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From Darrell's Desk

By Rev. Darrell Maguire

Rev. Darrell Maguire

It was inevitable. At least I think so. In the newspaper dated March 18th, I read that an ousted Conservative MPP by the name of Rowan Barber is suing the provincial government over the Covid lockdowns. He is suing for the right to gather for protest, religious services, and to gather together outside. Mr. Barber argues that the restrictions are an infringement on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Mr. Barber, you may remember, was expelled from the Tory caucus because he wrote an open letter opposing the lockdowns.

Mr. Barber states, “The lockdown isn't working. It's causing an avalanche of suicides, overdoses, bankruptcies, divorces and takes an enormous toll on our children.” Premier Ford's immediate response to the lawsuit, and Barber's words, said simply that his actions are “irresponsible”. I know, however, Mr. Barber is not alone in his views. In my neighbourhood, I have noticed lawn signs that read “End the lockdowns now.”

Regardless of the sensibility of Mr. Barber's lawsuit, I do understand the emotions behind it. Like everyone else, I am really struggling to cope with the isolation, and the turmoil in my life during the pandemic. Laura and I saw a very powerful episode of a TV show we like called New Amsterdam (aired 17/03/21). The episode showed very well the enormous toll the pandemic was having on the mental health of patients and staff at the hospital. Portrayed were the very real consequences of the lockdown in staff morale and even the financial situation of the hospital, which is American, so no OHIP.

My takeaway from all this is that yes, many people have died and many people have been irreparably physically harmed because of the virus, but we have all suffered in one way or another. For myself, I feel like Don Quixote tilting at windmills. Trying to stay even-keeled in these tumultuous seas.

The one thing that the episode of New Amsterdam showed very well is that the hardest thing in all this, is not knowing when it will end. And even if it ends, there will likely be another virus around the corner read to wreak havoc. No wonder David wrote in Psalm 13, crying out in mental anguish “How long, O Lord? How long must I bear pain in my soul?” A Psalm of lament is what we need right now. We need to acknowledge our struggle, our distress, our anger, and our frustration. However, being in state of turmoil does not offer us license to flaunt safety or challenge rules designed to keep us safe; even if the rules may be flawed or inconvenient.

In considering our situation, I think it is prudent to give ourselves a break. To acknowledge that it is okay to feel anger and frustration at what this virus has done to us. It is also prudent to give everyone else a bit of leeway to express their heartache and to reach out in compassion to those who have suffered perhaps more than we have in this pandemic. It is good to let God know all your heart, even the stuff we would prefer hidden. For only when we acknowledge the truth can the truth set us free.

Finally, and this most important, we need to follow David's example in Psalm 13, especially in these days. He shouts out “How long, O Lord?” but he ends with “But I trusted your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” And if you would love to hear and see a musical take on Psalm 13 try on YouTube Brian Doerksen's rendition.

It is good and healthy to lament, but it must lead to acknowledgement of our Creator. The One who sustains us and carries through. Otherwise, we may find unhealthy ways of coping like suicidal thoughts, drug abuse, or adding to the development of severe depression. The pandemic may have been inevitable but hopelessness never has to be with God in control.

Rev. Maguire is available by phone for pastoral care. Call the church office at 519-426-3273.

Contents for April, 2021

Porch Drop Surprise, Round Two
From Darrell's Desk
Summer is Coming
Baptist Women Spring Conference
“Talk Back” – New Series
Soup Recipe
CBOQ Virtual Assembly
First Serving
Annual Meeting: An Online Success
Not A Baby Bottle Campaign
Will the Birthday Train Continue?
Church Updates
Lessons in Greek
Opportunities for Everyone
The Back Page

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