infection, hospitalization and death are in the stage of denial and anger.  Denial and anger because they are being forced to own up to their own previous denial for nine months and anger because they now must publicly request of their citizens to get vaccinated without mandating it.

 

They are hoping to strike a bargain with their constituents of “suggesting” the right thing they must do without using the power of their office to protect all of the residents of the state. 

 

This leaves us with depression and acceptance.  Depression now falls on those who become sick and die.  Acceptance on those who are left behind because their loved choose to not get vaccinated.  Now they must go through all five stages of grief and then some. 

 

It would seem the Unity way of thinking is applicable here.  We do not control what happens in the larger world or in our personal world a good deal of the time.  What we do control is how we respond to it.   Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance is not the answer in the Great Pause.  I think it is more like Listen, Write, Meditate, Pray, Take Action that works for everyone.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

This GOSPELGRAM is brought to you from Unity In Harlem and will appear twice-a-month for the immediate future.  You are invited to respond to these thoughts by emailing carolhunt@unityinharlem