Month: April 2020

Tomorrow is May 1^st.   Today is the 38^th day of this ongoing saga. We may have already reached MAY DAY. On Wednesday the mayor of Kansas City MO issued a ridiculous order for reopening the economy called 10-10-10. Basically, it says a business can only operate at 10% capacity or 10 people, whichever is more. And this includes employees in the business. The kicker is, anyone who is going to be in the business more than 10 minutes must register their contact information in the event there is an outbreak in that area. WELCOME TO 1984! The Kansas City MO mayor says they are not trying to be big brother. Somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better. I don’t yet know what the plan is for Kansas to begin reopening, or for Johnson county where I live. From what I am hearing, and hopefully, their order won’t be nearly as draconian. But it might be extended a bit longer. Ronald Reagan once said “the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, I’m from the government and I’m here to help” How right he was.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7 ESV

Is it really worth having sports events with no fans?  Whether or not this complete stand still of life  was merited or not (I personally think the hysteria is way over blown), sports on all levels have, at least for now, been frozen in time, or the season ended.  NASCAR may return this summer, and with fans.  If Major League Baseball does return this year, from what I understand there will be no fans, and only played at a few regions, where all teams will play.  And some kind of hybrid concoction of a schedule with teams mixed into three divisions, no American League, no National League.  Why bother?  I don’t  attend very many MLB games at the park, but a big part of watching sports on TV, is fan reaction.  Seems there would be more excitement watching a classic baseball movie.  Or maybe just play a baseball video game.  Baseball is as American as apple pie, but we can survive without MLB, we can’t continue to survive this ‘stay at home’  business.  If memory serves me well, I think they said two weeks, then we can resume.  Well, we are at day 37.  I’m not sure what the governor of Kansas has planned, supposedly she is making an announcement on Thursday in regards to what will happen next week.  I guess we will see what happens then.  As long as she has so much of the state shut down, she might want to check on getting the unemployment system working with a bit more efficiency.  That would be nice.   That would be as snug as a bug in a rug.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

² Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

³ Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

⁵ For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalms 100 KJV

I really haven’t worn a mask yet, a kind friend brought me one, so I wanted to try it on for size.  Supposedly if I return to work next week, I will be required to wear some type of face covering.  I don’t know if I like that idea, no one can see my beard.  What I need is something to cover my hair until I can get it cut, there lies the disaster zone.  They won’t let me wear a hat at work, so I’m gonna have to figure something out before next Monday if we are all called back.  It is possible though, not all employees will be called back at once, so, who knows what will happen in the near future.

When I was growing up in north Louisiana I had an uncle that lived in south Arkansas.  My family would make frequent trips to visit him.  I have some nice memories  of fishing in his pond with my dad.  Catching lightening bugs when dusk approached was always something I enjoyed.  My uncle lived out in the country, the bugs were easy to spot.   My uncle was a chicken and cow farmer.  We were never short on beef, as he would frequently supply us with plenty of steaks and hamburger.  I remember one time on his pasture, a cow or bull came chasing after me.  Someone helping on the pasture that day stepped in and popped the soon to be a cheeseburger on the nose with a board.  Since my uncle also raised chickens, often times there would be baby chicks in the chicken houses, I always enjoyed when he would go grab one and let me hold it for a while, nothing like a real life Easter basket toy.  When I was very young, I had a mild case of childhood asthma.  I do have some faint memories of having breathing difficulties when we would go into Arkansas, as there were so many things in nature I was allergic to at the time.  That included live adult chickens, so I couldn’t go near the chicken houses sometimes.

COVID19 is a respiratory disorder, which in a few is fatal.  I say a few, as most people who contract it will recover.   I appreciate the  concern for the at risk population, and even though most people do recover, even one death is tragic.  I truly do care for the health of others, and facts are that some otherwise seemingly healthy individuals have succumbed to the ailment.  This is why we have to be cautious, we have to be compassionate, we have to look out for others.   As Christians we should be showing the world that anyway.  We can do all theses things and still unlock the gates and swim in America once again.

 Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, ¹³ accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive.

Colossians 3:12-13 HCSB

Day 35 has arrived.  Is it time?  Are we ready to open America up for business?  Can we go for a dive into freedom and capitalism?  The waters are warming, the air is more crisp.  The shoreline is packed, people are waiting for the whistle.  “On your mark, get set…..” hmm..……still waiting for that whistle….Is it safe?  Are there some nefarious motives for the wait?  Are the lifeguards being cautious?  Do think think we are no longer capable of swimming without a life vest?  Do they know we are ready, but afraid of what we might do when we are allowed to swim freely again?  Do they know that we are safer with less of them and more of us collectively?  Are they wanting us to just swim in a little bowl on their desk, and not enjoy the open waters?

