Chronically Beautiful!
  • Home
  • About
  • Chronically Beautiful Blogs
    • Chronically Beautiful
    • Chronically Delicious
    • Chronically Healthy
  • Published Articles & Podcasts
  • Gift Shop
  • The Chronically Care Project
    • Care Package Application
    • Rise Above Lyme Sign Up
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer

Chronically Beautiful!

Picture

Wearing a Mask is Not an Act of Charity

7/22/2020

19 Comments

 
Picture
Many of us have heard of the theory of Pavlov’s Dogs, which teaches us the theory of Pavlovian Conditioning.  In the 1890s, Russian psychologist, Ivan Pavlov, was researching salivation patterns in dogs in response to food.  Pavlov predicted and was correct in the theory that a dog’s salivation increases as a response to food being placed in front of them.  He later noticed that the dog’s salivation also increased as a result of hearing the footsteps of the person who was bringing the food to them.

This lead Pavol to a number of experiments that later proved that with a repeated conditioned stimulus, he could produce the same increase salivation in the dog.  For example, when he produced the sound of a ringing bell to the dog, salivation would remain neutral, or stay the same. But after continuously ringing the bell right before bringing the food out, the dog’s salivation would increase at the mere sound of the bell ringing, even with the elimination of the food.

For a dog, food is an unconditioned stimulus, and salivation is an unconditioned response. 
It happens naturally.  So when you place a neutral stimulus in front of the dog (the bell), you get an unconditioned response (no salivation).  But after repeated practices of the conditioning process (ringing the bell right before delivery of the food) you receive a conditioned response, (salvation from the bell, not the food.)

Let’s compare this theory of Pavlovian Conditioning to us, as human beings.  For example, our need to protect ourselves from potential threats and dangers is an unconditioned response.  It happens naturally.  It’s hardwired in our brains and our muscles to be and feel safe.  And if we find ourselves in a situation or circumstance where we feel unsafe it is an unconditioned response to remove ourselves from the situation or to apply the proper safety gear.  This is why we teach our children to wear helmets when riding a bike or to look both ways before crossing the street.  Because that is naturally the safe thing to do.

Staying safe is the right and proper thing to do in any dangerous circumstance, but that does not mean that we are free from Pavlovian Conditioning at times.  So when something like the media or any leadership or authority comes out and tells us to “wear a mask” to protect yourself, naturally there are many who wouldn’t respond to that as a measure of safety at first, (because it’s a neutral stimulus).  But after continuously producing information on mask-wearing as a form of “safety” we are naturally conditioned to comply, even if the information being produced is less than true.  The mask then becomes a conditioned stimulus.  Even if there isn’t a relation to safety from viruses by mask-wearing, we wear the mask and feel safe.

In the past three months, the world has been buzzing with information about COVID19.  As a result, the whole world seems to be in commotion.  Businesses are shutting down.  People are now distancing themselves from their friends and neighbors.  Our elderly loved ones are now dying alone, and those who are suffering from anything besides COVID19 are left to suffer by themselves.  These are just the outward results of social distancing and the shutting down of America.

What we’re not seeing since this global shut-down is the increased use of pornography that destroys marriages and families, the increase of domestic abuse, and the increase of suicide rates because people were not built to live in eerie, lonely silence. 
I understand the concept: we want to STAY SAFE.  We have one global purpose under all of this bizarre behavior, and that purpose is SAFETY from COVID19.

So is what we’re doing really keeping us safe?  Or are we simply conditioned to believe that all these rules and regulations are keeping us safe when in actuality, the government and the media have other intentions?

The intentions of the media and government are for you to study and come to a knowledge of the truth for yourself, but my purpose for this article today is to address and question the seemingly moral obligations we have to now wear a mask.

I am a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I believe in a living God and Savior who suffered and died to save us all.  I believe we have a living prophet on this earth today.  And I believe that the secret to a happy and joyful life is by having a personal relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ.  And how do we do that?  By learning all we can of His being and characteristics, hearing His words and counsel to us, and doing all we can to emulate Him in our day to day lives.

​This past week, the Utah Area Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sent us all an email stating that they are now asking us all to “wear face coverings when in public,” and this short statement has left Utahns and other members of our church in an uproar.

