2020 has been a year of storms. Storm Central has been the alternating center of following their paths, predicting the waves of their destructive impact, and recommending safe harbor for those endangered by them. In this setting, they are mainly metaphorical in nature, with the exception of the Alpha Omega cyclones and hurricanes sweeping across our oceans and making landfall on our coasts right now. Though four of them are actually cultural and social disturbances they possess the threat of disruption and danger and are, therefore, storms nonetheless. They have made 2020 a unique and in many ways uncertain trip around the sun. Surely, we must learn from them.
The storm Corona is the arrival and destructive force of the Corona virus. There are many scientific and medical origins proposed for the Covid-19 virus and the pandemic it has occasioned on a global scale. Underneath the factual data about the actual virus there are, of course, suggestions of terrorists invasion, political intrigue, and human circumstance to explain it's invasion of the United States. Nevertheless, Corona is a storm that has influenced American life in just about every venue. Worldwide, more than 54.1 million cases have resulted in the death of more than 1.31 million people. In the United States more than a 10.9 million people have been infected with 245,000 deaths. Right now, In November 2020, this deadly storm is finding new energy and affecting more of our citizens by the day. It has been and is a serious storm.
There are learning points for us humans as we contemplate the drastic reality of life under the sun and the destructive force of Corona---
1. The path of life is uncertain.
In the mystery of his ways, God has revealed many things to our species. However, the occasions and moments of life, for the most part, are hidden from us. James wrote, "Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away" (James 4: 14, ESV). Meaning that, life is but a brief span---a vapor or mist, a shadow---and we cannot know with accuracy how life will unfold during our sojourn here.
2. We must remain prepared for the uncertainties of life.
Being prepared isn't always about having food stored, or emergency supplies cached away, or keeping the vehicles gassed and mobile. It is more about being aware of what is happening around us. The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthian believers, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16: 13, ESV). Today we live in the information age and should stay plugged into reliable news sources so we can remain aware of that is happening around us.
3. Follow the counsel of those entrusted with our care.
Right now the resurgence of Covid-19 is attributed to our reluctance to follow the advice and guidance of medical, professional, and government officials who have studied this dread virus and advised us regarding its restraint. Many of us won't wear masks, gather in groups with limited potential of spreading the virus, or follow the instruction of the best medical minds regarding the pandemic. The Apostle Paul reminded the Roman Christians, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13: 1, ESV). In my mind the "governing authorities are more than elected officials or the bureaucracy that guides our nation. Medical professionals counsel should guide us as well.
The storm Corona is not over and will continue until we humans learn that we actually don't know everything, and should submit ourselves to those educated and trained to protect us.
Corona, a dangerous storm.
Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_thampapon1'>thampapon1 / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
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