Walk in the Woods

Nik Curfman 6/6/22 Nik Curfman 6/6/22

Vol II: #76 Vaccines and the Will of God

One statement you will not hear uttered from my lips, though I’ve heard it repeatedly since March, is they want me to get vaccinated. You won’t hear it from me because I do not understand that mentality. We do not suffer from measles, mumps, small pox, or polio because of vaccines. And, I know that no matter how much data I have, the prevailing sentiment among conservatives is that the COVID-19 is potentially dangerous. So be it.

In a hyper prophetic ecosystem like Bethel’s, it’s common to hear someone say I feel the Lord calling me to X. Usually, this means “called” to a specific ministry like working with the homeless or some kind of inner healing. A “calling” can also apply to countries or a ‘season of rest.’ (Funny how few people feel called to a ‘busy as shit season.’) Pertinent to my post today is the idea of the Holy Spirit ‘calling’ people to travel over the summer. And, I am among them.

One statement you will not hear uttered from my lips, though I’ve heard it repeatedly since March, is they want me to get vaccinated. You won’t hear it from me because I do not understand that mentality. I believe vaccines are safe and affective. As evidenced by the fact we do not suffer from measles, mumps, small pox, or polio. And, despite the facts, I know that no matter how much data I have, the prevailing sentiment among conservatives is that the COVID-19 is potentially dangerous. So be it.

Here’s the rub for many of my brothers and sisters: The Lord isn’t scared of the COVID-19 vaccine. If they have the faith to travel, to battle malaria, to eat spicy diarrhea-inducing food, to sleep in flea infested beds, then I believe they can be vaccinated. Yes, it’s up to each person to decide what they must do. Preserving free choice is important, and each person must live with the results of their choices. But, don’t deny the Lord. If He called us to something, He’ll empower us to get it done.

Personally, I don’t know what the COVID-19 protects us from. I admit it isn’t the best vaccine. Supposedly, it protects us from the severe symptoms related to the virus, though I question that claim. My point is a vaccine shouldn’t keep us from walking out our callings. If an anti-vaccine person can legally avoid the vaccine, go for it; however, you best not sit on your ass because of fear.

Nik Curfman 8/12/21 Nik Curfman 8/12/21

Abstract: Beliefs and Vaccines

Every generation goes to the ground,

believing in bad ideas and destructive morals,

though most are ignorant of the fact.

Every generation goes to the ground,

believing in bad ideas and destructive morals,

though most are ignorant of the fact.

Not too long ago,

entire generations of Americans knew,

blacks were stupid and primitive.

Before that,

they believed one human could own another.

People as property, subject to every form of whimsical violence available.

Backs beaten, women raped, babies bought and sold for cash.

Yes. Human history is a record of our sins,

our violence, and the views that led to them,

regardless of origin.

What is true?

Even more, once the truth is found,

what do we do with it?

A killer virus has the world by the throat,

cases and death starting to mount again,

while politicians turned the moment into theatre.

Many people will go to the ground,

believing they were pro-life,

when all they really were was anti-abortion.

To be truly pro-life is to do whatever it takes to sustain and promote life,

in-kind- refusing a vaccine isn’t a heroic stand, it’s folly.

Every unvaccinated person is at risk,

and every vaccinated person is at less risk.

A previous generation celebrated the end of polio, smallpox, and measles,

so let us remember their truth: Vaccines work.

Do whatever it takes,

the life you save could be yours.

Nik Curfman 11/17/20 Nik Curfman 11/17/20

Journal: #121 F*ck COVID-19

The COVID-19 outcome is murky at best. It could get worse, but I will pray for the best. Either way, I will stand on Him and in Him. I will wake up and invite Him to lead me. And, I will shine.

Back to the “New Normal”

Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new round of statewide COVID restrictions. My county, Shasta, was one of the many placed into the Purple Tier, the most restrictive. “Non-essential” businesses are to close, and those to remain up must do so under strict regulations. What is a non-essential business? Every business is essential to the owner, the employees, and the vendors in business with that business.

The bigger toll is the social/relational toll. Most people seem to understand the seriousness of COVID-19. We need to wear masks and keep socially distant for the sake of the hospitals. If they are overwhelmed, people will die. I get it, and I’m growing more fatigued under the strain of the moment. Today, on my morning walk, I ran into my friend Shari. She is a former nurse and her husband recently recovered from a serious bout with coronavirus. We stayed about ten feet apart as we talked about life in 2020. Then we said our goodbyes.

My Covidian Experience

It was a painful discussion with Shari. I’m a physically affectionate man, so I love a good hug. For obvious reasons, Shari and I did not exchange hugs today. I haven’t hugged someone since Friday. Feels like I’m starving. While I didn’t get the full COVID experience last spring, I am now.

It f-cking sucks.

Earlier this year, I was in a relationship with a physically affectionate woman. It was fantastic. We held hands, exchanged long hugs, and generally enjoyed being in contact with each other. It was everything I wanted. She was what I want. Until May, our relationship was a nice distraction from what the greater world was experiencing. I had this wonderful person in my life, and I enjoyed my community. The restrictions didn’t keep us from living our lives. We hung out in small groups, went on walks, and generally made the most it.

In retrospect, I think the quarantine affected her in ways I couldn’t relate to. In my mind it was temporary thing, a passing experience. She seemed to take it more seriously and worry about what the future held. I was just too happy to find someone I loved as much as her. (To give myself some credit, I had faith everything would be ok. No matter what.)

The New Battle

This is a snippet from the NY Times. From the last Presidential Debate.

And now…I’m alone. I still have faith everything is going to be ok, but I’m sick of the masks, Zoom meetings, and travel restrictions. I’m sick of the online war, social media fights, and conspiracies. When Joe Biden said “we might be dealing with this into 2022,” I wanted to smash the TV. Like hell bro. I’m not wearing a mask into 2022, and I’ll be the first in line for a vaccine (I believe in science.) But, the biggest hurdle is working from home. With very few reasons to leave the house, I have to force myself outside.

Fortunately, I have friends reaching out to me. That’s good. Beyond that, I decided I’m not going to keep my head down and bemoan what I don’t have. I live a great life and serve a big God. He knows I need hugs and love. He knows I what I my heart needs, so I know I am prepared to live through this moment.

I don’t want to be a mere survivor. I want to thrive. I want to grow. So, I choose to proclaim God’s promises over my life and my house. This too shall pass. I was made for such a time as this, and I am more than a conquerer. My faith and life force doesn’t come from me, but the One who made me.

The COVID-19 outcome is murky at best. It could get worse, but I will pray for the best. Either way, I will stand on Him and in Him. When I wake up, I will invite Him to lead me.

And, I will shine.

Lord, empower the doctors, nurses, and all medical staff to treat the sick with wisdom and love. I demand and ask in faith for supernatural distribution of resources and vaccines. More than that, I ask for supernatural healings. To the sick currently in hospitals, I declare healing and miracles for your hearts and bodies. I command the hospitals of America to become testimonies to the love and kindness of God.

Amen.

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