Today, I digress slightly from the typical tone of my blog to voice some of my own concerns about the Covid 19 pandemic. In no way am I trying to offend anyone, however, I am certain not everyone will share my views.

I’m sure that the virus is awful, and I don’t wish for anyone to get it, certainly not my 83 year old mother, or friends I have undergoing cancer treatment or other immunocompromised disease. Not even myself or my healthy children. I’m not doubting it’s virility not its ability to take a life.

I believe, however, that there are more frightening things happening around us than the virus itself.

In just a few short weeks, our entire world changed before our eyes. The news media has created a world-wide fear pandemic equally disturbing as the virus. I am watching friends literally coming unglued, with their Facebook posts documenting their downward spiral. Fear has literally gripped the town I live in, my state, my country, and yes, even the world.

In the US, people have literally hoarded toilet paper…. toilet paper, for crying outloud.

I work for a medical device manufacturer and am working from home as much as possible. Many of those who work there are literally building ventilators and patient monitors and have to be there. I honestly feel guilty working at home while my team of manufacturing engineers and the production workers show up for work every day, but I am following the company guidelines.

In the evening, I teach piano lessons, no longer from my studio in neighboring town, but from my home piano, using FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom. I’m grateful for the parents who have embraced the technology in this trying time.

I am personally just as busy as ever (if not busier), and I’ll admit, a little jealous of all the people who are working on home projects right now because they have the time, and a lot annoyed with the people who complain about being bored.

My home houses all three of my children, two finishing college courses and one doing high school on line. For the first few weeks, we had additional roommates as their college roommates needed a temporary place to stay until they could make arrangements to get home It has been an adjustment for us, as it has been for the rest of the nation. We are making it work.

We don’t go out unnecessarily, but have gone out for groceries and food and such. We are observing caution when we do go out, practicing appropriate distance from people, and good hygiene, which, quite frankly, we did anyway!

I see post after post of people complaint about people going out… why aren’t they taking it seriously, blah blah blah. Maybe it’s because I’m busy doing my thing and/or observing the guidelines when I do go out, that I am frankly surprised by the number of people complaining. When I’ve gone out, which admittedly is not often, I have not observed hoards of people crowing one another. I’ve seen parking lots with cars tailgating from appropriate distances, joggers jogging (which is still “allowed”), and the like. In grocery stores, I’ve seen people keep their distance as appropriate, except for the bread isle at Walmart.

One of my Facebook friends quit her job as a nurse for fear of bringing the virus home to her immunocompromised husband. Hard decision. I get it. She was on her soapbox about people staying home for nearly a week… and then… in the midst of the chaos… she posted that she was “risking her life” to venture out to Oakmont bakery to get the Oakmonter cake for her husbands birthday! Really??? Because THAT was essential? I have no problem with her deciding to get the cake… no problem with her going out in public without a face mask (as evidenced by her post picture) to celebrate dear Hubs birthday… what I have a problem with is the hypocrisy.

Yesterday, in our suburban town Facebook page, someone posted that they went to our local trail and observed young boys not practicing social distancing. One person commented that they hoped the police would cite them. Another, with more sense, posted, “I hope not!”

People, can you sit back and watch as the world turns against itself?? We have resorted to social media tattling on our neighbors, shaming people into doing what we think they ought. The funny thing is, many of the people who are doing that are also going out to get groceries… or supplies for their home projects. Really? We’re going to turn one another in???

The implications of living in this type of society are, for me, far greater than the fear of getting sick…. even, I dare say, if I should die.

I understand the concern… and honestly believe most people are trying to live with respect to the concern. However, I am deeply concerned about the societal changes that are in store for us when this virus is over… they are much more far lasting. It’s possible our society is forever changed…and this is the unfolding of what has been foretold in the Bible.

Matthew 10:21-23 (ERV)

²¹ “Brothers will turn against their own brothers and hand them over to be killed. Fathers will hand over their own children to be killed. Children will fight against their own parents and will have them killed.²² Everyone will hate you because you follow me. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved. ²³ When you are treated badly in one city, go to another city. I promise you that you will not finish going to all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes again.

My hope is in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I live my life for Him, and, although I, too, am a sinner, I’ve been saved by His grace. I know that when I leave this earth, whether it be this year or decades from now, I will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. My mother has the same assurance, as do many of my family members.

I believe we are seeing the book of Revelation unfold before our eyes. I am keenly aware that there is far more going on here than meets the eye. I am prepared to spend eternity with my savior in Heaven, and trusting Him to care for me on earth.

I will do my part to coexist in society, being careful not to act carelessly, but I refuse to succumb to the fear that is causing people to turn against people. I will remain faithful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, come what may. My hope is in Him and my prayer is to share His good news with all who will listen.

Be watchful, my friends. Spend your time observing the bigger things that are happening, and don’t focus so much on the people who aren’t “following the rules”. History is unfolding before our eyes. Put your trust in God!

Be blessed today, my friends.

SB

Note: I intended to publish this yesterday, but didn’t get around to finishing it…