I received an email today from the President of Villanova University, Father Peter, announcing that classes will remain online for the rest of the semester. Classes had switched to an online format last week, and the hope was that face-to-face instruction could resume after Easter. However, the rapid escalation of covid-19 has eliminated such a possibility. In addition, the on-campus graduation ceremony has been canceled.
Even though it had become obvious that this was the only option, I am sure it was still a tough decision.
At the end of his email, Father Peter included an excerpt from Augustine that offered hope:
Let’s not allow past things to hold us back from hearing about what lies ahead; let’s not allow our involvement in present events to prevent us from thinking about the future. Let us look forward to the things that are to come. Don’t let the sweetness or bitterness of the past hide the word of God from you. Don’t let your past or present prevent you from looking to the future. (Commentary on Psalm 66, 10)
Father Peter then closed his letter with the following:
Finally, a good friend shared a song with me by Forest Blakk and I want to share it with you. If you need me or anyone at Villanova, please put your hand up, we will be there!
It has been wonderful to see people in our neighborhood putting their hands up, asking for help with grocery shopping or with making masks, and then witnessing the outpouring of offers to help.
The song is called Hands Up, by Forest Blakk, and it is perfect for the situation we all find ourselves in.
I hope all of you are doing well; if not, please put your hands up…
*image from Sunraysia Community Health Services
Borden's Blather 
I love this…I am listening while I type…it is lovely to see how people are pulling together and communities are forming..gives me hope…Stay safe , Jim
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I’m glad you enjoyed it Carol, it is a lovely song of hope…
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I say this a lot, but thanks for sharing. The video is very comforting – great lyrics and song beautifully.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it; it is a beautiful song.
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It is a good move, and hopefully one that will save lives.
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I agree, it was the right move.
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For every story of people hoarding, there are five others that demonstrate that people generally are compassionate about their fellow humans. Way to represent that spirit, Jim!
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fortunately, the good far outweigh the bad!
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so many hopeful positives to be found –
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indeed there are; Susan, in one of her comments below, mentions a couple of great group sing alongs, one of a song by the Carpenters, and another of Over the Rainbow
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Much needed and well shared! Thanks, Jim, for the reminder and positivity!
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demonstrating once gain the power of music!
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Music helps. I love this posted on facebook… and other remote singing “together” videos (Close to You by the Carpenters sung by 1000 voices on zoom). So poignant:
School choir comes together to sing “Over the Rainbow” from their own separate homes
This school district’s annual Choral Festival was canceled, so the students all sang their individual a cappella portion of “Over the Rainbow” in their separate homes, and put them together to create this masterpiece https://cbsn.ws/2J60KRf
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I had not seen those two videos – they were great. It’s amazing how people can come together during such trying times. Let’s hope it continues even when the crisis is over…
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https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=519033119027216 Over the Rainbow link
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Thanks for this, Jim
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you are quite welcome, Peter!
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Thanks for sharing that video really enjoyed it!
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It was both comforting and inspirational. Glad you liked it.
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