Tuesday, December 15, 2020
So the great rollout will begin today. A holiday movie of sorts, the kind that all of us can watch and take delight in no matter what our religion or whether we even have one. In Newark, a city so hard hit by the virus, a Health care staff person will be the first in New Jersey to receive the first of the two stage virus protection vaccine.
And not a moment too soon. We have crossed another terrible milestone: more than 300,000 of our Nation have died, and so many needlessly, some by gathering without masks, others infected by a family member who had to work because they could not collect unemployment, and yet others who like the health care person who will receive the vaccine cared for a Covid patient.
We see the signs “health care heroes” and smile. But they are exactly that, just as heroic as a soldier in the midst of battle, risking all to save others. In the midst of all this at least 181 public health officials have either resigned or been fired because they could not in good conscience bend to political leaders who are not heroes but cowards who do not have the backbone to tell the public the truth.
Prayer for the Day
In our distress we cried out to you, compassionate Creator,
For you to shield us under your wings and bring us hope;
But we know that hope requires that we live as your children
Caring for each other as you have cared for us.
Enable us to accept new challenges as well as new opportunities
So that all are helped through your grace and power.
In the name of him who shares your truth with us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
I get hate emails. They say, ‘We’re going to take you down like the governor,’ and you know what that means, with the kidnapping threat. But among the most concerning, I received an envelope at my home. Typed. My name and my home address. And I opened it up and inside it is an 8.5-by-11 piece of paper that has a Nazi soldier wearing a Nazi swastika, and a Democratic donkey. It said: ‘It’s not fascism when we do it.’ .I could retire any time. I’m going to do the right thing.
Linda Vail, Pubic Health Director, Ingham County, Michigan
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity,
And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind,
For your steadfast love is ever before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.
Psalm 26: 1-3