Losing Respect for Someone

We all have people we know and respect. Sometimes onlookers would wonder at why a certain person would gain our respect, and perhaps sometimes we wonder why others respect us. Regardless, for better or worse, there are those we esteem above others for their character, accomplishments, conduct, reputation, knowledge or something else. Then there are those who look to us as role models.

What is rather interesting is that while earning respect or choosing to bestow it can take time, removing our respect for someone or losing someone's respect, can happen quickly. There can be an irrational nature to the ending of an esteemed status. This causes me to pause and think hard about the emotional nature of respecting others, or being respected, and why it should not be very important to us one way or the other. It shouldn't puff us up when we've found ourselves respected by others because it is often a fleeting emotional situation. And we should be cautious how much respect we bestow on others because it may not take much for us to feel differently. 

In the era of covid-19, we've all seen this shift due to something simple like people's personal choice over getting or not getting a vaccine. The harsh judgment that ensued from one person to another is truly beyond comprehension. This situation was used by the devil to put rifts where none existed, and it has not built up the body of Christ or helped society. The vaccine situation helped confirm what we knew about some people already. It also revealed the heart of others we knew well. I'm sure I'm not alone in stating plainly that the playing field looks different now among our social circles than it did in 2019. Who we count as friends, who we walk circumspectly around, and who we think has left sound reason (probably never to return) may surprise and even sadden us. What has really made this situation what it is, isn't what people individually chose to do for themselves and WHY, but the people who would not leave it at that. The people who felt compelled to push their opinion and agenda on others, whether to vaccinate or not, ruined many relationships. People who overestimated their power of influence or who failed to rightly understand those around them, those who refused to hear why someone was doing what they were doing, showed themselves to be small-minded, immature, and lacking sound judgment. Those issues are the crux of the problem. When focusing on that, who cares what someone did or didn't do regarding the vaccine (which I use that term for simplicity, the covid-19 shot did not vaccinate anyone from contracting the virus).

Thankfully, for Christians, it is the Lord whom we serve. His good opinion is all that matters, and He sees our hearts. He separates the wheat from the chaff, and He gives people positions to serve Him. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and what we used to medicate ourselves when sick will not be a prerequisite for entry to Heaven. 

Updated COVID Guidelines, from Trustworthy CDC (insert eye roll)

In a shocking turn of events, 2.5 yrs into the 'pandemic' where the recovery rate is still extremely high, the CDC has realized people can use their own risk assessment judgment on how to conduct themselves regarding the novel virus.  Does this mean people may stop telling others they might get a cold after being around them and that they no longer should socially distance or quarantine?

The word 'fatigue' was even mentioned in the article, and not in regard to symptoms, to the useless regulations that have destroyed lives, economies, damaged relationships and revealed how untrustworthy the US media and medical advisors are. Of course, the liberal news source didn't come out and say it quite like this writer did. I'm cutting through the masked refuse.

The main thing COVID has shown is how idiotic the world is, at large and individually. 

Nothing has changed for this writer with the aforementioned news, except hope that one day 'home test' will revert to thoughts of home education and nothing else.

This is How Liberals "Tell the Truth"

It is so subtle you'll miss it if you've been duped by these liars. This is how the left 'admits' omicron was nothing more than a cold, masks don't stop the transmission of covid, and covid is not a serious threat to the vast majority of people, especially children. YET, we still see ignorant people easily controlled by fear and misinformation wearing masks and avoiding congregate settings. Wow.

https://patch.com/virginia/fredericksburg/s/i51h4/cdc-updates-covid-mask-guidelines-what-it-means-in-virginia?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert

We Need to Remember July 2020

Now that the Democrats are feeling the crush of their lunacy regarding covid vaccines and masking (Biden's 38% approval rating.....), we MUST NOT FORGET what is means to stand for truth. We cannot forget how manipulative and wicked the mainstream media like MSNBC and CNN are. Those who voted for baby-killing Biden should repent and be ashamed of how they bought in to the lies of the left. They should look to their misinformed ways and go in a new direction for their news input. 

