Blog – Page 9 – Jennifer Grashel

Freedom 2020

That title is a not so veiled reference to this classic, groundbreaking video and to the approaching July 4^th holiday.

I’ve been listening to the audiobook version of If You Can Keep It by my new spirit animal Eric Metaxas.

Okay, just kidding, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man is still my spirit animal.

Also I read this week that saying “spirit animal” is racist toward indigenous people. I try to be sensitive and compassionate and make sure those who feel “less than” are included and seen. But in the words of my great times however many grandma Pocahontas … come at me, bro.

Also I’m reminded of a visit to Cracker Barrel last fall, during which we spied a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man doll on the way to the hostess stand.

“Oh, it’s the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. He’s my spirit animal,” I said.

Twenty minutes later at the dinner table the five-year-old uttered, out of the blue, “I don’t think the marshmallow man is an animal.”

Out of the mouths of babes. He’s a smart one.

Anyway.

Benjamin Franklin, upon leaving Independence Hall on the final day of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, reportedly was asked, “Well, Doctor, what have we got—a Republic or a Monarchy?”

To which he replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

The Metaxas book, released in 2016, discusses the uniqueness – both in the 18th century and still today – of the formation of a country based on common ideas and ideals. Every other nation out there has come about based on common ethnic background and/or geography. In the current climate of cancel culture and our seeming inability to debate darn near anything, a visit to the original intent and character of the founding fathers seems timely.

I’m only a couple hours into the book, but Metaxas is discussing the … wait for it … say this next phrase in that deep movie trailer announcer’s voice … ready … set … go …

Δ The Golden Triangle of Freedom Δ

Cue epic motivational music.

The Golden Triangle of Freedom – a phrase and concept from author Os Guiness – is the idea that self-government works because of the relationship between freedom, virtue, and faith.

It sounds a lot like the Carousel of Progress. But it’s different. And it’s triangular.

As my attention continues getting jerked around from place to place and around in circles like a carousel, I find myself longing for freedom and peace. Everyone has an opinion and feels compelled to shove it down everyone else’s throat. You can’t even share what ought to be a non-controversial view without someone having to speak up to contradict you. It’s like the not so proverbial teenager who responds to statements like “the sky is blue” with “no, it’s not”.

Everyone who has been refusing to wear masks in public (or to socially distance, avoid risky gatherings, etc.) to help combat the coronavirius pandemic, resulting in mandatory mask orders in many places … you’re the not so proverbial teenagers.

This is why we can’t have nice things.

Some of you claim “science” as your justification. Your version of science is a steaming pile of excrement. Some of you claim outdated science as your justification. Kind of like a dried out pile of excrement that still smells when you get close enough. Some of you go searching for a source to justify whatever your version of facts already is, not unlike people handpicking bible verses out of context. You know, to depict the God they’ve made in their own image.

A small percentage of you have a legit medical exemption from mask wearing. Blessings and grace to you.

Many however, it seems, just refuse to be bothered.

Thank you to those who get it.

Endurance, my people.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ~2 Tim 4:7

With freedom comes responsibility. Use it or lose it.

I’ll end with this great quote a friend shared … from a certain famed vagabond evangelist, not a political pundit …

“The anything-goes morality of the religious and political Left is matched by the sanctimonious moralism of the religious and political Right. Uncritical acceptance of any party line is an idolatrous abdication of one’s core identity as Abba’s child. Neither liberal fairy dust nor conservative hardball addresses human dignity, which is often dressed in rags.” ~Brennan Manning

Someone please write a sermon in a sack based on this pile of scraps leftover from dinner prep.

In this weeks edition of #quarantinebaking … I had a bag of espresso chips leftover from the holiday baking stash. It’s like Christmas in July with devil’s food espresso chip cookies!

At Least I’m Not Like Those Other People

I’m trying to write this week’s post ahead of time, at least mostly anyway. My recent annual June 25 tradition involves a pedicure and checking out from the world a bit. “Me time” has felt in short supply thus far during this year’s pandemic.

But didn’t everything slow down with the stay at home orders?

Eh, not so much in my world.

Everyone’s experience is different.

