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Just for the record… I am opposed to the whole mask thing.
There is too much question as to the effectiveness of its
use as well as the motive of those requiring it to put much faith in it. Here
are a few of my concerns.
1-
Those who are die-hard supporters of it are
usually highly motivated by fear or a desire to control others for what they
suppose is the greater good. In fact, there isn’t much difference between the
mask mandate and the adversary’s agenda of forcing others by removing choice. It’s
a communist application through medical fear
2-
The entire atmosphere regarding the mask is
political rather than medical. It is infuriating to see the masses of the
people played like pawns on a game board. I’m still not sure to what end (other
than fear), though everyone seems to feel that this is another bogus attempt to
push a political agenda.
3-
The science is less than convincing. What little
we do know about the virus indicates that the transfer of it is not easily
stopped by the masks. I saw an illustration that demonstrated just how
ineffective the mask is at preventing its transfer. An individual wearing a
mask walked through some powder-like substance which particles were larger than
the size of the virus. When the mask was removed, his nose was visibly covered
with the substance. There is no way the typical mask that we are required to
wear can prevent or even reduce the chance of the virus’ airborne entrance.
4-
The danger of the “cure” seems worse than the
disease. Breathing in Carbon Dioxide without adequate ventilation is not only
suffocating and uncomfortable, it provides an ample amount of risk to one’s
health that could be avoided simply by breathing non-stifled air. Increased
accidents and falls as well as other potential internal poisonings are the
result of this “protection”.
5-
The virus is not that bad though fear of it is. I’ve
known several people who have experienced the virus and although it was not
pleasant, it was described as more of an inconvenience than a scary or painful
experience. Granted, not everyone may be
as fortunate in how their body responds to it but one thing is certain. Fear is
a very low vibrational energy which weakens the immune system. Operating in a
state of fear greatly enhances your chances of getting and suffering from it –
much more than a mask prevents it.
6-
I’m not a fan of the new fashion. Although I’m
grateful for the ability to still see the eyes of an individual wearing a mask,
it definitely alters the ability to connect with, or even recognize someone you
know. The Islamic culture of women wearing a veil is not a fashion I
particularly want to emulate.
7-
The Mark of the Beast. I don’t really think the
mask is the mark of the beast that was prophesied about in the scriptures, but
it is quickly becoming apparent that you cannot do business, or even enter a
business, without having that sign of compliance.
8-
People don’t wear them correctly. Whether it is
rebellion or the inability to breath, what is the point of requiring a mask if
it isn’t even worn properly.
The masks are plenty ridiculous in nature that I would much
rather not have to wear one. So when given the choice of not wearing one, I
gladly choose not to. And that was where I was at as I entered the chapel for
church on Sunday. I had my mask in hand ready to comply if it was socially
expected of me. Though as I scanned the congregation, I didn’t see anyone
wearing a mask and I was greatly relieved. The chapel was actually quite full –
well, as full as can be with every other pew masked off and six feet apart from
other families. We were a little late so I found it a little difficult to find
a place that was adequately distant from another family. As I sat down, I began
to notice a few masks that I hadn’t seen at first. A few of the young men that
were to pass the sacrament, an elderly couple, a family near the front, one of
the youth speakers, the bishop and the stake president and later the
missionaries. But for the most part, no one else was wearing masks.
I sang the hymns grateful to be able to praise through song
without the irritating mask in the way. When the Bishop stood up to welcome us,
he kept his mask on – well kind of. He was one of those who wore the mask
beneath his nostrils. But his mouth was still covered as he spoke to us. I
began to wonder why he didn’t take it off when he was more than six feet away
from everyone and it was obvious that he wasn’t concerned about catching
anything. I continued to ponder on this as I considered how the missionaries
have had to have masks on their many visits into our home as the new missionary
rule.
As I pondered this, I realized that the church, for which I
am consecrated and wholly support, has asked the leaders and those who pass the
sacrament to wear the masks. And I thought about our prophet stating that we
want to be responsible global citizens. I understand we need to obey the laws
of the land but did the prophet really think wearing the mask would prevent the
virus from spreading? I had too much faith in him to question either his
intelligence or his motive. So what is it? What reason would the Lord have in
setting an example of mask wearing while giving everyone the opportunity to do
what they feel is best?
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I began to see the purpose looked very similar to another
example though this one had a much grander purpose.
“And we will prove them herewith,
to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord
their God shall command them.” (Abraham
3:25)
Could the wearing of the mask be a test of obedience? Could
it be possible that the masks were a sign of following the prophet’s counsel?
“But to
be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God” (2 Nephi 9:29)
Was my not wearing a mask at church evidence that I was not
hearkening to the counsel received by the prophet? I began to feel
uncomfortable being there in an entire congregation without wearing my mask. I
was joyful at not being REQUIRED to
wear one but miserable that I thought I knew better than the example that was
being set by the leaders of our church. It was the same feeling I’ve had every
time I go to the temple parking lot to worship and pray during this shut down.
Walking the perimeter of the temple and having the gate completely closed to my
entrance has been very discouraging and that feeling has been amplified when I
see persons within the gate and on the actual temple grounds (probably for a
living endowment or sealing). I hope to
never experience being prevented from entering the Lord’s kingdom.
So back to the mask. As I pondered this, I began to think
how the congregation would look to Heavenly Father. He had a prophet who asked
us to be responsible global citizens and set up the reopening of the church so
that the leaders wore masks. And he allowed us the agency to choose what we
would do. How would he feel seeing us singing his praises and partaking of his
holy sacrament and seeking edification all the while not following the example
which he set before us?
When I began to look at it that way… I discreetly placed the
elastic on my ears and covered my face. There is too much risk in thinking I
know better than my church leaders. I begrudgingly wear the mask when it is
absolutely required to enter a store, though I now willingly will wear my mask
at church as long as the leaders are being asked to do so.