Of Yarmulkes & Masks

Our Jewish friends wear a kippah – commonly known as a yarmulke, to remind them that God is above them. Covering their head is a visible sign of their reverence for God. Were I Jewish, placing a kippah on my head would be a voluntary act, and an intentional act of faith. In wearing my kippah, I would be constantly reminded of God and the perspective my own mortality. I would know that my redeemer lives and that I have feet of clay. The act of placing the kippah on my head would disrupt my preoccupation with my own interests and creature comforts.

So too, it is when I wear a mask when I’m out in public, that I show respect for the Covid virus; wearing a mask reminds me of my mortality, and of what really matters. It is a voluntary act that connects me with all those who have suffered and died from the virus. I regret that, until now, it has not reminded me that God is above me and to pray for those who suffer and grieve. Countless times I have put on my mask, dreaming only of a time when we will not need it anymore. It has taken eight long months for me to hear the still small voice telling me that the mask is my yarmulke. And when I place it over my mouth, I’ll stop talking and begin listening and praying. An interesting garment for praying really; Jesus told us not to heap up words. The mask is a reminder that God knows what words are on my lips and in my heart before I speak them. Praying without my thoughts and my own words is best practiced wearing my mask to remind me to be silent.

In typical spiritual paradox, by putting on my exterior mask, I am taking off my interior one. By not filling God’s ear with my words, there is space in my heart for God to fill it with wisdom and love.

With respect to the mask in reminding me of my mortality, it has prompted me to review my estate plan and make a few updates. There is never a better time than now to make sure all is well on the planned giving front. If you are looking to create a will or update your plan we have some excellent resources and don’t miss the story shared by Rev. Richard and Myrna Evans.