Social Justice: Exceeding Restrictions

A lot of us want to make a difference in the world. We seek to impact the larger world, beyond our little circle of influence–and we don’t always know how.

For those of you who are able and have a heart for social justice, I have an invitation for you. Will you join me in exceeding the provincial restrictions set in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19?

pic of masks with heart. Text: Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. Mother Teresa on article about exceeding expectations

The restrictions placed on us for COVID-19 are brutal for everyone–but BIPOC folk–Black, Indigenous, and People of Color–are disproportionately struggling.

Manitoba is fighting to avoid the threat of an explosion of cases in a third wave. Those of us who are able to work from home, and stay away from malls and places of worship can do so as an act of social justice.

Staying home IS an act of social justice

Those of us can exceed restrictions can do so as allies to those who show up to work at front line jobs. There are many who struggle with mental illness and need to get out. They need the restrictions to stay the same–and we can help them by staying home.

It is an act of social justice to be vaccinated–we protect others in the community when we are protected. By protecting ourselves, we protect others.

To live charitably means not looking out for our own interests but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us Quote by Pope Francis

Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer in Manitoba has asked those of us who are able to exceed the current restrictions.

Exceeding restrictions is an act of compassion to those who can’t.

Exceeding restrictions is an important act of support to the nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists who work in the ICU’s and dread the climb of COVID patients on their units.

When we do more than what is asked, we participate in the bold act of protecting those who are at risk.

What I am asking you to do is not for the faint of heart. It isn’t easy–we are all eager to be out. But the hard work of exceeding regulations is participating in the work of social justice. It will make this world safer for everyone.

Some–BIPOC, economically-disadvantaged, disabled, those with preexisting health conditions–are disproportionately at risk.

And some of us–healthy, those of us that can work from home, have the ability to stay at home–we can disproportionately adhere to tougher restrictions to help.