Rudely Interrupted
When I first conceived of Docsology, I set out to demonstrate how the intricate workings of the human body reveal the character of our creator, the God of the Bible. I expounded on the complexity of DNA and how that shows the brilliance of God. I explored how the fine tuning of the hemoglobin molecule exposes the absurdity of our self-righteousness. I considered how the precarious equilibrium of our bodies demonstrates God’s love for us. I examined how special senses like vision and ordinary impulses like hunger can unveil the beauty and desirability of God.
So far none of that work has been published on this site. Why not? Something important and urgent in medicine interrupted me. The COVID pandemic hijacked my project. As a result of all the questions I am constantly fielding and the misconceptions and confusion I sense all around me, I have felt compelled to help out as much as possible with my knowledge as a physician and scientist.
Positive Trends
I believe we are nearing the end of the pandemic. Please forgive me if this proves wrong, but I think the data and the developments are very encouraging. (And for full disclosure, I am an optimist.)
As I predicted in my Christmas postings, we had a major surge in cases around the holidays. I also anticipated a subsequent, steady improvement. I am pleased to say this has indeed occurred.
In my state of Tennessee, one week before Christmas we were averaging 9193 new cases per day. Since that time, cases have plummeted. As of February 27, 2021 we were averaging 1380 new cases of COVID-19 per day. Nationwide on January 1, 2021 there were an estimated 2.9 million people infected with the virus. By February 1 that number had dropped to 2.1 million. There is still a lot of room for improvement, and there will undoubtedly be some setbacks going forward, but the trends are favorable.
Under the Microscope
I still need to write more about COVID-19 – not only about the science, but about the implications for us as a culture and as individuals. The pandemic will abate. Eventually the virus will vanish or become merely background noise, brought to our attention by an occasional case or a yearly immunization. But the societal, spiritual, and personal implications will live on, lingering as a bitter scar, or perhaps as a deeper wisdom or more godly character.
Which will it be? As someone has insightfully noted, “Whether you have been exposed to COVID or not, it has exposed you.” What in your life or character has this tiny microbe magnified and brought to light?
With any upheaval comes great challenge, but also commensurate opportunity. Last year I wondered how we would respond to the opportunity afforded by this global calamity. I challenged you not to waste the pandemic just trying to survive.
Now, with the worse hopefully behind us, I can ask: what have we learned about ourselves, our fellow creatures, or God? How have we used the chances afforded by this worldwide spasm? More importantly, going forward into the latter days of the pandemic, will we recognize and access the open doors that that God is no doubt putting before us?
Where Do We Go From Here?
I want to keep speaking to the facts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I plan to write at length about the tremendous vaccines and how they work. I may have an update on the epidemiologic trends. But first I will repost some of my earlier writings. I hope that reading them will be a chance to check our progress as pilgrims in this journey.
This is not the time for self-satisfaction or congratulation. We need to see this through. Now is a time for self-reflection. Then, very soon it will be time for action. I will try to sum up at the end of this series some practical steps we can take.
I hope there will not be any urgent interruptions. I hope this pandemic ends with a whimper, not a bang. But I want the impact on our lives through God’s work to be explosive.
Dr. Bill Maynard