Today's Twelve

What if Jesus showed up for his first trip to our world here in the U S of A.  As I understand it, when He showed up at the Sea of Galilee, he called to the two fisherman brothers. But what if he showed up at the mall? Or the bus stop? Or even church on Sunday?

Now I am not a Biblical scholar, nor am I the brightest bulb, but as I understand it, Jesus went to the fishermen, the tax collector, and varied fellas that weren't necessarily revered society folk. Not sure if they even went to church.

So if Jesus showed up in our time and space and says "Follow me". Who does he ask?

Is it the golf-shirted white folk toting their Bibles to the huge building on Sunday? Is it the starch-shirted black folk "thank you, lord-ing" their way through a long sermon?

• Is one somebody sitting curbside with a joint between their fingers?

• Is one somebody who'd just lambasted their son for underperformance?

• Is one gay?

• Is one Republican?

• Is one Democrat?

• Is one a teen?

• Is one a Muslim?

• Is one a convict?

• Is one a drinker?

• Is one an atheist?

• Is one obese?

• Is one homeless?

The Pharisees couldn't believe the folks who Jesus hung around with. The folks who Jesus poured himself into. The folks who Jesus loved.

And how would you or I consider those folks?

And what if he showed up and reached out to you or me?

"At once they left their nets and followed him."

Common Nobility

"Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" - Romans 9:21

Romans 9:21 had me doing some deep thinking about myself a while back. Curious if I was okay being formed for common use. Common things are used. I look at a common piece of pottery as a bit drab, unordained, perhaps chipped. I look at a noble piece as placed on a shelf, bejeweled, looked upon. A common piece is unnoticed. A noble piece is noticed. A common piece is of everyday use. A noble piece is for special occasions.

And I think I am okay with that. I hope I am. I believe it is a moment by moment decision to be satisfied with this view of commonality. I know sometimes I like to be looked at as noble. But I am okay with common. I think. I am okay with being used. I think. I am okay being chipped. I don't want to be, but I think I'm okay with that. I am okay being unnoticed. I think I am. I want to be.

I have the above verse from Romans on my computer monitor at work. And like most things on my computer monitor. They tend to be up there and I forget about them. But this "common" idea reemerged in a conversation with some friends the other day. I realized that when we look at words like common or noble, our definitions, or moreover our understanding comes from our own viewpoint.

But what is God's viewpoint. What are His understandings of common and noble? What do they each look like to Him? What is noble to God? What is common to God?

I believe God seeks the useful. The chipped. The marginalized. The hidden. Those who allow themselves to be placed on the Potter's wheel.

Blessed are the poor...those who mourn...the meek...those who thirst for righteousness...the merciful...the pure of heart...the peacemakers...those persecuted for righteousness...

I want to be commonly noble in the eyes of the Potter.

Declare Something Today!!!

In an age of fingertip technology and media blitz, we are assaulted with opinion and news. There is a lust for attention and information. We get input in a nano second ("Do you guys know how to post videos to facebook?"), and can safely voice an opinion with relative anonymity outside of a profile pic.

I am confident we've all seen a "Friend", or moreover ourselves, provide some sort of a drop-and-run pronouncement about a controversial issue, exploit someone else's failure or looks, or slander someone's character because their opinion or lifestyle is different than ours.

It is a rarity to find someone who is willing to hold the mirror up to themselves each day. Take a long hard look. Then honestly and publicly declare what they see.

I have such a friend and brother in Stephen Kee. Kee has written a book called Declare Something Today!!!. He wrote this book for himself, and through it has stripped himself and exposed himself to the general public. A rarity today. Kee's declarations are provocative, thought provoking, and agitating—to himself, and also his readers. But perhaps the deeper need, rather than Kee's self declarations, would be our own. Will we take the kid gloves off of our egos? Will we unbutton our blouse? Will we expose ourselves within our community?

I applaud Kee's transparency and zeal. I challenge my own.

