Just when I thought it was safe to go out again  . . .   I mean there have been rumors and rumblings of re-openings all week (with a few minor restrictions, of course) but re-openings nonetheless – so just when things were looking a bit promising  . . .  just when I thought it might be safe to venture out once again – enter – “The Murder Hornet.”

That’s right.  News of The Murder Hornet’s entrance into the United States made headlines this week.  I had been blissfully unaware of the existence of such a creature until notification of its arrival appeared in papers and news cycles a few days ago.

The Murder Hornet and COVID-19?  This killer combination (pun intended) may just be too much.  I can only be afraid of one thing at a time.  I only have so much “fear” energy to go around.  Something has to give.  I can’t sustain these levels of fear forever – actually, not for much longer.

So I propose we send the Murder Hornet back to wherever he came from.  This country isn’t big enough for both the Murder Hornet and the COVID-19 to co-exist. Somebody’s gotta go!  And since COVID-19 is invisible and is here to stay, we are told by those that know such things, and is in fact planning a big come back soon, it will have to be the visible, less prevalent, Murder Hornet that must exit the country pronto.

I’m wondering how Mr. Murder Hornet even got into the U.S. in the first place. I thought our borders were temporarily closed to immigrants?  Was the TSA on break that day?  Were Mr. Murder Hornet’s papers in order?  I’m assuming he had a valid passport and current VISA?  I would like to know how Mr. Murder Hornet responded to the question, “what is the purpose of your visit here?”

Having a name such as “Murder”, should be kind of a heads up as to one’s character and motives.  What was his response to the question, “business or pleasure?”  I’m imagining Mr. Murder Hornet slowly removing his sunglasses, smiling sweetly and replying, “my business is pleasure!”  (I’m sure all the unsuspecting honeybees will be happy to know that Mr. Murder Hornet enjoys his line of work)

And when asked, “how long will you be staying?”,  what did he reply? “indefinitely.”  I thought VISAS expired at some point in time.  What did Mr. Murder Hornet say when asked, “will your family be joining you?”  “they are already here, they flew in ahead of me”?  (how did that happen?  did they use an alias, instead of the name “Murder”?)

Well, Mr. Murder Hornet, you won’t remain in the headlines for long.  Something new and more frightening will displace you soon.  Come to think of it, I haven’t heard much about the threat you pose at all today.  But COVID-19 remains among us, eluding our efforts to evict her from our midst.  She is an unseen enemy, giving her some kind of advantage it would appear.  We are constantly testing for her presence, primarily because she hides so well, we are told.

So again today, I  must decide how I will walk in this world.  Who is really in charge here?  It is my Father’s world.  He has the final say.  So I will walk in light of these words from Psalm 27:1 & Psalm 18:1-3,

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

“I love You, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.”

faith over fear, trust over worry  . . .

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.” (Psalm 20:7-8)

sincerely,          Grace Day