Remember when everyone was posting how 2020 was going to be all about renewed vision, clear vision to success, and goal achievement? Yeah, we are so far from that vision of happiness and prosperity. Current events make it hard to believe that just a few months back everyone had such a positive view of this year. However, here we are. A year of Covid-19, political unrest, murders, riots, unexpected deaths, loss of employment, and separation from loved ones. People are scared. People are mad. People are anxious.
2020 has truly made each of us take a good look at ourselves; to refocus on what’s really important to us as individuals. The proverbial cover has been removed to reveal where we stand between fear and faith. We are no longer able to hide behind associated groups, affiliations, or even families. Every action, every choice is being scrutinized by associates and strangers alike.
The beginning of the pandemic brought out several unknowns. Many were willing to do their part to help prevent illness and death. Sadly, the more things progressed the more people turned against each other. We have gone from a highly scientific society to a people arguing over the validity and usefulness of a fabric mask. Neighbors and strangers are willing to rat out anyone they feel are putting others in jeopardy of contracting Covid-19. Fear has brought out the unfriendliness, nosiness, and pridefulness of our hearts.
Never in my lifetime have I witnessed such direct and open confrontation of my Christian faith as it is happening now. I have never been made to feel as if going to church was a lack of neighborly love as I’m being told now. Today I must decide openly whether it is truly best to obey God over the opinions of mankind. Is God’s mandated framework of how His church operates through worship and outreach, neighborly love and compassion still relevant? Can I still say if He doesn’t heal me I will still trust Him?
Where fear is the inward battle of coping with what we can’t control, faith is the inward assurance that God has everything under control. It is that peace through faith in His love for humanity that people need today. You can almost see the internal struggle on people’s faces who are trying to decide if being in public will harm someone. The old adage “the eyes are the window to the soul” rings true. Our masks may cover expressions, but it doesn’t hide the uncertainty, fear, disdain, or inquiry in our eyes.
If you know of someone who is struggling, whether emotionally or circumstantially, now is the time to put faith into action. We must settle in our own hearts whether our faith will see us through and be courageous enough to encourage those struggling with what to believe and how to show it. We have all been in that miserable place of not knowing whether to throw in the towel or give faith a chance. So, let compassion and empathy continue. We know what God can do, so let faith remind us that He is willing and able to do those things for each of us. Then find a way to spread the peace and love of God to those who are fighting the oppressive abuse of fear.