It seems as if all sensibility has been lost.
Coronairus is spreading through the city that I live in. Schools are shut down. The church I attend has gone remote. My friend and coworker (whose beautiful creature I am taking care of) is stuck in the Philippines for at least the next month. I am both at ease with the fact that if I contract the virus that I will likely not die given my age and health status as well as my access to healthcare. I am privileged in this way, and I feel burdened by this privilege, knowing that I still need to be careful and conscientious so as not to become a carrier and infect more vulnerable populations I come in contact with. (shoutout to all the mature and wise people in my life who boast many experiences, and lessons wrought out of suffering as well as joy.)
It is tempting for me to breeze past this as it will not likely affect me personally as I am pretty socially isolated and work in a contained facility. Easy to stay saturated in the mundane tasks of my life not giving thought to the hysteria around me. This scenario is not unique to our age. There have been many crises of this proportion as well as larger. This is a time where living a quiet life at peace with everyone comes into play. This is a time when the grace of Christ can shine through maintaining a balance of respect for the seriousness of mortality, and knowledge of the everlasting. It behooves me to be vigilant of my contact with others so as to be a good steward of the body I have been given, as well as to extend compassion to those who are at risk, placing their safety above my desire for… coffee? Hugs? Etc…
There is social isolation that is spreading, I have seen a rise in communication by our community group, the young and well offering to run errands for those at higher risk. Emotional support for those feeling the effects of the isolation. Prayers said for those ill(not necessarily with the coronavirus.. The flu is still out there too ya know!)
In this time of hysterical reactions and mass panic I plead that we react sensibly. Use hand sanitizer and wash hands… but is buying out the store of any and all cleaning products necessary… probably not. Living a life that reflects the confidence and grace that Christ carried through dealing with lepers, harlots, corrupted church leaders. We are to follow his example. And I think he would wash his hands, but I don’t think he would boycott human interaction nor claim that the virus is just the flu and disregard its existence and effect on those around him.
Can you join me in praying for those affected by the virus itself as well as those affected by the mass hysteria produced by media, and the social isolation that has become a way of life for so many trying to keep themselves and others healthy.