I will look at myself honestly. Unpeel the onion as to the "why" within my decisions, actions and declarations. And ask God to encourage or reprimand me (though I honestly don't want the reprimand). For it is Him that I desire to serve with all I say and do. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14. DECLARE SOMETHING TODAY!!!

Go to Declare Something Today's Facebook page and make a self declaration today. Or for more on Stephen Kee and the Declarative Community visit Kee 2 Life.

Thanks Giving

I wanted to give a quick thank you to all who participated in the food drive for the Atlanta Mission. The minivan was full and set out around 10:45 to drop off the donations. Upon arrival, a group came out to assist in the unload and one commented "Is this all for us?". Wonderful that it was.

We had a chance to have one of the guys in the Personal Development Program share his story. A story of personal failure and the immeasurable Grace of God. One I can relate to. Not the extreme of this fella's, but failure and Grace none the less.

A big thanks to all who were a part. You made a difference, and helped feed thousands.

"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"  - James 2:15-16

To learn more about the Atlanta Mission, visit http://www.atlantamission.org/

Self Service

The compassion toward a greater domestic and world need seems to be more apparent than ever.  Perhaps because there is a greater need than ever. There's definitely a 60's quality to it. Occupy protests and ideologically-driven recommendations are debated. Lots of organizations focused on the poor, the aids-ridden, world debt. Continents and third world nations are focused upon to bring micro economies, clean water, and lifting general living conditions.

We hear of great organizations like

Tom's Shoes

who makes shoes and gives a pair to a child in need for every pair bought.

Shaun's Shades

and their buy their sunglasses and glasses are given to help the visually impaired.

Matchstic,

an Atlanta-based branding firm has their

On the House

program offering their branding and design talents to qualified organizations and non profits. And a friend of mine has recently started

Mwana

providing blankets for African babies to sleep well through a cold night.

These are all great organizations that are applying gifts and incredible talents in wonderful ways to serve others.

I was in a brief conversation yesterday with a guy and we were touching base on how wonderful organizations like the above have taken entrepreneurial efforts for the benefit of others. And we were speaking about the talent of the entrepreneur. Their skill set, their vision, and drive. And how we may not all possess those talents to do something like that.

But we can. It can start with our neighbor. Its an attitude.

I believe we should all carry that spirit. Not that we must start some 501c3 organization to find clean water sources to qualify. But identify the needs within our community. Our neighborhoods. Our friends. Our areas of influence. The opportunity is there.

And we need to start with activity. Not an "I should really do something like that", but just freaking do it. Steal time. Reach out. Get creative.

I am such a group follower and can be swayed and influenced by the mob. If a group movement is taking place, I'm in. But I need to stretch beyond that. These are individual decisions to act upon. And some of them may be God-breathed. We must respond. And I am holding myself accountable to this with the words on this page.

I'm not talking "pay it forward". I am talking investment.

Proverbs 21:13

“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”

James 1:27

“Religion that God our father counts as pure and faultless is this, to look after widows and orphans in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

And then, let's not make a big deal about it. Facebook doesn't need to know of your good deeds.

Imagine a movement of individuals taking individual steps to reach the needy, and impact their situations. And nobody heard about it.

Mark 7:35-36

"At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone." 

Matthew 6:17-18

"

But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Who Do You Say?

A week or so ago, I watched a spoken word video (

Jesus > Religion

) about Jesus being greater than Religion. As a matter of fact, the artist boldly says he loves Jesus and hates religion. And that Jesus hated religion. Definitely an interesting perspective, and a lot of it I agree with (some, I am not smart enough to understand).

There is a lot of discussion around religion. The religion of "coexistence"—whether your religion impedes on mine. The religion of performance and reputation. The religion of ideologies. The religion of piety. The religion of values. The religion of love for the fellow man. The religion of intelligence. The religion of our educations. The religion of our jobs. The religion of our health. The religion of doubt. The religion of no religion.

And we all want our religion to be "right". To win the argument.

