Death is the first thing entering our mind when we hear about loss, but there are many other types of losses in life. With Covid, we have discovered many unexpected ones, like I did with my sight loss.
There are destructive losses that exist also. They are destructive because they lay below the surface, undetected by the masses, but affecting all. Our country can’t heal until these hidden losses are exposed and dealt with.
Not everyone will agree, and that is okay. We are unique beings after all. The purpose here is to raise awareness. Open your eyes and hearts and pray about the ones that tug at your heart, over wasting time being angry over what you disagree with. Remember, iron sharpens iron, so if you disagree, that is good. Glean what you can and let the Lord speak to you on this challenging topic.
RESPECT
Manners were part of the curriculum when I taught school back in the 80’s. What happened? Even if taught at home at a young age, they seemed to disappear soon thereafter. Respect for others and self, slipped away before our eyes. Did we quit paying attention or demanding it? Were we too busy to notice?
Before we knew it, no one dressed up. Clothing became more tattered and torn before losing most clothing completely. Caring about how much one exposed of themselves was no longer important. No self-respect, which is a sign of much hurt. In fact, self-harm increased.
Respect for authority exhibited itself in talking back regularly to teachers, in diminishing self-control, and in public displays of “affection”. Respect toward public offices of any kind diminished like an avalanche.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
It is no wonder we’ve lost personal responsibility. It was first lost in the Garden of Eden when Eve blamed the serpent for eating the fruit, and Adam actually blamed God for making woman. Crazy, huh?
Sounds familiar though, doesn’t it? “It’s not my fault!” echoes throughout society. Nothing is ever an accident anymore. The word mistake isn’t in our vocabulary.
As a teacher, I tried to emphasize personal responsibility. They were responsible to remember their school supplies. I might choose to be kind and give some supplies, but I did not have to.
Now, things have worsened to the point when things don’t go my way, it is everyone else’s fault. My, my. Dangerous.
RIGHTS/FREEDOM
First, people often confuse rights verses privileges. Here, we’re talking about rights we assume we have, that are disappearing beneath our noses.
For example, we believe we have freedom of speech. Ever heard of hate crimes?
Business owners have plenty of false perceptions. They believe it is their right to choose whom to hire, how much to pay, what benefits they wish to provide, and much more. What about discrimination, minimum wage, imposed insurance on employees, plus government mandates? What about the NON-PROTESTING owners whose businesses are burned without ANY repercussions?
We have the right to good medical care, correct? Hmmmm . . . What insurance you possess AND TRANSPORTATION WILL INFLUENCE WHAT DOCTOR YOU CHOOSE. DRG’s CREATED BY insurance COMPANIES dictate your HOSPITAL STAYS more often than not. If outside your PPO, you might find different treatment. Rural areas don’t have the same access as those in cities either.
What rights do homeowners have? Ever heard of eminent domain, real estate taxes and building codes? In fact, thanks to Covid, when our son-in-law threatened bodily harm to our daughter and grandchildren and they were forced to escape, we were forced to let him live there. We were the homeowner. As a reward, we were responsible for his utilities also. No exaggeration.
Ever been a victim of a crime? Enough said, other than group rights will always remain controversial and will change depending on the time period. Just remember, every “right” of a group strips away someone else’s right and rarely benefits the majority. We need to think things through before hopping on the bandwagon. I know from experience, the rights of CERTAIN disabled populations impose on some of our rights of visually impaired and blind people.
THE CHURCH
Instead of loving and serving our neighbors and winning the lost, churches became caught up in being the biggest and fanciest, or running the newest, hottest programs. As a result, churches began becoming extinct. The Covid pandemic worsened it all.
Three services a week and Sunday schools are almost obsolete. Revivals have been reduced in length, or not held. Money sent to foreign missions eased consciences while more Biblical truths were replaced with false doctrines, tickling ears and emotions. Do you believe if everyone calling themselves Christians acted like Jesus our churches would be dying?
Hurting people yearn real answers. They detect sincerity overhype.
TIME
Do you have unfulfilled expectations or dreams? Time passes us by while seeking mates, careers, then families and making a living. Before you know it, your kids are grown. You realize you didn’t teach them to memorize scripture the way you planned. The lyrics to “The Cat’s in the Cradle” rings true. We spend more time reacting than goal-setting and being intentional.
Time is the one thing when lost, you can never get back.
IDENTITY
Who are you? Identities used to be found in your heritage (family name, ethnicity, or country). It moved on to what we do. Our identity rested in being a certain profession, a wife or a mother. Now, our identity has switched to how we feel that day. No true foundation.
My friends don’t think of me as blind. That is because blindness isn’t my identity. My identity is in Christ. It isn’t who I am or what I do, but whose I am. I am God’s. All other things become last.
RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships used to be weak among marriages that didn’t succeed, or between parent/children where drugs or abuse were involved. The point is they might be weak, but they existed. Once texting became popular, I observed all relationships weakening, including those at work and church.
Now, every child has access to the world to entertain themselves 24/7. No self-control is necessary. No need for social interaction. No way to build relationships with real people.
When I homeschooled my kids, their friends were jealous. A desire for adult approval and time with was strongly desired. Teachers now tell me students don’t desire to be around people at all.
The skills of getting along with others are needed less now with working at home, and the necessary minimum contact Covid brought into our world. What will the ramifications be?
Without modeling relationships and other learning opportunities, how will people find a relationship with Jesus Christ?
Expose these hidden losses to your friends by sharing this post.
Time is valuable, and I really appreciate your dropping in to allow me to change your focus for a few minutes. If you enjoyed this, maybe take a bit longer and read a few more posts.
Thanks. Be blessed.
© 2023, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
ROBIN JO DIXON says
WOW oh WOW Jena!
This was such a powerful and true message. I totally agree with what you have written here. With working in the school system I see every day what you have expressed about relationships. Students really do have a hard time communicating and looking someone in the eye as they are talking. Working from behind a screen is much more comfortable for them.
Excellent article addressing many things.
Blessings and I’m so glad you are continuing to ministry through writing!
Blessings,
Robin Dixon