Moving from Masks to Muzzles

My heart feels burdened lately. What started out as warnings concerning the threat of an unprecedented virus seems to have turned into opportunity for unnecessary dread.

Let me explain my concerns before l get labeled uncaring, foolish, or conspiracy driven. Here we were, driving along as our daily routines dictated. Suddenly the engine light came on and we stopped. We evaluated the situation, got our bearings, had a look under the hood, and determined that it was, indeed, in need of servicing. But instead of getting back on the road, we left the car at the mechanic fearing a worse problem. We stopped our routines and stayed home. But now the scare is paralyzing.

As I walk into the grocery store and see the vast majority of shoppers masked and distanced, I sadly perceive that we are now entering into a culture of suspicion. The “masked” uneasy around the “unmasked” and vice versa. Those “no- vaccinations” leery of those who anxiously await their anti-COVID shot. The happily quarantined people vs. those who are ready to get back into the game full force. The left vs. the right. The conservatives vs. the liberals.

Here we go again.

Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Once again, we’re faced with an excuse to polarize. But not only that. Those of us in the church are waiting for answers from humans…answers that only God can provide. And as we sort out the vast amounts of information provided to us by the powers that be, we cannot buy into every media outlet narrative that’s presented to us. We are called to use wisdom and discernment, to be led by Holy Spirit, and to “trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding”.

There have always been evil intentions upon a society in order to gain power and wealth. It’s our human nature to want control. So, when I see outlets like Facebook and Youtube removing articles and interviews from doctors, scientists, epidemiologists, nurses, and seasoned researchers because their “fact-checkers” find something that does not agree with their opinions and platforms, I get a super-sized check in my spirit. The powers that be in these outlets are muzzling those who are not in agreement with experts who are simply attempting to voice their concerns about the way things are going and are offering some viable solutions. To censor those voices alone, Youtube and Facebook have clearly shown their true colors. How about censoring all the wrong information circulating for the past, say, 10 years? (Think: “How To Lose Weight Fast”or the myriads of political ads over the years! No censorship there!)

What have we become?

I can copy and paste article after article proving that recovery rates are FAR higher than any model projected…97-99.75%. I can talk about “herd-immunity” and how the healthy population needs to be working and socializing in order to create antibodies to ultimately stave off this virus. I can state recoveries by boosting the immune system with Vitamin D-3, Vitamin C, and Zinc, in addition to doctors’ testimonies of the effectives of hydroxychloroquine coupled with a Z-pack. I can also intelligently project depression, anxiety, suicides, drug abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, and poverty from the effects of a tanked economy. But those voices are silenced, overshadowed by the ominous voice of the mainstream media reminding us of the streaming deaths day after day because of a virus that appears to be giving leverage to our need for governed protection, intelligence, and guidance.

Have Facebook and Youtube (not to mention Vimeo and others) become the new “experts”?

I can’t help but think about the way “experts” tried to kill Jesus. Misled? You bet. Luke 22:2 says, “…and the chief priests and experts in the law were trying to find some way to execute Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.” The experts of the day. The majority. The power hungry. But Jesus knew the heart of man and didn’t commit Himself to their opinions: “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.”-John 2:24.  And need I mention Psalm 118:8-9, centered straight up in the middle of the bible?: “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”

So what am I trying to say?

First of all, please do not let fear be your guide or motivator. That might be difficult for many of us, but commit your fears to God and sincerely ask Him for His courage, His power, and His stability over your life. He cares and He is the only One who can assure you and give you a peace that no news narrative can give, no matter how all of this turns out.

Second, please open your minds to resources other than the visible think tanks. Brain washing starts slowly, methodically, and uses fear to motivate. Get wisdom (Proverbs 41).

Third, do what you are being called to do (not what the masses dictate). Help out where you can. Be kind. Have a reasonable conversation. We all could use to learn something new.

And lastly, be aware that not everything you hear is from God. Keep aware of His Word, His love, wisdom and guidance.

Masks are not your ultimate protection. Jesus is, and He still speaks…unmuzzled.