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The coronavirus has infiltrated America, causing death, sickness and fear. Tropical storms are brewing, waiting to land on the shores. Tensions are reaching a fever pitch between ethnicities. Tomorrow, more businesses will shutter, and children everywhere need to return to school.

Most believe those are our worst problems. They are catastrophic, and we have different ideas about how to solve each one. However, the common denominator is division.

At the beginning of the pandemic, we were torn as to what to do. We were warned if we did not follow preventative measures, the virus would consume us. Once the scientific community learned more about the virus, the mask and social distancing debates raged.

Was it our “right” to not wear a mask, or were we doing the “right” thing for others by wearing one? State governments following political adherence instead of medical advice produced more anger. We are now sicker, in more financial stress, and selfishly blaming someone else. Is not division the killer?

A social media post claimed, “The coronavirus is just a political stunt perpetrated by liberals.” “The yearly flu causes more death!” Of course, if the writer had delved into facts, they would find that was untrue. COVID-19 is far deadlier. Divisions spread by untruths are as fatal. So, who are the villains?

The race issue is heartbreaking, and we need to reform our hearts and minds. How many times do we ignore our Christian teaching? Will this divide ever heal? Not until we are unified in the belief that all are equal in God’s eyes.

The division will be the thing that destroys our nation. Where are the moderates? The leaders who can listen to all sides, make the best plans, who believe change is possible without violence?

Our top priority is to get well. Return our children to schools. It is not going to bars, parties, or the gym, but putting children first. Could we spend our energy, not on conspiracy theories, but showing a new generation how to behave?

If I could take all those taking sides and sideline them, I would. Our factions are destroying friendships and families. Murder and suicide are on the rise, and we wonder why? Because seething anger is amok. Because of our need to be right, selfishness, frustrations and lack of compassion.

Please, for this country and our children, put away the nastiness and let us thrive together.

If we lose our democracy, it is not because of a virus or a storm or any politician. Our demise will be because we all divided this country into nothing but pieces to be tossed into the trash, and there were no voices of reason to stop it.

Maybe my words are trivial to some, but I choose patriotism for this land, unification rather than division. Because I believe in these words of our Lord,“If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”