Let us not forget the brave people of Grace Community Church who knew worshiping the Lord was tantamount, and that covid was being used to control and fear monger among the nation and the world.

https://baptistnews.com/article/how-john-macarthur-loves-the-bible-but-not-his-neighbor/#.YgvyhYTMKM8

I'll never forget a family member thinking that gathering was worse than abortion, so he voted to expand abortion rights and transgender wickedness among children. That sort of thinking is terribly warped and demonstrates a complete lack of discernment. If we think we are Christians, we must be able to discern evil and we cannot do that if we are not studying the Word of God ourselves and listening to the teaching and preaching of God's word regularly.

https://pulpitandpen.org/2020/07/30/video-dr-macarthur-admits-his-friends-have-forsaken-him/

Be forsaken by those who refuse to stand boldly for Christ. It is worth it.

Idiocy in Our Time

If vaccinated and unvaccinated people spread covid, which they DO, and the number of covid cases is 500K now, when FAR more people have been vaccinated than last year, and last year the number of covid cases was 150K, why in the WORLD would anyone think getting vaccinated matters? It literally makes one sound like a total fool. It is truly like we're living in the midst of the book 1984. People say things that are completely illogical and untrue, yet state it like fact, and others repeat it and believe it. 

Bizarre. 

As we see in history, Captain America movies, 1984, Animal Farm and the like--people will not have their freedom taken without a fight, but they can easily be duped into giving it up by those with malintent. 

Rappahannock Family Physicians- Walk-in Clinic

It may be this way at many clinics in VA, but it may interest some to know that if you choose the wrong day to go into Rappahannock Family Physicians, after sitting in your car for up to two hours, you will be  lectured if you refuse a COVID test. The almighty PA working when I was there recently did all within her left-leaning- MSNBC- following power to influence, cajole, fear monger, and guilt me into getting a test. To be treated like someone who doesn't comprehend the COVID issue at this late date of Dec 2021 is nothing short of insulting. We all have the same data, we clearly see it through a different worldview.

I don't see the point in continuing to test, quarantine, and feed into the system that endorses an overly cautious response to a virus that is not the strain currently on the rise, and which has a less than 1 percent mortality rate. I'm entitled to my opinion that the response to COVID-19 and its variants has been more damaging than the virus/es. The PA wasn't excited about my having my own business when her near-final attack on my intelligence led her to understand I don't require a test to do my work. Of course, I'm not working over the holiday, but that like so much else, was and is none of her affair. She admitted people often test negative when they have COVID but it was just to point out one needs multiple tests, essentially getting to the fact her outdated view is still to quarantine when sick with anything. Our nation has become weaker by people locking themselves away and not working when they have the slightest sniffle. We need to medicate and press on as we're able, but surely we should not go around the most vulnerable anytime we're contagious. That is common sense. Whether I test positive for COVID or not doesn't impact that reality. 

I'm an adult capable of interpreting data and observing the societal fall-out of a politically motivated response to a virus and forming my own course of action. To be lectured while sick by someone who clearly has different views from my own was tiring and insulting. The office in general was surprised  about my not being vaccinated for COVID, which is ridiculous considering those with the vaccine get and spread the virus. They were told I've had COVID and currently felt worse than when I had it. There is no data to support my being vaccinated now would lead to me feeling worse if I'm in fact infected a 2nd time with the virus, so there is no logical reason for them to act like I surely would be vaccinated after already contracting COVID. What, am I supposed to fear the virus now that I've had it and thus, get vaccinated? Let's remember the vaccine isn't against the variant on the rise or the prior variant, and again, the vaccinated can get and spread COVID symptomatically or asymptomatically. I finally interrupted the lecturing to confirm this PA wasn't going to treat me for what I went in for and got up and left in the midst of the lecturing. For the record, the PA was following the letter of the law in not treating me as I wanted; she did not value the information I shared as someone who recurringly gets this type of illness if I'm not following a strict diet. Other doctors, especially near Christmas, have prescribed what I would need so I could fill it if I didn't get well. This PA said herself the peak would be Christmas Day or the following 3 days. Essentially confirming I will continue to get worse if this is bacterial. She listens with her black/white mind and COVID testing agenda, not with that part of a physician one hopes for when you are a mature adult who is on no medication and happens to be sick with something you've had a lot of experience dealing with once per year, again, unless on a strict diet.

As a resident of Fredericksburg, VA for over 16 years, I recommend against using Rappahannock Family Physicians, which is affiliated with the Mary Washington healthcare system. Take the time to find a doctor who respects your autonomy over your own health and doesn't lecture you when you are obviously not feeling well. 

Guilt by Association?