This morning on a walk I was listening to an audio version of the Book of Matthew. I didn't think I was going to like an audio Bible, but it actually was a unique experience. While I can't reread a verse, make notes, etc. it did sort of have a real time quality which allowed me to pace along with the author. In an odd way, physically walking brought some sort of feeling like I was there with guys like Andrew and Peter.

So I walked along through the birth, the beatitudes, the miracles, feeding tons of people with a little bit of food. And the stuff Jesus said and did was amazing. Very counter-culture. Very counter-pharisee. Very healing. He is attacked by the church throughout. And reached out to by the poor, the social outcasts, and the forgotten. And he loves them. And he heals them.

And his disciples are a part of this. Seeing all of this. This Jesus is amazing to them. He is healing people. And saying ground breaking things. And he tells them to go out and do all of the same things. Heal. Love. Serve. All very cool.

Then Jesus asks the disciples what other people say about him. Some say he is a prophet, a great teacher, John the Baptist, maybe even people said he was an example of how we should treat others. Or someone like Mother Theresa. Or somebody really nice. Or an exclusionist. Or a blasphemer. Or the devil himself.

He said to them,

“But who do you say that I am?”

Jesus heard their answers and seemed to be pleased with what they said.

Then he tells them he is going to die. Oddly, by the request of religious people in the church. And the hands of government officials.

Now I don't know that I hate religion. Hate is a strong word. There is so much confusion, piety, reputation-concern, vanity, pride, oppression within all aspects of religion. And in life, we judge each others' faith and actions.

But Jesus is fly in the religion soup. Who do you say that He is?

Note: Clearly there is atonement of relationship with God through Jesus' sacrificial death and the grace which follows is beyond our understanding. My intention is not to belittle the magnitude of this with a "soup" comment. Just using some creative freedom to make a point about Him being an agitation to society and religion in general. 

New Year's Evolution

Spent the holidays driving through much of the northern midwest with the family. The four of us in our Xterra. Boys in the back playing a portfolio of video games on hand held and rigged devises. My wife as navigator and status updater. We spent nights in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. With a few day trips to a handful of others. Pleasantly, we didn't encounter too much of the wintry stuff. Sure it was cold, but only short moments of the rip-through-your-skin and seek shelter winds. And just enough snowfall to allow for a day of skiing (I as an observer from the chalet bar) and a dreamlike New Year's Eve of snowball fights, snowmen and oddly enough, a snow recliner. A beautiful time with extended family mixed with intimate moments of the four of us. We racked up nearly 3,000 miles. A long haul.

We have always been the road warriors. My kids are one of a handful that believe you are actually close to something if you have an hour and a half car ride ahead of you. The trips have gotten better and better. The percentage of down time to complaining time has drastically decreased over the years. And I really enjoy it myself. I do the driving. My wife does the managing. The boys have grown tolerant and find joy in the journey themselves. One of the major highlights for me is the open road. Miles and miles. Hours and hours of time to: Weigh life and all of its nuances, challenge my attitude and activities, and do a heckofa lot of daydreaming.

The daydreaming. The thinking. The internal "what if" sessions are even more intensified on these long trips when they fall at year's end. Visions of resolutions mixed with "is this really what I want to be doing with my life" pepper in and out. I love this. I believe too many of us don't take this time to self examine for a long duration. Sure we have our moments in the dark, face up on the mattress, but hours and hours on end are unique.

So as for my thoughts going in to 2012 (Wow, 2012. Thought we'd be in flying cars by now.).

• Clearly I could lose a few pounds
• Need to achieve a better work/life balance
• Need to exercise more
• Yadda Yadda Yadda

What really stands out for me is my attitude. My person. Not that I am walking around pissy. I just want to be less meddlesome, less wrongly concerned, less worried, more considerate of others, more giving of my talents, more active, more serving, more adventurous, more bold, more available for whatever.

All those things for me (and I'd think most) are clearly unsustainable as a resolution. Or with a strategic plan. Or by pulling up my bootstraps. I believe I'd have to evolve into a being more like Jesus. I guess that's a tall order. Being like Jesus. Perhaps even one I might regret. After all, He had a rough go of it. Really rough.

