Nearing the end of another week in La La Land. It seems time is flying by so quickly since this whole pandemic reared its ugly head. I’m beginning to realize what it’s like to be a prisoner. The stories of those incarcerated for no apparent reason comes to mind. I, for one, have receded into world of old movies on TV.

In 1965, Gregory Peck appeared in one called, “Mirage.” I love Gregory Peck and don’t believe I’ve ever seen this particular flick. It’s the story of a man who has been duped into believing that two years of his life have disappeared. There are the good guys who find his story unbelievable, but will help him for a buck. There are the villains who continue to perpetuate the lie. There is Gregory, with his furrowed brow and rugged good looks, who is being played like a pawn in a chess game.

Gregory’s character was both the hero and victim. He wasn’t in jail, but his mind had been captured by the greed of the dishonorable folks who were trying to retrieve a formula which would make them rich. In the end, good conquers evil and there is a happy ending. It could’ve been like a Shakespeare play and everyone dies in the end, but in the sixties, movies rarely ended in tragedy.

In my effort to escape, it made me realize that we’re all in a sort of prison right now. We can believe the conspiracy theorists and think this disease is politically motivated. We can feel like sheep being led to the slaughter. We can wallow in our depression or even become suicidal. The world continues to revolve and life goes on. All the fears and concerns that used to bother us have been magnified. Feelings of paranoia can occur. If we feed into all the outside noise, it can turn us into zombies.

My suggestion for how to deal with this will seem pointless to some. I’ve turned to old movies for escape which is only a temporary fix. Besides who wants to hear advice from an old woman? There really is no pat answer. Everyone will find their own refuge. One thing is certain. Life goes on. Even though our problems don’t disappear, but seem to grow larger, we have hope.

^” Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33