Y’all. People are freaked right now, and the biggest thing I’ve been noticing (besides everyone’s sudden “let’s grab virtual coffee” ☕ invites and the abundance of face masks making their debuts) is that people have really shifted how they’re interacting with one another.
.
It’s been so interesting to watch the change, especially over this last week, as I trek out to the grocery store. It seems to be rapidly turning from “beware of the virus” to “stay as far away from everyone as possible” and, to be honest, I’m not okay with it ?
.
I understand that this is a real virus, and people really are dying, so I don’t want to make light of that. And, I can appreciate that wearing a mask is thoughtful and can help prevent the spread of germs. BUT, I am not going to get on board with the pandemonium that’s been happening.
.
?I refuse to get antsy when someone is approaching me on the sidewalk
?I refuse to avoid eye contact because people are not sure how to act through all of this
?I refuse to bow to the panic that’s been ensuing, based on what the media is telling us
.
I choose peace ? I choose joy? I choose love ? I choose to smile ? I choose eye contact ? >>> ‘cause none of those things are gonna hurt ya’, and they’re a win-win for everyone involved .
It’s up to each one of us to impact the environment we’re in, and I believe that, with God, I can bring peace, joy, and love with me wherever I go – EVEN WHEN THINGS ARE FREAKING WEIRD like they are right now. With God, all things are possible. With God, we’ll get through this stronger than ever. With God, I believe this is an intense season of refreshing and renewal, and there are going to be so many miracles that come from this season! And with God, I believe we all have the strength to make eye contact, smile, and say kind things to each other – all possible from 6 feet away 😉 and yes, you can sense a smile through a mask, so do it anyway!
Choosing peace in a pandemic