​Members who don’t want to wear masks are being ridiculed and blamed for further spread of COVID19, and members who are devoted mask-wearers are now pointing fingers and accusing non-mask wearers of the choice to not wear a mask as being immoral, or breaking covenants because we’re not being obedient to this new invitation for all to wear a mask.  The overall feel of social media is now angry and accusatory because supposedly, our safety is being threatened if we don’t all comply with wearing a mask.

​This article is not to generate more hate or anger amid the members of the church or to openly refuse any invitation that the general authorities of the church may offer us.  This article is to point us in the direction that seems nobody has mentioned yet: and that is to our Savior, Jesus Christ; who is our perfect example for all life situations, traumas, or hardships.

As a devoted Christian, I know that Christ was never depicted in the Bible as one who would comply with social distancing or mask-wearing. Christ was depicted as a healer of hearts, wounds, illnesses, sins, and turmoil. Christ never avoided those who were sick or contagious, and He is often depicted in church videos embracing those who were burdened, touching the faces of those He was about to heal, laying hands on those who were suffering, and washing the feet of those who wondered if it was them who should be washing His feet.  Christ went among those that society saw as “sick” or unfit to be among other people, and he dwelled with them and healed them. 

Leprosy was considered highly contagious during biblical times. In fact, it was considered to be so contagious that those who suffered from it were often put in leper colonies where only leprous people could dwell so as not to spread the disease to other people. Does this not sound a lot like “social distancing?”  And yet, Jesus never feared a single leper but instead touched them to heal them.

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately His leprosy was cleansed.” 
-Matthew 8:2-3
Picture
As Christians, are we not counseled in the scriptures to be like Christ and emulate what He did for others?

As someone who has suffered from a debilitating chronic illness for years and has spent those years interacting with others who suffer debilitating pain that is often ignored or downplayed by other people, I know firsthand the detriment of being left to suffer from illness alone. I know firsthand that loneliness will kill a person far faster than the illness itself. 
I also know that the loss of HOPE greatly decreases one’s chances of beating any sort of chronic or terminal illness. I also have come to find that a single person that offers Christ-like love to someone who is suffering can produce healing effects as powerful as our Savior had and still has on his brothers and sisters.

​But our government and the media don’t believe in “one nation under God.” They simply believe in one nation. And unfortunately, we live in a time where many of our religious leaders have forgotten where our power comes from and that as we live worthy to receive and practice priesthood power, we can use it to heal and serve those around us.

Jesus went against the grain. He healed others because they BELIEVED and had FAITH that He could, and similarly we can heal others as we believe, and obtain faith.

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” -Mark 5:25-27 & 34

Which part of those verses condemned her for touching his garment in hopes that she would be healed?  Christ never condemned her. In fact, she was healed because of her great faith in Him. Similarly, Christ will heal us and help us to heal others as we lead with FAITH and leave no room for fear. 
Picture
​As someone who loves and sustains our prophets, I now feel deeply pressed to address the issue that one who chooses not to wear a mask is disobeying the prophet and church authority, and therefore breaking his or her covenants.

If there is any scripture outlining the covenants we make with God at baptism or in the temple that state that we are to obey every word the prophet states, then please correct me of my error. But I believe that our covenants state that we are to be obedient to our all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving Heavenly Father.

Wearing a mask is a personal choice. It is not immoral to not wear one. It isn’t selfish to not wear one. And it isn’t an act of charity to sacrifice your health and well-being because people in authority have conditioned us to believe that we’re protecting others if we comply and keep our mouths shut. Our founding fathers would not suffer silence to be tolerated in a country that was built on freedom, one of our freedoms being freedom of speech. The scriptures never use the phrase "follow the prophet."   We are instructed in the scriptures to follow Christ. Christ stated:

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” -Matthew 4:19

President Russell M. Nelson stated four years ago,

"In the coming day, only those men who have taken their priesthood seriously, by diligently seeking to be taught by the Lord Himself, will be able to bless, guide, protect, strengthen, and heal others." (April 2016 General Conference, The Price of Priesthood Power)

We are counseled to listen and take into serious account the things that leaders instruct us to do, but even Brigham Young once stated:

“I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him… Let every man and woman know, by the whisperings of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates or not.” – JD, vol 9, p. 150

Later Ezra Taft Benson quoted J. Reuben Clark Jr. when he said:  

“We need the constant guidance of that Spirit. We live in an age of deceit. “O my people,” said Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, “they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths.” (2 Ne. 13:12.) Even within the Church, we have been warned that “the ravening wolves are amongst us, from our own membership, and they, more than any others, are clothed in sheep’s clothing because they wear the habiliments of the priesthood.” (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., CR, April 1949, p. 163.)

