When I saw this photo from 1955 of children lining up for the new polio vaccine at Hohl Elementary in Houston, it took me back. I was in a line just like that in 1955 at my Houston elementary school. We went to the school for the vaccines and later for the sugar cubes. Was I ever glad when the boosters came out in sugar cube form! That was so much easier to take.
This photo reminded me of how close I came to a threatening epidemic. I can only imagine how relieved my mother must have been to have her four children protected from this horrible virus that could have killed or crippled us. My parents grew up during a time with no antibiotics and no vaccines. To know they were entering an era where children and adults could be protected from dangerous viruses and healed of bacterial illnesses must have given them peace of mind.
When the news of the coronavirus hitting America started coming out, I did not put much stock in the news reports. I believed it was media hype. Much ado about nothing. But then I saw this picture, and my view changed. Those of us born after 1950 have not experienced an epidemic or pandemic. Most of us do not know any polio survivors. Most of us have never seen the rapid spread of a deadly infection. Like me, you may have found it hard to believe.
Two weeks ago, I was talking with a friend. She was concerned about how people would panic and hoard things like water. I told her, “All I know is if the coronavirus comes, I am in the palm of His right hand. And if I get the coronavirus, I am still in the palm of His right hand. And if I die from the coronavirus, I am STILL in the palm of His right hand.” We forget what Isaiah said,
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.
I have to admit the virus is getting closer. My daughter has been notified that a nearby resident has it. I found out I might have been in contact with someone currently being tested. It would be very easy for me to go into panic mode. I am tempted. I constantly have to remind myself of this verse and what I said to my friend.
Rodney Stark, author of The Rise of Christianity, has been quoted recently. He shares that the early Christians did not leave the city when plagues came. They stayed and ministered to those who were ill and dying. Some of those who stayed died as well. One thing I learned about the early church is they did not fear death. They knew that death would put them in the presence of Jesus. They believed Paul when he told the Philippians, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
I am not suggesting we all rush to isolation units in hospitals to minister to those who are sick. Praise the Lord, we do have professionals today who are trained to minister and care for those who are critically ill. But we need to remember that we do not fear death. We know where we are going and can rest in that promise.
I have seen folks respond to this in positive ways. Many realize the seriousness of the issue but have been able to share a little humor to make us smile. I know Fairmont Park Baptist Church heard that students at a local grocery store were losing hours and purchased gift cards for every employee at that store. I have seen deliveries of pizzas to medical professional workers working overtime. Yes, we are quarantined, but we are probably the most creative people in the world. In spite of the quarantine, how can we reach out and bless folks around us who are affected by this situation?
And I am constantly being reminded to be grateful. Praise the Lord for the medical knowledge we do have and the medical professionals who are working round the clock to help those who are sick. Praise the Lord this is the first epidemic we have dealt with in seventy years. Praise the Lord we have the technology to keep in touch and, for some of us, to work at home.
And praise the Lord we need not fear as we are in the palm of His right hand.