I am not stupid. (And neither are you!)*


There is no respect for others without humility in one’s self.
--Henri Frederic Amiel


Sometimes it feels as if the crazy will never end, doesn’t it? This week, across the globe, people are responding-- and reacting-- to the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic. Some folks are stocking up with ridiculous amounts of stuff they will never, ever use up, things they normally don’t even eat; others stand tall and announce that they have complete faith in God, and have nothing to worry about.

Can we please strike some middle ground here? Please?

I believe God is present, even in this stuff. It gives me comfort to pray, to place my anxieties in God’s lap. I also believe God gave me a brain, and gave others even greater brains—and intends for us to use them.

Scientists tell us we need to do two things, more than anything else: Wash your hands; and practice social distancing. My faith in God doesn’t stand in opposition to either of those things.

Science and faith can and do coexist. Really, they can!

This is not the time to take sides, to pitch a futile moral battle over such nonsense. This virus is serious stuff. Whatever you can do—do it. Especially if it means helping another person through a rough patch in Life. We are all in this together.

*Well, unless you think distancing and hand washing don’t apply to you.


Monday Check the linen closet. How many rolls of toilet paper do you actually need? Set aside 10% (a tithe) for a family in need. (Wash your hands.) 1 Samuel 16:1-3

Tuesday Get outside and take a walk. The fresh air will do you good. Look for the Creator. (When you get home—wash your hands.) 1 Samuel 16:4-10

Wednesday Call a neighbor or friend. Check in and make sure they are all right, physically and emotionally/ spiritually. (Hang up and wash your hands.) 1 Samuel 16:11-13

Thursday This morning, take a deep breath and sit with these words from Psalm 23. Enjoy the feeling of the cool streams of water as you wash your hands. Psalm 23:1-3

Friday During Lent, we are focusing on Jesus’ journey to the cross. Remind yourself that there is no human experience Jesus would not understand. (He did, after all, hang out with lepers—and practice ritual hand-washing afterward.) Psalm 23:4-6

Saturday As you spend time today in prayer, ask God to renew your spirit. Seek a heart that is open to others. Find a way to help (with clean hands, of course). Ephesians 5:8-11

Sunday Do you know someone who is in a nursing home? Send them a colorful card or note. Plan to do this next week, too. (Wash your hands!) John 9:5

Be kind, don’t judge, and have respect for others. If we can all do this, the world would be a better place. –Jasmine Guinness

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