Our prophet is a man to be respected as a prophet of God and I fully love and sustain him.  With that said, our apostles and prophets have counseled us many times to seek personal revelation. To wear a mask or not is not putting my personal morality on trial. If the prophets or apostles advise us to do anything that is not backed up with scripture, it would do us well to fast, pray, and receive guidance from God himself via the Holy Ghost.

Even our beloved prophet Nephi, in the Book of Mormon, taught us the importance of trusting in God instead of trusting in the arm of flesh:  

“O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.” (2 Ne. 4:34.)

The arm of flesh in our time includes government authority, media, medical professionals, sometimes church authorities, and ANYONE who isn’t promoting personal righteousness and following God before anyone else.

We now live in a time that teaches the exact opposite of what our Savior teaches us in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and if you’re truly going to argue about “obedience to the prophets,” shouldn’t that mean all prophets that have ever lived; including those devoted and valiant men we read of every time we open God’s word?
​

I plead with you my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ: now is the time more than ever to seek for personal revelation. The more we talk to God, the more He’ll talk to us, and we’ll know without a doubt in our minds that it is Him who is speaking and not the thousands of other voices who are so much louder in our day.

​Might I suggest that the solution to COVID19 is not mask-wearing and social distancing, but personal righteousness and repentance? This does not mean that if you practice repentance and personal righteousness that you are guaranteed freedom form Coronavirus or any other hardship.  But it does mean that all sufferings that you are given at this time will be for your benefit, (D&C 122:7) and that God will not suffer your life to end before it’s time until you have finished your personal work here on the earth.

Repentance and personal righteousness are the balm this society so desperately needs. For when we repent of practicing the harmful traditions of men and instead practice those attributes of our Savior Jesus Christ, we are more inclined to serve, love, and live as He did.

Instead of letting society condition you to believe every rule and regulation that is robbing us of our freedoms, may we let God sculpt and shape us into the people that we must be in order to be protected and empowered during these calamitous times.
​

I may not be a mask wearer… but I am someone who loves God with all my heart. And I know that with choosing the path of God sometimes comes persecution and suffering for His sake. I’m not promoting wearing a mask, or not wearing a mask. I’m promoting personal righteousness, repentance, and personal revelation. If you wear a mask, then that's your choice and I will not ridicule you for doing so. But if someone chooses not to wear a mask, they should not be automatically shunned and mistreated because of it. I don’t believe that Christ would ever do that. Because I know my Savior, and His love for us and faith in His Father extends much further than that.
Picture
19 Comments
Jodie
7/22/2020 18:43:55

I agree with you...except for one thing. The way you have phrased your commentary on the email we received as members in Utah makes it seem like it came from the prophet. It did NOT come from the prophet, but from the Utah Area Authority. Please acknowledge that in your article and make it clear. If the prophet had said it, the entire church membership would have received an email. It also came on the heels of our State Governor asking all religious leaders to reach out to their congregations and ask then to wear masks. The Governor had these leaders sign a letter to the residents of the State and he also created a video with them telling us to mask up. Only the Utah Area Authority is on the video and signed the letter, NOT the prophet.

Reply
Darin
7/22/2020 19:35:30

Overall great insight, I do want to add that I believe that we should Always follow the Prophet, we have been told he will not lead us astray. The Prophet has NOT told us to wear a mask. In fact he said the only reason our church was following some of these restrictions was to "be good global citizens". It is only the Utah Area authority that has said to wear masks.
Here is another great talk about the "few" humble follows
https://www.google.com/amp/s/mormonmortal.wordpress.com/2013/11/12/ezra-taft-benson-to-the-humble-followers-of-christ-april-1969-general-conference/amp/

Reply
Mylie
7/22/2020 20:55:38

This is a beautiful testimony and much needed faith filled voice in this time. Thank you for speaking up for the ways of Jesus, and for personal revelation.

