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During a challenging time, the people of Shelby County are showing their resiliency.

It seems that each day of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new round of bad news: the number of cases rises, government entities declare states of emergency, organizers cancel events and schools close, leaving many wondering how they will make it through the coming weeks. We hope it doesn’t last for months.

But there are also uplifting stories of how people are coping with the situation. Families are spending time together, writing hopeful messages on sidewalks. Hundreds if not thousands join together virtually for church worship services. Businesses develop innovative approaches to stay afloat.

Corbin Farms Winery and Burnette Farms Market & Café are two such local examples.

“Our business model has swapped from typical table service to all takeout/curbside service,” Carley Corbin of Corbin Farms Winery told the Shelby County Reporter. “We’re grateful for all of the support we’ve received from Shelby County and so thankful to be surrounded with people trying to frequent small businesses to help them survive this economic situation.”

Burnette Farms Market & Café is offering a discount on all frozen prepared meals such as casseroles, soup, chili, chicken and dressing and more.

“Everybody’s just trying to survive right now,” said Manager Jenny Burnette. “This was a way for us to give back to the community and offer them this discount, and it was a way for us to stay afloat.”

Meanwhile, Asbury United Methodist Church is streaming services like many others but also sharing online content for children, youth and adults.

Then there is a pen pal program for older people, the church’s food pantry remains open and another ministry prepares sandwiches for homeless people.

“Even though we’re not sitting in the same place, we’re still together,” said Amy Gonzalez with Asbury. “We’re trying to do as much as we can to keep the faith.”

The more we read about the resiliency of those in our county, state, nation and world, the more confidence we can have that will we emerge stronger on the other side of the pandemic.

Stephen Dawkins is a staff writer for the Shelby County Reporter. He can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 537 or by email at stephen.dawkins@shelbycountyreporter.com.