At what point, living in a sinful world, are we as Christians culpable in the sin of others? The covid shot has people suddenly aware that vaccinations can and often do get tested on cell lines from aborted fetuses. I wish this were not the case, for the covid shot or any product. 

Abortion is heinous. No real follower of Christ can endorse it. But is it endorsing a past sin to use a product tested on those lines? This is a personal issue to weigh out with the Lord.

Is it possible the argument of some of the newly enlightened people is convenient because of the outrage over being forced to do something against their will and better judgment? It is a blessing when we become aware of a new sin we should avoid or repent of, but my question is more about our sincerity. Are we under the impression that China values the unborn or do we buy products made there, thinking what they do isn't on our shoulders, even though they actively abort babies all the time? When am I, as a believer in Jesus Christ, culpable in the sins of others, bearing in mind this is a sin-stained world we live in? 

Parents who are choosing not to vaccinate your children-this is a weighty matter. The affluence of our society and the lack of children with serious diseases has surely made it easier to not vaccinate. We ought not judge other Christians who feel it is worse for them to not vaccinate when the option is there, though. 

Do I wish nothing in society had any connections to abortion? You bet. Did I do all I could to avoid vaccinations tested on fetal cell lines for my children? I tried. Do I believe I'm guilty before God for using a vaccine tested on fetal cell lines? No. Do I believe I'm guilty before God for using the multitude of products produced in wicked countries, by people who promote sin, by companies who hate God? No. Do I try to avoid what I can that doesn't honor God? Yes. Do I pray for the unborn and for God to help me avoid companies that are against Him and products? Not enough.

Let's be sure we are inconvenienced by our anti-abortion stance, if our religious exemption is based on the covid shot being tested on fetal cell lines (leaving J&J out of this discussion). This should probably lead to people researching and ceasing to use other items tested on fetal cell lines--and perhaps think of all of the bad companies producing things we use. It's wrong to play games just because the left lies and because they have no right to ask us to get the shot. They are overstepping our human right to make our own decisions about what we put into our bodies for no good reason. Everyone spreads covid, and if I want to risk a more serious reaction by not having the shot, why do they think they get the right to force me? I'm not a child, imbecile or animal. I'm an adult who can make my own decisions based on my own research and convictions. 

My point in this post is to point out we live in a wicked world and we're impacted by sin all the time, whether we like it or not. Too many people are zeroing in on this one thing as if they are wearing blinders, and in reality, we can't possibly avoid everything that is connected to something bad. We should not go around judging our brothers and sisters in Christ over the abortion aspect of medications or any of the other things like Amazon Alexa--knowing full well Amazon is not a morally upright company with what they endorse (hello banning books that warn about the danger of transgender).

You can find companies who are actively promoting anti God positions on this blog.

Other links regarding fetal cell lines--this one gives the varied views a Christian might have.

https://www.rehumanizeintl.org/post/fetal-cells-in-the-cosmetics-food-and-medical-industries

Simpler list:

https://cogforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/fetalproductsall.pdf

More details about J&J covid shot (Please note the fact a Catholic is giving moral opinions does not add to my viewpoint. We don't justify the means by the end. This link does a concise job sharing how the Johnson and Johnson vaccine differs from the others)

CDC Pediatric Flu Deaths v COVID Deaths

 

Project Veritas-Federal Whistle Blower

Truth Be Told

There will be important COVID vaccine information coming out tomorrow, Sept 20th, from James O'Keefe with Project Veritas. Those who aren't deceived by the liberal mainstream talking heads of CNN and MSNBC know we are regularly lied to. Big Tech censors information all the time on Facebook and other social media sites, and there is a narrative the non-journalists of the day subscribe to and repeat over and over in order to push people into thinking one way about things like the COVID vaccine. 

But, you ask, why would people lie?! Man alive, read some history! Throughout the ages mankind has had wicked leaders who want control, and there are prescribed ways to get it. Authoritarian rulers, totalitarian rulers, communists---they always have a very small contingent of people who are touted as smarter and/or the most capable of leading. Those leaders want brainwashed followers who will do what they say, follow without question, and turn in their fellow man. People who believe God made men free are not welcome. It always goes back to foundational beliefs, aka worldview. What is a person's foundation laid on? It is either God, or man, and that determines the rest of the story.

