Week 32 of school.
31st COVID-19 test 

I was approached at a meeting this week by a person in their 70s. She thanked me for wearing my mask inside as she was feeling like she wouldn’t because none of her friends were wearing theirs and my wearing mine gave her the courage to put hers on. 

How sad is that? Someone who is at risk wasn’t wearing a mask because she thought someone would point her out and make a comment. 

I’ve had that experience too. Comments (In a sarcastic tone) like “Oh, you don’t HAVE to wear a mask in here.” “You can take that thing off in here.” Or “Oh, you’re still doing that?”

I calmly explain that I’m a high school teacher and I am just taking extra precautions to do my best to protect the students and their loved ones as well as my own family who are immunocompromised. At this point, you do what makes you comfortable, and I will do the same.

I will continue to choose to attend or not attend meetings and events based on the protocols in place and my general feeling of safety. When I do, I will be masked inside and while in crowds. 

I do it because I love you. 

I do it because you should not feel pressured to “unmask” before you’re comfortable.

I do it because your health and safety is more important than me being slightly uncomfortable with foggy glasses. 

I do it because I am getting back out into the world and want to make sure I don’t get anyone else sick.

I do it because #LoveMovesFirst
I tested last Saturday. I was negative.

The Bible is not at the core of Christianity

Been thinking about faith and church lately. 

 It occurs to me that so many, even clergy, get the whole premise of Christianity wrong. 

The Bible is not at the core of Christianity. The resurrection is. 

 The Bible is man made and is fallible. 

 Jesus is infallible. 

Jesus died for our sins. 

Jesus rose. 

Jesus loved. 

Jesus is love. 

The Lord’s love is unceasing. 

Love moved first. 

Love moves first. 

#LoveMovesFirst

Christians Should Act Christian.

I’ve read some interesting articles and listened to a few sermons recently about religious beliefs… one talked about someone’s ability to lead a good life and be a good person without actually DOING anything to help your fellow man. 

Another talked about two definitions of “Christian” that people fall under. The noun and the adjective.

You can live your life obeying all laws, not breaking any codes or doing anything shady… and believe you are Christian. But this is using it as a noun… it’s a thing. You define it personally and it has nothing to do with love of others.

Or.. you can live your life as a Christian serving others, helping others by lifting them up and being the hands and feet of God as exemplified by Jesus… defining it as an adjective. 

So… those who act selfish and who’s every decision they make is inward and they still call themselves Christian… they truly believe they are Christian… and by their definition (the noun) they’re checking the box. 

Although I totally disagree with the “Christian as a noun” sentiment… it has helped me to wrap my mind around those who think that way…

To me it’s not a box to check. Being Christian is an action… it’s something one DOES. It’s how we lead with love toward others.  

Those who see it as a noun aren’t concerned with others or leading (or responding) with love.

So the disagreement is from the core fundamental belief. 

Love the lord with all your heart and mind AND love your neighbor as yourself…

To me… you can’t be Christian without the act of BEING Christian.

I’ll take a flawed human with a good heart and a unfaltering love for God and our neighbors over the rule following, box ticking human who is trying to earn grace by obeying laws.

It’s possible to love God with all your heart and be dismissive to your fellow humans. But that’s not the type of person I would like to spend my time with. 

Love you.