I don’t much like wearing a seatbelt. Sometimes it feels like it’s choking me when it gets near my throat. But I adjust it and keep going.
Even if it were not a law, I’d wear my seatbelt because I have a better chance of surviving an accident if I have it on. And if you and I are in a crash, I hope you would have your seatbelt on because you have a better chance of surviving.
That’s how I feel about masks during this pandemic. I’m looking for a better chance of avoiding the illness and survival for all of us. According to the experts, I wear a mask to protect you, and you wear one to protect me.
Makes sense.
But it doesn’t make sense to me why so few people are wearing masks. Do you care so little for other people? Wearing a mask is one of the best ways to protect everyone. Along with social distancing, it’s the best remedy we have right now.
I saw a guy on TV the other night demonstrating against a mask mandate because it takes away his rights. No one wants their rights taken away, but these are unusual times. Maybe I see it a different way. You have the right to endanger yourself, but you do not have the right to endanger me.
Hopefully, living in the pandemic is not a permanent situation or will even be a lengthy one. But for the time being, can we not make one small adjustment in our lives.
At Atmore News, we get updates twice a week from the Escambia County Healthcare Authority. And every week, Atmore’s cases are increasing at an alarming rate. Yet, when you go into a local store, how many people are wearing masks – including employees. How many people are socially distancing – including employees.
I get that some of you don’t believe the whole coronavirus and COVID-19 thing. You think it’s a hoax or it’s all a political ploy or it’s all blah, blah, blah. After all, you’re not sick. You feel fine? Good for you. But do you know you could be a carrier?
If your mama or grandmother, dad or granddad gets sick, you might think there is something to all the talk about protecting others. Maybe it will mean a little more to you then. But your realization may come too late for someone else.
I don’t particularly enjoy wearing a mask. Like a seatbelt, it’s not always comfortable. But I honestly hope I’m helping to slow the spread, to care for my fellowman, and maybe, just maybe, to save a life – yours or mine.
Is that too much to ask for any of us?
Philippians 2:3 and 4 – Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Love (or at least care about) your neighbor – wear a mask.