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It has been just over a week since the coronavirus pandemic made landfall in the United States.

Since then, there has been a lot more fear and angst than usual in the world we live in as Americans.

However, it is not the first time the U.S. and the world has gone toe-to-toe with an infectious disease, and history tells us that it will not be the last.

The poliovirus was once labeled as one of the most feared diseases in the U.S. by the Center for Disease Control.

According to the CDC, prior to the creation of the first polio vaccine in 1955, outbreaks of polio caused more than 15,000 cases of paralysis each year.

Tuberculosis is another infectious disease that the World Health Organization still considers a viable threat in the world, despite being around for an estimated 3 million years.

However, monumental strides have been made to treat and prevent it over the years due to advancements in testing and vaccines.

Unfortunately, vaccines take time to create and produce, which can be viewed as inconvenient, because waiting, especially for an unknown, can be painfully stressful.

I know as a sports fan, it has been awkward not having sports to watch on TV or attend in person.

Sports and other events are the things that make the hardships of life tolerable for so many people, and now they are not there in a time where we need those joyful distractions more than ever.

However, have no fear because our leisure activities and way of life will return and we just have to show some patience in the meantime.

I know that patience seems like a curse word, but the reason it is so difficult to master is the same reason why it is so precious to having a long and full life.

As a devout Catholic, I have found myself looking even more to God for guidance. After all, isn’t that what religion is for to help us through these tough situations we’re presented with in life?

One Bible passage that has always stuck with me is James 1:2-4, is also one that I feel has direct meaning with our current predicament.

James tells us that if we have difficulties and temptations in our lives to be happy and don’t try to squirm away from the problems we are faced with.

He advises us to show patience during these tough times and by doing so it is the best way to become full and complete people.

So, it is all right to hate the coronavirus for what it has and continues to put people through, but let’s also try to understand that this is a great opportunity to grow as people.