Two nights ago, the planets Jupiter and Saturn aligned for the first time since the 13th century. Regardless of how it appeared to you based on where you are located in the world, it was a unique experience to behold. Some people, like myself and my family, were able to see what looked like simply a very bright star in the southwest sky. Others, such as people in Europe and in Africa, witnessed what looked exactly like the star that led the wise men to a manger over 2,000 years ago…
It might not have looked like all the pictures we’ve seen of the Star of Bethlehem (indeed, some were referring to it as the Christmas star) but just that we were able to witness an event that will probably never happen again in our lifetime was impressive enough. The fact that this year of 2020 – the likes of which we’ve also never experienced before – ended with a sight in the sky that also happened when the savior of the world was born says, to me, a lot about where we’ve been and where we are headed.
God is the only one in control, and this has been true since day one of the pandemic. Scientists, doctors, politicians, regular everyday people – they all think they know what is going on, and they all claim to have all the answers and have the right to tell the rest of us what to do and how to act. Some people have become downright nasty – pompous and all-knowing, judgemental and self-righteous – and it’s only gotten worse as the lockdowns and social distancing and mask wearing has gone on. People have actually been verbally abused and, in some extreme cases, physically attacked because they have the audacity to question and challenge what is going on around them. People are being told that they don’t care about their fellow human beings and that they are “literally killing” others if they don’t do what they are being told by all the so-called “experts”.
I do not doubt or question anyone’s education or training or degree when it comes to science and medicine. But I do know that nothing is perfect. And NOTHING is inherently safe. NOTHING. Things go wrong. People, even those trained in specific jobs, make mistakes. They’re all doing the very best they can with what they’ve been given. And what they’ve been given comes from God.
God has blessed the scientific profession with talented people who have developed the first coronavirus vaccines. It is an amazing accomplishment to have a vaccine so quickly, and before the end of this awful year. However, some people I believe are viewing the vaccine as the “magic bullet” – the “miracle pill” – that is suddenly going to fix everything. So we can immediately go on cruises and to concerts again. I would love to believe that. But it’s just not sensible or logical. We have to see how things play out. And until they do, unfortunately, I believe we will continue to be held hostage and controlled by our governments.
And that, right there, is the crux of the situation. It has been since day one.
I believe I have said it before, but I will say it again: I do not and never have for one moment doubted that the virus is real. I know how it can affect certain people. I have a close relative who was on a ventilator for 8 weeks. He’s been home for a few months now, thank God, and is starting to recover from all he’s been through. Some things are still a struggle. The sister of a good friend of mine lost her life, and she was a healthcare worker. You would think that if anybody would be completely safe, it would be someone like her. After all, a hospital has to be the cleanest, most sanitized place in the world, right? But I do not agree and haven’t since this whole thing started that lockdowns are the answer. If they were, why is the city of London being forced into another one right now? Pray tell – didn’t the first one work??
Because “the virus is mutating” they will say – “there’s a new strain.”
So are we, the people of the world, supposed to stay locked down forever? Wear a mask and social distance until the day you die?
Some of you will say my remarks are extreme. “You could or will die if you don’t do those things – or, worse yet, YOU will be the direct cause of someone else dying!”
I’m sorry – but I don’t buy it. Never have. Never will.
No, I’m not an “expert”. I’m not a doctor. I’m not a scientist. But I’m also a realist and a practical thinker.
There will always be the more vulnerable, the more fragile, the ones who are more at risk. How arrogant are we as mere humans to think that we can beat Mother Nature? That we can stomp out a virus? You know what – maybe we can. But if we do, it’s because God ordained it. He blessed the doctors and scientists with their talent and knowledge. He’s in charge. Not you. Not me. Not anyone else.
“Two weeks to flatten the curve.” This is what we were told 9 months ago. NINE…MONTHS…AGO! It’s now Christmas and New Year’s, the end of the year. And yet – here we are. If the lockdowns, masks, and social distancing worked – well then, why isn’t the virus GONE??
Protect the vulnerable. Protect the fragile. Protect the elderly. By all means. But let the rest of us LIVE.
In February, I will turn 60 years old. In February, it will be a year and a half since I have seen my mother. She will be 88 years old on New Year’s Eve and will probably be alone for her birthday. That just breaks my heart. I don’t want to put my mother at risk. But I want to see her more than anything. And I am at the mercy of draconian mandates set up by politicians who work for me. And when those rules get lifted – if they ever do – tell me: will my mother still be there?
Give the public information. Tell them what they can and/or need to do to protect themselves. And then let them decide for themselves what level of risk they are willing to take. Irresponsible you say? I never have and never will rely on someone else to be responsible for my wellbeing. I can do that for myself.
It’s called freedom. Yeah, that’s right. FREEDOM.
Did God have anything to do with Jupiter and Saturn aligning? Or was it just “science”? I think He had everything to do with it. And I believe He is giving us a sign, just like He did over 2,000 years ago.
That baby that was born when that other star appeared brought something very simple to the world. HOPE. And that’s what I want to see. And feel. And believe. In hope. And for things to turn around. And go back to the way they used to be. And should be. If you don’t have faith in that, then YOU stay home. YOU stay under unending lockdown. YOU wear a mask. If they work, and you’re wearing one, then the fact that I’m not shouldn’t make a damn bit of difference. YOU social distance. If you don’t want me to breathe on you, then stay the hell away from me. Let…me…live…
“Oh, but it’s just a mask – just do it. Why do you refuse to be a little inconvenienced? Why don’t you care about your fellow human beings?”
And why do you feel the need to control me and dictate to me what I should do? Take care of yourself in whatever way you see fit. I will do the same for myself.
“But it’s not about control.” Oh, but – I think it is. If I do not have my right to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, pray tell – what would you call it?
“But there are still many ways you can have fun, celebrate the holidays, while still social distancing.” Tell that to my mother who is going to be alone at Christmas and for her birthday on New Year’s Eve. The holidays are a brutal, painful time of year for a lot of people. And this year it’s just magnified. We all might be in the same storm, but we are definitely not all in the same boat. Not everyone is handling lockdowns as easily as you are. Think about that.
Hope. That’s what I believe that star signified. Hope for clarity and sensible thinking. Hope for competent leadership. Hope for the virus to yes – go away. But it probably won’t completely. So – hope for life to return to normal and open up for anyone who is willing to live.
May God bless us all in the new year.
Oddly Enough 