Throughout America right now, places are starting to ease back into normal life post-pandemic. However, since the pandemic hasn't been completely eradicated, the CDC recommends wearing masks out in public, and in some places, masks are required. Many people are resisting wearing masks, which has led to a few violent confrontations in places where they are required. While I can understand why people feel like wearing a mask is a control issue, especially when it's not optional, I don't see it this way. Even though I live in a place where masks aren't required, I still choose to wear one for a few reasons.
The main reason I choose to wear a mask out in public is because if I were exposed to the virus, I probably would be an asymptomatic carrier. I am a healthy young woman with a strong immune system. Even if I ended up getting symptoms, they probably would not be severe, so I could easily misinterpret them. I have seasonal allergies, which can cause coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and a sore throat. Following a car accident almost eight years ago, I get at least one headache a week. In addition, as a woman, my monthly visit from Aunt Flo can be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, and muscle aches. I wear a mask so that if I catch the virus and don't know it for one of the reasons stated above, I won't be spreading it to others. Wearing a mask also reduces the chances of me catching the virus in the first place.
Another reason is to set a good example for others. As a teacher, I am used to having students look up to me, so I present myself in a way that leads them to make the right choice. Wearing a mask out in public is no different. Although I'm unlikely to see any of my students, I can still set a good example for those people I do see.
The most important reason I wear a mask is the command from Jesus to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Wearing a mask not only is a way of loving my neighbor by protecting them from anything I might have, but it also is a way of loving myself well because it helps prevent me from catching anything from anyone else. It is also a show of solidarity with the workers who serve us, both by protecting the workers in the stores we visit and slowing the spread of the virus to keep our healthcare workers safe.
Wearing a mask isn't always easy. I suffer from claustrophobia, and sometimes the heat from the mask triggers some anxiety. In addition, I wear a mask to the gym even though it makes my face sweat more than usual. I made myself a lighter weight mask for the gym, but I still wear one. These things are inconveniences, but doing the right thing is rarely convenient. Keeping others safe because I wear a mask is much more important to me than the temporary inconvenience I experience while wearing one.
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