Art by Emmett

Every day this week a Freedom Convoy of trucks has looped around Washington D.C. They are demanding an end to mask and vaccine mandates. Drivers see themselves as heroes, representing a cause equal to that of George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Pain and Betsy Ross.

When the convoy was conceived, those working on it intended to duplicate a similar convoy that paralyzed Canada’s capital city of Ottawa earlier this year. Massive numbers of trucks and other vehicles would arrive at the same time in Washington to make a loud statement of discontent.  Enormous traffic jams would result. Washington would be brought to a standstill, forcing the government to change rules related to the Covid Emergency. Timing could not have been worse for the Freedom Convoy. Covid cases were falling and mask mandates were lifting, even as the convoy was on the road.

Meanwhile Washington,  consumed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing devastation happening there, has paid little attention to the convoy. I’ve wondered if these last days have shattered the illusion of some in the Freedom Convoy. How do grievances over life saving measures of masks and vaccines, compare to courageous efforts of the Ukraine people in a battle for their lives. The one seems childish, while the other heroic.

Much like those in the Freedom Convoy, I think of times when I’ve been outraged at what I perceived as an imposition on my life. Today, I look back and see the foolishness of my stand. Pride got in the way, when humility would have been a far better response.

In the midst of a world in turmoil, fighting a pandemic and anxious about the danger of Russia’s Ukraine invasion setting off WWIII, we all need to offer each other grace. . . . Along with an attitude of humility, acknowledging we really don’t know everything there is to know. Embracing some humility would be good for all of us, good for our souls and good for our world.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NASB