Not sure if I’m brave or insane to try and tackle this one, but I suppose only time will tell.
Right or wrong, masks are such an incredibly volatile topic and it means so much to so many people. Maybe it feels like it shouldn’t matter or be that big a deal. It’s just a small piece of cloth, right? But obviously it does matter to a great many people. I think everyone feels differently about masks and I think we tend to make assumptions about anyone who opposes us or feels differently.
I tend to see two stereotypes:
- Those who are for masks tend to look at those against masks as unloving, prideful, careless or rebellious.
- Those who are against masks tend to look at those who wear them as fearful, virtue signaling or “sheeple” who don’t care about their own rights.
[Virtue Signaling: The action or practice of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one’s good character or the moral correctness of one’s position on a particular issue.]
[“Sheeple“: People compared to sheep in being docile, foolish, or easily led.]
Now, I’m not saying there’s never a bit of truth to either of these claims. But I’m not honestly convinced that this is always the case; I don’t think it’s always so cut and dry.
I have a friend who stated that she wishes she had a platform to explain to those she loves why she feels the way she does on the topic. And if you’re thinking, “Social media, duh!” Opinions on masks, like so many things, often come out in debates on social media where no one is really looking for answers, we are simply fighting tooth and nail to be right and to always have an answer so we don’t embarrass ourselves. Trust me… I’m preaching to the choir here. Many of us have such strong feelings on this. Some feel like it’s a sign of our freedoms being taken away, while some see it as a small measure to take if it might help those around us. Everyone is generally sticking with the friends and news outlets that supports their narrative, scoffing at anything that doesn’t line up and it’s not really giving much opportunity for a healthy conversation.
So, I wanted to offer a platform for people to share their “why” or “why not” on wearing masks. I wanted to offer this platform without anyone fearing a snap back or an argument. I wanted to give people an opportunity to speak peacefully on something that is sadly causing so much division. I have friends on both sides of the argument. I didn’t hand pick my contributors, I sent out a general invite on social media and quite a few people were kind enough to answer, to share their hearts, and to do so courteously. These friends will remain anonymous so as to avoid division or trolling of any kind.
So, I asked, people answered, and here’s what I’m asking you to do… here’s what I’ve honestly tried to do… keep an open mind as you read this. No one is watching you. No one is arguing with you. No one is waiting for your perfect reply. No one is rushing you. There’s no pressure. This is simply an honest conversation with real people who are trying to do what they think is right in some hectic and uncertain times. When I started this project a week ago, I didn’t honestly expect to be as impacted by it as I have been. (More on that in a bit!) It’s changed my heart in certain ways and I hope maybe it will change yours as well if you are feeling any bitterness or anger about this difficult topic. I’m not saying you need to change your stance, but maybe it will soften your heart and help you understand the hearts of others.
I’m not going to sort our our contributors as “maskers” or “anti-maskers”, because I believe that might defeat the purpose. I’m simply going to share their stories without offering a pre-conceived notion before you even begin. The views shared here are various and some differ from my own views and opinions, but simply sharing my own thoughts would be much less helpful than looking into the hearts and lives of multiple people from multiple situations and locations.
So, without further ado…
To mask, or not to mask? That is the question. I asked. People answered. And here’s what they said:
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“I work at a Health Department managing the outbreak here. We wear masks in the office. We’ve been asked to wear masks in public as well, though they can’t actually MAKE you, but it’s a “practice what you preach” mentality. At first, I thought wearing the mask was silly and I didn’t really wear it much outside of the office. We now have 66 active cases and it’s spreading like wildfire here. It’s impossible to manage. Now, I DO wear my mask out in public, and to me, it’s a sign of respect for the people I am working with, and the people who may have underlying conditions. My masks protects me, if you choose not to wear a mask, I know that I am and I am protected. I have a background and degrees in lab science and public health, so I know how viruses work, etc. There is a lot of misinformation. I do not believe that you are going to get COVID from a casual trip to the grocery store without a mask-you are going to get it from visiting directly with someone with COVID, who may not (or may) know they have it. I am on the inside of the COVID outbreak, and I wear a mask to protect me, and as a sign of respect to my coworkers.”
