Two weeks ago, a friend of mine said he is going to wait for the government to get him the masks he needs for his employees. The moment he told me, I replied and convinced him to find the means to get these protective pieces himself. In France, there is an ongoing debate that has caused friction between the government and the medical administration about whether we all should wear masks after the confinement on May 11th. The latter wants us all to wear it, while the former feel it is unnecessary. I am not saying it is wrong to listen to the government and just go without any needs for the masks. But we must not forget these are humans like us and are likely to retract if any farther surges occurred. What sets them apart is their place of authority, and often, leaders can be wrong.
I used the above illustration for us to understand that there will come a time in our lives when we must learn to say no for our benefits. A few weeks ago, I wrote about avoiding Netflix because entertainment of such can be detrimental to the vulnerable minds. In a similar context, refusing to accept defeat in the face of this pandemic is crucial.
We are saying no means not giving up on oneself and remembering that everything will be fine. It also means not forgetting that Jehovah is always with us. His name is EMMANUEL. Nothing escapes His knowledge, which means He is aware of everything happening. Hence, are we going to listen to the voice of God through our the Holy Spirit, or are we going to listen to the chaotic view of the world where nothing is comforting but hopelessness?
Shalom
Ehiyeh-Sh’Ehiyeh 