Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

Okay, I know that things are changing quickly, so if you need me to wait …

Done waiting.

Two weeks ago, was Easter and I wrote about the need for us to obey our leaders. In that case, I was referring specifically to Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia (among other officials) who were advising us to stay at home and celebrate our Lord's resurrection there. Last week, I wrote about patience, and why it's important for us to wait for our officials to give us the “all's clear” before we venture out of our caves again and start acting like human beings instead of morlocks.

If you aren't a fan of H. G. Wells—more's the pity—you may not get that last reference.

Today, I'm going to roll with the hyperbolic punches, in keeping with those same officials, and write about the fact that restrictions are soon to be lifted (as of this writing) and how I will choose to conduct myself as a result.

With extreme caution!

Look, at some point, we all have to get back out there! We have livelihoods that won't keep waiting for us, and the longer we're stuck inside our homes, dwelling on every negative thing that there is to dwell on, especially in the media, the more risk there is of—this is not meant humorously—mental illness. We need to do stuff! We need to get busy and produce! We need—just like that old Cheap Trick song says—to be needed! Most of us are not people—regardless of what today's educators tell us—who can just sit back and rely on others to provide us with our every need. We value a sense of accomplishment and tangible evidence of the good that we are doing for our communities. As far as I've heard, no one is saying we should go out and kiss a stranger on the mouth—an act that I would never, ever endorse or recommend under any circumstances that didn't involve at least seven figures.

 Kidding.

As it happens, there's emerging evidence that this COVID-19 virus may not be as deadly as was first feared. As of this writing, there have, in fact, been more fatalities from influenza in 2020 than the coronavirus. Am I saying that we have overestimated the seriousness of this illness? Not at all. That determination will be made by much smarter people than me. But, we will, at some point, have to learn how to live with this reality—whatever that may be—period. Whether we like it or not, we will have to go back to work. Why shouldn't that time be now?

However …

We must use the brains that the Good Lord gave us. We must be cautious. We need to be diligent with social distancing, especially when we're around strangers or those who we're unsure of. Wash your hands! Wear masks, whether they're recommended or not! Wear gloves whenever possible when you're out in public! Wash your hands … again!

And most importantly, remember that God is our Father, and Jesus Christ is our Savior! The Holy Spirit is within us believers, and He will lead us down the safest path through this … if we let Him!

Bottom line? You have a life to live. Go live it!

For the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:26 (NIV)

Today is the day. Now is the time. The battle is on!

G. J. Fortier is a member of Ironmen Ministries and First Baptist Church, Centerville, GA. Look for his novels on Amazon on Kindle and paperback. Or visit his website at www.GerardFortier.com