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Love thy neighbor

6/24/2020

1 Comment

 
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By Daniel Thomas, CGS Musician

​Over the last couple of weeks we have watched our economy begin to “open” again - more stores welcoming customers inside, restaurants serving people, workers returning to offices - and I have felt a mixture of hope and dread. Hope because, for every milestone we reach in re-opening, we get that much closer to my theatre producing shows once again (and providing jobs to dozens of artists); and dread that, if society does not reopen in a safe, prudent, and cautious manner, we could find ourselves moving backwards - more sickness, more death - and those milestones (and the theatre’s re-opening) get moved further away.
 
Personally, I have not felt any great rush to return to “normal” (other than finally getting a haircut in my sister-in-law’s backyard). As much as I want to get back to doing what I love (and what provides income for my family), the desire for my family, my community, and the world to keep safe and healthy takes precedent. And so, I continue to limit my trips away from home. I wear my mask, I wash and wash and wash my hands, we wipe down our groceries before we put them away. They are the smallest of inconveniences to provide some measure of prevention and safety for all those with whom I come in contact.
 
The other day I went to the grocery store, and I was amazed to see the number of people about - strolling, shopping, socializing, eating at restaurants - and I was dismayed at the number of them not wearing masks. Was it defiance? Was it annoyance? Was it apathy? How could people so easily forgo something so simple, and yet so protective to those around them? Have we grown so soft, so complacent that three months is the limit of “suffering” that we can handle?
 
Meanwhile, all around us, millions of voices are being raised against centuries of suffering at the hands of the privileged. All around us, thousands of people are suffering in plain sight due to economic hardship or mental and emotional anguish. All around us, people are suffering from life-threatening illnesses or incapacitations. We live in a world where suffering is real and present. And yet, the idea of being “told” to wear a mask - to prevent additional suffering for oneself, or those around - incites such wailing and gnashing of teeth among some people one would think they have been told to remove their arms and submit them as tribute.
 
Loving thy neighbor can be immensely difficult sometimes. Wearing a mask should not be. Protect yourself, protect those you love, protect your neighbors. I can not wait to be with all my friends, family, and communities in person once again. But if it means maximizing the health and safety of those people, then wait I shall. It is the least I can do for those I love.=

1 Comment
Stefan Baeurle
6/24/2020 04:00:21 pm

Loving thy neighbor is more than just wearing a face covering. If you believe in its effectiveness to protect others (it does not protect you). There seems to be a new truth or study coming out every other week or so. On paper this sounds all good. But it neglects the fact, that humans are involved. You just need to take the time and observe your surroundings. Many don't wear masks correctly, they frequently touch it (because it itches) and then possibly transfer the virus to their face later, they stop washing their hands regularly (hey I'm safe I have a mask), and it produces tons of extra garbage.

There is a great deal of fear. Intentionally or unintentionally created by some governments and eagerly spread by the 24 hour news media.

Tens of millions of people have lost their livelihood. People which previously supported their families, now have to stand in line and beg for food. I don't call this loving thy neighbor.

Many avoid going to hospitals or emergency rooms for getting urgently needed care for illnesses other than COVID-19 because they are so afraid of catching the virus. Some have even ended their own lives because of the fear. I don't call this loving thy neighbor.

Elderly people living in retirement homes are essentially locked away like in a prison without a trial. They haven't been asked about their opinion and nobody can visit them. Some of them have died alone without having the opportunity to say a last goodbye. I don't call this loving thy neighbor.

And the worst part is what we are doing to our children. We lock them away without the possibility to even go out to the street for weeks (like in some countries). We isolate them from their friends and classmates and park them behind a screen hoping that somehow they will learn something. We instill fear by making them wear masks, gloves, and sometimes even glass domes. I don't call this loving thy neighbor.

Yes, wearing a mask (correct please) when close to others and washing your hands often is not a big deal. Instilling fear and creating a pandemic in our heads is.

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1550 Meridian Ave. 
San Jose, CA 95125

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  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Leadership
    • Our History
    • The Rainbow Fish
    • Our Partners and Friends
  • Worship
    • CGS on YouTube
    • Digital Worship Bulletins
    • Music
  • Living Together
    • Calendar
    • Newsletter
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    • Important Documents
    • Library
    • Facilities
  • Breeze
  • Contact Us
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