Recently, I spoke to an aged friend who is slowly slipping away.  The doctors say that his life is now measured in months and not years.  I have told him not to fear, to be confident in his faith, and courageous in his journey… that death is nothing more than to find oneself in the warm embrace of God.  But what do I know of such things?

I stopped the other day and handed the homeless man standing on the corner, a few bucks from the abundance of many in my wallet.  I told him that I would be praying for him and that hopefully his lot would improve soon.  I told him to keep up his hope as he looks to better his life.  I can often speak on such topics… those of helping the marginalized and giving to the poor who need our support.  I act as though I know what it is to be hungry and cold and without hope.  But what do I know of such things?

I have a black friend with whom I often speak.  Recently we talked about systemic racism and hatred and the evils of our misguided culture.  When she told me about a recent afternoon walk when she was verbally assaulted with angry racial slurs just because she dared to smile and say hello, I thought, but what do I know of such things?

I pulled in behind an old, beat-up, van at the gas station last week.  I watched as 3 young children spilled out of the side door.  The father handed each a single dollar as they headed for the convenient mart with their mother.  Their faces lit-up with the excitement of all that a dollar could purchase.  3 bucks… a treasure for them, but surely a sacrifice for an over-worked and weary father.  He squeezed off the pump handle when it tallied $10.  He must live with the dog of scarcity constantly nipping at his heels.  But what do I know of such things?

I adjusted the thermostat last night, to provide a little additional warmth to the house.  I curled up in a warm bed and watched a little cable tv before I went to sleep.  I watched a news report about some refugee families that gathered everything they owned and packed them in a few cloth bags to carry on their backs as they walked to a strange country, where the language was foreign and the people unwelcoming.  I wondered what such a moment must be like… But what do I know of such things?

I have a friend who has suffered with a cocaine addiction for nearly decade, another friend who is a slave to alcohol, and still another who lost his job, wife, and health because of his inability to separate himself from the lure of gambling.  It’s easy to think, “Just quit drinking! Hang around people who will lead you to make better decisions.  Count the cost of what gambling has done and walk away from it.”  It’s easy to recognize the demons in the lives of others and offer a glib response.  But what do I know of such things?

I heard a report this morning on NPR about a man who lost his job because of COVID19.  His employer could no longer make ends meet and the decision was made to close the business.  This man has courageously tried to fight through the downturn.  He’s been able to find a few odd jobs here and there, but nothing that is lasting or sustaining.  He’s worried.  This past week, he started selling items from his home out on his front sidewalk.  “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” he jokes.  Imagine selling your possessions to buy food for your family because there is no work.  But what do I know of such things?

Here’s what I do know.  I know that it’s hard to understand the lives of others, when you haven’t known their life experience.  I know that judging others is never the way forward.  I know that having the world’s goods while seeing your brother in need is egregious to Holy God.  I know that a spirit of generosity is one of the gifts I have to offer but fail to extend often enough.  I know that hope is forged on the anvil of human kindness and contact.  I know that I can make a difference if I choose to do so, or I can stand in the ever-dimming light around me and curse the on-coming darkness.

The world can be made better by acts of kindness, grace, and understanding.  But what do I know of such things?

Jon R Roebuck – Nov. 2020

 

Two weeks ago, it wasn’t even a conversation.  Now, it’s all that anyone can talk about.  Everyone from politicians, to preachers, to news pundits, are all offering their commentary.  The spread of this deadly virus has gone from a problem “way over there somewhere,” to a panic that has arrived at our doorstep.  Schools, universities, churches, concerts, and sporting events have all closed their doors in the hope that by somehow limiting the crowds, they will limit the exposure.  And all the while, there is so much that we don’t know.  How did it start and when?  Has it gone undetected for weeks? How many are infected?  How many have been tested? How long will the threat last?  When will life get back to normal? Should I stockpile supplies or just hope the stores will stay full?  Is it safe to eat out?  Should I work from home?

