Unity = Hope

On Friday, former President George W. Bush offered a message of hope and healing as part of "The Call to Unite". Led by Special Olympics CEO Tim Shriver, "UNITE" is addressing universal challenges that can only be solved through collaboration and a shared conviction that we are stronger together.

In his message, President Bush encouraged creative and compassionate humanity during this time of great challenge and social distancing. An excerpt from his moving reflections:

“First, let us remember we have faced times of testing before. Following 9-11, I saw a great nation rise as one to honor the brave, to grieve with the grieving, and to embrace unavoidable new duties. And I have no doubt, none at all, that this spirit of service and sacrifice is alive and well in America.

“Second, let us remember that empathy and simple kindness are essential and powerful tools of national recovery. Even at an appropriate social distance, we can find ways to be present in the lives of others to ease their anxiety and share their burdens.

“Third, let’s remember that the suffering that we experience as a nation does not fall evenly. In the days to come it will be especially important to care in practical ways for the elderly, the ill, and the unemployed.

“Finally, let us remember how small our differences are in the face of this shared threat. In the final analysis, we are not partisan combatants. We’re human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God. We rise or fall together … and we’re determined to rise. God bless you all.”