The Relativity of "Sheltering in Place"

This unprecedented time in our country reveals the stark contrast in urban and rural areas. Most times the rural area comes out on the short end of the stick - too far from places and services, poor communication options, harsh living conditions and a myriad of other reasons. Yet the minuscule population in Southwestern Osage County appears to have provided a distinct advantage for the Benders. (We are accustomed to stockpiling but not hoarding.)

“SHELTERING IN PLACE” IS RELATIVE

          On average, 6,730 people reside on ¼ of a square mile in New York City. In our locale, that would be the 2017 population of the city of Pawnee, Oklahoma, (2,136 people) three times over (6,408 people) PLUS the 322 residents of the 2017 count for Ralston, Oklahoma, equaling 6,730 people.

The above square represents a square mile.
 The section shaded blue represents a quarter
of a square mile and is equivalent to 2.5-5
 city blocks in New York City, the city hit hardest
by COVID-19 this year. On average, 6,730 people
 live in that amount of space in New York City.

On average, 87 people reside on ¼ of a square mile in the United States.

Once again, this square equals a square mile or
640 acres. Throughout the United States, on
average, 87 people live on a quarter of a mile
represented by the blue shaded quarter of the
square. It equals 160 acres.

Mother’s Farm is ¼ of a square mile. Only 2 of us are keeping “safer at home” on these 160 acres!

I have told Mother probably not many 95-year-olds have such an expansive way to “shelter in place” or stay “safer at home!”

Don’t we rural Oklahomans have much to be thankful for!

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (Let's pray for healing for all those struggling with this horrible plague no matter where they live.)

For kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (May we obey the scripture and lift up all in authority whether government officials, healthcare professionals, law enforcement personnel, and emergency response workers. I mentioned only a few groups of people who work for our betterment. Their goal is for our world to be a place of peaceful, quiet living.)

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (May we remain eager to share that Jesus is the truth and the only way

to come to salvation since He alone is the Savior sent from God.)

I Timothy 2:1-4

O Lord, even though we may be so different from urban dwellers, may Your Spirit of healing touch the residents of the cities like New York City. Empower Your believers living in the metropolises with boldness to share who You are, what Your Word says, and the difference You can bring to lives. May our own thankfulness for health overflow in our everyday living so that Your greatness and lovingkindness is manifested to Your glory.