Last week on my podcast I solicited SpeakPipe messages from listeners. Specifically I would like to hear what they are observing in their corner of the world that is evidence of hope and goodwill prevailing amidst this Covid-19 pandemic. I have received a handful already …

Our family set up a small mask-making operation last week. This is where we found our pattern—it was perfect for me because I’m not much of a seamstress and I don’t have any elastic. I think they turned out pretty cute and now I feel like a responsible citizen when I venture out to the grocery store! I’ve seen so many friends on instagram who are sewing HUNREDS of masks for healthcare workers and restaurant/grocery story clerks.

I just now read an inspiring email from my church (see below). I know there are many, many good and generous people and groups and companies doing things like this—and I’m so grateful.

I definitely want these examples documented as part of my ongoing story!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We gratefully acknowledge those who have joined with us in prayers and fasting for Heaven's help to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We know that God will hear and answer our prayers. We have been taught to be "anxiously engaged" in relieving suffering and caring for those in need (see Doctrine and Covenants 58:27). To that end, we are joining with other organizations around the world to address specific needs related to the pandemic. For example, our Beehive Clothing facilities in Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, Paraguay, and Utah are temporarily shifting their operations from the manufacture of religious clothing to the sewing of masks and gowns needed by local health care professionals and communities. In Utah, the Relief Society is leading our participation in a partnership between Latter-day Saint Charities, Intermountain Healthcare, and University of Utah Health. Church members, in their homes, will help sew 5 million clinical face masks, which will be donated to healthcare workers.To date, we have approved over 110 COVID-19 relief projects in 57 countries. Most of these are done with trusted partners from humanitarian agencies, health ministries and hospitals, which allows us to use our resources—including food, hygiene products, personal protective equipment, medical equipment, cash and other commodities—in places where they can do the most good. 

We invite our members to participate in these and other relief projects in their areas and communities as opportunities arise and as local government directives and personal circumstances allow.

May we be blessed in our efforts to care for others and provide hope and help to our Heavenly Father's children everywhere.

Sincerely yours,

The First Presidency
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

John Krasinski an American actor and filmmaker has done one of the coolest things I’ve seen during this pandemic. He has created a weekly “Some Good News” YouTube series. Here’s the first episode, which at the time I’m adding this to my post has nearly 17 MILLION views. Even astronauts on the ISS have joined in the effort to share good news! Very COOL

In each episode, John does something to surprise and delight an everyday citizen who is missing some aspect of anticipated life—examples include bringing together Broadway performers of Hamilton to sing for a young girl, who is missing her chance to see it live. Providing a virtual prom with the Jonas Brothers to a high school girl. John also invites actors each week to share their own weather report. The whole thing is an inspiring example of what people do and can do to positively respond to circumstances out of our control.