Piercing the Pandemic: Knightly/Daily Virtues

       Just where are our 'knights in shining armour'?! Whence shall he (or she) come to rescue us from our pitiful pandemic predicament? While the missteps of leadership, repeated calls for 'pulling back', and false promises of a vaccine have understandably caused many of us to become cynical and otherwise weary (see August 8th post here), I am here to provoke you with this bold declaration: We are not powerless; we are not doomed! For chivalry, gallantry, and other knightly virtues are not dead, but are present among us and actually reside within each of us. While a survey of earlier and more recent literature arrive at various compilations, the following is a fairly comprehensive contemporary profile of characteristics that you one would aspire to if your goal was to be 'knighted' (both narrowly defined and liberally applied to our current circumstances):

Courage - "...the ability to do something that frightens one..." (think of out health care heroes, first responders, and others providing daily service while exposing themselves to risk, for example -- please keep thinking and thanking).

Justice - "...fair treatment of people..being fair or reasonable..." While we are in the midst of a tumult regarding a history of unfairness (including the unevenness to which the virus is experienced), a longer view of history informs us we will come out of this a better people, a more just society.

Mercy - "...kind or forgiving, especially when you have the power (or even right) to harm..." I have witnessed and heard inspiring testimony of both random and more personalized acts of kindness, as well as dimensions of forgiveness I had not otherwise considered before -- how multidimensional!

Generosity - "...giving freely without the expectation of a return..." Fortunately the evening news, after a cacophony of crappy articles provoking despair, usually finishes with examples of why we should have hope (and tune in the next night) due to such acts of generosity and personal sacrifice...may these become the main story.

Faith - "...trust someone will do what has been promised..." Though we have grown tired of such pandemic pretensions as "we are here for you", I am aware of ample acts exemplifying people showing others they can be counted on (sometimes in what may appear to be trivial, daily responsibilities, or even parents being consistent with 'following through' -- instrumental to  a child thriving under these conditions).

Nobility - "...having or showing fine personal qualities..." I have experienced these more locally and personally through my interactions with others (including humility), in contrast to observing them nationally; how about you?

Hope - "...expect with confidence...trust in a desired outcome..." While we ultimately hope for/await a vaccine, we have examples of everyday people cooperating and extending themselves to each other, that  give us hope abound! The efforts of tireless researchers burning the midnight (knight?) oil to find a cure should also inspire us.

       In medieval times, when a young man was knighted. he was said to have "won his spurs", the spur being a symbol or bravery (as it was used to prompt a horse and rider into battle). Or, more recently, a centenarian is knighted (WW II "Captain Tom" Moore) for raising millions on behalf of the National Health Service...from a wheel chair! If he can do it, what are you/we capable of? Come on, let's spur each other forward; let's be Knightly, Daily!