Showing resilience

A year ago, the headteacher of my son’s high school wrote parents a letter: “…these terrible circumstances will require this generation of learners to demonstrate maturity, initiative and self-discipline beyond that required of previous — and, maybe, future — generations. I am confident that they will rise to the challenge.” Meanwhile, my younger son’s headteacher has commended the primary school pupils for demonstrating so much “resilience and resourcefulness”.

I admit to concern about the effect of Covid, lockdown and home-learning on my children. I know I am not alone. Being a parent is challenging enough, but during a global pandemic when normal rules no longer apply? How much screen-time is too much if it’s the only way to “play” with one’s friends? How to support children to plan ahead, when we are not sure what the future will hold?

The Bible is one long story of resilience, from the Israelites in the desert to the early church facing persecution. And many of its characters were actually very young — David the shepherd boy, a teenage Joseph with his coloured robe, Mary and probably Esther.

There is a fleeting mention of a young Israelite who suggests that Naaman, commander in the Syrian army, seeks the help of Elisha to cure his leprosy. “Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.” (2 Kings 5: 2). The girl was taken prisoner, removed from her family, ending up a slave in an alien land with strange customs and culture. However, she has adapted and is making the best of her circumstances. Moreover, she seems to hold no resentment against her new owners. Indeed, she is concerned for Naaman, showing initiative and resourcefulness. I doubt she was able to practise her religion, but she has not lost her faith in the power of her God to heal.

We never learn her name yet her resilience under adversity is an example to us all. Let us pray that our young people get through this time with the same fortitude and forgiveness that she showed.

First written 27 March 2021