Mondo bizarro and normal

If it could be packaged or marketed it would be a best seller, the new normal. Mondo bizarro 2020 pretty much scuttled our concepts of standard or usual in lifestyles. What we know about calendars, schedules, timetables, schemes, or intentions have been obscured by mazes of doubt, question marks, and uncertainty. The pandemic threw us all off---working from home, home school systems, church cancellations, mask systems, and every measure of medical uncertainty. Election 2020 sowed seeds of doubt, system malfunction, and evil into our every four year constitutional right of government. With our own personal stuff, it was mondo bizarro. Regular life was lost in the weirdness.

Now we're fast-forwarding to 2021 in the hope we'll meet the new normal there. Surely by January 1 of the New Year we'll have recovered some of the stables of what is normal.

Then again, maybe not. The turning of the calendar these days isn't a secret entrance to a new world or magical escape from an old one. With just thirty days in the final stretch of 2020 we should, however, seek to finalize what works to keep us on point regardless of the cultural heartbeat. What is normal, whether new or old, isn't the deal for those of us with a Christian worldview anyway. My norm isn't what makes society tick. Normal for those of us sharing a Christian worldview is the new life we live by faith.

Lifestyle and personal norms are a consistent biblical theme. On the front page is the truth that our lives are not to be a reflection of what is popular in culture. And, that, of course, is a regrettable reality about our concept of new norms. They are what the majority says they are, all too often. But, adoption of a world standard isn't a new norm for me. I mean, think about these Scriptures---

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12: 2, ESV

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1: 10, ESV

Just the same, a genuine new norm is the product of what we have learned during a mondo bizarro experience and the life God has planned for our future. Note the new norm the Apostle Paul experienced after assessing his times of plenty and need---

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4: 12-13, ESV

He had experienced the mondo bizarro of need and the joys of abundance. His new norm was the heavenly strength to face all things. Wow!!! New norm indeed.

The truth is that new norm is a personal decision. Chances are the mysteries of Covid-19 will still place question marks around our life planning 2021. Schedules and agendas will remain a matter of daily planning and adjustment. New elements of mondo bizarro may introduce even more uncertainty about the new normal. In anticipation, I may need to preclude these remaining thirty days with the question and declaration of Joshua, prepping Israel to enter the promised land---

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24: 15, ESV

New normal? No big deal. Its the same, mondo bizarro or not. And, I must choose---same 'ol, same 'ol, or something new. I'm hearing the words God gave to the Prophet Isaiah---"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"

(Isaiah 43: 19, ESV). That's the new normal.

Mondo bizarro is overwhelmed by the new thing. The genuine new normal.

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Mondo bizarro & relational me

Few of us live in a closet. Mondo bizarro isn't an isolated vacuum even in pandemic times. Weirdness usually deposits levels of stress on us regardless of our mental and emotional capacities. The most case-hardened among us experience withdrawal and distraction when our life circumstances are complicated by consistent oddness. This is where relational me must intersect the tensions that may exist with others as a result of interpersonal stresses. Here we are on December 1, 2020, with 31 days to evaluate and repair relationships that have been broken or strained by mondo bizarro. Entering 2021 with relational integrity will give us clarity about our influence and the people who are such vital parts of our journey. Beyond the up close and personal dynamics discussed yesterday, relational me should stretch beyond self to the people around us. We cannot allow mondo bizarro to rule our relationships.

This Christian worldview makes much of our relational lives. How we relate to others is a vivid and profound distinction of Christian faith. The New Testament clearly addresses the personal interaction between believers. More than fifty "one another" passages provide guidance in our interpersonal interaction with other Christians. For many years I have referenced the infographic from The Beginners Guide to the Bible by Jeffrey Kranz as a tutorial in relationships in the Christian community. If you would like to review this informative Scripture review, click here. Anything clock?

Then, there are the "everyone" truths of Scripture, our relational dynamics with people beyond the family of faith. These verses are an extension of our faith as witness and testimony to the people we encounter who are not necessarily reciprocal in following biblical instruction. There are many. Several can inform us about how relational me can respond to those not sharing our faith commitments---

Honor everyone. 1 Peter 2: 17, ESV

Strive for peace with everyone.

Hebrews 12: 14, ESV

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone...

