Regarding fascism, communism, and liberalism (small “l”), author Yuval Noah Harari, in 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, said this. “In 1918 humans were offered three global stories to choose from, in 1968 just two, and in 1998 a single story seemed to prevail. In 2018 (when the book came out), we are down to zero. We lack an alternative prism through which to interpret reality.”

And that’s how I feel. The Story of the United States is about to change dramatically. I don’t want to belabor the past. What’s done is done. It’s just that we don’t know what to expect. (Even the MAGA folks seem to be scratching their heads.) Where do we go from here? 

In short, maybe it’s not a story of change. Maybe we’re on the cusp of a whole new story.

In a sense, I can’t fathom it. In all my, ahem, many decades of life, I’ve processed being an American Christian a certain way. The norms held. The prism was trustworthy. But now, all bets are off. Will mass deportations really start January 21 in Aurora, Colorado, a few miles from my house? I know the schools are preparing, but it’s hard to imagine this unfolding on TV in a few days. How do we process a whole new unprecedented story?

I’m not one of those who needs everything to stay the same. I actually like change. And I’ve been preparing. Reading, conferencing, getting clarity on what God wants of me in all this. I can stand firm, align with others, rededicate myself to protection of the vulnerable, confront the toxic, find joy in the here and now, be extremely discerning, and trust God’s long game.

I’m guessing you’re preparing too. After all, we’re all part of the new story. To whom much is given, much will be required. Luke 12:48b