And isn’t that the truth … everyone’s experience is different. Cancel culture has put generalizing on a steady diet of steroids and raised it into a new art form. I just read an article (shared by a friend) that laments modern society’s inability to understand points of view different from our own.

“We don’t understand debate, or its cousin compromise, anymore. There is no longer any tolerance for others’ views because the current fascism of the left does not see opinions as such; they are not acquired thoughts so much as they are innate to who we are, the inside and the outside fixed by color and class.” ~Peter Van Buren

(The left doesn’t have a monopoly on this phenomenon, although it does seem more prevalent in that segment of the culture. Maybe it’s just a matter of who’s loudest at the moment.)

People are canceling longtime friends and members of their own families. This morning a friend texted to let me know they deactivated their social media account. The straw that broke the camel’s back was racist remarks made by a relative. Don’t get me wrong, stepping away from social media is healthy. I personally use the snooze and unfollow features as needed to maintain my sanity and to maintain relationships with people I know in real life. I’ve seen a ton of super hateful comments on social media. About the race debate. About every other hotbed issue that’s out there.

The fake news (as in individual news stories) has gotten so bad lately I can’t even. Everyone please remember at least to attempt a fact check before getting on your social media soapbox.

Everyone please remember it’s more important to be loving than right. Yes, we’re supposed to confront our Christian brothers and sisters caught in sin after we remove the planks from our own eyes, blah blah blah.

After plank removal. Everyone please consider whether the timing of your remarks (comments, posts, etc.) is a good idea.

I can’t help but think of the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector.

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer[a]: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” ~Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)

In light of the current age of moral relativism, I wonder if Jesus was condemning the attitudes of only those in an official leadership position. Those with an important title. Those we think of traditionally as the ones in power.

What if he was condemning the haughty attitude of anyone who would say (or think), “At least I’m not like those people.”

Who or what have you said “at least I’m not like” about lately? Come on, be honest with yourself.

Hmmm.

Interesting views on the race debate from the interwebs this week …

Scott Adams, who describes himself as “left of Bernie”, shared some thoughtful words that might surprise you in one of his daily videos.

The conservative Red Pilled America podcast shared a two-part episode detailing the personal story of one of the cohosts and their family. Listen to Part 1 here. Listen to Part 2 here. (Includes adult themes.)

The Ragamuffin Preacher podcast shared the personal story of a pastor’s experiences with racism both inside and outside the white evangelical church. (Language warning.)

Related to the race debate, here’s a seven minute video response to the “defund the police” effort. (Choose your words carefully, friends. Did you really mean defund the police … or is that a handy-but-pretty-hateful-toward-good-cops catchphrase for what improvements you think should be made?)

New music …

Mitch McVicker has resumed the weekly livestream concerts on his Facebook page. Next one is Tuesday, June 30, at 8pm eastern.

The Hedgerow Folk are releasing a new single. Here’s a video version. It’s folksy Jesus music. Or Jesus-y folk music.

In the category of new-ish, but brought to mind by this week’s topic, enjoy this one from Meek Squad.

Peace out, girl scouts.

What is this and who’s gonna try it with me?!?

Getting my hair done or prepping for surgery?

I’m highly amused with myself. No, I didn’t drive with the mask on.

Flaming Dumpsters

“I need to go. I need to write something intelligent. Something coherent anyway.”

This is my attempt at coherence.

Coherence in the midst of my usual overflowing task list.

Coherence in the midst of processing what I described yesterday as a dumpster fire.

I’ve cited this verse more than once lately …

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. ~I Corinthians 10:23

The NIV titles this section The Believer’s Freedom. The Message translation puts an interesting spin on the entire passage. Worth a read.

Along with a handful of friends I solved all the problems of the world Wednesday night on our weekly Ragamuffin Google hangout. All of them. Trust me, I’m sure we know what we’re doing. Racism, boundaries, family relationships … we’ve got you covered. Maybe we should put up a Psychiatric Help 5¢ sign.

Some online interactions throughout this pandemic have been, well, beneficial. Others not so much, ranging from combative to just downright weird. It makes one wonder whether this bizarre period in our lives is making people’s true colors shine or if they’re just succumbing to the stress. Perhaps some of both.