Reply
Kim
7/22/2020 21:59:34

Thank you for this thought provoking article. I felt your love of the Savior and your fellow men. You put into words, things I have thought and felt.

Reply
Kandi
7/22/2020 22:22:42

Thank you so much for putting into words the exact struggle that I believe MANY of us are going through. I also believe that this is a matter for personal revelation. I have prayed many times about it, and after praying, I still feel a strong inspiration that it would be wrong for me to wear a mask, for several reasons. I will not post them here, because we all have our own personal answers to prayers, and some may receive personal inspiration to wear one.

Reply
Rachel
7/24/2020 00:08:10

I like a lot of your thoughts and testimony. You should know that true personal revelation will never go against the revelation and counsel of multiple priesthood authorities. I also fail to see how wearing a mask is harmful to anyone's health. It does not lower oxygen levels, deaf people can read lips with transparent masks, and those who experience anxiety and panic attacks from wearing a mask may conquer that with help and careful exposure. Just like any trigger of anxiety, avoidance is not a proper approach or treatment, and it can only be solved by proper exposure. Christ did visit and heal the sick, but He would not ask anyone else to do so who was not fully able or if there were other safe ways. In our days we have technology to virtually reach out to and visit the sick, whereas Christ did not. COVID19 is also very different than leprosy and other diseases in that it is easily spread by people who have no symptoms, and we have knowledge of techniques how to prevent and stop the spread of this deadly pandemic size disease. You are absolutely right in that we should allow everyone their agency, we should not spread or comply with unreasonable fear, and we should love unconditionally. Mask-wearing does not need to be praised as charity. But we should not spread misinformation and false doctrine by saying that we can pray and find out that priesthood counsel is wrong or that we shouldn't comply with careful government guidance.

Reply
Melissa
7/26/2020 06:07:08

Personal Revelation has nothing to do with multiple Preisthood authorities. All righeotus endowed members both female and male, have been endowed with the power of the Preisthood. Personal Revelation is just was the name means. The Book of Mormon testifies repeatedly that we should never trust in the arm of flesh. Your also incorrect in your science. Masks do limit oxygen and the do raise C02 levels. My C02 has raised from mask wearing and so now I advocate against it. I have known Dr. Judy Mikovits, who is a worlld renowned virologist, has proof that masks awaken retroviruses that we hall have in our bodies. She describes it as lowering our immune systems and says it is child abuse to children, which I agree wholeheartedly. Read Alma 42...Justice is He (Heavenly Father) and Mercy is Her (Heavenly Mother) and their Son is Savior...he satisfies both. Alma 42:24.... Christ Loves and Forgives...He would never cover his Father's gift of the "breathe of life". Health care decisions are covered both in UT Constitution and US Constitution. Parents have the sole right to be their children's caretakers ...healthcare decisions...wearing masks and injecting vaccines are healthcare decisions. Christ would never allow fetal baby parts be injected into our bodies. He said our body is a Temple. We need to honor our gift of breathe God gave us as a Temple of God. Religious Liberty includes the right to choose a vaccine or not. Vaccines are pharmaceutical drug. Pushing masks and then vaccines has become a new religion. It is a false God. The Savior is not a .ask, nor is it not a life changing RNA vaccine that will change our body or Temple forever...DNA changed...to be me...it is an anti-Christ and certainly it is not Christlike to push fear, shame, guilt and bully tactics into believing a Savior is a mask or vaccine.

Reply
Pam Carter
7/24/2020 10:50:47

Thank you so much for this!
It made me cry.
I am a Scientist and have studied the deadly effects of vaccines and wearing a mask. I am very ANGRY that the Church is supporting these Draconian, Socialistic “Laws”.
I refuse to go to Church with these “social distancing” where are all treated like we have the plague! It is just too much for me.
But you made me realize that I do need to repent, draw closer to me Savior.

My biggest problem is, I can see the “Big Picture”. Where the evil powers that be are using the oldest trick in the book for warfare:
DIVIDE AND CONQUER “
Mask vs No Mask
Black vs White
Democrats vs Republican
Rich vs Poor
Vax. vs Nonvax
This is, of course, Satan working to destroy our country, our freedoms, our families, our religious freedoms...our very way of life, and the BIG PROBLEM IS
Many cannot see this.
And I AM SCARED.
And that fear turns into anger.

So, yes, I need to repent and put my trust in the Lord.

Thank you again for this wonderful letter❤️🌹

Reply
David
7/24/2020 17:46:35

This is intensely stupid. Christ healed the diseases of a select few faithful followers. You are not healing people from disease by refusing to practice what amounts to good hygiene. COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread through bacteria in droplets from your breath.
Not wearing a mask in the company of others or not keeping a minor distance is the same as not covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough. The prophet doesn’t need to proclaim revelation to tell you to cover your mouth when you sneeze. That’s something your parents should have taught you when you were a child. It’s basic hygiene.

Repentance and righteousness is NOT a solution to COVID-19. Just because direction to wear a mask came from the Area Presidency doesn’t mean you can ignore it. If you raised your hand to sustain the prophet and the quorum of the twelve during conference then you also sustained all other general authorities which includes Elder Craig C. Christensen, Elder Randy D. Funk, and Elder Walter F. González. Ignoring their direction because they are not the prophet is not a valid argument.

I used to live in your ward and I am seriously embarrassed for you. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; I am ashamed of your using his name in vain to spread your own uneducated and misguided notions about how you think you are an exception to all the rules.

Masks are not dangerous. They will not hurt you. Surgeons wear multiple layers of masks for 12 hours at a time, to PROTECT patients from bacteria. They don’t lose oxygen or “rebreathe their own germs”, that’s nonsense. Dentists and their assistants wear masks their entire day shift to prevent themselves from breathing into patients’ mouths. They don’t suffer ANY damage from DAILY mask wearing.

It’s not brainwashing. It’s not nefarious conditioning. Yes it can get a little warm and uncomfortable. Yes, socially distancing can be hard for some that thrive on social interaction. These are small sacrifices that we must be willing to make to protect other people from a highly contagious disease that we could spread to vulnerable people without even realizing (asymptomatic spread).

If you think spreading this disease is no big deal then you have no problem giving elderly people pneumonia, because that’s what’s happening.

You are the one in need of repentance.

Reply
Melissa
7/26/2020 06:34:59

Wow...such an uneducated, judgemental post. First, this is a Virus, not a bacteria. Second, masks do cause high C02 levels. I have the blood test to prove it. Third, masks are dangerous as they awaken retroviruses that we all have in our bodies. What happens is that our immune system will become less able to fight off the latent viruses and the virus wont' be held at bay. There are over 3,000 viruses that we combat everyday. Please read Dr. Judith Moore's book titled, The Plague of Cooruption. She is a virologist and was most famous for stopping HIV developing into AIDS. The Area Seventy are not acting in their correct role. Their role has never included healthcare advice or mandates. Healthcare matters are always personal. Nothing trumps personal care health freedoms because they are encompassed with religious freedoms. Taking away our personal right to refuse wearing a mask or refusing a vaccine is evil and wrong. It is Satan's plan. Read D&C 89:4. Using shame, guilt, name calling neighbors is not acting in anyway like Christ. Those who hold a false brief in a Savior in a drug or mandate, is following an anti-Christ movement. The Savior is He who showed us The Way to live. If we follow Him, we would have faith in Him and in God who created our innate immune system and adaptive immune system and using herbs like mentioned in the Bible and BofM which God created for mankind. Our family is probably shumed ike your letter to the owner of this blog clearly shows...actually is bullies them...is wrong....We attend Church (once a month since June) without a mask. Our family believes we have the freedom to worship God not man or big pharma. If you look right now on the corrupt CDC website, it has a packet written about Plagues and what to do. It was written before this China virus. It still says nothing about wearing a mask and also says 3 feet away as well a a virus is not alive and needs a live host to propagate the virus u like a bacteria that has a nucleus and alive. You have been deceived that a government or church leadership has any right to lead
..Christ leads us. Christ is our Savior, not a mask or vaccine.

