Take Your Shoes Off, Please
We have a “No Shoe” policy in our house. We don’t wear shoes in our home, and we ask guests to please remove their shoes when they arrive. This may seem unnecessary, especially if shoes aren’t muddy or wet but, out of courtesy, they oblige. On the flip side, many people we know wear shoes inside of their homes. When I visit people who wear shoes in their house, it feels awkward to me to wear my shoes inside but… like the old saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans.”
You may have heard the Oregon Health Authority will lift mask requirements on March 19th. A lot of you may be doing a happy dance! Others may be thinking, “I haven’t been wearing a mask for months, what took y’all so long?” But, for some in our church family and community, this news may be causing them stress and anxiety.
There are folks with certain allergies or underlying conditions who cannot get vaccinated. Others are immunocompromised. These are the populations that the CDC says to “remain cautious”. Their immune systems don’t mount a strong response to potential invaders. This already leaves them more vulnerable to any infection or illness, including COVID-19. Even the vaccine may not provide as much protection for the immunocompromised.
The OHA states,
Individuals over the age of 65, unvaccinated individuals and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 disease. Wearing a well-fitting mask helps reduce the transmission of COVID-19. OHA recommends that in crowded areas or large gatherings, individuals who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, who are at risk for severe COVID-19 disease or live with someone in one of these categories continue to wear a mask or face covering and maintain physical distancing of at least six feet from other individuals. In addition, OHA recommends that individuals who are fully vaccinated and immunocompromised speak to their healthcare provider about what precautions they need to keep taking. Evidence suggests vaccines may be less effective in immunocompromised people. OHA recommends that for some immunocompromised individuals the safest option is to keep masking and physical distancing particularly when around people that are unvaccinated.
So, what does this have to do with wearing shoes in the house? Situations occur in all our lives that cause us to adjust or compromise.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3.
Jesus had compassion and empathy. Compassion means we feel sympathy for others. Empathy causes us to understand what we can do to heal our culture. Jesus said,
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40.
Now, more than ever, our church, our community, and our country could use some healing. If you are a healthy individual in a place where masks are not required, feel free to go without one. But if you are near someone who needs to remain cautious, please join me in making the transition back to “normal” more comfortable for everyone. A person would take their shoes off at my house if I asked. Let’s extend the same courtesy to those around us who may feel more comfortable if we wear a mask in their presence.