Here is the Link to Part 1

C.S. Lewis Regarding the Tyranny of Good Intentions

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. They may be more likely to go to Heaven yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be "cured" against one's will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals."

-- C.S. Lewis, God In The Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics (1948)

Satan Moves Men's Wicked Hearts

The judgment of God Almighty is in full force in America. Those who were moved by the Devil to vote for Joe Biden helped usher in this judgment in fuller force. 

Why does the government get to tell me what is best for me? The whole point of LIBERTY is that I get to decide what is right for me. America is supposed to be the land of the FREE. But the tyranny of Joe Biden and the entire left shows they do not want America to be as it has been. 

Do you, Liberal Democrat, realize you have been the tool of Satan? You think you are free, but you are either on God's side or  A.G.A.I.N.S.T. it. Only those in Christ are free.

• God hates abortion. Voting for an abortion-minded President puts you on the opposite side of God. If you get that issue wrong, you are getting many other things wrong. Christians should always be on the side of not murdering innocent people.
• God hates lying. 
• God hates feet that run rapidly to evil. The lemmings in America who do not know how totalitarianism works are racing to the finish line on this one. They don't see what is happening and they eagerly follow those in charge, who they have put in the place of God. 

“There are  six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and  hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who  breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16-19, ESV).

The lies and distortions being told to the American public about covid-19 are deplorable. It is a nasty virus, but those who are vaccinated as well as those unvaccinated can spread it. 

Do you not see, oh deceived ones, that it is nonsensical to say, "We care about you so much we'll force you to take a vaccine in order to protect you, and if you don't take it you can't work, so you'll die." Everyone who hasn't taken the vaccine doesn't want to for one reason or another and that is our choice. We've weighed the risks and prefer to keep that vaccine out of our bodies for a reason. The wicked ones forcing us are being moved by evil forces. Those supporting them are blinded. Thousands of people have had the virus and have better immunity than the vaccine would give them, but that science is buried. The legacy media only reports what suits its liberal agenda. 

Why does the government get to tell me what is best for me? I should get to decide what is best for me.

Forcing people who are used to freedom slowly changes the mentality of that culture. People fight oppression less and less when the government exercises its tyranny over them. It is easier to comply. Those who do not understand sin and the ways of Satan cannot comprehend why men would want to be oppressing others... Aren't people loving and kind in their souls? 

Are you kidding me? "Wake up uneducated nation!! Do you know nothing of Stalin, Lenin, Hitler, Mussolini, Castro, Batista?" 

People recognize God Almighty on the throne and the One who has the right to govern the affairs of men, or they seek to put a human on the throne--themselves or some other inferior leader moved by pride and evil. 

Please Start Thinking Rightly About the Novel Coronavirus

Welcome to the Forever Pandemic by Ben Shapiro

The World Has Lost Its Mind

At some point you hope that people realize COVID is a virus and all of the ridiculous methods of trying to mitigate it spreading, fail. Approaching this new variant like the original virus is short-sighted and unwise. We've seen devastating economic, mental and emotional, spiritual, and educational fall out with how it was handled last year, and yet people want to lockdown, quarantine, mask up and contact trace afresh. States that were super locked down had the virus spread despite efforts (hello, Michigan). Here we are Aug 2021, and those who wanted the shot, have gotten it. About half of Americans fall into that category. The others have had the virus and are relying on their natural immunity, or they prefer to live life sans the vaccine (whether they can't take the shot for other health reasons or don't want it).

Florida has thrived, despite liberals who have flocked there to get away from the policies they voted in or supported in the states they left. The hypocrisy of liberals moving to Texas and Florida is sickening and frustrating. But that is another issue. The topic in this post is how long will the insanity of illogical decisions reign?