2 Timothy 2: 24, ESV

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. Philippians 4: 5, ESV

So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone...

Galatians 6: 10, ESV

The point is, whether we are interacting with fellow believers or not, we should express genuine care and concern for all people. Relational me should seek peace, tranquility, and reasonableness in our interaction with other humans. As year ends, each of us should evaluate our relationships with others and seek to relieve any tension that may place us at odds. An odd world should not define our relationships. So, relational me, should use these next thirty-one days to seek relief of these pressures. Here's how---

1. Take the lead to initiate remedy of damaged relationships.

Who doesn't understand the value of human relationships? Practical James admonished his readers "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4: 17, ESV). Regardless of cause, we know the joy and peace of restoration when relationships are broken. Failing to do what is right in this regard may be the real sin. So, take the lead and reach out to those with whom we are experiencing tension.

2. Overlook minor offenses that may have separated you from others.

Many offenses that separate us from others are actually misunderstandings, words or actions that occur as a result of pressurized situations or harsh circumstances. Solomon wrote, "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19: 11, ESV). Don't permit some minor interaction to carry over to 2021. As they say, let it go.

3. Be forgiving of others who have injured your relationship.

We love legalistic games when forgiveness is the topic. In my opinion we should be forgiving of others even when they have not acknowledged their infraction or asked for our forgiveness. Hebrews 8: 12 affirms God's promise through the Prophet Jeremiah, "For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more".

It's an extension of mercy that moves us forward in resolving personal tensions.

So, yes, 2020 has been mondo bizarro. We must clear the air with others in the next thirty-one days so these things don't so burden 2021. And, relational me can handle it.

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Mondo Bizzarro up close & personal.

Back in the day a group of high school peeps went to the Belmont Drive-in Theater in Greenville, SC, to view a '60's faux mockumentary film titled Mondo Bizarro. None of us knew that the movie title translates "weird world" in Italiano. Who can remember anything at all about the flick. But, the other day the words "mondo bizzarro" popped up on a email and it rang my bell about living in this weird world. And, truly, 2020 has been such a global oddity. You know, 365 days with, according to the pundits, Mr. Mayhem as our mascot. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted every corner of American life. Add the continuing drama of election 2020 and the result is a truly unique life experience.

And, what do you know? It has been more challenging than most of us realize. The other day I Googled "bizarre 2020" and found unusual events and circumstances that I never read in any media source. Take a gander---

1. Invasion of the murder hornets.

2. Pentagon videos of UFO's.

3. National obsession with the Tiger King.

4. Discovery of a new planet by a high school student.

5. Disappearance of a well-watched giant star.

6. The broom challenge hoax that went viral.

7. A puppy born with green fur.

8. Court ruling that Subway bread isn't actually bread.

9. Scream therapy in Ireland while traveling there.

10. Americans received unsolicited packages from China.

And, several others of international focus. If you'd like to consult the Reader's Digest newsletter source for these unknown mysteries, click here. Mondo bizzarro indeed.

Living in the shadow of question marks raises a few about about navigating such an unpredictable and uncertain journey. They are actually my first order of business in making the next 32 days click. It's true, these next 32 days are the final stretch in 2020. There are things undone, relationships that need repair, contacts I should make, and matters of faith I should consider before 2021 flashes up on my calendar. Up front, however, are the more personal considerations about living in bizarre world. Reflect with me---

1. Do unplanned events and circumstances throw me off of my game?

2. How do circumstances change my goals, wishes, and life purposes?

3. Are there constants in my life that keep me on target?

4. Am I flexible or just aimless?

5. What has 2020 taught me about the meaning of life?

Of course in my Christian worldview Scripture gives guidance and direction about the ins and outs of life under the sun. As you contemplate the above questions, give thought to these profound truths---

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14, ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4: 13, ESV

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

1 Corinthians 16: 13, ESV

So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

1 Thessalonians 5: 6, ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4: 6, ESV

Mondo bizzarro is also learning time. So, what have we learned about life, being prepared, the rule of circumstances over us, the relationships in our circle of influence, the unfinished items of the year, and the role of faith in our daily lives? In short, what has mondo bizzarro taught us?

You know, mondo bizzarro up close and personal.

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