The term was banded about a lot during the pandemic. It refers to clothing one puts on to protect oneself from hazards in the workplace. I heard it used most in conjunction with healthcare workers who were trying to help those afflicted with covid while protecting their own health and that of their families. It was such a scary time; their courage was incredible.
I came across the term today in reading Forgive Everyone Everything by Gregory Boyle. In one of the stories, he mentions how his homies said they would be his PPE – “We are your mask” – which meant in effect that he was surrounded, enveloped and protected by their love.
The pandemic may now be over, but the need for that kind of love is not. This weekend, the PGA Tour was rocked by the death of one of its own, Grayson Murray, who died by his own hand. He had pulled out of the Charles Schwab Challenge early on in the tournament and was obviously struggling with a greater challenge within himself. The eventual winner of that tournament used his opportunity to speak after his victory to extend a challenge of his own to everyone listening to him, that being to simply speak words of kindness… first to those who love and support you, but to take it a step further and do the same to someone you don’t know.
Covid is no longer the threat it once was, but an enemy just as invisible is still on the attack everyday in different ways. Funny, the chapter in the book I was reading happened to be titled “We Protect Each Other.” Let’s be sure to do that. Be someone’s PPE.
“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need – words that will help others become stronger…Be kind and loving to each other…” (Ephesians 4:27,32 NCV)
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