Our opportunity to shine in unity like generations before

Many of our parents were literally born out of the pain and sacrifice of this great conflict. The Greatest Generation made way for the Baby Boomers. The Baby Boomers were the physical sign of the love that came from our country’s fight for love and unity.
    

In the face of great evil and terror, the Greatest Generation didn’t give up. They fought for what was right and needed. Fathers left their homes in order to protect and save their families. Mothers held down the home front, tended to children and often worked outside the home as well. During World War II, our armed forces made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our home in faraway places.
    

Today, the fight to which our generation is called looks different, yet a sacrifice is still needed. Today, our health professionals are tirelessly taking care of patients with COVID-19. Although foreign in many ways, this battle is our new war.  It is a call for us to pray, practice social distancing and not add unnecessarily to the strain of the essential workers. 
    

Once again, this is an opportunity for unity and selflessness and a call back to what is most important: God, family and neighbor.  
    

As a father, I am brought back to the main purpose of my life – to be a saint. I am here to lead my wife and kids so that they may one day also be saints. The most common message I continue to hear during this time is that we must not be afraid. Faith, not fear. “Be strong and courageous, do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you shall go” (Joshua 1:9) or “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).  
    

God knows that we will often be afraid. But, he assures us that he will give us the strength and he will be with us. 
    

We pray for those fighting on the front lines. All of us need to do our part to support them. This is also a time to realize what is most important. I for one have loved spending more time with my wife and kids. It is a call to put my focus in the right place. 
    

I believe this is a defining moment for our generation. It is an opportunity for unity and selflessness, and a call back to what is most important: God, family and neighbor.
    

Kevin Sprehe is originally from Colorado. He and his wife, Casey, have four children and are members of St. Benilde Parish in Metairie. Committed to outdoor adventures, Kevin takes his family to see the world whenever the small moments arise. Daily, though, he works in the construction industry for a local general contractor. He serves on the board of the Woman’s New Life Center. He is among the writers for the Clarion Herald’s three times a week blog at nolacatholicparenting.org.