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“I’m quite “anti-mask” personally, but don’t really care if other people want to wear them. My stance on them is quite similar to vaccines, really – I don’t want them for my family due to the risks and lack of efficacy I’ve discovered during my research. However, if others have done their research and feel it’s best to vaccinate or mask, I support their right to do so. I do not support their perceived right to shame others with a different viewpoint, or the “right” of the government to force vaccines or masks on unwilling people. Masks are medical devices. They inhibit the amount and quality of airflow a person is receiving. If someone feels that a mask is best for their own safety, or they are having symptoms which may expose others to an illness (although in that case, staying home and away from others would be much more effective than trying to literally mask your symptoms!), then by all means, mask up! However, many people are actually unable (due to physical or mental struggles) to wear a mask. Some have become very cruel to anyone they see unmasked, without bothering to find out why this person isn’t masking – or considering the fact that it’s none of their business to ensure that everyone else complies with what they decide to be in the best interest of all. Haven’t we heard for years that a person’s health choices should be private and left strictly between themselves and their doctor?! Why does a random stranger in Walmart now get a say in my medical decisions as well? Many people legitimately are physically harmed by mask wearing. One of my uncle’s coworkers has breathing issues, and after being forced to mask at work for weeks he had so much trouble breathing that he had to take two weeks off to recover. When he returned to work with a note from his doctor explaining why he is unable to wear a mask, his employer told him too bad, he has to wear a mask anyway. Only after threatening them with legal action did they eventually back down and agree to let him work unmasked.I have several friends who have been victims of sexual abuse. Masks are very difficult for them for many reasons. One can’t handle anything or anyone (even her husband or children) touching her face and ears, as it triggers her CPTSD. Now she is being forced to wear a mask and is having severe panic attacks as a result – should she be expected to either do something that is damaging her emotional and mental health, or else have to explain to every stranger giving her dirty looks in Target how she had a horrific childhood?! I have read several studies on the transmission of COVID-19, and they all seem to agree that transmission basically never occurs outside of symptomatic people – and more likely, extended face to face contact with a symptomatic person would be necessary (I personally have a friend whose teenage daughter was symptomatic and tested positive, and while recovering was in direct contact with the other family members living in the home. They all had to be tested after she recovered, before returning to work, and were all negative. I really do not believe this spreads as easily as we have been told). In this case, symptomatic people should hopefully be staying at home anyway, so why are we requiring healthy individuals with no symptoms to mask, and shaming them if they are unable or unwilling to comply? Are the states with mask mandates actually having better success than states which aren’t? Have they eliminated the virus? I guess much of my concern is with the harsh line this has drawn among people – families, friends, churches, schools, coworkers – people who used to be close now see each other as the enemy over such a small thing. Also, where do we now draw the line of medical choice and freedom? If masks can be made mandatory by government, businesses, etc, and people hated, shamed, and banned for not agreeing, doesn’t that open the door to the exact same thing for the Covid vaccine? And then ANY vaccine or treatment that is generally seen as “for the common good?” Could religious beliefs at some point be seen as a mental health issue threatening “the common good” and people be locked up and “treated” for those beliefs, such as has actually happened in Russia and other communist countries?! I just want to be able, with the help of my own doctor, to make the best medical decisions for myself and my family, free from the pressure of the government or the opinions of strangers. I don’t make assumptions and judgments about everyone I see wearing a mask, and would appreciate the same courtesy from them when I’m unmasked.“
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“I think wearing a mask is simply a common courtesy. When you wear a mask, you show respect for others.”