But THIS road. This long road of evolution. Takes more than gas and a map. It requires the road of Calvary. And of dieing to myself daily. It requires a deeper understanding of Jesus himself. And I can't travel that road and don't have the fuel to do so alone.

I can't do it. I need Him to.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in me will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.* I can't go THIS evolution alone.

We can't evolve without other influences or agents which cause appropriate change. Be it a Darwinian-believed reach requirement evolving a giraffe's neck. Or me becoming less an ape.

I need Jesus to make me be like Jesus.

He's done the redeeming work. Allowing God to be able to see us clean, and as his own again. Now I need to let him evolve this ape out of me. And transform me into something better. More adapt at understanding, dealing with, and leading within this world. Moment by moment. Decision by decision. Action by action.


*Referring to Philippians 1:6

Relationship Status

I am off of work today. Sort of. And it has afforded me some free time. Of which I am taking advantage. So I lengthened my Friday morning coffee time to a few hours. I meet with a group of guys every Friday morning at the local Panera Bread. There's usually about eight of us. And I really enjoy it. Some days more than others. Today was a good day. The conversation actually got pretty heavy and exploratory. Which I love. Panera turned into a few conversations with some other fellas at Starbuck's (needless to say, I am pretty jacked up on caffeine right now, so please excuse any rambling or typos).

So now I've moved to a little table that I could plug my power cord in. It has me positioned next to a couple of ladies who seem to be in their late 40s or early 50s. As I sat down their conversation hushed as one of them finished their sentence saying something about getting out of debt.

It is amazing how we all have stuff that we all go through. Some things we feel we have to hush as they may seem embarrassing, like debt, or underachievement, or failed marriages, or joblessness, or confusion.

What is nice is that these two ladies have each other. This doesn't seem to be some sort of commiseration, or simply a "buck up" kind of conversation. These two appear to have quite a relationship. They're not resolving everything here and now. They are caring for each other and conversing.

Our status of relationships is so important. The quality. Relationships built on trust, transparency, respect, right position, servitude, joy (or more).

I believe God has created us to be in relationships. And that we need to be in ones that exhibit these qualities and more. Be it romantic, friendship, professional, parental, spousal. These qualities have to be there for them to be effective, accountable, beneficial, and fulfilling.

Now each relationship may have different degrees as to what is appropriate. Like I may not be quite as transparent about certain things with my son as I might my wife. But I will act in accordance with my position as Dad. And to truly have that relationship work, my son would act in accordance with his position as Son. But I will serve him. And he will serve me. If the relationship is right.

So to is it with the balance of them. Right relations. "It is not good for man to be alone."

Monkey Me

Jesse Rice, author of

The Church of Facebook

, recently stated in his blog, "I can never live up to the expectations of my imaginary audience." In a nutshell he discussed how our status updates, photo posts, etc. are posted with the hopes of making some type of impression on our "friends" to have them see us in a certain light. I myself have discussed this in a past postings (see

Social Medium

or

Unlike Cynicism

), nor am I dogging Facebook and its users, but this "imaginary audience" idea struck me.

I guess we are always in some sort of performance. A performance that plays out every day in what we wear, how good a job we do, or how many people like us. Facebook just provides us another stage. A stage that's easier to put a mask on and act out.

But why act.

Everyday I let my ego or insecurities get the better of me. I can cling to a "Do they like what I did?", "Do they think I was stupid?", "Do they think that other person is better?".

That darn audience of colleagues, neighbors, strangers, family, or "friends". Its always there. Beckoning for my performance. And there I am like a monkey with a little cap and tin cup. Hopping around. "Like me!", "Like me!". And I wanna make sure it—my performance...well, me—is acceptable.

Perhaps this is some sort of Freudian result of my upbringing. Perhaps not.