I am certainly ready for a return to normalcy.  I am ready for capitalism and freedom to shine brightly once again.  I am a patriot, I love this country.  I’m the son of a war veteran.  A veteran who helped fight for freedom, and against tyranny.  I appreciate what he and so many other veterans have fought for.  Many of them died for freedom.  They certainly didn’t make great sacrifices to preserve socialism or communism.  I don’t know what the end game is for some politicians, just how much control they will want to instill.  There is so much confusion.  Some politicians who are certainly in the ranks of less government control are trying to approach reopening cautiously, but surely.  I want people to be careful and safe, but I want freedom and the economy to thrive.  At some point, we have to dive in, head first, and take a swim.  Yes, the water may be chilly at first, but it will warm quickly, and the swim will be grand.  Then we can splash and have a blast in the pool of freedom.  As we swim in America again.

Here we are at day 34 of the ‘stay at home’ order.  Who knows what is going to happen next.

I was born in the south.  Louisiana to be exact. Mosquitoes, alligators, lizards, toads, crawfish and humidity were a way of life. Truth be told, I never actually encountered a gator in the wild, and I even went tubing on a local lake, Cross Lake where they live. Hey, I’m not saying I’ve always made wise choices. When I was young I never appreciated living in the great state of Louisiana as much as I should. So many pine trees, they are so beautiful.Then there is Red River, which separates Bossier City and Shreveport, where I lived, that waterway holds lot of interesting history.  I can’t forget about the Cypress tress covered in Spanish moss on Caddo Lake, another alligator dwelling place.  Caddo Lake borders Louisiana and Texas, and is a popular camping and fishing site.  Caddo is also the name of the Parish in which I lived.  It was named for the Caddo Indians of the early 1800’s in the area. A Parish, unique to Louisiana in the sense that it is one of only two states that do not have counties, Louisiana has Parishes.  The other state without counties is Alaska, they have boroughs. 

Louisiana history was a required course in 8^th grade, and we had to know all of the Parishes.

As I mentioned, Louisiana has mosquitoes, and they were huge it seemed. I imagine I’m immune to mosquito bites by now. And the humidity in Louisiana, you could probably swim in the air.  I loved it.

Humidity. You switch just one letter and you have the word humility.  For some people humility is more difficult to handle than humidity.  I can often, I’m ashamed to say,  fall into that category. 

Years ago, singer Mac Davis sang a comedic, tongue-in -cheek song, with some colorful language, about how difficult it is to be humble when you think you are perfect.  And isn’t that where the problem lies?  You have to believe you aren’t perfect, and that it is not all about you, in order to have humility.

Contrast that to the Christian group Casting Crowns who recently recorded a song titled Only Jesus.  They remind us in that song that it isn’t about us, it is about Jesus.  That we shouldn’t care so much if people remember us, but we should always live for and tell others about Christ with whatever time we have on this earth.  And yes, every time I listen to it, I am ashamed.  My life should not be about me, but about Jesus.  I try to let Christ show in me, but, when I let me show in me, I get myself into a tangle.  This current COVID19 is a perfect example.  When I try to balance on one hand being considerate of the possible dangers to others if we don’t have ‘stay at home’/’shelter in place’, vs. wondering at which point is it going too far, both as an inconvenience, and the very real danger of what damage will come to the economy and American freedoms if something isn’t soon resolved.  I want America, and the world to be safe and healthy, and for the economy to be sound.  I want to swim in America again.  But mostly, I want people to see Jesus in me. 

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

I Peter 5:6-7 NKJV

As we begin day 33 of this ongoing ordeal, I ponder how something of this nature may have been handled in past times. In the days of Jesus life on the earth, people with leprosy were outcast. They were quarantined from society so to speak.  Jesus didn’t worry about being near them, He in fact healed many of them. You could say Noah and his family were also quarantined on an ark. That is certainly a case where you agreed to the quarantine, or you died. Tragically, many did die. We as Christians of course understand the analogy God was developing with the ark, that is by accepting Christ as Savior, we are in a sense quarantined from eternal separation from God. Let us not forget about Jonah, his disobedience to God found him quarantined in the belly of a large marine animal for three days. Another analogy of course, this to Christ, three days in the tomb.

It makes me sad for high school students, most especially the seniors of the class of 2020. Their senior year came to a screeching halt in a most disastrous and distressing way.  Just as they were headed toward 3^rd base with their eyes on home, the umpire stops the game due to a storm. I must say, from what I can see, these brave seniors are handling their situation admirably. I don’t know how I would have handled it if my senior year had been cut short. I suppose at first I would have been thrilled, thinking, wow, I get to graduate, and I can go out to eat everyday, go to the movies, disc golf, miniature golf and no more school, I would think I was on top of the world. Then I would remember everything is shut down. My anxiety would be roaring. I would be waiting for normalcy, ready to swim in America again, just as I am now.

For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 

Matthew 12:40 ESV

We have reached day thirty two. This was originally a 30 day ‘stay at home’ order. May 3^rd is the new end date I believe. I am not holding my breath on this ending then, but, you never know. Stranger things have happened.