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“I’m surprised masks have been the issue they are. For us personally, a lot of covid’ s regulations have been twisted blessings. Our son has chronic lung disease. Stay at home allowed his dad to be at the hospital with us. Hold his son everyday not just on the weekends. Now that we’re home, we are blessed by the precautions most are taking that keep our medically fragile baby safe. Precautions we would have to be asking people to take no matter the situation… I’ve been frustrated that all of Trump’s presidency people were quick to remind us to honor and obey who God placed in charge (Romans 13), until a similar crowd didn’t want to obey government around this issue. When the issue for me boils down to “love your neighbor” (Matt. 22:39). From a personal perspective, it’s been isolating. When people profess anti-mask beliefs, I hesitate to invite them into our home or to meet our son, because [we] worry our asking them to take precautions would be offensive to them or met with disrespect or disgust.“
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“I am of the opinion that the masks don’t really work. I’ve seen videos of all the particles and things that get through them, and that is with everyone breathing out, not in. Also, if the mask was 100 percent effective, then we would not need the flu shot this year, since the flu is passed the same way that covid is. I am also of the mind that I have been exposed a lot more than I am aware, and that that is the same for everyone. I also think that getting a little herd immunity is a good thing, and that we are delaying that goal by wearing the masks and staying separated. I also think that staying separated is hurting others as much as the virus is because we are social people. People need others. That being said, if someone else needs me to wear the mask so that they are comfortable, I will, because I do think that is what God would have me do to be kind to them.“
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“I think that during this time of health unrest that masks are a necessary, while frustrating, thing in our lives. While I can understand the annoyance of having your breath hindered slightly, especially as someone who walks at least five miles a day, I think it is important to realize that we do not have any sort of way of fighting Covid 19. There are treatments in the works, but all are flawed and are not true vaccinations and immunizations from Covid 19. While we may be safe as healthy young adults i think it is important to wear masks for those that are elderly, immunocompromized and so on. I believe that the people who want masks to be gone are thinking selfishly rather than for the broader humanity and that it will only make Covid impact us more than it already is.”
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“I work in the sciences, so I can’t help but think about research and what does the data support. If you only consider the research that is broadcast by the media – well, they have an agenda they are trying to promote, so they are only going to include what supports their position and ignore the other stuff. I haven’t had a ton of time to look into all the research done on either side of the issue, but I have seen indications that there is research to support the idea that wearing a mask reduces the chance of transmitting the virus, as well as indications that research suggests maybe they don’t really help that much and indications of research that shows other negative effects from wearing a mask (probably for extended periods of time). Personally, I don’t like wearing masks, especially for extended periods of time because it usually leads to an acne breakout. I work at a university where I have to wear a mask in all indoor spaces except when I’m in my office by myself with the door closed. Do I like to wear a mask for several hours at a time? Certainly not. But it’s the price I have to pay to maintain a “safe” environment for in-person classes, and an online experience for science labs is a far cry from the rigorous education we would like to be providing to our students. If I suggest that wearing a mask for the duration of back-to-back lab classes is uncomfortable, some might try to minimize my discomfort by telling me that some healthcare professionals are wearing them for a full 12-hour shift so I should be able to handle my 4-5 hours with a mask. Well, do they find them comfortable? Or are they just wearing them because it’s required on the job? How many of them will opt for delivery from grocery stores and restaurants, just so they don’t have to wear a mask for that “short” shopping trip? I guess you could say that my stance on wearing masks is that I wear them to be “subject to the governing authorities” because those authorities are established by God (Romans 13:1). I don’t have to agree with the reasoning behind the mask requirements but I as a Christian I am called to respect the authorities.“
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“My opinion about masks is that while it may be inconvenient, it’s not THAT inconvenient, and it has been shown to be useful in helping prevent the spread of the disease. I’m not one of those people who wear a mask literally everywhere, but I always have one with me and I am always willing to wear it if it makes those around me more comfortable. At this point, now that everything is opening back up, my life personally is more or less back to normal. Except for the fact that I breathe through two layers of fabric every time I go to school or the grocery store. Also, I’ve discovered face masks are incredibly useful in the winter as a nose-warmer! …My friend sent me a screenshot of someone who had posted on social media boasting about how they purposely didn’t wear a mask while going five or six places where masks were required. For those who don’t want to wear masks because they believe the government is infringing upon their rights: Even if you believe the government is wrong, the Bible says we should respect those in authority over us. Meaning, even if you don’t think the government “should” have the authority to order face coverings, the fact is that they do have that authority, and they were given that authority by God (see Romans 13). It is not your place to tell the government what to do. As a Christian, it is your place to respect and pray for those in authority (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17) .And honestly, In Paul’s time, the rulers truly were oppressing and persecuting the Christians – not just inconveniencing them with face masks.“
