Needling the Unvaccinated to Get Their 'Fauci Ouchie'

Crisis Watch July 28, 2021

by

Gentle readers, if you think my repetitious pleas to get your coronavirus vaccinations have been tiresome, consider the latest column from Eugene Robinson, the Washington Post’s eminent columnist:

“We are witnessing a massive exercise in self-harm. And the rest of us — those who chose to protect ourselves — are being forced to suffer collateral damage. It’s not fair, and we have every right to be angry about it.

“The miraculous Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines — all of them proven safe and effective, including against the more highly infectious delta variant — are universally available across the country. You can probably get vaccinated today, right now, at your local pharmacy.”

Plus, here’s the latest from the CDC, also via Washington Post: CDC urges vaccinated people in high-transmission areas to resume wearing masks indoors as delta variant spreads. WashPost followed up the news report with an explainer July 28: What you need to know about the CDC's new mask guidance.

So why are you waiting? Don’t be deceived by anti-vaccination propaganda; remember that immunization has wiped out smallpox and polio as well as saving thousands from COVID-19. Instead, join in the crowds of believers that have gotten their coronavirus immunizations in the past two weeks, according to a survey from PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute).

And if you know people who’ve been unable to get vaccinated because of economic and social circumstances, such as caring for children or the elderly or lacking transportation to an immunization site, then make it your personal Christian mission to help them get their vaccinations. You’ll be helping yourself and your church as much as you help your neighbors.

A bishop’s poem encourages immunizations

Here’s the icing on the cake of vaccination encouragement from Bishop Julius C. Trimble of the Indiana Annual Conference.

Vaccinations Save Lives

What if I wrote a poem about COVID-19?

Just for the sake of saving lives

Or maybe I need to share just to share

Or maybe I am living in my own world

Or maybe this is not really a poem.

I think I understand some things

Like freedom of speech and choice

And Children Matter Most.

I don’t understand misinformation

Or misery loves company

Or elephants in a room or why

We can’t all work together

Saving lives instead of fighting lies.

What if I wrote a poem?

And nobody read it, or millions did

I would share from my heart

And share from my head

The truth I believe that lives can be saved

Today and tonight across the globe

And in my neck of the woods

Variants versus vaccines

Life over death weeping or rejoicing

But my prayers will continue

Lord, Have Mercy

Debate is not helping

As the hospitals fill again

Some can't and some will not

While millions are waiting

To get vaccinated.

What if I wrote a poem, and

The poem became a prayer and

The prayer became a song and we

Exhaled with excitement as the dark

Night turned to dawn and the

Pandemic was defeated and

We breathed a sigh of relief.

Vaccinations save lives!

Prayers for Billy Graham's grandson

Billy Graham’s grandson Jonathan Lotz, son of Anne Graham Lotz, has been hospitalized in critical condition with COVID-19, according to a Religion News Service article. The article didn't say whether Lotz had been vaccinated, but it did note that he is a survivor of testicular cancer, so his immune system may be compromised, a key factor in susceptibility to coronavirus. Anne Graham Lotz announced her son's condition on her Facebook page and asked for prayers.

Beyond human endurance

While we're on the subject of global health, be sure to check out another Washington Post article, "Beyond Human Endurance: How climate change is making parts of the world too hot and humid to survive." It's behind a paywall, but it's worth the price of admission as we struggle through this summer's waves of global scorching. The piece by Ruby Mellen and William Neff includes an interactive illustration of the human body that shows how excessive heat and humidity affect life functions.

As we move toward COP26, the global climate conference, in November, when nations will be challenged to fulfill their pledges to cut carbon emissions, it's crucial for us to know what's at stake -- as if the destruction of forests, buildings and habitats weren't already spelling doom for the planet if global scorching is left unchecked.

UMC Creation Justice Movement is encouraging United Methodists to call their congressional representatives and urge them to make climate response a key part of the infrastructure legislation now moving through the U.S. Congress. "Both Church and Society and United Methodist Women have action alerts available to easily connect with your elected representatives. We urge you to go to these links and contact your Members of Congress and Senators today," says the movement's action alert.

Media Mentions as of July 27, 2021

U.S. religious freedom and LGBTQ rights – Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs

Designer who won’t make same-sex wedding websites loses caseThe Associated Press

Police officer says Jan. 6 insurrectionists ‘perceived themselves to be Christians’ – Religion News Service

‘This is our Selma moment,’ clergy leaders announce on eve of 27-mile voting rights march to Austin – Religion News Service

Lawmakers in Ghana seek to outlaw advocacy for gay rights – The Washington Post *

U.S. Supreme Court’s ‘shadow docket’ favored religion and Trump – Reuters *

Why is critical race theory being banned in public schools? – Religion & Politics

Lonely no more: Questioning Christians find belonging on TikTok – Religion News Service

Iona Burrito Ministry feeds the homeless, while building community and relationships – wreg.com

Some area churches find virtual services thrive even as people return to pews – The Missourian