I remember a time when it was common to see “wanted posters” dotting the bulletin boards at government locations. The Post Office comes to mind because that was probably the most common government office I frequented. Back in the day. Today? I cannot tell you the last time I noticed a Wanted Poster anywhere. Could it be due to the changing climate of the pandemic, and government offices not being frequented due to technology?
I am not sure.
When I started thinking about Missing Faces, then Wanted Posters came to mind. Dare I connect the dots? What I can tell you, in these crazy times, I’m missing faces that I’ve been used to seeing for years. It’s really affecting me. On many fronts! Home. Family. Church. Businesses. Should I post Wanted Posters? Probably not.
As I pause to analyze this, I realize that some people are enjoying the anonymity of the day. Hiding behind masks protects them from prying eyes and questions. “Are you vaccinated? Have you seen __________? What happened to ________?” Questions pile up as we try to face our modern times. Some walk away from family, job, and life in general, perfectly happy hiding behind the masks of their situation. While some love hiding behind masks, others struggle with wearing masks. So, for the most part, they stay home.
All I can tell you is the weight I feel during these times. There’s not much I can do about it, except to pray.
I’ve Noticed…
In my community, there was an elderly lady that rode a three-wheel bicycle (tricycle?) down the main drag. A brown paper bag was often in one hand, a cigarette in the other, and a sack of groceries in the basket. She would ride back and forth to her job at Safeway. Sacking groceries, sweeping floors, and moving grocery carts back inside from the parking lot. We’ve not seen her in a while, and we wondered when was the last time? Is she okay? I’m asking the next time I go into Safeway.
This morning, the news cycle is full of stories about the passing of Colin Powell. An American hero and statesman. Of course, the headlines talk about him succumbing to C-19, but one other tidbit said, though vaccinated, he was also under treatment for Multiple Myeloma. Then, Ron Howard gave a glowing retreat to a star from his days on The Andy Griffith Show back in the ’60s. Betty Lynn passed after a “brief illness.” She played Thelma Lou. To be honest, most of us don’t remember the stars of yesteryear as they fade off into the acting sunset. She was 95. Colin Powell was 84.
My place of business is my church, but it’s a calling, not a “put a roof over my head” type of “J-O-B.” It’s tough times for pastors everywhere. My world is no different.
We live in weird times. Mask mandates keep our faces hidden. At least in my state. For most of the past two years, masks have become the normal attire of many, if not most. Behind the masks, we hide our pain, suffering, loss, and confusion. Until recently, I never realized how much we depend upon reading faces to determine what’s actually going on in life. I’m struggling with understanding what’s happening in lives because I cannot see faces. They’re missing. Only the eyes and the forehead give any hint.
Will we survive? Or will we fade into the sunset?
Our Personality Is Speaking, Loudly
Some will blame their hiding on sickness, disease, symptoms, and situations. I understand. Not everyone is as healthy (mentally, physically, and spiritually) as others. I’m blessed in a different way. My personality won’t stay hidden. It comes out when we meet face to face, or when I share the Word across the pulpit at church, or when posting to my blog or other social platforms. Yes. I’ll claim the title of introvert, but I am extroverted in a crowd. To a degree. I’m willing to greet anyone, and everyone, but let me go back to the quietness of my private world. Quickly!
I want to think I’m trying to be more like Jesus in my outward focus. It’s not about me, though I have good stories to share. If I speak of them at all, it’s only trying to fit my experiences into the moment of sharing. On many platforms, I’m an open book. I’ve been accused of smiling too much, and if you would turn your frown upside down, then I’ll think the same about you.
In my world, I backed away from a certain environment several years ago. Not one time has anyone reached out to me and said, “We’ve missed you. Is everything okay?” Wait. that’s not quite true. One person has left two messages in four years but there’s never been a reason to return the call. Everyone else? Until they want money. Then they feel like they can reach out yearly. If I see them, they say, “Hey! You never call me!” Wait. That’s a two-way street. You never call me.
Alongside all of this, our personality is taking huge hits. We are struggling with each other more than ever before. What was once normal, is no longer even visible. Fellowship struggles. Congregant environments are fading – unless you are at a sporting event.
I have a word for you and I feel it’s right to share this now.
Dig In, Hang on, It’s Not Getting Better
No matter what seems to be happening, I don’t believe it’s getting better anytime soon. We need to dig in. Hang on. Now.
If ever there was a time for the church to be true to their calling, it’s now. What we find, however, we’re like everyone else in the world. We have our bad, good, and glorious moments. Daily!
Through the prophet Isaiah, God informs Israel of their impending doom. Isaiah proclaimed their deeds as evil, wayward children, who have turned their back on God. Hidden in all this gloom, there is a nugget for those who continue to live righteously.
Tell those who obey God,
“You’re very fortunate— you will be rewarded for what you have done.”
(Isaiah 3:10 CEV)
Other translations call those who obey are righteous. Roughly, it means “right living” or “living right.” In the midst of all the negative people, God rewards those who are living according to His plan. Even in the midst of the worst storm of life!
Yes, the rain will fall on the just and the unjust. Equally. but righteous people will be rewarded for their actions in life.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,
and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;
for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good,
and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others?
Do not even the tax collectors do so?
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
(Matthew 5:43-48 NKJV)
I shared this yesterday, and it’s even more appropriate this morning. Don’t be a Missing Face during this season.
The stage of life does not always look like the stage at church:
Big screens, perfect sound, beautiful voices,
talent ladened, perfect message of hope.
No. Life is messy, worrisome, fretful,
Broken messages, discordant sounds,
waiting for the other shoe to drop. #realitycheck
