Questioning the New Normal?

“If all that we see are the scattered pieces of ‘what was,’ the story of ‘what is yet to be’ will never be told. If, however, we are able to envision the pieces as what they are now freed to be, the story of ‘what is yet to be’ will stand among the greatest ever told.”

-- Craig D. Lounsbrough, counselor, author, theologian

Why does the term "new normal" make your skin crawl? If it doesn't, why?

It really doesn’t. Over 20 years in the military, it seemed every other week was a “new normal” from the week before. Change is the only constant in the universe. It is what it is until it isn’t, and then it is what it is again.

What would you say is good in the tough times we are all facing now?

Waking up! Any day you wake up on this side of the dirt is a good day.

Life is full of tests, things we must experience, and learn from. Some of us will fail, either through lack of a good attitude, an unwillingness to try, or just being selfish. Every day when you wake, thank God for the gift of another glorious day in paradise and another chance to excel in this life. Be happy for the gift, because the alternative simply sucks.

How much of a factor is luck in any type of success?

Luck is a factor. How much of a factor is up to the individual. We make our own luck, for the most part. We put ourselves in the right place at the right time, we make good choices and decisions, we study and plan. Card games have a modicum of luck involved, but you also need to know the rules, the odds, and be willing to gamble on your talent.

"Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), essayist, philosopher. poet

What could happen to make the final months of 2020 better than the rest of it?

Outlaw anarchist hate groups who incite and participate in violence and riots.

Why do things always go wrong where I live?

It would help to know where you live. Culture and politics play a major role in the imposed misery we wallow in, and if we let it happen it can be called self-imposed misery. Rejecting outside influence might mean changing a bad culture or electing better officials.

Why aren't boring people ever bored (and vice versa)?

Maybe boring people don’t consider themselves boring. Bored people, on the other hand, are usually looking for something to do so they aren’t bored or misconstrued to be boring.

How do you not feel very hurt when people (all ages, not just teens and those in their 20’s) assume you are older than you are? Example “You’re 43, I thought you were 50, sorry.”

It is what it is. I am almost 67 years old. I don’t hide my age. What would be the point? I dress well, try to keep myself well-groomed, and treat people like I’d want to be treated. I expect you to accept me as I am. A lot of people think I'm a bit younger.  I don't see it.  Do I look my age? Probably, and I earned every wrinkle, scar, laugh line, and even those crows feet by my eyes. I’m going bald and carry a bit of weight. Women love me for who I am, inside. There comes a point when you truly accept yourself. Whether others do, or not, is of little importance.

“Why are people afraid of getting older? You feel wiser. You feel more mature. You feel like you know yourself better. You would trade that for softer skin? Not me!”

-- Anna Kournikova, professional tennis player 

What does it mean to watch out for someone?

It could mean three things. One, someone is looking for you and it isn’t going to end well. Two, you need to avoid a certain hothead who likes to fight (refer back to the first thing as, also, probably not ending well). Or, three, someone needs looking after because they’re either too young, too old, or not very experienced. It has been my misfortune in the military to constantly stumble into those guys looking for me, and the hotheads. I learned to make better choices. 

How can a person achieve this level of understanding?

The first thing we would need to understand is just what “level of understanding” a person is trying to achieve? 

Are you an erudite, large-brained polymath, or do you have a friend who meets up to that description?

My aunt was probably both. She had three degrees in which I believe a doctorate in two. She was the first in several areas as a woman. She broke glass ceilings, was world-renowned, developed a multi-million dollar company from her small medical office in just a few years, and left many millions to a land conservancy upon her death.

Do you want to be famous or do you want to change lives?

Change lives! I have no ego to stroke.

“A star is not honored for its size, but for its light.”

-- Matshona Dhliwayo, philosopher, entrepreneur, author

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as a chaplain at the regional medical center.