Why I Choose to Wear a Mask…

In Idaho, Kootenai County where I live, wearing a mask is not mandatory. (at this time) Yet, when out in public, I choose to wear a mask.

An incident the other day while shopping at Frey Meyer, a local supermarket, got me to thinking about why I made this choice.

Shopping in the produce section, a lady wearing a face mask approached me and said, “We’re not going to die like these other people.” Glancing quickly, I realized we were the only shoppers in the produce department wearing masks. I chuckled and said, “You think so?” to which my masked comrade moved in a little closer replying, “I KNOW so. I can GUARANTEE it.”

Like that lady, I do not wear a mask because I believe it will keep me from dying. At age 23, I was in a near-fatal automobile accident. The head-on collision left lingering scars and side effects, but many years later, I am happily alive. As a result, I consider every day a gift and believe with the psalmist that God determines the destiny of my days. Fear is not my motivator.

Science isn’t my motivator. I love data and watch news often. The diversity of scientific opinions about lots of things, including the Coronavirus, is fascinating.

Politics isn’t my motivator. Politics often polarize, and “Us vs. Them” behaviors are ones I work hard to avoid. Not because I don’t have a certain bend in my thinking, but as one who follows Christ, I want to live in accordance with the principle of unity outlined by the Apostle Paul in his letter to his friends in Galatia.

I choose to wear a mask because I believe in so doing, the act reflects my core values: authenticity, generosity, graciousness/kindness, integrity, lifelong learning, significance, and wisdom. Today, I’ll discuss the two-in-one value.

First, graciousness.

Throughout my life, I have been the recipient of God’s grace repeatedly, and I want to be a woman who extends grace. Truth be known, I dislike wearing a mask. It’s hot, stifles my breathing, and my glasses fog up! Most inconvenient! In wearing one, I am acting in accordance with Paul’s direction to another group of friends when he urged them to prefer others over themselves.

Secondly, kindness.

Kindness is not always my go-to-first response. I am opinionated, and even though I don’t like to admit it, frequently feel entitled. Entitled to be right, entitled to not be inconvenienced.

On a more positive note, however, I show kindness because we live in a world where many are hurting. Small acts of kindness—a warm smile given to a stranger or a reassuring word to a struggling, new employee—make a difference. Sure, face masks cover a smiling mouth, but I’ve observed, when I smile at a stranger while wearing my mask, their eyes often mirror my smile, and I can tell they’ve been able to receive my small token of kindness.

I hope wearing a face mask isn’t the new societal norm. I won’t argue with those who are opposed. During this current season, though, I choose to put on that mask, desiring to the best of my ability to model the graciousness and kindness of Jesus.

May your days be filled with grace, mercy, kindness, and above all LOVE,

[1] See Psalms 31:15 - My times are in your hands…

[1] See Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free nor is there male and female for you are all one in Christ Jesus

[1] See Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves