Why would someone want to read more about Ebola? The topic is uncomfortable and too frequently discussed already. Besides it is best to stay far away from Ebola. Even reading about it is too close. At least that is my reaction. I’m glad it is far away, and I hope it stays far away until it is solved.
Fear makes me wish I could seal off the areas contaminated. No travel, no planes, no escape for viruses . . . or people. And preferably no media so I don’t have to think about it.
While this side of me is dark and scared, it is not racist or elitist. The truth is, this part of me has the exact same reaction to anyone I don’t personally know. It could be my neighbor with Ebola and I’d still want to hermetically seal their property and avoid all contact. This might not be very neighborly but at least I’d be safe.
Neighborly . . . What should a neighbor do? That’s a question Jesus asked. Or, more accurately that is the question he answered. He was asked, “who is my neighbor?” He answered by describing what a neighbor does, which included attending to a victims wounds.
But surely Ebola is different. Jesus would treat highly contagious diseases differently, right? Actually he sets an annoyingly bold example of love. By touching lepers and hanging out with those rejected by society. He then tells us on multiple occasions to love one another as he has loved us. This is the example of love which led 3rd century Christians in Carthage during the Plague of Cyprian to stay and serve the sick while others fled. Many died as a result of their love.
I am not arguing against medical quarantines. Sometimes they are necessary. But we are to be motivated by love, and not fear. Love is kind. Love is not self-seeking. Love is self-sacrificing, even at great cost. (John 15:13, Romans 5:8)
The real world is complicated, and solutions are not easy. I read this week that there is concern of famine in the region related to Ebola. See, those infected can’t work farms, and fear has shut down trade. Healthy vendors won’t go to areas where there is Ebola to buy or sell.
I have to think that famine would worsen not only the horrific 70% mortality rate among those contracting Ebola, but also would make the outbreak even more difficult to contain as the virus quickly moves through a population weakened by malnourishment. Also, hunger may well cause people to move away looking for food, increasing the geographic area where Ebola is uncontained.
We are caught in a finger puzzle. Torn between moving toward Ebola victims in love, and taking measures necessary to prevent future victims. I’m left with the uncomfortable conclusion that to solve the pandemic we must push into the problem; providing supplies, food, training, and people with the training to help.
Suffering is too easily justified and ignored. But love is bold. I choose to live love and not fear. It’s not a time for flight - it’s time for a fight.
We have chosen to give to organizations who are taking the fight to Ebola in West Africa. I encourage you to do the same.
Want to help with a donation? Here are some links to organizations that are on the ground helping patients and fighting to stop the spread of Ebola:
UNICEF is airlifting essential supplies, distributing vital health information and caring for children and families. They currently have a matching program running:
https://www.unicefusa.org/donate/help-stop-ebola-west-africa-your-donation-matched/18771
Samaritan's Purse and World Vision are working to provide much needed medical supplies:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/fighting-ebola-in-west-africa/
http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/by-category/urgent-needs/ebola-outbreak-in-west-africa
Doctor's Without Borders are running multiple medical centers:
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
The UN is playing a significant role in helping the countries of West Africa respond to the Ebola crisis, by mobilizing the global community and by providing technical assistance, funding, supplies, and personnel. Following the lead of governments of Ebola-affected countries, the UN is partnering in its response with other governments, technical agencies, donors, and NGOs:
https://secure.globalproblems-globalsolutions.org/site/Donation2?8780.donation=form1&df_id=8780
The Up's and Down's, In's and Out's of daily life with a loving husband, a sweet boy, a fun-loving gal and a new life in the Philippines! God has indeed blessed us.