As the saying goes, you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you react.

Self-care is important. Healthy lifestyle habits and enough solitude for rest and reflection can help enable a healthy response to stressful situations. Socially distancing yourself from reality for more than a brief rest time … eh, not so much. You might find yourself playing the fiddle while Rome goes up in flames.

This week in the bustling metropolis of Columbus, Ohio, announcements have been made regarding the removal of two Christopher Columbus statues. Two that I know of so far. I have varying opinions on the removal of specific statues. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it, of course. On the other hand it’s possible some statues are truly offensive and need to go. I am concerned that we seem to require all people and all events throughout history be held up to the moral lens of modern sensibilities. Too often that lens is shaped by a narrative put forth by the media and whatever voice is screaming loudest, whether that narrative has been adequately fact checked or has anything to do with the truth. The mob mentality is riling up the lemmings all over the place these days.

As for me, Imma just keep seeking the truth.

Interesting personal stories worth your time, related to race relations …

Reflections from a Token Black Friend discusses one man’s (too common) experiences with both unconscious and overt racism.

Eric Metaxas interviewed two gentlemen with a Totally Insane Story of Racial Reconciliation. Although I had heard Eric’s name before, I didn’t become a fan until his recent appearance on this Dinner Conversations episode.

P.S. I’m pretty sure anarchy isn’t the answer to all our problems (#sorrynotsorry), so be careful what you call for canceling.

… cobbler happens. Use The Pioneer Woman’s recipe for your next quarantine baking session.

Crying Over Spilled Guacamole

I didn’t literally cry.

But I literally spilled guacamole.

And more.

After an extensive cleanup on aisle six … I punted on dinner and quickly nuked some nachos or, as my niece used to request, “chips and cheese”. Mine had a little flair.

I had been eating guac straight out of the bowl with these. No relation to Joe Exotic that I know of.

Our church, like many congregations, resumed in-person services this past Sunday morning. With the typical pandemic protection precautions. Not seeing an essential need to jump back into the petri dish just yet (public spaces in general, not church) … I watched from home online. Romans 12 was the topic.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Romans 12:1-2

This quote stood out:

“The big challenge of a living sacrifice is it constantly wants to crawl off the altar.” ~Walter Martin

Much like the food off my plate. Despite it being all vegetarian. And sufficiently irradiated.

The sniping on social media continues. Over racial injustice, protests, coronavirus.

Cancel culture seems to have cancelled the pandemic in many circles?

I’m still listening to a variety of sources on the race issue. If you have an hour, this video from Scott Adams is worth watching. Scott is the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, which I used to read. I even had a daily calendar for several years. I had to distance myself, though, as the strip was too true to life and therefore too depressing. In the recent video, Scott – who interestingly is an expert on persuasion techniques – does a methodical analysis of the current racism / police brutality debate, comparing conservative versus liberal approaches. He mentions several data points I’ve been hearing, drilling down a little further than most sources I’ve seen. It still admittedly leaves some question marks at the end. Note … LANGUAGE WARNING.

Also note the Scott Adams video doesn’t get into data about disparities in convictions, sentencing, etc. That discussion needs to continue. It also doesn’t get into workplace discrimination. Anecdotally, here’s a quick video in which the new Air Force Chief of Staff, an African American, shares from his personal experiences.

Again, I’m still listening, learning, chasing down sources (when I have time) rather than believing everything I read and hear at face value. That seems to be a useful approach to a lot of things in life. Feel free to borrow my philosophy.

Flowers in the hundred acre woods. Just kidding, the forsythia occupies slightly less than a hundred acres.

Looking up from the hundred acre woods and contemplating naming a band Forsythia Sky.

An extensive amount of discussion surrounded what I think is a mayfly on the sliding glass door.

You have to zoom way, way in, but trust me, there’s a rainbow up ahead and slightly to the left.

This Week’s Episode Brought to You By the Letter …

“Oh I’m fine. Other than the pollen.”

“So you’re fine. Except you’re not.”

I had to laugh. I’m so used to my own personal normal. This too shall pass.

