Wearing a mask is uncomfortable, even a nuisance at times; it may also prove a challenge to breathe naturally. Since this pandemic began, the mask thing has been a big thing. It seems to be a symbol that has served to divide Americans rather than unite. It has been used in a political tug-of-war. Some question if masks are necessary, yet, research has been steady to prove effectiveness in curbing the virus’ spread.
In fact, just yesterday, Governor Newsom announced that masks or face shields will be mandated in all schools in California for children beyond the second grade.
I have wondered why this has been such a deep issue for us Americans. Is it simply because it is unsightly, uncomfortable, unnatural, and difficult to breathe? Perhaps it leaves us with a sense of a loss of freedom and powerlessness? Maybe, it’s because we lose a part of our identity in not being seen from the bridge of the nose down to the chin and are robbed of expression? Or, is it humbling and irritating to be told what to do? As you can read, I’ve asked a lot of questions, but can’t pretend to have answers. I do suspect that for a variety of the listed reasons, folks dislike wearing a mask; and I acknowledge there may be other reasons I’ve not listed or even thought about.
Being a fan of observing human behavior, as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been spending quite a bit of time thinking more deeply about this mask thing. Admittedly, while doing so, I’ve had to check my own opinion at the door in hopes of keeping an open mind. Keeping an open mind allows me to be more grace-filled and outward-focused. As I consider several faculty and staff members who are expecting babies, our students with asthma, my aunt who has COPD, my 91-year-old father-in-law enjoying his final golden years, and dear Mary Curtis (beloved wife of football coach Rick Curtis) who is battling for her life against cancer -- please keep her in your prayers as she begins a new treatment protocol. A virus to any of these individuals, or others you can think of who are vulnerable, could be devastating.
As a follower of Christ, I am convicted that wearing a mask isn’t about me; it’s about loving my God and loving my neighbor. In our devotion text, Jesus says it plainly in the greatest commandment,
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
and the second,
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Let’s face it, loving the Lord and loving my neighbor causes discomfort; it causes me to put Him and them before me. I have to be selfless and humble in doing so. Wearing a mask increases humility, forces me to listen to others, and to think more deeply about their needs. As a model of humility, Jesus Christ was tormented, suffered immensely, and died on the cross for our freedom from sin, death, and the devil -- and that, Saints, is what unites us!
I look forward to starting back on campus this fall, God-willing, and seeing all of those smiling eyes. This pandemic has been an arduous and long journey. Thank you for joining me, our faculty and staff, as well as the entire Saints community as we re-enter wearing masks for sake of Christ, for the sake of each other, and for the sake of our neighbors. Until then, stay well, Saints.
In Christ's love,
Jeffrey S. Beavers, CEO
