Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith and media:

A dozen thoughts from America’s COVID-19 capital, New York State.

Thought 1. I like everyone hope and pray this thing ends quickly with as little death and suffering as possible.

Thought 2. I think our Republican president and our Democratic governor are doing their best to contain this virus while helping and protecting everyone. Sure some things could have been and can still be handled better but who has handled this perfectly. Now is not the time for blaming each other but to be working together to find answers.

Thought 3. I, personally, think a ban on interstate travel would be wise.

Thought 4. Eventually, we do have to get this economy moving again but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically back to business as usual. People who can work at home should probably continue to do so, at least for a time. Social distancing and extra sanitary precautions can be practiced at work and in public places.

Thought 5. Not to be discordant, but the media should focus more on getting facts to the people and asking legitimate questions about government performance. I know it’s politically-incorrect to say this but my old employer Fox News has been doing a reasonable of this. My old employer CNN has almost been cartoonish in how it has seized on this event as an opportunity to get Trump. Constructive criticism: Get back to being a news channel and quit the obvious political bias. You’re losing credibility. By the way, there is such a thing as “Alternative Facts.” It’s otherwise known as two (or more) sides to a story. Or nuance.  You can look at one set of facts and come to one conclusion and another set and come to another conclusion. It’s by balancing all the legitimate “Alternative Facts” that you arrive at a wise course of action.

Thought 6. I hope when all this is over with we will be left with gratitude – for the massive amounts of food on our store shelves, for the amazing technology that has made our lives easier than ever before and for the freedoms that we enjoy. When you erase the pandemic, you’re left with the best time ever to be alive.

Thought 7. Speaking of gratitude, I’m grateful to all the healthcare workers, food workers, delivery people, media people, government workers and countless others who bravely do their jobs and are getting us through this.

Thought 8. Family and friends are what’s really important.  I’m grateful for my wife, our dog and our family and friends.

Thought 9. There’s nothing wrong with positive thoughts and prayers.  They’ve made a difference in my life and are powerful. Pray with gratitude. Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24

Thought 10: I’m also kinda grateful for the Chuck Lorre’s sitcoms Bob Hearts Abishola, Mom and Young Sheldon (not to mention Big Bang Theory reruns). They are intelligent, kind and laugh-out-loud funny. Just what the doctor ordered during a time like this.

Thought 11: Balance is important. It’s good to be as careful as you can without driving yourself crazy. We’re all in God’s hands.

Thought 12. It’s important to maintain optimism and help in ways that we can. Here’s a video from the Salvation Army offering inspiration and one way to pitch in the fight against our common enemy.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. – Philippians 4:8