The question that is on everyone's lips was given voice by David in Psalm 13, "How long, O Lord?" The answer could be in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. "For everything, there is a season and a time for everything under heaven." Jesus often used illustrations of agricultural images which can be found in the Parable of the Sower.
Pete Seeger, a World War II veteran, was named by the Kennedy Center a "National Treasure" and the "Father" of contemporary Folk music. Two of his hallmark songs were: "Turn, Turn, Turn," (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) and an old Gospel folk song, "We Shall Overcome." Both were embraced as part of the musical voice of the Civil Rights movement. Both are gentle inclusive invitations to be an active part of a challenging way to be Americans and to support the vision that all are created equal and that we Americans, by our democracy and by our Biblical faith, are obligated to support the dignity of every human being.
The invitation of "Turn, Turn, Turn" that is voiced throughout the song was interspersed between the Biblical words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: "A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together. Turn, turn, turn. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to cast away. Turn, turn, turn. The song ended with the words of hope, "a time for war and a time for peace; it's not too late."
With God's help, it's not too late for us to pray and to wear a mask. With great sadness, Senator Lamar Alexander said, "We are in a health crisis, but wearing or not wearing a face covering has come to mean: if you wear one, you are for Joe Biden; and if you don't, you are for Donald Trump."
In my last article, I wrote that I believe that we are on the cusp of a sequel to the Civil Rights Movement. I went back and started listening to the protest music of that era. Many of the same groups such as Peter, Paul, and Mary sang, "Where have all the flowers gone?" Bob Dylan sang "Blowing on the Wind." But those artists were also singing love songs, including "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face," and the fun song, "Puff, the Magic Dragon." There was an invitation for all Americans to be "We the people."
A little humor from a Facebook posting: "I have a question for Dr. Faucci. Doctor, I am trying to follow all you have asked us to do, including washing my hands four or five times a day, but when can I take a shower?"
I don't know how long this pandemic season will last. Maybe we need to start practicing Christmas Carols. I do know from what I see in our beloved northwest corner of Arkansas, the answer lies within every individual's heart and mind. We must be the people who are the United States of America and "Turn, Turn, Turn."
Ken Parks is the former rector of St. Theodore's Episcopal Church in Bella Vista. He can be reached by email to [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.