As George Floyd is laid to rest, his murder is awful to try absorb—the immediate loss and the generations of losses and discrimination itrepresents. We empathize with crises of injustice in other states and countries, and shake our heads at immoral behavior. But, when a crisisof injustice, racism, and brutality is felt so close to home, it feeds a feeling of hopelessness.

What do we know from our work in crisis response? What have we learned from generations of desegregation and strides towards racialequality? We have learned that trauma stings, but we are not hopeless and can learn from it. We can:

• forbid the crisis to define who we are and own our responses to it
• move on with greater understanding, better prepared, and motivated to act
• stand on the shoulders of the courageous people and work that has preceded us
• emphasize the human side of loss—our emotions, values, and relationships
• mourn the loss, celebrate our differences, and take a stand for each other

The loss of George Floyd is a tragic reminder of a different sort of pandemic. This pandemic of the human spirit starts with truth—telling the truth and turning to a higher Truth. RIP George Floyd. Your story has touched many, and may your life and passing lead us to keep the faith and ‘spur one another on toward love and good deeds’ (Heb 10:24), and continue to share the truth of our human spirit.