These are scary times. We’re in the middle of a pandemic. People are dying. But Cordovans are real leaders. That gives me a lot of hope! We’ve made it through a major earthquake, an oil spill and a 9/11 attack. Those were times when it seemed like we knew what to do — or we figured it out. And we can do that again. Cordova can be a leader for Alaska and the nation once again. We have a great medical team, EMS, police and fire department, wonderful schools, businesses, processors, a harbor filled with top of the line boats, fish and wildlife professionals, and caring city workers and officials. We love fish and fishing and we all want to keep our economy going, everyone healthy and the schools open. We do care about each other — and we do love each other. One of my favorite sayings came from an Iceworm Variety Show where Gayle Groff was telling about Cordova. “It’s a place where when you’re sick — your worst enemy will buy a $15 plate of spaghetti!”
So what can we do in this time of division during a major health crisis? Let’s start by listening to those who disagree with us — really listening. Let’s show each other respect — and that we care about them. Let’s be grateful for this amazing place we live and all the ancestors that have come before us and are cheering us on. Let’s find our common ground and continue to build a community based on love as we help each other through the hard times, celebrate the good times and come up with plans that can keep us all healthy and happy. That’s living the way of love — and I know we in Cordova will be leaders this time, too!
The Rev. Belle Mickelson
Rector, St. George’s Episcopal Church
