Are You Vaccinated?

Several times, recently, I’ve been asked “Are you vaccinated?” It was first asked at our women’s Bible fellowship group and quickly the leader said “We don’t ask that question here. It is a divisive question.” It was her response also when someone asked if they were Catholic or Protestant. I loved it when she replied “We don’t label ourselves here. We are all children of God.” I received a text message from a friend that said: “Good morning, Donna! I’m struggling as to whether to get this vaccine or not. Please help. Did you take it? And, in the same day, someone else asked if I had received the vaccine. To each one, I gave a similar response.

“You must go with what God is telling you. I have family members and friends who have received the vaccine and I don’t shame them in anyway. I have family members and friends who are standing strong and not taking it. I don’t shame them. On a personal note, with or without the vaccine, I am living in the light of eternity that if I stay here a while longer or if I go home to be with Jesus, I’m good. I daily plead the blood of Jesus over my life and my family’s lives. We’ve come this far by faith, and it doesn’t matter what your decision is — you do you and let Holy Spirit be your guide!”

Back in the day….Jesus’ days on earth, there were always those challenging what foods that should be eaten and what foods shouldn’t be eaten. Divisive conversations. AND, there were those who pointed fingers at a disgraced woman and wanted to throw stones at her because of the errors of her ways. Divisive circumstances – especially when those who wanted to throw the stones were NOT without sins themselves. I still wonder what Jesus wrote in the sand when all those name-callers and stone-throwers turned and walked away.

I can’t get away from that ageless quote: “What would Jesus do?” (WWJD) Jesus was about being a peacemaker. When asked by the Pharisees about paying taxes (divisive question), Jesus paid His taxes (straight from the mouth of a fish). Of course THE Creator would rein in His creation for help. When conflicts arose….He walked away or He pointed out the better way.

And somewhere in the mix – He broke the conflict mold by declaring this: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35

If we really desired to be like Jesus, then we would respect each other – regardless of their personal “strokes” and personal “beliefs”. “Different strokes for different folks!” But…..love one another despite their “strokes” or “beliefs”. Once again, I recommend staying in our own lanes. Stop trying to go with the crowd (whichever crowd that might be) and BE YOU! Follow your own convictions and persuasions. But, most of all, follow Christ’s lead. LOVE.