03/18/2022
MASKS - We just celebrated a holiday in which we disguise ourselves, at the edge of the global pandemic in whose symbol is the ubiquitous face mask.
That’s the Paradox of the Pandemic: People cover their faces, but in fact some thing very real comes out about them; who is rational and who is prone to panic? Who is respectful and who is selfish? Who uses this as an excuse to __ (fill in the blank) and who takes it as an opportunity for empathy, leadership, and growth?
In both the Plague and the book of Esther, the threat presents a moment of truth. Esther seizes the moment, drops her mask, and fights for her people saving us all.
In just 3 days the mask mandate is to officially lift in Ontario. Can we take this “Dropping the mask moment” as an opportunity to be MORE authentic? Currently we are still under the threat to democracy, some will ignore it, others will fight for the values of tolerance, and freedom.
And that, I believe, is why Purim is such a happy holiday. Not only because we were saved, but because we were not afraid to show who we truly were, because adversity made us look into our souls and find the very best of ourselves.
In the wake of being hacked, all my “security” has been completely shaken. In a few short moments it was all gone. Some lessons I’ve learned it that social media can very much be “vector of disease” spreading misinformation, untruths and lies. It’s heavily censored and in some cases heavily misused. The people who refollowed this account chose to do so on their own will hopefully not coerced or pulled in by bigger and better entertainment. The numbers are smaller but the engagement is higher - go figure.
As public account holders and thereby “influencers”, we have disproportionate influence in the community. What lies behind our masks is important not just for ourselves but for the community as a whole. When we look back on these times of puzzling epidemics and mutating challenges, will we celebrate our influence or regret it? I vow not to hide behind the numbers of followers and speak my truth. We chose the clothing we wear - not to hide our essence but to beautify it and bring out our true dignity. Can I get an Amen??