Reply
Pam Carter
7/26/2020 23:00:52

So sorry David, but if you actually took some time to do any research, there are OSHA experts who testify that masks are absolutely USELESS against a Virus that are microscopic..Like putting up a Chain Link Fence to keep out Mosquitoes 😂
Virologist work in HAZMAT SUITS
So, what is a MASK
SLAVE OWNERS used them as MUZZLES
It is just a SIGN of SUBMISSION
I know of 2 young people in the HOSPITAL WITH PLEURISY from wearing a MASK on the job. What is pleurisy?
It is a LUNG DISEASE caused by Hypoxia. No Oxygen and breathing CO2
So YES wearing a MASK IS DANGEROUS
ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG AND ELDERLY.
It is also very DANGEROUS using these dangerous chemicals over and over again. I just read that some of these cheap sanitizers contain Methanol..wood grain alcohol and is VERY DANGEROUS.

What about people with severe asthma?
Rape victims that had their mouths covered during that vile act and suffers from PTSD or Severe Trauma with a Mask ??
Young Children?
Do you really think teaching these children to FEAR EVERYONE BECAUSE THEY MAY KILL THEM?
Is that what the Savior taught us??

No! The Savior taught us to Love One Another..Not to live in FEAR.

Please do your research before you make such embarrassing comments

Reply
Marsha Quinn
8/2/2020 15:37:34

A lack of understanding of how the church is organized and how the keys are given is sadly misunderstood. The Area Presidency's are working with a member of the twelve apostles. The letter by the Utah Area Presidency asking members to wear masks is not a rogue letter and request.
https://www.deseret.com/faith/2020/5/19/21263554/lds-mormon-church-jesus-christ-guidelines-sunday-worship-coronavirus-covid19

Doesn't the real question of faith come on us in having the faith to wear a mask. Even when we think we have more knowledge and medical information than even the prophet himself. Do you think its an accident that during this pandemic we have a prophet that is a renowned heart surgeon, and who has worn masks personally for hours at a time? Do you not have faith that the Lord can allow you to breath is such a mask - or do you not have faith in the words of the prophet and those he has assigned to watch over this. The Area Presidency is acting under his authority.
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2020-05-19/covid-19-worship-services-meetings-activities-resume-first-presidency-184416

The prophet has said over and over again that we need to be cautious and take pre-cautions against this virus. He's said it in videos, its been written in articles. Please read and listen to the prophet. This is a serious warning and virus.

Elder Renlund, also a former heart surgeon has warned us.
"Members should also take reasonable precautions and follow all wise public health policies. “That way our prayers for safety and health are not disingenuous,”
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-05-20/covid-19-elder-renlund-personal-revelation-uncertainty-184629

We cannot be doing unsafe things and expect the Lord will watch over us when the prophet, apostles and Area Presidency are all warning us to be careful. Are we being disingenuous when we say we follow the prophet but don't listen to him or those acting on his behalf.

This week in our Come, Follow Me reading you will read Alma 45:23-24 "And now it came to pass that after Helaman and his brethren had appointed priests and teachers over the churches that there arose a dissension among them, and they would not give heed to the words of Helaman and his brethren;
But they grew proud, being lifted up in their hearts, because of their exceedingly great riches; therefore they grew rich in their own eyes, and would not give heed to their words, to walk uprightly before God."

This will be another voice of warning about the path you are on. Please I beg of you listen and have faith to do as the servants of the Lord have asked, because not only is it a physical protection it's a spiritual one too.

I could say I don't care what you do, but I have a very person reason why this means so much to me. I want to go back to the house of the Lord and perform temple work for my deceased family members. Sadly, I can't see the house of the Lord opening again until as members of this church we are humble enough to enter. If that means wearing a mask would you do it??? Shouldn't we be doing everything in our power to make this virus go away so we can get back into the house of the Lord? Ask yourself what direction are you headed while on the course you are taking. If your personal revelation is taking you opposite to the counsel of the church then you better question where you're getting revelation from.