Pollen passes.

Pandemics pass.

Protests pass.

By the way, the pandemic hasn’t passed yet. If you were at a protest in Columbus, Ohio you may have been exposed to coronavirus on we don’t know what day. (!!!) Someone with symptoms who tested positive a few days later decided to attend anyway. People, if you’re sick stay home. And tell those with whom you live to stay home. Seek medical treatment and advice on testing as needed. Geez, we have enough to worry about with asymptomatic virus spreaders.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re aware of widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality, some dissolving into rioting and looting, across the country over the last week. I have been heartened to see that a number of protests have remained peaceful and many attendees have been wearing masks. Note protests, like church functions, are exempted from mass gathering pandemic rules based on constitutional protections. (Mileage in your specific location may vary slightly.)

Every trip I have to make inside a store continues to reinforce my strategy to minimize those trips. Fewer than half the customers are wearing masks. I typically encounter several people who don’t seem to comprehend what staying six feet apart means. My personal space always gets invaded by those who cannot wait two seconds for me to grab what I need and move on.

I wonder if anyone gives a flying petunia about their fellow man anymore. In Ohio masks are recommended for all but required only of employees. Does anyone care about the employees? Or are they mere peons who should be grateful to have a job serving the rest of us who remain perched high and mighty on our royal thrones?

(I hope you know my answer to that semi-rhetorical question.)

Sigh.

The social media wars continue. Good grief, everyone seems to be on a mission to prove they’re right. One friend’s criticism of a public official this week was called out (because who are we if we’re not calling out and speaking out) on the grounds a good Christian wouldn’t use the particular adjective he chose.

Um, maybe separate your church and state just a bit.

Mostly he sang an old hymn in response. Preach it.

The virtue signaling did get rather tiresome this week.

“Virtue signalling is the popular modern habit of indicating that one has virtue merely by expressing disgust or favour for certain political ideas or cultural happenings.”

You could, of course, view this entire post and perhaps this entire site as my own virtue signaling. The irony is not lost on me. I will say I know many of the apparent signalers do in fact walk the walk. I did relay this brief story to a friend the other day, however …

Remember being a kid and getting in a yelling match with your siblings or friends where you all started telling each other to shut up … until someone or your mom finally yelled, “Shut up shuttin’ up!”? I kinda want to yell that right now.

In a very timely move we’ve been catching up on the Netflix series The Crown, about Queen Elizabeth II. We just watched an episode centered around forgiveness, in which our plucky monarch seeks counsel from the Reverend Billy Graham on the subject. Her key concern is whether to forgive her Uncle David and allow him to serve the country in some sort of official capacity. (Side note from the Book of Jenn: Forgiving and removing boundaries are two separate things.) Her Uncle David, aka the Duke of Windsor, aka the former King Edward the VIII who abdicated the throne in order to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. I recall learning about the abdication in school because (1) it was an unusual occurrence in history and (2) we needed to expand our vocabulary by learning the ultra smart word “abdication”. I don’t recall learning of the duke’s racist views, Nazi-sympathizing, or suspected plans with Hitler to regain the British throne in the event of a German victory in World War II. Yikes. Here’s the Wikipedia rundown. How much of the TV show and this Wikipedia article are one hundred percent accurate, I have no idea. I have learned Wikipedia has become a fairly reliable source on many subjects, though, as having many eyes on and contributors to an article tends to result in any errors being corrected.

Until next week, friends. Let’s be good humans. Let’s figure out what loving our neighbor looks like in our vicinity and just go do it.

P.S. If you haven’t watched our new film God’s Fool yet, catch the trailer here and buy or rent the movie here.

How much wood would a woodpecker peck if a woodpecker could peck wood?

Now here’s something I’ll eat. Candy we forgot was stashed in a cooler. Not sure of the vintage.

And now … Lonely Peanuts, A Photo Essay …

God’s Fool

“There has to be more.

There is more. Much more.”

This line from God’s Fool – “A New Story About an Old Saint”, namely St. Francis of Assisi – really makes the entire movie. Granted, I’m biased – my name is in the credits (you guys, my name is in the credits!) – but it really is a must see.

