Our Collective Immune System

I was organizing some files today and found something I wrote from May 28, 2020. Somehow it feels ever-so-relevant.

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The human body’s immune system is the complicated network of processes that fight off diseases so the organs can function properly and successfully in maintaining the overall health of the body. A body with a weakened immune system cannot fight diseases or illnesses varying in intensity, and ends up succumbing to something a normally functioning body would be able to overcome.

Our country is a body encountering disease, both literal and figurative, on a daily basis. There is good and bad news about this body we claim to love and respect. The good news is it has an immune system over which we as individuals are in full control; the bad news is this immune system has been so deeply compromised, it is going to take monumental change to heal.

Empathy is civilized society’s immune system.

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, empathy is defined as follows:

Simply put, empathy is a daily choice to see the world and each issue we face through others’ eyes. It is a daily choice to say, “Every life has value and I am going to use my power to either hear what those lives have to say or speak for them when no one else is listening.”

Empathy is our collective immune system.

That system is not only weakened, but each day I find it more difficult to see functioning at all. Diseases we cannot fight without that strong immune system include bigotry, entitlement, hypocrisy, false patriotism, lies, and ignorance. These are diseases and they are also daily choices people are making to compromise the health and overall well-being of the entire country--the entire world--because they are uncomfortable, uninterested, or unwilling to do better.

Do better.

Whether this brings to mind the literal illnesses spreading or the lies and hate that have infiltrated every system in our “body,” I am begging that we do better.

I’d like to remind us all that every life has value and every struggle has a voice. Remind yourself each day why we choose empathy over apathy; it is for the greater good.

I am scared, but my daughter is worth it.

I am struggling, but my future is worth it.

I am uncomfortable, but the immunocompromised are worth it.

I am lonely, but my family is worth it.

I don’t understand, but others are worth it.

I am sorry because I know you’re worth it.

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I can tell I was angry when I wrote this because of how I wrote it. I'm biting your head off with wordiness here... 😅

In all seriousness, though, it felt right to share this piece. It's relevant. And I stand by every word.

Thanks for reading and stay safe, y'all.

Paige