I know that many of you are hesitant to get the COVID vaccine, and I get it. I understand your hesitancy. You’ve been called selfish, mouth-breathing rednecks by the same people who want you to get vaccinated. I know it’s not true. These are the kinds of arguments that people make who aren’t really interested … Continue reading A Short Note on Why You Should Get Vaccinated
2020 has introduced us to new vocabulary of words and phrases. Asymptomatic. Exponential spread. Social distancing. Non-pharmaceutical intervention. Contact tracing. Anosmia.* We also have been reintroduced to old words in new packages. Sometimes the new package disorients us and makes us wonder if we ever really knew what the word meant. One of these words … Continue reading what is essential
I've seen a lot of this country. I've been to 47 states. Every state has its own feel. Every state has its own local culture that makes it unique. This is even true of states that seem like they would be very much the same. Illinois is discernably different than Indiana, Missouri is not the … Continue reading COVID scorecard
When Paul stood before his audience in Athens, he knew exactly what word would trigger them. The Greeks had a long and proud history distinguished by learning, enlightenment, and wisdom. In other words, they were smart. So when Paul promises to correct their ignorance in Acts 17:23, he was guaranteed to get their attention. If … Continue reading horses and chariots
We are in a crisis in our country. Actually, we are in several overlapping crises in our country. In just the last 24 hours our country has experienced horrible fires in California, a powerful hurricane in the Gulf coast, widespread civil unrest and rioting, a polarizing Republican National Convention, oh, and don't forget that we … Continue reading a crisis of mattering
A few weeks ago I was listening to a podcast out of Chicago. They were interviewing the director of the Lincoln Park Zoo. This is a wonderful zoo that I remember visiting several times growing up in Chicagoland. The director was talking about their plans to reopen the zoo after an extended period being closed … Continue reading two -isms shaping the pandemic: safetyism
Things are weird. Last week, while on vacation with my family, we ate lunch at a burger restaurant in rural Wyoming. After ordering, I handed my credit card to the girl who was checking us out. She stared for a moment at my card, and then looking at me she said, "I need your verbal … Continue reading two -isms shaping the pandemic: scientism
A couple of months ago, as the pandemic was beginning, there was a meme that I saw on social media probably dozens of times. I don't know how you feel about memes. I usually love the ones that try to make me laugh. I usually hate the ones that try to make me think. Memes … Continue reading abortion and black lives matter
First, what this post is not about. I am not writing this in order to offer an opinion on when your church should or should not open. I have been committed to the principle of localism throughout this pandemic. The people best equipped to make decisions for the well-being of their communities are the people … Continue reading romans 13 and protesting the government
Chad Ragsdale 