Recently I read that the two characters for the word, crisis, in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean mean danger and opportunity. With further research I found this note of caution on the site, Oriental Outpost. In Asian cultures it is not absolutely correct to say that danger + opportunity = crisis. However for this post I am concentrating on these two facts. It is true that the first character separately does mean danger and the second can mean opportunity.
Right now the word, crisis, describes our reality. Life itself is in danger. What is our opportunity? Is the present danger offering us the opportunity to appreciate gifts in our life that we can so easily miss? Is a smile, a butterfly, a bird’s song, an email, or a phone call on our grateful list?
Our economic system is in crisis. Will the danger of economic collapse invite us to accept the opportunity to re-build an economy based on shared equality?
Our definition of essential has been redefined by this crisis. How many janitors do you know who were called essential heroes? Yet they are continuing the basic work of cleaning and sanitizing our places of work as they have always done. We now have the opportunity to make recognition of their value a standard and to treat them accordingly. That will include all their rights as laborers as well as a just wage.
This crisis has called for those in education, work, and worship to meet the danger of failure with creativity, and the resulting opportunity for teamwork. No one is the king (or queen) of a kingdom; no one can be the “savior.” We are dependent as equals on one another for the accomplishment of the mission.
Opportunity assumes we are listening (opportunity knocking!) One of the most recognized names for Jesus is the Good Shepherd who tells us that his sheep follow him because they know his voice. Therefore the opportunity question in this crisis is, “Do we hear the Shepherd’s voice?” In the Gospel of John 10:6 we read “… they did not understand.” Take a moment and listen as your Good Sherherd says ” I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John10:10) Do you understand the desire God has for your life? Will our world accept the opportunity to hear God’s voice, calling us to abundant life?