Michele Leppard

Over the past several years, I have written about walking the road to happiness, kindness, thankfulness, faithfulness and a healthier living. Each and every one of these components is a unique trait of humanity. It is our job as humans to focus on ways to bring these elements to life. With our new mask normal and social distancing, many of these very basic components of humanity are being lost. The smile, a hug, Sunday family dinners, weekly visits with friends, attending Sunday mass and so many things we used to find joy and comfort in are now being slowly eroded. So many call me selfish because I feel this way, but I cannot help to notice the lack of love and the dehumanization of our very being, since the start of this pandemic.

Riots have broken out across the world, and no one seems to care about each other. Stores have been vandalized, property has been destroyed, stealing appears normal as looters walk out of stores with police officers watching. No one seems to care about how these actions are affecting the business owners, and those doing the destructing. Many of these business owners spent their whole lives building their small legacy pizzerias, and electronic shops yet right before their eyes their businesses were burned to the ground. Many of those doing the destructing are there, because our system has failed them. Many of the police officers are watching the destructing, because they are being demoralized in their hometowns and being asked to stand down. Why?

Many of our loved ones have died with no one by their side. A virus apparently so deadly, that our world has shut down, and we sat by and watched our relatives with kidney infections or cancer die with no one by their side. Our grandparents were forced to look at us through a window at nursing homes, while slowly fading away. If that doesn’t make you cry, I’m not sure what will. Talk about inhumane, well that’s it. All they needed was a hug or kiss, but rather they died alone. This is not normal! The family members of those who died alone, begged and pleaded with the hospitals to see their dad one last time, yet were denied. Now they have to live with that guilt, although no fault of their own, they still feel it.

Now let’s take our smiles, which were once a sign of love are now being hidden behind a mask. Something that was only supposed to last two weeks, is now heading for over a year based on upon the experts. Do you know it only takes 21 days to make a habit? I am pretty certain this new normal is now a habit for many. The act of hiding your emotions, keeping distant from others, avoiding socialization are all habits being formed over this last year- trust me. How about the holidays, every holiday has been canceled since March 2020, or has been severely modified in some way. Easter – Gone! Mother’s Day – Gone! Father’s Day – Gone! Halloween – don’t touch the candy! Thanksgiving – small group gathering only (don’t talk too loudly or sing, though). Christmas will be modified and of course, New Years. Oh, and let’s not forget that they tried to remove the 9/11 memorial day from us Americans, until we fought back.

It’s time we as humans get our humanity back. We are letting fear dictate what we do, rather than our compassion and belief in God. More people are dying over depression, than COVID. If people feel safer wearing a mask, then wear one. If others want to let their smile show, then show it. The choice to wear a mask or not, should be a choice, not a law. How many of you have walked in Shoprite, and didn’t even notice your good friend pass you by because they were wearing a mask. Dehumanization 101. How many of you haven’t been to church or seen your families in months because of this? Dehumanization 101. How many of you want to hug your aging mom, but are scared for them? Dehumanization 101

When someone calls you selfish because you don’t like the mask, just remember everyone is allowed to an opinion. But also remember, that more people are dying over depression than COVID, so who is really being selfish? Remember we are all God’s children.

Now let me get to the real stuff….

If we do not wake up and start living a healthier lifestyle – shame on us! Start exercising, start eating right, get your oxygen by going outside, take your vitamins, stop taking chemicals (pharma and pesticides). Rather than fighting for the mask, start fighting for how we as humans can enjoy the ‘natural’ again, the way God intended it. For instance, there is no way a ‘Statin’ drug is better than a reformed eating plan. Did you ever think once, maybe once, that all of these chemicals we are putting into our bodies, are creating the havoc we are now seeing? Wake Up! Now let me ask you all ONE question? If you are all so afraid of dying from COVID which has a low death rate compared to many other illnesses, why do you eat the way you do? Why do you drink alcohol in excess? Why do you live a sedentary lifestyle? Why do you take pharmaceuticals that have a precautionary list the size of a CVS receipt? Why do you drive, when their is a chance of death? Why eat non organic, when the harmful effects of pesticides are overwhelming? Yes, I know COVID is contagious, as are all viruses, flus, bacteria, fungi, and others. If you would like to wear a mask then wear one, but if you prefer to breathe fresh oxygenated air rather than your own expelled air then do it. Why are people so selfish, and not allowing individuals to breathe fresh air, rather than toxic expelled air. It doesn’t make sense to me. We should all be smart, wash our hands regularly, and be adults. But please let us breathe!

I think we as humans, need to make a pact to bring humanity back naturally, and of course with the help of God! Smile more, love each other, give hugs, show compassion, lend a hand, feed the hungry, give to the poor, protect all lives, help the children and love always! What does the bible say?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:12

And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” – Mark 5:34

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? – Jeremiah 32:27

The quote above by Jeremiah is probably one of my favorites. Knowing that God is there, and NOTHING is too hard for him, is very reassuring. God has given us life and the tools necessary to live a good life. We need to listen. OPEN UP THE BIBLE, and start reading. Don’t live in fear, live in God… it always works.

In the meantime, you may want to check out my book… although fiction, it tells many hidden truths. You can find my book here. https://micheleleppard.com/books/

Peace, love and happiness!