Everything’s Different, Yet Nothing’s Changed
Everything’s Different, Yet Nothing’s Changed: Reflecting on Three Moments in Time
Introduction
Change is a constant in our lives, but sometimes, it feels as though everything has shifted while somehow remaining the same. Life has a unique way of taking us on a journey through time, allowing us to forget some details that only come back to us randomly. In this blog post, we’ll explore three distinct time frames in my life that, due to unexpected triggers, have recently left me pondering the nature of change. From childhood memories of the Cold War to post-9/11 mourning and the current state of the world, these experiences have shaped my view of life.
1. Childhood Memories: Living in the Shadow of Missile Sites
As a child, I grew up in an era where the threat of nuclear war was looming. Because I lived a little over 100 miles from multiple missile sites, my young mind was curious about what it would be like if Russia actually “pushed the button.” Recently, I visited a museum where a former Minute Man Missle site was located and was surprised at the emotion as I viewed the displays. Memories of practicing “duck and cover” drills at school, hiding under our desks as a defense against potential bombings, brought tears to my eyes as I marveled at what adults must have experienced as we youngsters casually discussed the eventuality of being annihilated.
I’m sure the world felt like a dangerous place back then, and I’m confident the fear of the unknown was ever-present to those who understood what could happen. Yet, as I visited the missile site museum, I realized that although the world has evolved, the specter of fear still lingers. The Cold War may be over, but we still grapple with global insecurities and geopolitical tensions.
2. Post-9/11 Reflections: Mourning and the Sense of Impending Evil
A day visiting the museum, I was reminded of another significant turning point in recent history – the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11 as I walked the same streets I visited all those years ago. I vividly remember the collective mourning that swept across the nation as we watched the devastation and loss of innocent lives unfold. There was a profound shift in our perception of safety and security, especially for those living in middle America, where we had come to feel sheltered from the evil in this world.
In the wake of 9/11, we grappled with the harsh reality that evil could strike closer to home than we in the Midwest have imagined since the days of the Cold War and missile sites. The world felt different, yet I’m sure the core human emotions of grief, fear, and solidarity remained the same. The resilience of the human spirit became evident as we banded together to face the challenges of a new era.
3. Present-Day Reflections: The Changing Face of Evil
Today, as I reflect on the state of the world, I am confronted with a different kind of transformation. It’s not about external threats but rather a shift in our values and beliefs. The world has changed in terms of how people perceive and interpret morality. What was once unquestionably moral may now be met with skepticism or disdain.
It’s disheartening to witness the acceptance of ideas that deviate from traditional values, often justified as expressions of love and tolerance. The concept of morality, guided by biblical principles for many, is undergoing a reevaluation, and this change feels profound. In this moment, everything appears different, but the fundamental question of what is right and wrong remains.
Conclusion
As I contemplate these three distinct time frames, I’m struck by the complicated nature of change. The world has evolved, technology has advanced, and our perspectives have shifted, yet the core elements of fear, grief, and morality endure. We, as a people, want to do the right thing. We will even put ourselves at risk to do so. But since the evil in the world has intruded into our very backyards in the name of tolerance and freedom to choose, we no longer see it as evil sometimes but simply the way life is. The human experience is a continuum, marked by ebbs and flows, and though everything may seem different, the essence of our shared humanity remains unchanged.
We all remain children of God, whether we acknowledge it or not. And we who believe in Jesus are called to speak truth in love. We do so in our churches, communities, and workplaces. And when we equip ourselves properly, we do so boldly and unapologetically when prompted by the Holy Spirit.
In navigating life’s ever-changing landscape, it’s essential to acknowledge our past, learn from it, and hold onto the timeless values that define our character. In recognizing the constant knowledge that God is in control, we can embrace the peace He wants for us by following His will. We can also find solace and guidance in a world that appears to be in constant flux, knowing that we are connected to the one thing that never changes.