I’ve frequently posted about the physical property of resilience referred to scientifically as the coefficient of restitution.

The coefficient of restitution is a number which indicates how much kinetic energy (energy of motion) remains after a collision of two objects.

In simple terms, if an object has a high coefficient of restitution (C of R) it will bounce back when colliding with a hard surface, quickly returning to its original shape, while something with a very low C of R tends to lose its shape. In other words, the C of R tells just how resilient matter is under stress or pressure.

These terms may be applied to organizations and individuals, as well. As we begin to try to bounce back from the harsh impact of Covid-19, our country, its businesses, churches, families, and individuals will require an extra measure of resilience, not merely endurance, if we are to return to anything near our original shapes.

During social distancing Christians have been reminded the church is its people, not its buildings. Many congregations have thrived through online services and social media. Some have even expanded their outreach, while others have struggled. The strength of these churches depends on the spiritual resiliency of the members. This is true of all organizations, businesses, and even countries. How each weathers the fallout from the pandemic will depend on the response of individual members.

Each of us has a responsibility to be as resilient as possible, not only for ourselves, but for our families, communities, and our country.

While not a factor in the coefficient of restitution of physical matter, when it comes to spiritual resilience an attitude of optimism, and faith in God go a long way in determining how we respond to and recover from the hard knocks of life.

In March I wrote, “Modern culture in the West has received many assaults and knocks, throwing it off the solid center we once knew. However, if enough of us strengthen our own spiritual resiliency, we might increase the country’s Coefficient of Restitution so we can all bounce back together.”

Spiritual resiliency is key to our recovery from the Corona Virus, as well.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28,