In case you missed the fanfare over Memorial Day weekend, God’s Fool is available to stream now. RIGHT NOW! Today. This minute. You can rent or buy at RagamuffinRentals.com. Not yet rated but expected to be PG.

Normally there would have been a big in-person premiere weekend, followed by a tour of churches, followed then by the movie being available for purchase. Pandemic life has everything upside down, though. No one knows what normal is anymore. A writer on matters of faith and finances used “the new abnormal” in an article the other day. I think I’m going to adopt that phrase.

God’s Fool is the third and final film in the Ragamuffin trilogy. Ragamuffin (about Christian musician Rich Mullins) and Brennan (about “vagabond evangelist”, author, and speaker Brennan Manning) are the first two. Each film is standalone, so you can watch them in any order.

Some of my protestant and nondenominational readers probably question why a movie about a Catholic saint. The answer is the common thread in all three films: Rich Mullins, Brennan Manning, and St. Francis of Assisi were exceptionally good at pointing people to God, the real hero of the story. Of all our stories. St. Francis could be considered the first ragamuffin, a term coined in modern times by Brennan Manning in The Ragamuffin Gospel. Many Catholics and non-Catholics are fond of St. Frank, patron saint of animals, the environment, Italy, and reportedly several other locations and things. I remember hearing the subject of the highest number of biographies (or maybe it’s just titles?) in the US Library of Congress is St. Francis of Assisi. I’m having trouble tracking down a reference for that stat, so today just take my word for it. St. Francis. Not Jesus. Not George Washington. Not … name anyone else you’d think more likely.

Early Christians were known as followers of “The Way” before the term Christian was ever used. Of course, I’m translating here, as Modern English wasn’t a thing yet. Neither the language nor the band. I guess St. Francis figured out The Way in a time (the Middle Ages) when things in the Catholic church were, um, interesting. The Crusades were happening … indulgences were for sale. Martin Luther didn’t nail his theses to the door of the church until three hundred years later.

Changing gears slightly, the latest event to stir up the race debate was reported this week. At least one life was lost … I’m hearing there’s rioting, so stay tuned I guess. Sigh. I was part of a group video chat last night where eventually the subject came up. Being lily white and middle class, I intentionally do more listening than speaking when tragic events like this happen. There are a few points to, well, point out though …

Racism does exist. Still. When looking at statistics on prison sentences, convictions, arrests … people of color experience disproportionately harsher outcomes. People of color are pulled over by law enforcement disproportionately more. Again, I’m not an expert on the subject and don’t have the links at my fingertips, but the numbers are disturbing. Dialogue on the whys and solutions, followed by action, is needed.

Not all shrieks of police brutality are, in fact, police brutality. Some are.

Not all videos of events tell the entire story. Some do.

Law enforcement officers risk their lives every time they go on a call. The current supercharged environment has heightened that risk. Some of my favorite people are in law enforcement. Please appreciate the danger of what they do and their willingness to serve.

Not all conservatives are racists. Not all Christians are racists. Not all white people are racists.

Not all liberals are wackadoos, atheists, communists, pro-abortion, or in favor of completely open borders.

Not all law enforcement officers are brutal.

Some people are racists. Some people are brutal.

Even a single bad apple is hard to take. How do we weed them out?

First understand that every media outlet is slanted. Every one. All have a financial stake in getting you to read and watch their content. And to keep coming back. In addition to media, many politicians and political operatives have a vested interest in stirring up your anger and fear. Don’t believe everything you read or hear. Too many sources of our information have a natural incentive to turn every issue into a sensationalistic World War III us-versus-them WWE free for all.

Friends, we are far closer to being on the same page in this country than “they” want you to believe.

In last night’s chat, one of my dear friends shared a story from his college days. In a group that was predominately white, someone made racist remarks. In discussing the incident and considering what the appropriate action might be – revoking the racist’s membership would be typical – a perhaps surprising proposal came from a member of a minority. They said don’t kick the individual out … because it would send a message that racism is okay as long as it’s somewhere else.

Whoa.

Indeed, friends, real change is most likely to come from small interactions.

