Dallas is finally known for something other than the city where President Kennedy was shot. Thousands of people still venture downtown and gawk at the grassy knoll. They tour the Six Floor Museum and, when traffic clears, have their pictures taken standing next to the "X" on Elm Street. Now the focus is on Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. People want to know more about the hospital where the Ebola Virus first was discovered in America. Dallas is now famous as the City that brought Ebola to the United States. I am just back from ten days on the road. When people found out I was from Dallas their first question was often about Ebola. The whole country seems to be in an uproar over the Ebola Virus. It is the number one story on the news. I don't think I have experienced this kind of national panic since 9/11. The fear following 9/11 I could understand, but fear of Ebola is another issue.
Here is my take: What are we afraid of? Ebola is not an airborne virus. Unless you have direct contact with a patient who actively has the virus there is no danger. You are only exposed if have contact with the victim's body fluids. I will give Dallas Mayor, Mike Rawlings, and County Judge, Clay Jenkins, credit. They personally entered the apartment where the initial victim had been living in order to escort his family to a safe environment. The two official were not wearing protect gear. They walked in, greeted the family and left. Mr. Jenkins even drove them to their new residence in his own car. Both Mr. Rawlings and Mr. Jenkins get it. There is no danger unless you touch the individual who has Ebola.
I am familiar with infectious diseases and viruses. I am in hospitals all the time. I work two days a week as a hospital chaplain. The hospitals I work with are long-term acute care facilities. Many of the patients I see are on long-term antibiotics for various infections. I have visited with patients who have MRSA and the West Nile Virus. I also have learned to play by the rules. I sanitize my hands before entering and when leaving any room. When there is a sign on the door indicating isolation, I don a mask, and wear gloves and a gown. I am not afraid!. People need ministry and I go. The health care professionals I work with, especially the nurses, therapists and aids, are my heroes. They work daily in that environment, but do their jobs with no fear about what they are exposed to. To my knowledge none of them has ever been infected.
It's ironic that there is such an uproar over the Ebola virus. Granted, it is a deadly virus and needs to be taken seriously, but the general public has no reason to fear. It's sad that there is another virus that is infecting our country that no one seems to be concerned about. It's sin! We are all effected by the virus. Many people will not even admit that they have it. They are going to die in sin, and few of them seem to be concerned. Unlike the Ebola Virus, where there is an antidote, We can insure that people are protected from the disease of sin. The answer is Jesus Christ and his message of Grace and Forgiveness. If we live fearlessly as people of hope, we can make a difference. We can tell the world that there is nothing to fear. We are all going to die sooner or later, but that is not the end. Spread the word. Be people of hope and pass the torch.
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