Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson became the first celebrity faces of the coronavirus pandemic when they told the world they had contracted the virus. Since that time, they have shared words of encouragement and wisdom; Rita also compiled a very entertaining “Quarantunes” playlist for those who are isolated.
Now we are learning that the couple has been released from their hospital in Australia and are in self-isolation at a home they are renting in Queensland.
Other celebrities are now known to have contracted the disease as well, including actor Idris Elba and Sophie Trudeau, the wife of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. But Hanks and Wilson are especially beloved by Americans and other fans around the world. Their story has personalized the pandemic in a powerful way.
Part of the reason we are grateful for them is that they consistently find ways to speak good news into our culture. Hanks is famous for his kindness to fans and strangers. He and his wife have been on a decades-long quest to improve the lives of those they influence.
The coronavirus pandemic is just the latest example of their commitment to reframing challenges as opportunities.
Why good news is such good news
Maya Angelou famously noted, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
When the pandemic is over, people will remember how you made them feel during these hard days.
Did you encourage others through your social media interactions and other connections?
Did you seek to serve those who were sick or discouraged?
Did you make a tangible, practical difference in someone’s life?
Most of all, did you find ways to glorify your Lord and draw people to him?
Paul encouraged us to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). James taught us to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). Solomon noted, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).
Hard times are great times for good news. The more discouraged others become, the more they need our encouragement. And the more they will take note of our joy in Jesus and be drawn to him.
The darker the room, the more obvious the light.
Who will see the light of Jesus in your life today?
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