In a moment of stillness, I held my son close — his frail, tiny body resting against my chest, while my heart shattered into pieces around us. My eyes brimmed with the weight of unshed tears, as I fought to remain composed. His face was obscured by an intricate web of wires, connecting him to machines that beeped and flashed, responding to the struggles of his fragile lungs.
The chaos of my first pregnancy had left me uncertain about having another child, yet here he was, a miracle defying all odds. Time stretched unbearably; minutes felt like hours, and days blended into a haze of anxiety. Each morning brought the potential for heartbreak, as doctors reported severe respiratory failures that left his little body turning blue, or nights when his heartbeat was barely detectable. The moments I spent cradling him, whispering my love, felt both like a gift and a desperate prayer for his survival, as we navigated a world filled with both beauty and peril.
In that NICU, I witnessed a fierce battle for life, with tiny beings fighting against the odds, surrounded by teams of medical professionals ready to act at a moment’s notice. Each child was a testament to resilience, like a single blade of grass breaking through concrete, but also vulnerable, easily crushed by the weight of carelessness.
Then we would step into the world outside, where chaos reigned. The fear of unintentionally bringing COVID-19 into the NICU was overwhelming. We masked up, isolated ourselves, and sanitized until our skin was raw. In this context, even the common cold posed a grave threat to these delicate lives; a runny nose or a mild cough took on an entirely new significance.
As I scrolled through social media, my heart sank at the barrage of misinformation and outrage from those I thought shared my values. There were protests against masks and claims that a virus affecting primarily the elderly and vulnerable was being exploited to undermine personal freedoms. One post from a family member struck particularly deep: the implication that my child, who represented the fragile 3%, was an acceptable sacrifice for her holiday gatherings and church services.
This realization devastated me. It was a stark reminder of what Jesus referred to as “the least of these.” We are called to defend and care for the vulnerable, even when it comes at a personal cost. However, vulnerability often hides beneath the surface, manifesting in forms we may not immediately recognize. It exists in those battling chronic illnesses, those facing homelessness, and those recovering from serious health setbacks.
Historically, Christians have risen to the occasion during public health crises, prioritizing others over their comfort. We are reminded of Martin Luther’s words about the moral obligation to protect our neighbors, emphasizing that our love for our community should outweigh our attachment to our routines and traditions.
In today’s climate, it seems we’ve lost sight of this principle. The privilege we enjoy has distanced us from understanding true suffering and oppression. True persecution is rare for Christians in North America, leading to a warped perception of what it means to sacrifice for the sake of others.
While free will is a precious gift, it can also lead to harm if exercised without regard for others. As Christians, we are called to humble ourselves, considering the needs of others above our own (Philippians 2:4). The ultimate act of love was demonstrated by Jesus himself, who laid down His life for us. In comparison, our sacrifices are small: washing our hands, wearing masks, maintaining distance, and staying home. These actions should not feel burdensome but rather reflective of our love for one another.
So, let’s rise to the occasion. It’s time to do better.
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Summary:
This heartfelt message urges Christians to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from personal experiences in the NICU, the author emphasizes the importance of community care and sacrifice, highlighting the biblical call to serve others. The piece critiques the complacency and privilege that can distance believers from recognizing true suffering, encouraging a return to the core Christian values of love and service.
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