With each day, the anxiety seems to build.  Most Americans can no longer dismiss the threat or calm themselves by just using more hand sanitizer like they did a few days ago, thinking they were prudent.  How should we prepare?  Are we being overly cautious, or not cautious enough?  And, what should we do from a faith perspective?  Can people of faith approach this moment with hope, compassion, and real words of comfort?  Can we offer perspective and speak calm to the storm that swirls about us?

Like you, I have heard a lot of preachers say a lot of pious sounding but positively ignorant things over the past few days.  Some suggest that to cancel worship services because of the virus is somehow an affront to Holy God and a betrayal of one’s faith.  Not only does such a pseudo-pietistic mentality add a layer of guilt to those pastors and church leaders who truly agonize over such a decision, but it also puts a lot of people at risk, especially the elderly for whom the choice of not attending is a very real struggle.  Some defiantly proclaim that with enough faith, the storm will leap over your house.  One televangelist promised a miracle elixir to cure the virus… (for a small contribution, of course).  Another was claiming to heal those afflicted by having viewers place their hands on the tv screen.  I’m surprised that someone hasn’t suggested sprinkling a little Lysol on the doorpost of your home in true Passover fashion.  Most of us can surely see through the claims of such charlatans.  We have enough common sense to separate fact from fiction.  So how should we respond as people of faith?

Toward the close of the New Testament book of James, these words of counsel are offered… “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:13-14). Let me pick up on these verses about prayer and the use of anointing oil.  Knowing that some interpret those words differently – and I certainly affirm everyone’s right to do so through the mysterious work of the Spirit – allow me to give my perspective.  I think James is offering a couple of important words to those who are suffering.  First, he commands us to pray.  In the midst of any illness, suffering, or angst, prayer is certainly the starting point for any sense of recovery.  We pray first, invoking the tender, compassionate, loving, and powerful intervention of God.  To pray is to recognize that He is the source of all healing and that we are utterly dependent upon His involvement in our lives.

Second, James asks for the elders to also pray and use anointing oil.  I believe there is power in the sharing of our concerns and in the collective strength of our petitions.  It is the right thing to do, to ask others to join us in praying for our needs, our fears, and our pains.  Our prayers are magnified through common petition.  In the first century world, the anointing oil had two roles.  It was a tangible reminder of the presence of God.  Oil was used to anoint Kings, celebrate joyful moments, and aid in healing. The oil was a symbolic way of reminding people that God’s Spirit was present.  But the oil also had medicinal value.  It was a soothing balm that helped to heal while keeping out dangerous disease, dirt, and grime.  It was one of the few medical options available at the time.  

So, in my view, James was suggesting that those who were sick, should immediately call on the grace and mercy of God, acknowledging total dependency upon Him, while seeking the best medical treatment available.  Surely, such an approach speaks to the present moment.  From a faith perspective, here’s my advice for battling the corona virus.  

First, pray… pray about your anxiety, your fears, and your situation.  Pray for the safety and well-being of your family, friends, and co-workers.  Ask others to join you in praying.  By praying you will be reminded of the Sovereignty of God.  

Second, take every reasonable precaution.  Do the things that the real experts are advising you to do… wash your hands, avoid large crowds, keep a proper social distance around co-workers, clean surfaces often.  If you feel sick, stay home.  Don’t endanger others.  In other words, be smart and use your common sense.  Also, be mindful of the 24/7 overload of information. It can be a bit overwhelming.  Though it is important to stay informed, reserve a little time for distraction.

Third, don’t be a hero, be a helper.  You are not going to win a prize for putting yourself in harm’s way.  Don’t take unnecessary risks.  However, do seek ways to help others.  Many are running errands for the elderly.  Others are self-quarantining when they suspect they might be exposed to the virus.  Some are only purchasing what they need at the store, not hoarding large quantities that keep others from having what they might need.  You can also help by being supportive of medical personnel, grocery store employees, and EMS workers.  

And finally, let’s stick together in this battle.  As people of faith, let’s lead the way.  Let’s be patient.  Let’s be understanding.  Let’s be kind and gracious.  Let’s act like citizens of this world who are also citizens of a far greater Kingdom.  And let us pray that this year’s March Madness will soon find resolution.