The world is certainly a different place right now. To say practically everything is surreal is an understatement. So many stores have closed temporarily (I hope the mom and pop stores will recover), people you meet on the street, well, it’s just… everyone is acting differently. We are walking out of our way on the road or sidewalk as to not commit a felony offense of approaching someone less then six feet from us. Ordering food from a fast food or restaurant has taken on a new approach. Almost every seasonal event to this point has been canceled, or at best, delayed. Church services online, that is probably the worse. The online technology is fairly new in the scheme of things, something you use if you are sick, or out of town. Not because the doors to the church building aren’t even open. Yes, I know the building is not the church, the people are. But I am ready to be with fellow believers again. Hopefully that day will be soon. We can know with full assurance when followers of Christ get to Heaven, there will be no more fear, no more illness, it will be perfect. The worship leader God assigns to lead songs probably won’t even use a big screen, it will all be perfect. Until perfection arrives, I will settle for normalcy, and a chance to swim in America again.

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many ^[a]mansions; if it were not so, ^[b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:1-6 NKJV

We are at the 31st day of this madness known as a ‘stay at home’ order.  It is the new craze.  It’s catching on across the country.  Even the globe.  You’re not hip if you haven’t joined the action.  Nothing like following the herd so people won’t think ill of you.  Speaking of which, the country of Sweden is not practicing lock down, and reports in early April show that their numbers are fairly low.  They are depending on herd immunity to fight it.  Only the elderly and vulnerable are isolated.  Maybe that is working for them, and maybe it is something our country should try.  Thankfully, I believe many states are about to loosen restrictions and open up their part of America again.  I don’t know when my state and area will open up again, or when my employer plans to open back up.  I know that I am ready for normalcy again, I’m ready for a lot of normalcy again.  Hopefully, it will be a better new normal, not a new normal we will be forced to adjust our way of life.

I’m certainly ready to start road races again. Nothing like a good kick to the lungs and heart to get me moving.  The weather is warming up, my feet are aching to hit the road.  I can run on my own, and I do.  But nothing like a little competition, especially fun beating people a lot younger than me.  Before I boast too much, I must remember that I have been beaten by kids who are not even teenagers.

Being patient is very difficult for me right now, as I am sure it is for many.  I have to remind myself God speaks of patience often.

Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love.

Ephesians 4:2 NCV

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And so with day 30, we continue on.  Originally it was to be a 30 day ‘stay at home’ order, yet here we are, who knows how much longer.  During all this, part of me thinks it is good to be so cautious, to avoid further spread of this horrible virus.  But…more of me thinks that many people in authority across the globe have absolutely and completely lost their collective minds.  Data coming in seems to be confusing, contradictory, fraudulent, but at times, informative.  Do you trust any data coming out of China?  I don’t.   Sadly some of our more liberal national leaders are certainly seeking less than honorable opportunities to push their agendas into aid packages that have nothing to do with stimulating the economy that is collapsing because of the hysteria of COVID19.  Some of these politicians have no problem allowing people to shop at large essential retail stores, but will claim that this fall it is too dangerous to vote in person.  They want mail in ballots.  Yeah, no way for that to be rigged. Ha.  Some of these same people will say going to the barber or hair salon is a unnecessary dangerous risk, but an abortion clinic is a safe essential business.

There are plenty of negatives happening right now.  But through it all, trees are budding, flowers growing, the grass is getting greener, the air is warmer, and God is STILL in control.

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV

Today begins the 29th day of this adventure.  When you haven’t worked for close to three weeks, you have to keep your mind occupied.  For me it is stepping up my blogging and continuing my running.  I also enjoy long walks.  Finally the weather is cooperating more for my outdoor leisure.  This time last year I had already run three races.  One that I ran last year has been postponed, and another was, GASP, converted into a virtual race.  If you’ve read some of my previous blogs, you know my views on virtual races are not favorable.  My running in 2019 was a record year for me, I ran twelve races.  It may be difficult to beat, or even equal that this year if conditions don’t soon improve.

With all the running I do, inevitably I come across, several times daily,  pedestrian crossing signals I must activate to safely cross a street.  As much as I am trying to avoid the hysteria, and not stay paranoid, I am not comfortable right now activating them with my bare hands since I may not have immediate access to wash or sanitize them.  So, when possible, they get a nice high kick.  Whenever I arrive back home, whether on a run/walk, or shopping for necessities, the shoes I am wearing get sprayed down with disinfectant.  Mercy, maybe I am paranoid.

Back to the crossing signals, even after I activate one, there is no guarantee cars will stop.  Pedestrians seem to be invisible, or unimportant in the eyes of some drivers.  Sometimes it could be that they are on their phones while driving and not notice me, but at least they were able to find out what their spouse wants for supper.

I’m reading that more states are getting ready to open back up.  I can’t say it enough.  We have to be careful, we have to be cautious, but the country absolutely has to open up for business again.  I have zero trust in some of the senators and members of congress who I believe are seeking power grabs, and who are, to some degree, exploiting this pandemic.  The liberal media is certainly no help with their convincing some people that if you aren’t staying at home and waiting for the all clear, you are an uncaring and ignorant jerk.  I want to see the country opening back up, and those who wish, go back to their lives.  And those who are not yet comfortable coming out, they are welcome to stay home.  But something has got to give.  People can’t stay home forever.  The economy can’t stay on life support forever, and America can’t survive the way we are coasting forever.  We’ve got to dive back in, and once more, swim in America.  The water is fine.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 NLT