If you feel the need to join a mass protest, storm your legislator’s office, or post excessively on the SoMe … by all means you do you. #SorryNotSorry, but my lack of jumping online immediately to condemn an action doesn’t equal endorsement of it or being part of the problem. It just doesn’t. Contrary to some sanctimonious remarks I’ve seen.

In seeking life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all, I prefer to speak up rather than speak out. Challenge racist and biased statements, which more often than not happen in small, private settings … “Wow, that’s really offensive.” … or “You don’t actually believe that all ABCs are XYZs do you?” Seek to learn from those with a different viewpoint than you. Learn why they feel the way they do. Learn from those with a different ethnic background than you. With a different faith. The Brown Brown family, an interracial couple, just started a YouTube channel (plus you can follow them on Facebook) to address matters of race. I look forward to learning from them.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. ~James 1:19

Everyone has unconscious bias. Everyone. We all have different experiences, views, beliefs, culture. That bias can lead to unjust decisions and actions. Challenge that bias in yourself and those in your circle.

All this serious talk has me weary. Let’s end on a less serious note. My source for all things Barbara Mandrell alerted me to the existence of a brand new dance party remix (!!!) of Sleeping Single in a Double Bed. Don’t be biased, you must give it a listen.

You bought the movie, right? What are you waiting for!??? 🙂 RagamuffinRentals.com

The Paradox of the Gospel

I heard it said recently the paradox of the gospel is the suffering and the joy.

The $64,000 question no one really has a good answer to is why does a God who is good and loving allow suffering. “Suffering” seems to be the topic on the minds of the collective subconscious in my world this week.

As we suffer through the most significant pandemic in many of our lifetimes, it’s good to remember that suffering is suffering. Comparing our own suffering to that of others is a slippery slope. Empathy is good. Discounting someone else’s suffering – or our own – because “as least they/we didn’t …” isn’t compassionate. Discounting someone’s suffering because “they just need to …” isn’t compassionate.

Today my suffering centers primarily on internet as slow as molasses, making photo uploads as slow as … however long it takes to ferment rum from molasses. Also my people are needing my time and resources. So I’m going to take my own advice to be compassionate with myself and cut things short today.

Here are some longer video thoughts related to suffering …

Ragamuffin Sundays this week featured Lisa Pay discussing mental health. I may be misquoting slightly, but about 25 minutes in she says, “Everything about the beatitudes is counterintuitive, but the beatitudes are the keys to the fruits of the spirit. We are blessed when we suffer.”

My friends Nick O’Connor and Sarah Goff each have new music. Sarah (follow her on the friendbook here) released a new video earlier this week. Nick (follow him here) drops his new video tomorrow.

My friend David shared a devotional message this morning on the Ragamuffin TV Facebook page.

BREAKING NEWS: Keep an eye on the Ragamuffin TV Facebook page (give it a like if you haven’t already). Very very soon the trailer for our new film God’s Fool will drop, along with instructions on how to rent/buy digitally. The first two movies in the trilogy, Ragamuffin and Brennan, will be made free to stream on premiere weekend as well. The announcement will be made live on the Facebook page.

“Do you think we need to water the flowers?” “Well, Raccoon Creek is above flood stage, so I think not.”

If someone wants to buy me both the sign and the chair, that would be great.

This is a midwest American delicacy known as hamloaf. No, I did not eat any.

Vanilla yogurt & pumpkin spice granola is more my jam.

Hamster Wheels and Life in the Age of Social Distancing

I’ve mostly stopped looking at coronavirus memes. I’m overwhelmed by social media. I can’t even keep up with friends’ posts, let alone sift through the junk.

There’s new music from friends I do need to get to … and a few ministry opportunities I have to leave to my partners in crime at the moment. I’m otherwise super okay with some social media distancing. I think I recall a meme picturing everyone rolling around in public in those human-size hamster balls as an effective virus protection strategy. That’s what I’m doing virtually.

The masks debate continues to be a heated discussion. I’m over it. I’m wearing a mask and avoiding those who refuse.

Something I learned in engineering school is you must consider and state your assumptions when solving a problem. If you hated word problems in algebra class, do not go to engineering school. It’s like word problems on steroids.

