March 11, 2020
 

Last week, a Florida congressman tweeted a picture of himself wearing a gas mask on the floor of the House of Representatives. This week, that same congressman is in quarantine after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus. That account reflects my perspective. On the one hand, there are examples of people overreacting, which the congressman was attempting to mock. On the other hand, the coronavirus is real and can be a serious threat to some, and you do not want to be either a recipient or a carrier.

I know that bad news, fear, and uncertainty is what increases media ratings. The higher the ratings, the more advertisement revenue is generated. I remember watching a TV reporter doing a live report on a potential snow once. He was standing in the parking lot, desperately hoping for some white stuff to fall from the sky so he could caution his audience about the looming threat. He finally saw a flake, but it was a lonely flake which dramatically decreased the drama he had hoped to generate.
 

At the same time, the coronavirus is a legitimate threat, particularly to certain types of people. Obviously some have died, and that is a reality. Even if the infection rate is statistically small, and the fatality rate is very, very small, we all know that people are more than statistics. So, we are mindful of others and want to care for them. Someone sent me this recently. It doesn't say it all, but it's pretty good.

At this point, we are not planning on canceling any events. As recommended by medical personnel, stay informed and exercise wisdom. If you want to stay a safe distance from people, do so. If you have any symptoms, stay home. Above all, trust God and encourage others to do the same. This will be inconvenient, but God has repeatedly shown how he uses all sort of inconveniences and worse to bring about a greater end.

Grace and Peace,

Bob