Finding the Middle Ground in a Pandemic

We are going through a really difficult time in our country and in our world right now with the Coronavirus running rampant. There are people that are panicking and ones that are choosing to stay naive and complacent.

Quite frankly, I was someone who has been more on the naive side until about two days ago. I am not one to get caught up in the media’s fear based tactics that they are so well known for.

But as this virus is infecting people and taking people’s lives, I have come to the conclusion the best thing to do is to find the middle ground during this pandemic.

I have chosen to find reliable resources and educate myself on how I not only can protect myself from this virus, but also my family and community. It’s the responsible thing to do. I believe it starts with education and then controlling the controllables.

Our world is different right now. No NBA, no March Madness, large social gatherings are being reduced or eliminated, even Disneyland is shuttering its doors.

The stock market is crashing.

There isn’t toilet paper anywhere to be found. Who would have ever thought that was a thing?

The question is, how are we going to handle this? Are we going to be complacent and stick our head in the sand? I don’t think that’s the answer.

Are we going to go into a state of anxiety and hysteria? I know that never works out well.

What if we collectively as a society rallied around each other and supported one another through a really challenging time.

There are going to be jobs lost, small and large businesses impacted. This isn’t just about me or you, it’s about us. It’s about being one in the Kingdom of God reaching out a helping hand to those in need.

It’s going to get worse before it gets better and it will get better.

I strongly believe spending time in a face to face community is one of the best ways to connect with people. I led my Barbells & Brothers men’s fitness ministry at the gym I train out of last night. There was a powerful connection there between four men. We shared in one man’s pain and lifted him up. I know his life was greatly impacted by our time together last night.

But there is a new reality right now and face to face gatherings may not always be possible. God put it so strongly on my heart a few months ago to start an online men’s fitness ministry. Of course I had no idea what we were in store for at that time.

I believe technology can be used in a time like this to create community. To have brotherhood. To love, support and encourage one another through online forums, digital workouts and daily devotionals.

If you are looking for community, support, encouragement and want to thrive physically, mentally and spiritually during these difficult days, I would like to invite you to give Barbells & Brothers a try.

We are a brotherhood of men devoted to living a life of purpose for the glory of God and the good of others.

Be safe, be smart and find that middle ground in the midst of the pandemic we are in.

Troy Ismir, MS

Fitness Minister

Founder and Creator of Barbells & Brothers