By Nancy Virden (c)2020

My son contracted Covid-19. He is now very ill. As is true with others whom you and I know, the virus is very infectious and unpredictable. Rumors and false information are also thus regardless of where we think they began.

Will we trust the vaccines? Whatever your answer, I am asking you to consider the source of your trust/distrust. What is the actual evidence for either? I am not mocking, only asking a difficult question.

One person told me that he believes we will not overcome this virus until “everyone catches it,” implying that the potential deaths are acceptable collateral. If beliefs define our actions (which they do), is this man loving his neighbor who might die? Is he introducing them to eternal hope, sending cards to the sick, or doing anything different than before? What does he actually, deep-down, believe? I do not know. Others have said the vaccines are gifts from God. Does their demeanor show it? Will they get the shots?

Trust is fickle. Like a braid, it intertwines with our thinking encountering doubt along the way. Trust is a choice, we hope a smart one, and this decision is tested each day, all day long. Do we believe a chair will hold us up? If we doubt it, we will likely not sit down. Do we believe masks signify lack of faith in God who protects us? If so, is anyone willing to walk in traffic (or push someone else into traffic) to test that hypothesis? Do we think people who do not completely and immediately trust scientific reports are stupid? If so, is anyone willing to subject their bodies to perpetual scientific research? What do we actually believe?

Chances are, our beliefs are fluid. Both viral infections and faith in God are treated such. The reason for Christmas as a holiday is to celebrate the obedience of God’s Son to leave heaven and join the world in human likeness. Where is your trust on this topic? Are you concerned about the date (what was once a pagan holiday), or the Christ? Does it matter more that this is probably not the time of year of his birth, or that He came? We now know he did not come in 1 AD (CE). 2027-ish years ago, God’s plan for our salvation came together. Which fact matters most?

Let us focus on solutions, love, and good infectious messages like hope and God’s grace. Let’s care more for our neighbors than being right. Let’s celebrate the Messiah with an active, truly grounded faith.

– COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

I passed on to you what was most important… Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said.  He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

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