Vaccine or No Vaccine?

I finally made the decision re whether or not to be vaccinated. I don't believe my decision itself is important- but the journey that brought me to this point is. 

I have never been anti-vax, but have been extremely hesitant of the covid ones. I didn't feel peace about being vaccinated. At one point, I felt it would be an act of disobedience to God...I still can't tell you WHY, because I don't know, but at THAT time, the feeling was very real. Now that feeling is no longer active. Maybe there was a real threat to my health that I've avoided...I don't know.

Unless you have managed to avoid all the Covid-related propoganda that has been circulating since the pandemic began in 2020, you would be aware of the MANY voices fighting to be heard. Some are worth listening to, while others are filled with fear. People have been reacting out of fear. I have never seen so much agenda-driven fear mongering! ...and bullying. 

There has been a great deal of judgement and accusations, even people saying Christians will go to hell for being vaccinated. I'm unaware of anything in the bible to support this fear-filled accusation!

What I found, was even though I wasn't actively listening to most voices, I was tuning into enough to make me feel unsettled. I heard voices for and against, and both sides made good points. I felt unsettled. I ignored most articles/videos/voices people tried to feed me. I didn't agree with the spirit behind them...although I acknowledge there was love in the effort.

I'm a healthcare worker. What helped me is knowing there is currently NO vaccine mandate for my field of work. (Just a real threat of an impending mandate). Therefore, whatever decision I made has not been forced upon me to keep my job. 

One major reason for my hesitancy, is the bullying tactics from other healthcare workers, Christians, and people in general. Those public comments on social media basically condemning anybody for choosing not to be vaccinated, made me feel even less interested in considering it. I'm the kind of person who reacts stubbornly when TOLD what to do by a voice that holds NO authority... I won't be bullied or made to feel bad or guilty for having a mind of my own. 

So, after unfollowing many voices on social media (positive and negative), I began to feel my peace return. I realised that much of my unsettled-ness was not my own. It was what I was subconsciously picking up from others. It took disconnecting myself to realise that.

Much of the information offered was over a year old. I was once a research student. It reminded me that I only wanted recent information. No old news. So I chose to ignore any "facts" or opinions provided more than 6 months ago. Technology progresses quickly! Much of the current fear was based on old information. 

Once I felt settled & grounded, I carefully selected a few voices to listen to. 

A big factor for me is fertility, so I chose some trusted voices on that topic.

I also attended an information session hosted by my workplace. 

These sources simply presented the facts. What I really appreciated was the delivery of FACTS and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE UNKNOWN. 

To hear the pros and cons, and understand the facts presented without any emotional, religious, or fear-filled motives. No agendas, apart from informing others and offering recommendations. Did you hear that? Recommendations. To make an informed decision.

I also watched some unbiased videos explaining how the vaccines are made (including the history of reaching the current methods) and how they work. 

A few days later, my peace was returned. I know whichever decision I made will anger some people. That's ok. I go with my gut- I listen to my spirit and God's voice. People have good reasons for making their decisions, and I respect that. I would never tell anybody which decision is right for them. I believe in free will. I am grateful for the opportunity to take my time in coming to my decision.

What I've learned, is opinions and emotions can be damaging! 

Do your own research and don't allow anybody to pressure you into a decision.

In the end, you are accountable for your own choices, so make the right one for the right reasons.

You don't owe anybody an explanation. You owe yourself peace. 

I hope this encourages somebody.