Vaccinated and unvaccinated people get and spread COVID. Is the answer for everyone to wear a mask? Wearing masks never flattened any curve, so it makes no sense. Forcing people to get vaccinated--this is a serious red flag in a land that has typically valued freedom, especially when the death rate is so low among the majority of people who contract COVID, AND vaccinated and unvaccinated get it and can spread it.  Is getting COVID really a major issue when the majority of people recover from it? When in the history of mankind has ZERO incidence of any virus been the benchmark? People get sick and people die. The response to COVID doesn't match with the rate of death. The response is destroying our culture and dividing families. It feels very much like the work of the devil. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. How much time and effective living has been stolen? How many relationships have died or people at their own despairing hands? How many jobs have been lost, businesses closed, and people's will to work destroyed due to all of the stimulus money handed out? Minimum wage is at an obscenely high rate. Businesses can't get enough workers. THIS IS NOT A NECESSARY EVIL OF COVID. It is the direct result of terrible, liberal leadership. I've heard it said, and we agree with it, that if you get abortion wrong, you get many other things wrong. Biden and Harris are the most pro-death leaders this Nation has ever seen. No genuine Christian could have voted for them. Their policies of destruction for America, the free America we've all known, are setting us up to be taken over as a nation. (Biden's reckless, short sighted, uncaring, irresponsible withdrawal from Afghanistan has destroyed our standing in the world as a trusted and powerful nation which can be relied on for protection from tyranny. It follows his idiotic approach to COVID nicely in setting the stage for us to be permanently at the mercy of stronger nations. Add to that CRT and it's infiltration into our pro trans military--we are doomed). 

So COVID spreads....how many people have it doesn't matter. They have it and most recover. One of the most inane statements I've heard is that someone was "battling COVID-----asymptomatically". BATTLING??!! Do we also no longer understand what it means to battle illness? In the history of the world a battle against illness involved pain, risk, medicine, a genuine struggle, and it implied a factor of TIME. So some people have long term issues after recovery. Does this warrant shutting down society, hindering the closeness of social interactions with friends and family, ruining businesses and living in fear? Fear is never of or from God, yet it is a regular tool from the left to control society. It is effective, especially for those that think mainstream media is unbiased news. 😳 

Christ followers have a responsibility to stand for truth. We must be gospel minded, loving, and involved with others. We are to be shrewd and discerning, and motivated by love for others, not love for ourselves. We must stand for truth. Buying into deception and lies does not help anyone draw close to God. It harms people and separates us, which makes us vulnerable to attack.

Courageous 10 Year Old Knows How to Think

If you regularly read Not the Bee, you probably saw this. If not, check out this brave and smart 10 year old.  Logic may be out of fashion, but it is still a worthwhile pursuit educationally.

A Reason to Wait

Like many people I know, I too am tired of talking about the COVID vaccination. People who agree with the liberal media's ever-shifting stances (based on their political agenda) fail to see the illogical maneuvers and changing 'scientific logic' pandered on mainstream media. Some folks just can't deal with the stress of disagreeing with the TV majority; they don't realize the vast number of people who see the pandemic through a very different lens. This is true particularly if folks only interact with others who think MSNBC and the local news is unbiased. Discernment is something to pray for if one possesses the Holy Spirit; ask God to help you see the world the way He sees it and to have the courage to see the evils of the leftist ideologies and how they work to twist the truth. 

The COVID vaccination has not been FDA approved, it is still an experimental drug. Those are the types terminal cancer patients opt for when they are running out, or have run out, of options. Many people do not want to put their personal health or the health of their children at risk taking a drug that hasn't gone through the rigorous testing process we've all historically felt was extremely important. Those with allergies or other health conditions are often more cautious about vaccinations, for good reason. Bear in mind the recovery rate from COVID is over 99 percent for the majority of people. That rate of recovery doesn't warrant the risk of an experimental drug being injected for many people. Vaccinations have always been a personal choice. It should give people serious pause when there is wide spread rhetoric that attributes ignorance and moral inferiority to those who choose not to vaccinate. Talking points given by the liberal media should be a red flag to citizens of America, this is not normal in a free society. It is much more in line with communist nations whose leaders deceive the masses with the MEDIA. The moral superiority of those who push the vaccination is deplorable, especially considering Biden and his administration promote the most heinous, ungodly acts of humanity on earth. The smokescreen of moral high ground over the COVID shot reveals how base our society has become. 

The unborn have been abandoned by those who voted for Biden in exchange for their many unfounded fears about their own personal safety, how's that for prized morality? What about the lives of children and adults being destroyed by astronomical suicide rates and the transgender sin abounding? People using the name of Christ abandoned God's truth in voting in a president who joyfully says God made mistakes in creating them 'male and female' and who says we must be bolder in killing the unborn. A virus that has a less than 1 percent fatality rate for the majority of people doesn't warrant supporting the Equality Act, but those who voted for Biden did just that. Marking gender 'choice' as a civil right will do damage that cannot be adequately penned here. The gates of Hell will be thrown open and those who voted for Biden helped crack open the door.