But why do we need the approval of an audience anyway? Is it the rush from their applause and approval? I believe that deep down it is a perspective, a choice, a vacancy. That I can try to overcome myself through positive-thinking, addiction, business, success, etc. Or I must ask God to fill daily—even more often. And a lot of days I muddle through without embracing that understanding. And He will let me sit with my tin cup and jump and jump. He will put people and occurrences in my life as if to say "Hey Monkey, remember me? It ain't about you and your little cup and hat." Thank goodness...

Happy Birthday, Susan

I once heard a story about a guy who was a pretty renowned speaker who used to travel around orating to large groups, speaking into many lives, making a great living. He was in high demand. He really loved what he did. Then one day, he found out that his wife had a pretty intense disease which had her bedridden and in need of his daily care and attention. He then gave up his career and stayed home tending to his wife. This speaker was once asked in an interview if he regrets giving up his career and having to stay home and care for his wife. He replied to the question, "HAVE to stay home?", "I GET to stay home!". He recognized that there is a wonderful commitment in marriage. For better for worse. In sickness and in health.

We recently saw the mockery of marriage from the Kardashian clan. Outside of the sanctity of marital union being treated so lightly, these folks and often so many others miss out on what the GET to do.

My wife is celebrating the beginning of what I believe (we never can remember) is her 47th year. For the past 14 of these, I have been honored to be her husband. And a few year's prior to our marriage, we became the best of friends. While this is a birthday and not an anniversary, I want to share a little about what I love about my wife and our marriage.

My wife is an amazing person who has always supported the underdog, and throughout our time together, she's been a tremendous supporter of me (a frequent underdog). She is beautiful and still carries the youthful charms from the day I met her and I am crazy about. She has maintained friendships since her youth and loves her parents (all three of them) dearly. She is devoted and can be counted on through good times and bad. She loves her children and desires the best for them and from them. She is imperfect. She puts up with me. And I love her.

And I love what we GET to do. We GET to walk through life together. We GET to struggle together. We GET to laugh together. We GET to cry together. We GET to serve each other. We GET to course correct each other. We GET to build each other up. We GET to love each other....even when it is hard.

Life is hard. Relationships are hard. But the robustness of life and marriage comes from what we GET to go through together. All of us.

I love you, Susan. I am honored you love me. Happy Birthday.

Reinventive Reality

Its been said that if you dress for success, you'll be successful. We react to things that happen in our personal or professional lives and try to change a status quo, change an appearance, change a perception, change something to what our idea of it ought to be.

Over my 40 plus years, I have reinvented myself (or at least tried to) on many occasions. I've dressed a part. Talked a part. Learned a part. Or pretended a part. I believe these reinventions are misdirected. The driver is not ourselves*. It's the girl. The neighbor. The boss. The client. And reinvention is not sustainable in and of itself. There needs to be transformation.

I am in my fourth year of being a non-smoker. There is a line in the movie

Dead Again

that states.

"Someone is either a smoker or a nonsmoker. There's no in-between. The trick is to find out which one you are, and be that."

Of course, mine was not as easy as finding out which one I was and simply being that.  I can recall so many times where I tried to reinvent myself as a non-smoker. After all, it wasn't good for my health, and the social acceptance had more than waned over the years. There were countless New Years, Birthdays, and Mondays which were to be my catalyst of change. But they weren't. I needed transformation.

You see, God made me (all of us), and wants a relationship with me. At its deepest level. And smoking was a stumbling block. A wall. An idol. I knew it. And I couldn't remove it on my own. I couldn't just

find which one I was and be that

. It took an act of God to transform me. And He did. When I stopped doing it on my own and allowed him to own it.

I've even tried to reinvent myself with God many times. And it has always been well intentioned. To be a better "christian", a better witness, a better husband, a better father, a better person. But I have found it unsustainable in and of itself without transformation. And He is in the business of transformation.

How many of us walk around wanting to be things that we (or others) think we need to be—to reinvent ourselves? I know I stupidly battle others' impressions of me and lose sight of God's perception. His eternal perception. He had something in mind when he made me. Why would I want to be anything different.