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“I am against the MANDATING of masks by the government. If people want to choose to wear them, I am not against that. But mandating them is a violation of individual freedom and autonomy over one’s own body/health. All throughout history we have responded to viruses and diseases not by masking and quarantining healthy people, but the sick ones. If you’re sick, you stay home. End of story. Life goes on. Society goes on. People catch sickness from each other, suffer a little and get better. Those who are more vulnerable take extra precautions to not be around known sources of sickness. That’s how responsible society has always taken care of itself. Covid-19 should be no different. If you get it, there’s a REALLY REALLY good chance you’re not going to die from it. As in, 99.7%, according to the CDC. So why are we forcing and shaming healthy people into wearing masks? There is no solid proof that wearing masks actually prevents covid from spreading, in fact there is a lot of evidence that masks are ineffective at stopping the virus, especially considering that wearers are constantly touching and handling them in non-sanitized fashion. Not only that but there are many negative results of wearing masks for long periods of time, (like from re-breathing in pathogens that are meant to be exhaled) besides the obvious fact that they hinder proper intake of oxygen. But besides the health risks of masks, I think the biggest issue with them is the way they hinder normal human interaction and the dehumanizing psychological effect they have. They are being used to propagate unnecessary and unfounded fear and to control people. I believe this is evil. If there is any good that can come from wearing a mask under our circumstances, (of which I am skeptical) then I certainly believe that the freedom of the individual to wear or not to wear and to exercise common sense and responsibility should be protected.“
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“As a family who’s primary Breadwinner is a small business owner who is self-employed, we appreciate when people wear masks because it prevents him from getting ill. It also prevents our children from becoming exposed or getting ill. If me or my children have to be quarantined due to an exposure then my husband has to take off of work for at least 14 days in which he does not receive any pay or PTO as well as the fact that if One of us gets ill then the count starts all over again. So theoretically he could miss 2 months of work if our illnesses are spread out and he himself gets sick. By wearing masks people are helping self-employed small business owners like my husband to stay in business which supports the economy as well as families. We have to remember that the masks aren’t worn to protect ourselves but to protect others. We are asking people to wear masks so that our family can continue to work and to eat and not have to go without or rely on government handouts.”
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“In WA, [A mandated state] Romans 13 makes it easy to settle the mask issue — basically as long as I wear a mask, I can go about my daily life as normal. If I choose not to, I risk harassment at best and loss of services at worst (or maybe even arrest — who knows?).If I was in a state that did not require masks, I would probably still carry one in my purse and put it on if requested. Basically, I don’t like wearing a mask, but it’s more important to “fear God and honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17 — actually seems like a good verse to sum up all the reasons to at least carry a mask) than it is to grumble about my own freedom and comfort. I have my opinion, but it won’t matter in 5 years, so it’s not worth arguing about for even 5 minutes.“
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There it is, folks. People took the time to share their hearts and, while it’s obvious that not everyone’s views are the same, I don’t see anyone being flippant or anyone who hasn’t pondered why they take the stand they do.
When I sat down to write this, I wasn’t even quite sure where I stood or how I would pull this all together. But I must say I was moved more than I thought I would be and truly believe that EVERYONE brought valid points to the table and it had an impact on me. So, here are my thoughts after hearing their hearts and reading their stories. These are simply my own convictions, I’m not trying to convince you of anything, I’m just sharing as I asked everyone else to do:
Like some stated here, I agree that masks SHOULD NOT be mandated. I don’t believe it’s the place of the state to make someone wear a medical device. It’s my belief that each person should be allowed to make that decision for themselves. I agree with many who have no issue with anyone who wants to wear a mask and are simply looking for the same respect in reverse. And yet, as others have validly brought to our attention, the simple fact is that they ARE mandated (well, at least in MN, I know some of the contributors live in states where it is NOT mandated and that’s a whole different thing, and I believe my stance would differ accordingly). But, seeing as it is mandated, no matter how much I disagree, I do believe that Romans 13 doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for rebelling simply because I don’t like it. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God…” Romans 13:1 Those under the iron clad rule of Rome had to do many, many things they didn’t like, many laws which made them beyond uncomfortable, and Paul didn’t give stipulations. The only time I see refusal being permissible is when the command goes directly against the word of God. We see Peter take this stance in Acts 5:29 when they were commanded to stop preaching the Gospel: “We must obey God rather than man.” So, if for any reason, someone feels that wearing a mask somehow causes them to dishonor God, that is something to consider. Just one example: some people have emotional and physical health reasons for why they must abstain from mask wearing or they feel it negatively impacts their health to wear it for elongated periods of time, and seeing as 1 Corinthians 6:29 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, caring for our bodies is a God honoring task that is not to be taken lightly. I don’t see this as any less valid than people who choose to mask for the sake of their health. So, all that being said, so long as I am not going against conscience, I will strive to wear my mask at any time it is required or someone asks me to. Right now, that means wearing it at church, the grocery store, and the homes of anyone who asks that I do. I don’t feel it goes against my conscience to do this. I’m not saying there won’t come a time or situation where my convictions or situation might change, but for now, this is where I stand. And to be honest, I find that because of Romans 13 and because of some of my dear friends, who have stated valid reasons for why they are more comfortable if someone is willing to wear a mask in their presence, I find it would go against my conscience NOT to wear a mask under such circumstances. I want my brothers and sisters to know that I love them, and I care for their needs and desires as well as my own.
