Why do you look so different?

I originally posted this on June 19, 2020. I find it especially interesting now that the WHO recently declared the global COVID health emergency is over. It only took three years. May it be a very long time before we see another one. In the meantime, I must ask: why do you look so different?

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For the last couple of weeks, my wife and I traveled for our daughter’s wedding. It’s been touch and go for the last several months. Would COVID-19 postpone the wedding? Would we have to limit the guests to just ten people? Would quarantine prevent us from going?

As we made our journey, we saw many people in masks. We wore ours when we were in stores. We even experienced our first COVID-19 checkpoint. Modern travel in the USA never felt so adventurous.

Now that we’re back, we are hearing that the first wave of the pandemic isn’t over and that there may be more constraints coming. We are just glad we were able to have the wedding and celebrate our daughter and new son-in-law.

When I drew this cartoon earlier, I thought of how it will be when more churches will be meeting again. Our local church begins its first in-person services this Sunday. Undoubtedly, there will be people in masks, which may make church a little awkward as we speak through masks or are concerned about someone who forgot we are still supposed to follow social distancing guidelines.

Mask or Not

So do you look different these days? Are you a little more anxious? Are you more concerned about your health than ever? Do you waffle between wearing a mask in public and having faith that this is not as big of a deal as some make it?

Mask or not, I think we all look a little different these days. Let’s remember to show grace and compassion to those who are fearful. And to those with fear and anxiety, know that so many understand and are wrestling with these questions too. We’ll get through this time of health and economic uncertainty. Have patience and courage. And it’s still a good idea to wear that mask!

I drew this cartoon for the June 2020 CHOGNews.