What do you wish to change. To reinvent? Can you just muster up the mojo and do it on your own?

*Surely we can learn new things to grow educationally or vocationally. Or take up things like kayaking, or running which are good for us physically, and perhaps spiritually, but this is not reinvention, or at least not as I am talking about it.

Decisions, Decisions

As a parent, we can only do so much to influence our children's decision making. We rear them as best we can. Communicate with them as best we can. Expose them to things. And so on. Ultimately they're on their own. And will have choices to make. For better or worse.

If one of my boys is having some decision-making time, there are a few ways they'd respond:

1. I am gonna ask Dad about that and follow through accordingly

2. I am gonna ask Dad about that, then make my own decision

3. I know what Dad would say and I'll do that

4. I know what Dad would say and I won't do as he'd want

And as they get older, I'd imagine its:

1. I believe that it is fine to do that

2. I know I shouldn't do that

In Matthew 8 we hear the story of the Centurion who describes himself as

"a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it."

My kids are under authority. Mine (or my wife's), their own, or that of their choosing. I don't have a lot of control over it. I pray. And I trust God. He made them after all. And His desires for them are far better than mine.

But who's authority do I choose to be under?

All too often an incorrect authority - my own, or one of my choosing (hope that's not the case with my kids).

There is a fine line of life under authority,

and 

"the way is narrow that leads to life"

. It takes,

discipline

,

effort

, and a

willingness

to live under authority - wherever that authority leads. If I choose to live under God's authority, I need to be in communion with Him. And sensitive to the pulse of the Spirit. I cannot do it on my own.

Who Occupies Your Street?

So there's all of these "Occupy Wall Street" protests going on now. And its amazing at all of the storylines. Fox News will tell you one thing MSNBC will tell another. And we each have our own takes based on what we believe and know.

I am one of those folks who may not know a lot, but I believe a lot*. I am not a financial or business guru. Never have been, never will be. Additionally, I am not blind. Clearly there is financial disparity in our country. In our world. And clearly there are the selfish and there are the givers.

The protestors are definitely having impact in that they are causing folks to think and react. Perhaps that is a chief goal of theirs. Perhaps not. Perhaps its more institutional change. Our governing change. Frankly its probably a lot of the above dependent upon the person.

And that's the thing. While these folks are occupying streets and parks, they cannot occupy the individual. Influence yes. Occupy no. So, who occupies your street?

I'm not sure we'll ever live in a land of equality. There will always be differing opinions, religions, races, and rearing. But what we do with our own street is where we have impact. Or what impacts us. We can't control with our street, we can only influence. Put ourselves out there. Share. Serve. Give. Take. Withhold. Spend. It is my street and I allow its occupants. It could be myself, others, systems of beliefs, etc.

We see these protestors on the television. We form opinions. We point fingers. Yeah, we are so darn good at pointing fingers. Them too.

This may be a no win situation. You cannot legislate morality, mercy or compassion.

Jesus was a street occupier. Still is. Back in the day, He constantly challenged governing authorities. Especially the church. Questioned it to look at itself. And in turn, us to examine ourselves. Jesus causes us to look at our "own street". And examine what we're doing with it. Or who is occupying it. He steered to compassion and mercy. Pointed his finger. All the way to the cross. He knew what His street was about.

In all honesty, I am a finger pointer. A judger. I allow so much to occupy my street. Sometimes a lot less. Sometimes a lot more.

Jesus called us to compassion and mercy. But not to point fingers or judge. We don't know what is truly going on with each individual's street. We can look at an aggregate and form an opinion. Perhaps rightly so. But we can't lump all individual's streets together.

"So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

Paul calls us to "examine ourselves". And Jesus to remove our own "planks" before commenting on splinters of others. Who's occupying your street today? This moment? Each moment?

*You could argue that believing is knowing, dependent upon the degree or reality of beliefs or experience from believing. A topic for another discussion

.

