Be Well
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is – What are you doing for others?”
– Martin Luther King
You know, I have become weary of those who constantly protest the wearing of masks, social distancing, etc., etc. In addition to the pandemic, of course, we now have the shortened days and darkest nights and much of our country is in disarray. It is so very easy for us to feel disheartened and find little to aspire to during these times.
In considering the obstacles of 2020, and there have been many, I hope we can draw strength from the example of our ancestors, among them the men who wintered at Valley Forge in 1777-78.
Washington’s 12,000 troops set up camp just six days before Christmas. In setting up their huts with few horses or oxen, the exhausted men yoked themselves to carts. Many were without coat, shoes and blankets; food was desperately short in supply. More than 1,000 would not survive the winter.
On December 23, Washington wrote to the Continental Congress “unless some great and capital change suddenly takes place in the supply line, this Army must inevitably be reduced to one or other of these three things. Starve, dissolve, or disperse in order to obtain subsistence in the best manner they can.”
Conditions grew even worse. Heavy snow began to fall and would continue for three days. On Christmas afternoon the starving troops briefly emerged from the tattered tents to receive a holiday dinner of mutton and watered-down rum. Many of them had to wrap their frozen feet in tattered rags. Yet because these individuals kept their eyes on eventual victory there arose a Continental Army capable of defeating the mighty British. Let us be inspired by their courageous example and determined purpose as we await the arrival of 2021 and hopefully an end to the historic pandemic with which we have been afflicted.
If our ancestors were able to overcome the misery of their situation and sacrifice for the outcome that was needed, let us remember that we can do this! By cooperation, by compassion for our fellow human beings, and for the good of our country we can do this! And we well know that “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Luke 12:48. We have been given much, let us give back by following the health guidelines and requirements before us.
Take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and remember that we have the power to make a difference as we watch out for each other and commit ourselves to a more healthy and bright future.
From my home to yours, wishing you all the blessings of the holidays.
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.
Seriously, you are comparing this ridiculous mandate to wear masks to historical events that fought for our freedoms against such mandates, forcing people to wear mask, closing private business and forcing people not work to support themselves and families?! There is no scientific evidence mask are working, numbers keep rising. There have been plagues, and worse in our history and our freedoms have never been taken from American citizens as they are now, why, because less than 1% of the population may die? How does this make any logical sense? It’s time to have huge bonfires across this country and toss these masks in the fire.
We have been hoodwinked as Chris suggests. It is a travesty that our economy has been devastated due to the LIE of the Covid China Virus. Tossing masks into an open fire reminds me of the “bra burning era”. You covered it well Chris!