Reply
Leanne
8/3/2020 17:52:57

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 This article is not promoting wearing a mask or not wearing a mask. It points out that the Savior himself would not wear a mask because he would be out among the sick and afflicted loving and healing them. And with the power of love, faith, and Priesthood, we could do far greater things than wearing a mask or not wearing a mask. The masks create fear and dissension, and "there is no fear in love."

Marietta Sperry
7/24/2020 18:51:17

I imagine you have little or no experience in healthcare or have ever seen anyone with the devastating affects of Covid-19. I ask my patients to put on their mask when I enter their room, to protect them from me. Just because I am a member it does not mean because of my faith I should go around thinking I cannot infect anyone or that they can’t infect me. It’s a simple thing. Just like the Israelites were asked to look at the staff with the snake. “Out of small and simple things.” It’s okay, when you do get this, because undoubtably you probably will, I'm sure the healthcare workers will still take care of you with the same compassion they do with all their patients. Just know you were warned and forewarned and chose not to protect yourself or others.

Reply
Julie Rothe link
7/24/2020 20:27:39

Thank you for this post, I have found it hard as a member of the church people saying how we should follow the words of the prophet and the area authorities to wear a mask... I saw a comment a person said that wearing a mask may be a simple thing and answer to our worldwide fast... one comment was Thanking her that she is Being thoughtful of others and selfless... I was taken back by this thinking am I being judged and considered selfish by my own church for not wearing a mask? where I am far from selfish and have a very compassionate heart... I was quite sad And so confused that someone from the area authorities would Even implement the mask wearing mostly because OUR GOVERNMENT has NOT been totally HONEST with US the PEOPLE... they are altering the numbers and LYING so WHY would our church go along and endorse such a thing...When we are being DECEIVED! On Facebook a friend shared with me a lady who is a leader of her church and said that other leaders of different churches throughout the US were on a phone call with the Government about the whole pandemic... she said they were First told to Not have our congregations go back to church and if we do not to sing and then they were told they wanted all the leaders to implement and tell their congregations especially the old and immune compromised to get the vaccine when it comes out I have the clip if you want me to send it to you... she said we Are fighting a spiritual war! Not long after seeing that David Bednar came out with that video about standing up for our spiritual freedoms... if the church encourages people to get the vaccine I will feel so much more confused... I already have a hard time with the church encouraging vaccines to go on a mission for my sons because A lot of those vaccines have aborted fetal tissue... So THANK YOU so much for your post I really needed to read this to help ease my mind and my heart because I have been so sad and confused and I want to follow the Prophet and the counsel they give but at the same time I feel like we have been deceived by our government and they have put fear in the public... Ezra Taft Benson in his BYU devotional went on to say in the last days we will need to stand up for our freedoms and it is a sin to stay silent.... I wish you well Thank you again
Julie Rothe

Reply
Laurie
7/26/2020 22:16:08

Thank you for your inspired and scripture-based words. It is apparent from a few comments that some church members skipped over (or do not believe) the Book of Mormon’s warnings to people of our day that there would be secret combinations in the latter-days. That there would be evil men who murder to get gain, and secret combinations that would destroy the freedoms of all nations. (One such reference is Ether 8:22-26). The pharmaceutical and vaccine corporations, the communist party, the bankers/philantropists, the eugenicists/abortionist, Pedophile/human traffickers, NWO/UN Agenda 21 and 2030, and others who have infiltrated all levels of our government, agencies, schools, unions, media, science/health field, military, CPS/family courts, and sadly even within the Church itself are some of these “secret combinations”.
While your article speaks truth, there are sadly many members who are willfully blind and deaf to the warnings of the scriptures, latter-day prophets, and the power of discernment given via the Holy Ghost. Thank you again for your much needed words.

