It’s not exaggerating much to say that we’re in the middle of a World War. The old-timers among us will recognize the blanket of fear and depression that has settled over us, much like it felt in 1940.

     Obviously, this current war is of a different nature. Unlike the Nazis, with their Tiger tanks, and the Japanese, with their massive battleships, our present enemy has no form and invades our lungs unseen. Instead of massing ourselves into platoons and battalions to do battle, we’re encouraged to socially distance ourselves and hunker down at home.

     Though the battle plan is different, the outcome – now as then – depends mightily on our unity, our faith and our character. Are we going to hoard or share? Point fingers or cooperate? Pray or let fear become our master?

     Before my father passed away, we had some wonderful conversations about his life and times, including some vivid memories he shared from The Great Depression and World War II.

     “What did it feel like after Pearl Harbor?” I asked him one day.

     “We knew it was bad,” he said. “We lost half the Pacific fleet in two hours. Your Mom and I lost a close friend on one of those battleships. In Europe, it was worse. France had fallen. The Germans were bombing London…”

     “Did you go to work that Monday, after Pearl Harbor?”

     “Yes. We all went to work.”

     “What was the feeling in the office? Were you depressed? Afraid?”

     He shook his head. “No. We never entertained the thought of losing…”

     Think about that a minute.

     Never entertained the thought of losing.

     That, my friends, was the faith by which our forebears lived!