Tennessee Tough Volunteers

Marie Williams, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner, wrote and op-ed piece yesterday about Tennessee’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. She quoted legendary Lady Volunteers coach Pat Summit in stating that we are “We are Tennessee tough, Tennessee strong, and Tennessee true.”

As we see the case numbers climb, it is easy to succumb to fear and selfishness. While part of me has wished for more mandated restrictions across the Volunteer State, I am proud of what many Tennesseans have chosen to do, simply because it is the right thing to do to protect our state and the loved ones around us.

At 0430 this morning, I had the privilege of driving my daughter, an RN at Chattanooga’s Memorial Hospital, to work. Today, she is not working her floor, but joining several colleagues in screening team members and visitors alike [for COVID-19 symptoms] to ensure that the hospital, and the community it serves, stays safe. The wonder women of 7 North are truly Tennessee Tough volunteers as they step into harm’s way to keep us safe.

I had the privilege of affirming them for a couple of minutes this morning as they stood outside the hospital. They voluntarily risk exposure for twelve long hours, submitting to abuse by angry visitors and sometimes even from stressed team members. They exhibit grace and strength and humor as they willingly stand in the gap to keep our sick patients and health care professionals and us safe.

You might be thinking, “But that’s their job!” Yes it is. But rather than calling in “sick” or refusing to serve in this way, they choose to take this often thankless job to help keep us safe. Once, long ago, a man voluntarily stepped into harm’s way to save me and to save you. Not because we deserved it, but because of love for us:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8 NIV.

Just as Jesus did, our 7 North wonder women volunteer to protect and care for us, even if we are never thankful or deserving. I challenge you to join me in two things this morning. First, thank someone around you who is working to help you or your community. It could be a nurse, a clinical laboratory scientist, a grocery checkout person, or a restaurant drive-through window team member. Second, join the volunteers in your community who are not waiting to be required, but are choosing to social distance, volunteering to restrict buying scarce supplies, and willingly not buying the masks and gloves so that are so vital to health care workers.

I believe that the COVID-19 case numbers in Chattanooga are lower than in other metro areas, not because of ordered restrictions, but because of volunteers who choose to do their part to keep their communities and loved ones safe. Tennessee is living up to its nickname as the Volunteer State! Will you join them and me today! Please Share!

Click for CDC’s simple wisdom about how to protect yourself and those around you