Only Human

I was listening to NPR and they were describing the Somalian refugees fleeing their country's famine and violence to Kenya, where they are encountering another layer of violence and lack of food. Their are nearly 30,000 children under 5 dead as a result of this horror.

Rapper, Kaynon, a Somalian by birth, was being interviewed and asked if and how he would use his art and celebrity to bring awareness to, or somehow affect this crisis. His reply was quite outstanding, thought provoking, and authentically honest.

"I am just a human being dealing with these circumstances."

Profound.

We

are

just humans dealing with circumstances. But we don't have to go it alone. Yes, we have others to walk through valleys with us. Others who've worn our shoes and can provide wisdom. And this is good. But

God Himself

can be with us in our circumstances. No matter how horrific. We just need to ask and seek.

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever"

(John 14:16). 

Not sure how this will help me make sense of 30,000 dead. I guess I could say that this is a result of sin in the world. And it may be. But I can't write it off as just that. There is a lot more at stake around us. A lot more places we can live into. A lot more people we can love. We just need to ask and seek them. Then act.

And I can just sit here. Safe in my suburban America. Yet atrocities abound around the world. Even next door if I am looking. Shame on me when I sit.

Engine Idol

I was listening to a podcast of Bob Rowland, Pastor of something or other at our church. I know he has something to do with family and parenting. Anyway, he was describing how good we are at making idols. He even described us as being idol factories. And that idols require sacrifice.

I think, typically when we look at idols, the calf, the Sphinx, even Greg Brady's Hawaiian necklace comes to mind. But if we dig a little deeper we may see images of work, status, our children's success, even position in the church.

But what idols really drive us. Push us towards things that become in the place of God.

God made it pretty clear to Moses and everybody that we shouldn't have any other things in His place. His first place. And yet we put things there.

I believe that our deep drivers. The real engines that push us (well surely me) toward idol worship are things like acceptance, affirmation, or demanded respect. And our idols build from there. They then move on to take the forms of the idols we are familiar with—the ones we point our fingers at.

1. Dad spends way too much time at the virtual office, let alone at the brick and mortar venue because he wouldn't want to be viewed as lazy.

2. Mom spends too much time planning the kids schedule because she wouldn't want her kids not competing and doing as everyone else.

3. Johnny spends too much time online because he can find more interest—a more provoking life—online than offline.

4. Mary spends too much time in front of the mirror because she doesn't want her classmates to see her as ugly.

5. Bill checks another item off of his list of "things to make me a good Christian" because it will put his mind at ease that he was ogling Glen's wife.

6. Etc., etc.

And these things are easy to point our fingers at. We see these so much in others. And condemn the surface idol*. I believe the "what" becomes the issue. The thing we need to "change" or simply put a band-aid on. And the "why" is not addressed. Ergo the next idol brewing.

What are the engines for our idols? And what do we sacrifice to keep them running? And have we asked why?

*Clearly there are some idols which need to be addressed for their own sake. But the deep-rooted idol needs the attention as well.

Bubble Boy

Sometimes I feel like I walk around with some sort of protective layer outside of me. A layer that creates a buffer from the world. Or those things which could affect me. Recently its shown itself as a buffer of cynicism—keeping me a peg above folks and well protected from any opportunities for relationship and understanding. Often keeping my ears sealed.

Its easy to protect yourself when you keep things at bay. After all, defense wins Super Bowls.

Its easy for me to be smarter, wittier, more creative, more correct, more "christian", or oddly more anti "christian", within my protective bubble.

I was in a conversation with one of those acquaintance friends (the kind of one that you might not put the "friend" label on, but have a liking for and have dialogued with). We were talking about how we have preconceived notions about people based on what we've heard, or based on a limited experience. And it became clear that I am not alone with my buffers. Wrong as they may be.

My buffers show up to protect myself and my opinions. They rationalize. They don't allow for influence. They don't allow for understanding. They don't allow for true opportunities to love.

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

*

Our Senior Pastor stated yesterday morning that "God wants to be preeminent, not prominent."

