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New normal (New name)

New normal (New name)

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Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend, and we were talking about our “new normal.” People tend to use that term whenever things in their lives are no longer the same. When things change so much that it no longer resembles what it used to be. But what is “normal” about that? And life changes are definitely not new.

For some reason, I never liked that term. And I like it even less now. I’m not sure I ever knew what “normal” was supposed to look like…but what we are experiencing now is definitely not it. 

We talked about our virtual lives, and how we have begun to use the internet to do everything from selling merchandise to attending conferences. We even talked about the number of people who are being reached for God that may never have set foot inside of a church building. But even with all of the positive things happening, there is still something missing. The one thing this “new normal” can never replace is the human touch. There is nothing normal about not being able to shake someone’s hand, sit in a movie or console a friend without fear. There is nothing normal about not being able to go out in public without a mask, visit someone in the hospital, or even God forbid…attend a funeral. And there is nothing normal about having to wash your hands with sanitizer every five minutes, or even hug a friend.

I know this situation will not last forever. And I thank God for that. One day we’ll look back on this time and marvel at our ability to cope under these extraordinary circumstances. We will even reminisce about how some of us actually thrived during this time. I’m looking forward to that day. In the meantime, even though I know I can’t change the things that have happened because of this pandemic, I can change what I call it…

I think I’ll just call it “different.” 

Until next time…

Be blessed

It’s a new beginning

It’s a new beginning

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Back in January, we were looking forward to an awesome new year. To maybe accomplish some things we didn’t get to do in 2019. Well…

Time has been flying by, which is crazy since the whole Coronavirus thing has literally slowed the whole world down. And I don’t know about you, but the days are beginning to run into one another, and Monday is beginning to look like Saturday. But even in that, we have to look for the blessings in all of this. We can whine and complain, but that just makes us and everyone around us miserable. Who wants that? 

We have definitely had time to re-think, re-evaluate, and re-position some things. It has been the greatest do-over ever! Whatever it is that you didn’t have time to do before–you have plenty of time to do it now. The Bible says in Genesis 50:20 that what the enemy meant for evil, God will work it out for our good. 

We are in the eighth month of the year. Biblically, the number eight means “New Beginnings.” If anybody is in need of a new beginning it’s us, right? This is our time to start fresh…to learn to make the best of things. Change is not necessarily a bad thing. It can take us out of our comfort zone, open new doors of opportunity, and help us grow into the people God has called us to be. Be willing to change course. Be willing to pivot. Be willing to do it differently.

This is a new beginning. How will you respond?

Until next time…

Be blessed

Changing World

Changing World

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One of the things I am noticing during this time of being shut in is that we are some fickle folks. For various reasons, people are not overjoyed at the thought of being shut in alone or even with family members. And I am not talking about those who may be in physical or mental harm. I am speaking of the ones who have prayed to have time off from work, or who wanted to have more time to do…well, nothing. For those folks I say…find a way to make the best of it. Because it will be over before you know it, and you will be wishing that you had spent more time enjoying it. 

For many, this has been a very productive time. Some are taking this time to work on new projects, organize closets, learn new skills, start new businesses or even spend uninterrupted time alone with God. Sadly, all of us are not having that same experience. So, we have work to do. That means we have to be more creative when reaching out to others. 

I have seen some really creative ideas for keeping in touch. Some of my friends and family members have started getting together online to throw birthday parties or game nights. I recently saw online that a group of people got together to drive by their pastor’s house to wave and blow their car horns to let him know how much they missed him. I saw a mother who got together with other family members to wish her daughter a happy birthday. And I even saw a group of police officers drive by with sirens blaring to give a little girl gifts for her birthday. I have seen pastors preaching from the back of trucks and people all over the world singing in worship to the Lord. How awesome is that! It is refreshing to see folks really stepping up for one another. From going to the grocery store for a neighbor to making phone calls to check in on folks. Our world will never be the same, and I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing. 

Until next time…

Be blessed