Reply
Marietta Sperry
7/27/2020 00:09:15

I wish you well. Thank you for sharing your perspective and for your response as well as for reading mine. My perspective is quite different. How boring if we were all the same, even within the same religion. I have done a lot research over the years on various diseases while working on different degrees in nursing. It has afforded me the tools to evaluate what is being said and done. I balance my faith with the science (faith without works is dead). I also realize that the more prepared I am, the more I understand, the less there is to fear. It is not political, if anything I look at it in an apolitical fashion to purposely weed out politics. I listen to MDs who work with covid patients and their experience, and how the body works at the cellular level. This has helped my understanding a great deal. I am thankful when Church leadership have the wisdom to listen, consider. then counsel. I analyze the studies, the data, and the population being studied, who is funding the study, what size was the population studied, was it randomized, etc; everything has to be considered and how it might or might not be relevant. Some are good studies, some are poorly done, or are taken out of context. I do not believe I was being judgemental, just factual. I am concerned with the devastating effects since no one knows which system it will hit with a vengeance yet, whether it will be mild, severe, or have long lasting effects. I do know for a fact teens are presenting with it, newborns have gotten it, as well as pregnant women in my area. I have healthcare worker friends who have also become infected. One did just fine. Another (although not a personal freind) but a nurse who had worked at our hospital died from it. One was completely fit with no comorbities was also hit hard, but thank goodness is back now. after having 103 fevers even after a week, and experienced cognitive effects. That person is always reminding us to mind our social distancing even amongst ourselves at the hospital, and parts with a "stay safe." As a healthcare worker, I am under no illusions, nor do I judge. I did not take it seriously when it was only in China. Now we get daily updates about the number of covid pos patients for our system. These are not government stats, but internal numbers. Some healthcare systems are faith based, so it is intersting to see their take on this. They aspire to be good stewards, accountable, and care for those that are vulnerable and poor. Part of that accountability involves transparancy. The numbers vary even within the same valley with hospitals that are less than 15 miles apart, depending on the population they serve. No, it is not fun wearing a mask for 12-13 hours, but it is what is best for my patients. Nor do I need to experience weeks of brain fog while trying to finish a doctorate.. As long as we are still admitting patients with this, I will act with caution and pray for wisdom in dealing with it. Heaven forbid I should contract it and bring it to my family, because I chose to ignore cautions. Even though everyone admitted (who consents) is tested, there are some false negatives. Found this for you https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-ingredients/fetal-tissues. Interesting. All I can do is educate and leave it to others to make the decision what they will do with the information. Take it, leave it, consider it, or find what is applicable. My best to you.

Kindest regards,

Marietta Sperry

Reply
James Green
7/28/2020 23:36:43

Thank you for saying what many of us are thinking. I agree with you.

Reply
Kim C
7/29/2020 15:53:33

For various reasons, I cannot wear a mask and am now at the point of being afraid to go out shopping because of how judgmental Utah has become about masks ever since the Area Authority spoke for the governor. I never thought members of the church would be so divided, but Satan found the perfect way to pit us against each other.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Introducing:
    Chronically Claire

    Picture
    I'm Claire, I have Chronic Lyme Disease, and I believe that life is absolutely beautiful!
    Picture
    Our logo represents love and passion being infused into every aspect of what we do here at Chronically Beautiful. Our goal is to knit hearts together as we spread love, compassion, and awareness to those who are suffering.

    Categories

    All
    Adulting With Lyme
    Anxiety
    Beauty
    Betrayal Trauma
    Chronic Illness Truths
    Courage
    COVID19
    Dating
    Depression
    Endometriosis
    Faith
    Family
    Friendship
    Healing
    Healing My Brokenness
    Holidays
    Informational
    Inspiration
    Invisible Illness Myths
    Joy
    Love
    Lyme Stories
    Marriage
    My Story
    Pain
    Sick
    Strength
    Winter
    Worth

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    June 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015

    "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
    ~Elisabeth Kubler Ross
    View my profile on LinkedIn

Blogs

Chronically Beautiful
Chronically Delicious
​Chronically Healthy

Chronically Claire

About
Lyme Disease
Endometriosis

Support

Disclaimer
Contact
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Picture
Disclaimer: For Educational and Informational Purposes Only.  The information provided by Chronically Beautiful is for educational and informational purposes only, and is made available to you as self-help tools for your own use.  All and any information given on my website is for the purpose of sharing information to help you help yourself, and not for me to take on any other role as any health professional.
  • Home
  • About
  • Chronically Beautiful Blogs
    • Chronically Beautiful
    • Chronically Delicious
    • Chronically Healthy
  • Published Articles & Podcasts
  • Gift Shop
  • The Chronically Care Project
    • Care Package Application
    • Rise Above Lyme Sign Up
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer