Normalcy Bias
This past week, I came across a term that was new to me: normalcy bias. Normalcy bias is a mindset that causes people to deny or underestimate the likelihood of a crisis, falsely believing that life will continue as normal.
It can be quite costly when it’s exhibited in the form of a hurricane warning that is ignored, a physical symptom that is disregarded, or a relational crisis that is denied.
But it can also be evidenced by a mindset that, even without some sort of threat, life will go on “as is” indefinitely. Such thinking can result in presumption, self-assurance, and pride, which is insulting to the Lord.
However, beyond this spiritual implication, there’s a practical implication. Normalcy bias can result in careless living and lost opportunity.
Like a Mist
The Apostle James addresses this head-on in his New Testament epistle:
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)
This text is not against preparation or planning, but rather against arrogant self-sufficiency that ignores God’s sovereignty. Such thinking foolishly assumes that we are in charge of our lives. That we are in control of the future.
In light of my cancer diagnosis, James’ words have taken on far deeper meaning. Though I am doing well now (more on that later), I have come to recognize the fragility of life – that it is, in fact, like a mist that is only here for a while and then vanishes.
I can no longer say, in effect, “Well, next year I will be going here or doing this.” As a result, long-range planning is tempered.
To be sure, there’s a downside to this. We don’t know what the future holds. But there’s an upside to this. We need to make the most of the present.
You may not have received a hard diagnosis as I have. Yet there is not one of us who is promised another day, much less many years. (How many do you know who died of a sudden heart attack or in a fatal car accident?)
So, allow James’ words to confront your normalcy bias. Make the most of the days you have left. For you never know when the last one will come.
An Update
As for me, here’s an update. My oncologist recently met with his “tumor board,” consisting of other cancer specialists and radiologists. In reviewing my most recent scan, they are leaning towards the possibility that what had appeared to be growth of the tumors was in fact “pseudo progression.” That the increased size of the tumors was a function of inflammation from the immunotherapy working!
He added another immunotherapy drug to my regimen and will rescan in three months to see if the progression seen in the last scan really is cancer growth or whether my body was faking us all out. We took this as good news, and we are guardedly optimistic. (However, in reflecting on James’ words, we are not foolishly presuming but humbly trusting.)
While the added immunotherapy drug brings potential side effects we need to watch for, so far, I am feeling really well.
Gwen and I taking in the Navarre Beach Mardi Gras parade with my brother, Joel, his wife, Judy, my sister Amy, and her husband Dick.
Recently, Gwen and I were able to spend a couple of weeks in the panhandle of Florida. I was able to get outside for walks and enjoy time with my siblings and their spouses.
I’m also feeling strong enough to continue with my coaching ministry. I’ve contacted my pastor-clients and am already hearing from them about continuing our time together.
For all that and more, we are so grateful!
One more thing. We are so humbled that the Lord is using my interview with Clinton Faupel to touch so many. There have been nearly 1000 views on YouTube, not to mention those who listened to it on our podcast. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it HERE.
Friends, we are so appreciative of your ongoing support and prayers.
To God be the glory!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Here’s how you can pray for us in the coming days:
PRAY that there would be no complications from the additional immunotherapy treatment.
Dave will be preaching on February 22 and March 1. PRAY for physical stamina and for spiritual anointing as he brings the Word.
The new treatment protocol is on a 3-week cycle. Next treatment day will be March 10. PRAY that the immunotherapy is effective and that God will bring complete healing.