I have been writing about my own opinions and experiences for too long, and I vowed just last week to write about life from the perspective of others. It is challenging to be sure. I have several drafts in the works but nothing much posted. Now this, the pandemic, which some people are calling a punishment from God. Some even think this is an end-times event. And then, those who are saying that we don’t need to do anything to avoid the virus because God is in control of every detail affecting the pandemic and will keep “his chosen” people safe. How tempting to pull out my old preacher’s hat and start deconstructing these viewpoints based on what I believe.

Well, I will reveal what I think about those assertions, but I decided to first solicit the perspective of others. This morning, I posted on Facebook asking “where is God is this pandemic?” I also texted several people whom I really wanted to hear from including another retired minister, a family member, some younger people, atheists, a self-described new-ager, and a gay friend. “Where is God in this,” I asked each of them.

“Birth of Coronavirus”, March 2020

I also decided that I really needed to hear from the one person I know who believes in Bible conspiracies and a secret scriptural numerology that predicts Armageddon. When we hung out together, he was always pointing to world events as evidence of the end times. The so-called Blood Moon from 5 years ago was supposed to usher in the end for sure. Although I did not share his perspectives, he was a  friend so I respected his viewpoints. Truthfully, we had many interesting discussions about God. That always makes for a good time in my book!!!! However, our friendship fizzled after the last presidential election when the gap in our thinking was too wide. He was one of three friendship fatalities that took place for me then. So I wondered, should I call him? Why not! What a great time to reconnect with people whom we once cared about but who have drifted away. Because we once had “feelings” for each other, I was somewhat nervous as I found his phone number online and then pressed the call button. But it was for nothing! It was a sweet conversation between two old friends who still care and who wish the best for each other. After catching up with each other’s lives, I asked him the question of the day, “Where is God in all this?” but also more to the point for him, “Is this a sign of end times?” I was surprised by his answer.

However, no spoilers right now! I will reveal his answer along with the others after I get more responses. Six people have replied so far, and I am waiting for more before I come up with a cross-section of what people are thinking. There are, indeed, some surprises in what I am reading and I think you will find this interesting. If you have some thoughts, please let me know in the comments below or via email ([email protected]).

“Old Connections”, Mar 2020