REMAINING FAITHFUL MESSAGE FROM REV. MARY WHITE
Good Afternoon and Blessings
One philosophy to live by is to make the choices you want as long as it does no harm to yourself or others. Choosing not to be vaccinated is opening the possibility of not only harming yourself by contracting Covid, but also harming others. We have all heard the arguments against Covid-19 vaccinations. The main one that I am hearing is freedom to choose. By refusing the vaccination, people are choosing to act in a manner that is unsafe for society. Many who are in need of elected surgery are being turned away due to the influx of Covid cases in hospitals. Numbers of cases are rising and until we all follow the same pattern of prevention, we will remain in a pandemic state. If you choose to live in this society, then choose what is right for all who wish to sustain a safe environment.
Stay safe, stay connected.
Blessings and the strength of Love be with you.
Rev. Mary
Reading Excerpt from On Liberty
The distinction between the part of a person’s life which concerns only themselves, and that which concerns others, many persons will refuse to admit. No person is an entirely isolated being; it is impossible for a person to do anything seriously or permanently hurtful to themselves, without harm reaching at least to their near connections, and often far beyond them.... If they deteriorate their bodily or mental faculties, they not only bring unpleasantness upon all who depended on them for any portion of their happiness but disqualifies themselves for rendering the services which they owe to their fellow creatures generally; perhaps becomes a burden on their affection or kindness; and if such conduct were very frequent, hardly any offence that is committed would detract more from the general sum of good.
by John Stuart Mill
Prayer
Spirit of Love
This week we pray that all those who choose against vaccinations have a change in mindset. May they consider the safety of not only themselves but also their family and their community. May they realize that we are all interdependent and have a responsibility to the society in which we choose to live. In the Spirit of Love, we pray for right relations.
Amen