Sue Baker is a Past President of International Chapter and member of Chapter EE, Warren, Ohio.

Special note: This is a part of a P.E.O. series to radiate light during this unprecedented time. New content is posted every Sunday on the P.E.O International Facebook page.

Greetings to all my P.E.O. sisters:My love flows to you through this message of inspiration and hope. In the uncertainty of our times, I know that P.E.O. will endure and continue to lead forward as a bright, beautiful and lasting legacy in the years to come. This is temporary – P.E.O. is forever.

First and foremost, I pray for strength, good health and clear capacity as we distance physically from our dear sisters and the rest of society. It takes a conscious effort to stay connected and envision our near future. Secondly, I would love for each of our members to consider the opportunities that have opened in the new ways we connect, but more importantly, to continue to cherish our bonds even more diligently in this delicate time.

A lot has been published regarding how to survive in this unsettling time; times like this are NOT unprecedented. The world has plunged into darkness and chaos many times before and it will again. How we react to the chaos will determine our own psychological stability and daily coping. We will get through this and hopefully will learn, achieve, reach out as we devise ways to continue to strive for excellence as is the P.E.O. mantra.

Look for opportunities for growth and outreach – spread love in countless ways. Visible opportunities will most likely will not come knocking at your door during these times, but we must seek them. Many days will seem mundane and it is difficult to find the motivation to make small differences. Let your mind dwell on the positive; there are many blessings in our ‘new normal’ lifestyle. Keep searching for those things that are excellent and worthy of praise, and be grateful.

Many sisters are missing out on the current technology connections – Zoom, Facebook, emails and texts. Isolation and loneliness are grave results of this pandemic. Take time to write an encouraging note. Visit and physically distance on the driveway or porch while wearing a mask. Remember that lip reading is impossible when communicating with someone wearing a mask and bands over the ears interfere with hearing aids and glasses causing additional frustration. This offers us great occasions to display patience, kindness, love and hope.

I am also aware of sisters discouraged by the current political climate and unkind words that are intensified in these stressful times. Our country is deeply divided, and we cannot allow political differences to infiltrate our Sisterhood – it will be our downfall. Our mission says that we are not a political organization, but we respect each member for her own beliefs. Please be mindful and considerate of opposing views.

As you pray, consider the encouragement from an unknown author: “Ask for healing, clarity, peace, wisdom, guidance and grace. Ask for abundance, creativity, light and love. Don’t be timid in your prayers or your requests. Be bold. Be positive. Ask for everything you need. Be grateful, as everything you are asking for is already making its way to you.”

In closing, I offer words from life coach Brendon Burchard, “Remember, you are stronger than you think, and the future holds good things for you.”

P.E.O. blessings and love,

Sue Baker

Be Bold. Be Strong. Be Grateful.