Application Points For All Of Us
So now what? Is there a middle ground to be taken? Is there grace to be given? Is there peace to be found? As always, the only true and unchanging wisdom I can find on the topic comes from the word of God. And it’s one many are familiar with. Micah 6:8 lays out clearly the next steps we all need to take on something so controversial, but where people have valid reasoning on both sides.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to:
DO JUSTICE: Ok, so be sure you are doing what is just. Following your authority is just. And that varies from person to person depending on where they live and the laws placed over them. (The “anti-maskers” might hate living in a mandated state, while the “maskers” might despise living where it’s not mandated) Either way, respect your authority and be sure you are doing what is just, not “just what you want”. But keep in mind, DOING justice can also be your opportunity to speak out. If you don’t appreciate what your laws are in your state, DO JUSTICE, there are lawful processes by which you can speak out and make your concerns heard.
LOVE KINDNESS: I think this is one of the biggest things we ALL need to keep in mind during this time. I’m hoping you’ve seen from reading everyone’s stories, that life is messy and there is NO perfect answer to this controversial discussion. Whether you think masks help, whether you don’t, whether you believe the numbers or not. The person next to you believes in their reasons just as much as you believe in yours and though you may disagree, you DO NOT have the right to treat them with arrogance, bitterness, or disdain because of it. I’m not speaking to one side more than the other. In fact, there needs to stop being SIDES, especially within the body of Christ. Love your brothers and sisters enough to allow them to follow their own convictions on this without assuming things about them that may be untrue or hurtful. “Love is patient and kind… it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” (1 Corinthians 13) We are to treat one another with kindness even when we don’t agree. Let’s give grace to one another. I see so much hostility on the issue of masks and we must stop this.
WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD: The only way we can do the above commands is to walk in humility and remember we walk before a good and holy God. The God who holds the world and the heart of every human in it. The God who knows every detail and truth of this pandemic and holds the situation and result in the palm of his hand. Seriously, CHECK YOUR PRIDE. I’ve had to do this myself so many times. Pride is a sneaky thing and wears many disguises. Be sure the everything you do is for the glory of God and the good of others. Make sure you do what you do for the right reasons. Make sure it’s not just because you’re uncomfortable, but also be sure it’s not because you want others to think you’re virtuous. Realize your own humanity, realize that not one of us has this whole thing figured out, realize that, generally speaking, we are all doing our best to sort through this thing as best as we can and not one of us truly desires harm on another. Be sure you aren’t being “wise in your own sight.” Stand on what you feel is right, but stand humbly.
If you are not a Christian and you’re reading this, I know this has been pointed more toward those who follow Christ, but I hope maybe this has been helpful or eye opening and feel so free to reach out with any questions you may have regarding anything I’ve said.
And if you are a Christian and you’re reading this, I hope you are encouraged. I hope it has drawn you a little closer to your fellow brothers and sisters. I hope it’s calmed your heart to know that there may not be a perfect answer to this one, so we don’t have to strive quite so hard to find one. We live in a messed up, sinful world and the only perfect answer is Christ. And he has called us to love one another, not tear each other apart.
So as we navigate these murky waters, let’s give grace, love people, honor God, and, for heavens sake, let’s stop acting like any of us have this all figured out. Love ya!
My Family Freedom 