When politicians respond to #COVID19 by saying things like “hiding in our homes is contrary to the American spirit” or “adding a point to the stock market isn’t worth losing a single life” I understand the sentiments but both miss the mark. Clear communication is critical. 1/

This pandemic is from a novel virus. We don’t know what we don’t know. Our public health officials learn more every day.

Policies from governments and private organizations, as well as our personal behavior, change as circumstances evolve.

And adaptation is very American. 2/

Our country’s collective choice, state by state and household by household, to #StayHome over the last ten weeks likely saved countless lives from #COVID19. We’ll learn more in hindsight, but this appears true for what’s behind even as we adapt our approach moving forward. 3/

The American spirit is more than personal liberty, it’s also sacrifice for the love of neighbor. The economy is more than the stock market, it’s also small businesses owned by single moms.

Let’s have hearts big enough to grieve 100,000 lives lost and the unemployment of 35M. 4/

We’re going to need a lot of grace for one another as we develop policies and new habits to beat this virus and recover the economy... grace for one another across the political aisle, throughout our communities, and up and down our family trees. 5/

The church has an opportunity to lead in these tumultuous and tribalized days because we are a people redeemed by the grace of Jesus. Let’s show grace then by protecting the vulnerable, providing for those in need, and praying for officials doing the best they can. #COVID19 /end