Every Family Deserves Hope
It is striking how our affections toward masks have changed in recent months. As a child, I remember idolizing those who wore masks – The Lone Ranger, Batman and Spiderman. Although I am for any recommendation and health request to make myself and those around me safer, I must admit that I’m not a big fan of masks but maybe not for the reason you might think. Yes, they irritate my face and get annoying, but for me, there is something deeper happening.
At the Foundry, we make every effort to make those in our care feel loved and cared for. We express those feelings in some of the same ways that we all do in everyday life. Whether we are at church, at the grocery store, or just walking down the street. We shake hands, we hug, we high-five one another. However, for the past several months, these common practices have been disrupted. Even more so, the smiles that we in the South are so accustomed to sharing have been muted by something as simple as wearing a mask.
So, what is happening behind the mask? Wearing masks have created an emotionless exchange between friends, co-workers and even family. You can’t tell if they are smiling at you or even if they are upset with you, so it becomes more difficult to share the emotions of love, care and appreciation. John 13:35 says, “Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are My disciples when they see the love you have for each other.”
I believe another challenge we face is how to show love while being distanced and masked. Our response to all is to share and show love even in the midst of a pandemic. What we’re unable to show on our faces, we must show in our actions and by our words. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us, “Speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.”
We have a responsibility. Be an influencer by showing love in ways that reach beyond the mask.
– Micah Andrews
When you donate to the Foundry,
you’re supporting a charity,
you’re saving a life,
you’re restoring a family.
Every Family Deserves Hope