If people can be so easily led away from loving God and His principles because of a virus with a 99 percent recovery rate, it is terrible to envision the end of days and how easy it is going to be for the antichrist to convince the world that what is bad is good and what is good is bad. The broad road that leads to destruction clearly has bricks fired in the kiln of the liberal media. Be wary, Christian!

Here at ACL we have always carefully evaluated vaccinations and when to have them administered, if at all. That isn't going to change because of a virus with a 99 percent recovery rate, even one that might have lingering health impacts for us. We will take our chance with the virus at this point. Fully vetted vaccines are not equivalent to experimental stage drugs.

To those who think they are morally superior because of being vaccinated: we here at ACL are people who belong to Christ, and are quite secure in our standing with God. In case this has somehow been missed, you disagree with us on a whole mess of stuff, we'd wager. This is how it is when one chooses to live for Christ and stand on the Word of God; there are two opposing sides. Get used to it, it isn't going to get better as these days draw more evil. Christians should not judge other Christians, and Christians shouldn't care what the lost think. 

If someone wants to get vaccinated, run don't walk--go for it. As it has always been, live free afterward--you do you. But don't let the liberal media continue to control you with fear mongering. That's the only advice you'll get directly from us. We don't buy into the nonsense about everyone needing the shot for herd immunity. That has been achieved with far less than 100 percent of the populous being immunized, and even if a person contracts COVID after getting the shot, it is a very mild case, so go live your life. People need to work hard now to undo the whack things that have happened to their thinking being locked away for so long. Since when has it been logical to only live life if there is NO chance of contracting something? Are people new to life on planet Earth? We will ALL get sick one day, and at some point we will ALL die. Is COVID the end all, be all worth all of the mental illness and family division going on in America? A 99 percent recovery rate for the vast majority of people doesn't warrant the response the Democrats, and their extension office the liberal media, have contrived. Many in this nation have been living as normal as possible for a year.

For all of these reasons, waiting on getting the COVID vaccination is a valid approach that reflects thoughtfulness and therefore should not be mandated by anyone. To do otherwise personally or widespread reveals ignorance, a lack of understanding , and an inability, or refusal, to rightly evaluate the situation.

Florida Joy

CNN and MSNBC should list the states their true believers should flock to...places like Michigan or California come to mind. Florida though, it is for people who still understand freedom in medical choices and a right to one's privacy.

Read on: Florida Open and Limiting Future Pandemic Restrictions

For a fuller statement, see here.

Well done, Florida!! 

Shouldn't Science Drive Our Actions?

Here at ACL we love science. We are science focused in college rather than liberal arts focused. Being into science, we have to be critical thinkers. Part of thinking logically is evaluating the source of our information. 

We know there is so-called science that says unborn humans aren't viable until birth, or is it valuable? Those who ignore the truth that people are created in God's image scientifically ignore or dismiss the pain unborn babies feel and that only God has the authority to end life. Are these worldly scientists one and the same who say man-made global warming is destroying our planet, acting as though we've tracked temperatures for more than 100 years? Could these scientists be the same who say gender can be altered? Do they also believe human life was a cosmic accident, which devalues it and gives credence to controlling people they see as less valuable? Are these the same folks not openly sharing the skyrocketing suicide rates that are the direct result of the way they've spun the dangers of the COVID virus? What is worse, risking contracting a virus with a one percent death rate or scaring someone in to taking their life, which carries a 100 percent death rate? Finally, could these scientists be the same who say people shouldn't trust a vaccine that is 95 percent effective, leaving out the fact one has to be exposed to an infected person which is increasingly rare--infected with a virus that has a 99 percent survival rate?

The sort of so-called scientists mentioned above fail to do something critical to right thinking. They have not weighed their ideas against what the only definitive source of truth says-the Scriptures. God is very pro-truth. He is the author of real science. God is love.

You know what ruler in history gave no heed to God's truth and used propaganda and fear to control people?  There were a few, but the one which comes to my mind is Adolf Hitler. A mastermind at separating people, instilling fear, moving goal posts, and closely watching tactics that effectively brought about his goals so he could continue to twist the screws of control.

