If you see me wearing a mask, please don’t assume I’m weak or afraid.

Of course I’m dismayed (and have been a little bit rebellious – please don’t snitch me out!) at being told to stay at home when there is a hurting, frightened world out there that needs the gifts God gave me to share.

I am offended at businesses being forced to close when people who feel confident enough should have a choice to go into it, while those who are concerned should be free to stay home. Especially when the selection process for which businesses got to stay open seemed bizarrely random.

But being asked to wear a mask hardly seems a violation of my “rights.”  (Although if you don't wear one, I respect your decision not to! This blog is not an attempt to change anyone's mind, but to clarify my own reasons for following the recommendation.)

What many people ignore is the fact that wearing a mask is not for the wearer’s protection – it is to prevent the wearer from unintentionally spewing cooties on anyone nearby. 

If my going bare-faced causes another person discomfort, then as a Christian especially, I have a duty to show love and courtesy to that person by covering up. I have been blessed with incredibly good health, but what if I actually do carry the virus and am unaware of it? I certainly have a responsibility not to spread it to someone more vulnerable than I.

While I’m not afraid of any virus, I have no problem being sensitive to someone else’s fears. Maybe they have a good reason. Perhaps someone they know has died from it. Perhaps they have health issues that make them more susceptible. Or perhaps they spend too much time on social media feeding their fear. Whatever the reason, I won’t give them a reason to fear me!

The love of Christ can shine even through a silly mask!

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

Romans 15:1

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Galatians 5:13-14