In the Year 2020~

   

Photo by Julia Kicova on Unsplash

    Here we are in this unbelievable year of 2020 with everyone wondering what is going on!? Not only is the Corona virus stalking us, but so many loved ones are dealing with cancer or other difficult diseases, which seem more deadly and more persistent than ever. 

    And what is going on in a world where devices abound, communication is possible everywhere, but real communication is almost non-existent? A real conversation leaves you feeling closer and probably more affectionate toward the other person. Real communication takes place most often when conversation is face to face, even if it's on FaceTime. But your phone works well, because you hear their voice. 

    Do you feel like I do about texting? I love texting. It's a form of communicating that I've come to appreciate, not only for its brevity, but for its immediacy. Its connection to Messenger makes it twice as useful. It keeps me in touch with family and friends in a way nothing else could. And, of course, there's Facebook with messages and pictures. All of these are valuable tools of communication but may turn out to be somewhat impersonal. 

    Unfortunately, for the present, we're asked to stay away from other people and, adding insult to injury, we're asked to wear a mask when we're with others. No matter how we try to make that less "in your face," it's ALL in your face! Ouch! That really hurts. It hurts not only your feelings, but your life in general. You're restricted in ways you've never experienced before, and never expected to endure. Our families and our society are paying a huge price. 

     But here we are...caught up in a dream-like state, where only protesters can get away with not wearing a mask. And evidently anything else they want to do...or say...or take...or break...or...you get the picture. When did that happen? How did that mindset from our officials and even "regular" people happen? How was a mindset created whereby people who have built nothing are allowed to destroy what others have built? Why are we watching in disbelief as people's lives are destroyed and cities are burned and looted, and no one pays a price except the victims? Is that liberty and justice for all? I don't think so. 

    Satan has been working hard for decades in our schools, especially our colleges, sewing the seeds of discontent. Our politicians are getting on board the wrong train with the message that everything should be free in a country based on citizens taking responsibility. And have our church leaders retreated into palliative care? Our weak  response to the assault suggests this could be true. Corruption has sewn seeds of hate, distrust and turmoil, which is why we're watching a horrendous display of illogical and criminal behavior. Our politicians and even our citizens have been drinking the KoolAid for awhile with disastrous results. Where is our knight in shining armor? Or is it really up to you and me?

    What can you and I do? As a Christian, you know what to do. Pray to God that we're doing the right things as we hibernate and isolate. Should we ignore the warnings that congregating will bring more illness? Living in a free society means that's up to you. There is so much hot and heavy emotional turmoil with this question. This virus is exposing our true selves, the Self we've been able to hide, even from ourselves. Are you surprised by your own anger and justification for your attitude about what's going on in this country?

     If you learn anything from this global pandemic, let it be that you come to "know" your true Self. How else can you and I be examples to the world we live in? We should examine ourselves to be sure that we are following Jesus. The idea is not to pretend you're following Jesus, or giving a performance of following Jesus, but to consciously and sincerely follow Him. In our anxious push to have our own way, we forget that in all our ways we are to emulate Christ. And if you aren't sure what that looks like, there is a guide that is the same for everyone. The Bible doesn't leave anything to the imagination when it comes to behavior. You only have to read it to know His will for your life, and by extension His will for this country. You and I are the movers and shakers of this resurgence in Christian faith!

    Well, I didn't know what my first blog since 2012 would be about, but these words come from my heart. I hope and pray that we will step back and take another look at what is going on. Why not go from the ridiculous to the sublime? In the year 2020, you might have time to do it! 

Blessings...Mimi