Keep an eye on the mainstream media and the Democrats. When they get a few more huge wins in controlling/ destroying our country, they will change the rhetoric they've spun about COVID, which moved people from going out a bit in October to now being more fearful even though vast numbers of Americans have been vaccinated and have continued to demonstrate the high survive rate of the virus. There is a right response to viruses and anything that is a risk to our well being. There are also overly dramatic responses to potential and real threats.

Our battle is not against flesh and blood in this world but the spiritual forces of darkness in our midst. Be reasonably careful based on your age, but be careful who you are trusting for information. It is very easy to be unreasonably cautious and paranoid if the ungodly mainstream media is your source of truth.

Expectations of Others

This post is an encouragement to have realistic expectations of others. Sometimes we need to lower our expectations and find contentment in that new place. 

The following statement may seem obvious, but too often we think we need to be, or deserve to have, something more, but we are not a part of everyone's top priorities. 

Can we handle that as adult people? 

Not everyone is going to want a close relationship with us. Is that ok? Sometimes we wrongly expect others to put us at a higher priority ranking than we've put them. Or sometimes we mistakenly expect more from someone than they've ever really demonstrated toward us. We can do all sorts of things to demonstrate interest in being closer with someone, but at some point we may need to take inventory and ask ourselves if the recipient has made it clear they aren't interested, kindly of course. We're not talking about being ugly here. In this situation, who there has the problem? Perhaps some self examination is in order on why we want a closer relationship with someone. People change, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. If we aren't growing in the same direction as an old friend, it should be expected that the same closeness won't remain--and often, it should not. If someone else has stayed as they always were but we haven't, sure, we can be the cause of the change. Can we be ok with that? The important thing is to love others and strive to be who God has called us to be in Christ.

The truth has been and remains that actions speak louder than words. 

Take a minute to digest that. Take a look at your life and relationships with people you care about. Be observant in your recollections and be a realist. Are you regularly guilty of expecting more than others give? Are you expecting more back than you've given? If you continually live disappointed at the failure of others to meet your expectations, could the problem be your expectations rather than what the 'others' do? It is wrong to put oneself on a pedestal as someone who has done 'so much' that we are 'owed', and it is wrong to expect others to meet all our needs. We should serve others and love them and leave it to God to meet our needs. He will use people to do that, but we don't get to dictate which people. 

Sometimes we can focus on past events more than present days when we take inventory, but we don't reach a point in life where we can start doing what we want to do irrespective of others. That is selfish, that is the thinking that leads to damaged relationships. As Christians, we are to always put others' interests before our own and we should strive to embody Romans 12:18, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 

As the majority of states start to open up (as they should have long ago), let's mend fences, embrace our loved ones and be forgiving, taking time to acknowledge it has been a hard year on many people in different ways. It is possible our response to COVID closed off doors of communication as we judged others and failed to consider other points of view. Perhaps this is going to be the best opportunity we've recently had to really love and appreciate those we care about, taking fresh accounts of who those people are. 

The Costs of Zero COVID

The Costs of Zero COVID are Too High from the Washington Examiner.

Here at ACL we ask: if you aren't going to live, what is the point of being alive? 

I just spoke to a nearly hysterical Senior Aviation Medical Examiner who is not seeing patients because of COVID. At. All. And he said the doctor he was referring to contracted the virus and is leaving medicine all together. Wow. Does a 99% survival rate warrant this? Why did you get into medicine in the first place--to help healthy people and have no personal risk? That is strange.

Life is full of risk. We don't jump out in front of moving traffic but we do.....ride in cars, fly, swim-even in in open water....take medications with warnings...ride bicycles...visit foreign lands and eat the food....sickness is a part of life and so is death. Be reasonably cautious; not unreasonably fearful. 

Being Reasonable Regarding COVID Vaccine

Spiritual matters aside, notwithstanding, we here at A Common Life have a few thoughts to share regarding the COVID vaccine and where reasonableness lies. 

It is fine to have the opinion you should be vaccinated. It is also fine to think others should be vaccinated. You can even say that. 

It is fine to have the opinion you should not be vaccinated. It is also fine to think others should not be vaccinated. You can even say that. 

It is not logical or reasonable to refuse to go around people who aren't vaccinated if you have been vaccinated. It is not logical or reasonable to refuse to go around people who have been vaccinated. Both scenarios cross over into unreasonable and illogical. 

We are free to make choices and be different. We are free to manage our own healthcare. We are not free to make other people do what we think they ought to do.