So here’s the thing. When your assumptions change, your solution may need to change. When you get new data that changes your assumptions, your solution may need to change.

Sooooo … say your assumption is a virus is contagious starting at the onset of symptoms. And then say you start getting data making it clear your assumption was wrong … and asymptomatic people can pass the virus along to others. Your solution changes from don’t wear a mask to everyone wear a mask.

Change is hard. I get it. But it’s all gonna be okay.

This week’s post is short, as I’m on the hamster wheel of life today. Musical items of note …

My friend Mitch continues to livestream weekly. Last night’s concert featured several favorites. I had texted a request not long before (probably not the song you think), assuming it might show up down the road a piece, but it made last night’s set list. I’m sure it was already in the lineup, so great minds think alike … or musical minds are on the same wavelength … or something like that. Next week’s show is Tuesday at 8pm via Facebook live.

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot did a cool version of Queen/David Bowie’s Under Pressure.

Until next time, kids.

May all your expectations be frustrated, may all your plans be thwarted, may all your desires be withered into nothingness, that you may experience the powerlessness and poverty of a child and sing and dance in the love of God who is the Father, Son and Spirit. ~Brennan Manning

As stated on last Monday’s ragamuffin google hangout, things I can’t stop eating during quarantine … cashews.

Those who know me well will understand why there is no way this salad I made is for me.

I accidentally knocked Frank off the shelf. Does this mean seven years bad luck? Am I going straight to Hades? This is important information I need to know.

Keep looking up, even if your view is slightly askew.

Bias Schmias

Dear friends, your unconscious bias is showing.

Everyone has unconscious bias.

You.

Me.

Them.

An orange whip to anyone who immediately recognized the movie reference there.

I don’t call myself a feminist. I consider myself a proud member of the vast right wing conspiracy, after all. But I do know a little somethin’ somethin’ about women in leadership. I have experienced my share of (mostly) unconscious bias. Speaking in generalities, women are told they lack confidence, but when acting assertively and making their voice heard (qualities encouraged and admired in men) … often they are viewed as angry … well, you know the B word. Consequences ensue.

Seriously. Change my mind.

We would all do well to pause and consider our own unconscious biases now and then.

In sitting down to write this post, I started to wonder whether I was thinking more of confirmation bias than the unconscious variety. A quick Google search indicates confirmation bias can be considered a type of unconscious bias. I’d draw a Venn diagram, but I have other priorities today.

So yeah.

I continue to see friends shrieking about their viewpoint of the moment. Whether the subject is vaccination, mask wearing, diagnosis and death numbers, freedom of assembly (religious and otherwise), or other civil liberties related to the economy … everyone is just so sure they know what’s what.

Sure, it’s important to consider what someone has to gain from a situation. More federal money available to hospitals for a corona case versus regular? Sure, that might incentivize a skewing of diagnosis and death numbers. How skewed is it? What can be done to get a more transparent set of data to analyze? Is the influence minor, huge, or somewhere in between?

Just because big pharma is involved in something doesn’t make it inherently evil or untrustworthy. Sure, pharmaceutical companies seek to make a profit – that’s how the economy works – so an appropriate level of oversight is warranted. But discounting everything they do?

And that video everyone is shrieking about this week. I watched it this afternoon and had to laugh. I’m not going to spend time fact-checking every assertion made (good grief, I already lost twenty-five minutes watching), but did you catch that the point appears to be promotion of a book and I think training courses? Maybe you missed it while being distracted by the dramatic music in the background.

Speaking specifically to followers of Christ, please consider whether the fruit of the spirit is evident in your words, actions, and social media posts.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)

I’m not sure I’d word things quite the same regarding disease numbers and reporting in this (warning, long) article shared by a friend today . However, the author makes many great theological points. Namely, “Christian, walking in holiness to the glory of God is far more important than making sure your constitutional rights are preserved.”

I have no idea whether the shrieking woman in this video (from a protest not far from me this past week) claims to be a Christian, but … well … this is not the fruit of the spirit. This kind of behavior makes me sad and makes me cringe.

