Engaging with the news productively, not fearfully

Often while driving or cooking, I enjoy the companionship of familiar voices on my favorite news program, keeping me informed while I sit in traffic or slice tomatoes. Lately, though, I’ve found listening a bit less pleasant because it seems the main topic is how I might catch the coronavirus if I leave my house. One might start to conclude that there is no safety anywhere, and it’s understandable that lately the anxiety in the air feels as thick as smog during rush hour.

I appreciate the media’s sharing of facts, which helps to combat the spread of misguided theories and false stories. It’s responsible to have accurate information about the current situation. Reporters doing their work in the face of frightening conditions are to be commended. But how we choose to consume and respond to the wide range of information is also of utmost importance.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science in the 19th century, had a deep respect for the role of the media, as well as direct experience with its complexities. She once wrote: “Looking over the newspapers of the day, one naturally reflects that it is dangerous to live, so loaded with disease seems the very air. These descriptions carry fears to many minds, to be depicted in some future time upon the body” (“Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896,” p. 7).

I’ve found it’s not helpful to get swept up in the general drift of fear. When we let an emotional response lead, it can lead to unwise actions.

Recently, in a moment of feeling overwhelmed by the torrent of coverage of the coronavirus, I actually asked myself, “What would Jesus say about all of this?” I recalled an instruction he gave to his disciples at one point while talking to them about the future: “Don’t panic” (Matthew 24:6, New Living Translation). He wasn’t saying that problems would never emerge. But his entire ministry showed that we can actively trust in God, infinite Love itself, to protect us.

When we turn our thoughts to the presence of God and God’s pure goodness, this lifts the fear that can overwhelm us. The Bible says that Love destroys fear (see I John 4:18). This divine Love is deeper than a human, emotional love. It’s solid, infinite, spiritual, expressed in all of God’s children, which includes each one of us. This presence is so powerful, its tender care so universal, that we can trust and rely on it, moment by moment, for anything we are facing.

As we let this divine Love lead us, rather than yielding to panic or anxiety, we contribute to the general mental atmosphere of peace and calm that comes from discerning God’s supremacy. God’s power is a force for good – in fact, the only legitimate force in the universe – and the divine Spirit, or Love, is omnipotent and supremely reliable in every circumstance. We can feel it when we actively choose to listen for the calm, clear, productive thoughts God is sending us at every moment, rather than drifting along with the tendency to overreact or allowing ourselves to be carried away with worry and expectation of evil. Indulging these unproductive sentiments can contribute to an unhealthy movement of thought.

In her book “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” Mrs. Eddy wrote of a way to counteract unhelpful atmospheres of thought: “Truth and Love antidote this mental miasma, and thus invigorate and sustain existence” (p. 274).

Though I still tune in to the news to stay informed, these ideas have helped me respond more productively. In the quiet moments between reports, I find peace and strength in reflecting on the goodness of divine Love that permeates the universe, despite whatever challenges we face individually and collectively. These clear, simple thoughts contribute to a mental atmosphere that is safer and supportive of health and progress for all, inspiring wise and reasoned actions rather than fear-impelled reactions.

Each of us has the power to share in this effort. We can engage with the media – and appreciate the brave, thorough work of many reporters – and respond in a constructive way that brings not panic and loneliness, but peace and unity. Then, even the most discouraging moments give way to a more certain sense that divine Love is encircling us all.