Shrieking that the pandemic is a hoax designed to deny us of our rights … and refusing to respect others’ right to protect themselves … this is not the fruit of the spirit. It may also make you (and all Christians in the view of unbelievers) look like a wingnut.

Being willing to sacrifice the elderly and those with complicating health conditions … this is not the fruit of the spirit. Per one estimate from a public health official recently, elderly + health conditions equals about fifty percent of the population at high risk. (Sorry, haven’t chased all the numbers down myself.) We can talk about who should continue to shelter in place, etc., but consider whether your words sound like you don’t care if Grandma dies a premature death. Or your coworker with a health issue.

Sigh.

Interesting things from the interwebs this week …

Dave Ramsey (Christian financial advice guru) is having a big sale. Note these resources for teaching kids about money.

For those who have gone down the rabbit hole of the enneagram (all the rage in spiritual formation these days) … a friend shared videos of Father Richard Rohr teaching on the subject. Several hours worth. Here’s the intro. There are three videos that follow – type 1-4, type 5-9, and conclusion.

If you’re still looking for a cloth mask (or some spare ones) … this one says “Be Kind”. For local friends, masks are available for purchase at the Granville Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in the high school parking lot (you might find a cousin or two of mine at the booth). No, I don’t enjoy wearing a mask – my skin seems to be particularly angered by it (or by allergies or stress or all of the above, who knows) – but I’ll do it in order to Be Kind.

Fruit of the spirit, my people. Fruit of the spirit.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. ~Isaiah 55:12 (NIV)

Quarantine baking raspberry white chocolate scones edition. Pre-oven.

Be Kind

The insanity continues.

The insanity of my life. The insanity of social media. The insanity of pandemic pandemonium.

Right now I’m tired. But I just downed an iced coffee, so I’ll be fine. I’m thinking of downing another so I’ll be extra fine.

Regarding the pandemic … more people’s tinfoil hats are showing. Not to mention their confirmation bias.

Some swear they support good science. Some say they care about their neighbor. I have one eyebrow at least half raised, because I’m not convinced. I’m not sure those words mean what you think they mean.

I’ve seen way too many people – people I wouldn’t expect to do so – making fun of others for how they choose to protect themselves from coronavirus. Nothing is perfect and not everyone follows procedure perfectly, but at least they’re trying. Should they not even try?

I’ve seen way too many people accusing others who choose to take protective measures of cowering in fear. Stop telling people how they feel. You don’t know how they feel. Being smart with a healthy respect for a deadly disease doesn’t make one a coward or a sheeple.

Don’t tread on me.

Yes. True. But don’t breathe on me. Respect my right to distance my high risk self from the germs. Don’t tread on my airspace.

Not everything is a conspiracy, my people. Yes, this sucks. Everyone is doing the best they can with the information they have. To keep adjusting decisions and plans as new data comes in. I think it was our state director of health who in the last week mentioned the polio epidemic. Prior to a vaccine being available in the 1950s, the disease killed and/or permanently disabled many for decades. People practiced social distancing a century before social distancing was ever part of our everyday lingo. I know people who survived polio but were disabled to varying degrees. Perhaps enough time has passed for us to forget what it took to survive and to survive well. To forget how medieval the iron lung seemed even though it was the best technology available in that part of the twentieth century.

I wonder what Darwin would say about the current outbreak of invincibility complex.

Regarding mask wearing. If I wear one outdoors on my way in/out of a store … I’m wondering if I’ll inhale less spring pollen … sounds like a win-win to me. If you choose to love your neighbor by wearing a mask so you don’t cough on them … and haven’t located, sewn, or Macgyvered one, I found affordable options on Etsy.

On a different note … in music land, I tuned in for the Derek Webb/Abbie Parker covers concert and Mitch McVicker’s most recent livestream. Check last week’s post for links to their Facebook pages to catch replays. Both excellent and highly recommended.

In Ragamuffin land, Ragamuffin Sundays and Monday Google hangouts continue. Check previous posts for links.

Be kind, friends.

Be kind.

I feel like everyone needs to be told a few more times … be kind. Now, enjoy these photos from my world this week.