My biggest stumbling block to give God the position of preeminence is me.

When we put God as preeminent he provides the buffer. He provides the protection. He provides the lens. He provides the understanding—the love. Now God's protection is just that—

His

protection. The type of protection that is out-of-this-world. One which we most likely wouldn't understand all the time. And this might not take the form we'd want. His protection may be painful.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds"**

Joy in trials. Not my cup of tea. But God's cup. And it overflows.

* Matthew 7:3

** 1 James:2

How Trustworthy?

Today is the first day back at school for both of my boys. One into 5th grade—the top of the heap at elementary school. The other into 7th—brimming with confidence having had a year of middle school under his belt. We had a great summer. And now are back into some much needed normalcy of schedule, dinner, etc. And the boys are once again sent out from the house. Into their world. One which doesn't have any of my or my wife's parental supervision. I hope (once again) that they remember the things we've taught them. And experienced alongside them.

This can be a pretty intense experience for both parents and kids. Particularly if it is a first or second time experience—the drop off at the bus or school. Seeing the little back pack waddle off towards a destiny not entirely known.

We just have to trust that they've listened. Believed. And embraced all the teachings from their parents.

I read yesterday an Ernest Hemingway quote which stated "The best way to find out if you can trust someone is to trust them." Well, this is one of those times. A lot is now in their hands. Not ours.

In the first chapter of Romans, it talks about an element of this. From God to us. In verse 20, God provides his truth statement about his existence "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made,

so that people are without excuse.”

So God is kind of saying "you know I am God, right?" "I've made this clear to you."

"Now, little Billy. We've talked about all of these things you need to remember at school." "Do this. Don't do that. Honor what we've told you as parents."

And yet in verse 25 "they exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator".

The kids are on their own—to remember what they've been taught. And how it would distress us to have our teachings ignored.

This is one of those empathetic moments (albeit on a less omnipotent scale) where we can identify a little with God when we ignore His teachings. And how He might feel. Watching our backs wander off with the warnings of being sheep amoung wolves.

A Bugs Life

I have just started another Don Miller book,

Through Painted Deserts.

And from the sixth page or so, Miller has started to craft another great story. I love this guy. He truly is gifted at illustrating a unique perspective toward the Gospel, God, and Christianity itself*. And I am excited about taking a van ride, through this book, with Don and his buddy across half of the US through the pages.

So by the sixth page or so, Miller has started visiting "Western Christianities propositions of behavior modification" and how we are relatively programmed on "how" we do things. Things we all see a good bit of on bookshelves and blogs. How do I become a better Christian. How do I raise a child. How do I maintain a healthy marriage. How to succeed in business. How to become a better leader. Verses "why". Why do we treat things with different degrees of importance. Why do we, as Miller says, buy $50 jeans vs. $30 jeans.

I have a friend that shared that if we dig deep within ourselves as to "why" we do things—and keep asking deeper and deeper "whys", we might be surprised as to what we uncover. Why do I dress in a certain way. Why do I look at that person and think this. Why do I write. Why did she leave me. Why do I

fill in the blank

.

We are a being searching for answers. Or perhaps at least we should be thinking about them. I guess we could get too caught up the noise of life that we don't pause to take a literal or figurative van ride with a buddy across half of the US.

Our life should be asking why.** And when we uncover answers, act accordingly.

• If our "why" identifies a piety or presupposed ism, we should stop. 

• If our "why" identifies an behavior of over-security, we should loosen up and brave some more in life. Testing our faith.

• If our "why" doesn't consider another culture —or even a counter-culture, we might need to step outside our world. 

• If our "why" places a more expensive pair of jeans over another, we should....well you get where I am going.

I am challenged by this. I want to consciously ask why. I am sitting in a coffee shop and there are folks walking in and out. I see them and can easily develop quite an opinion. Why. Maybe its just me. Maybe I am just an ass.

So on page 13, Miller is leaving a rest area and squashes a bug. To which he states "all your questions are answered." Perhaps all our questions will be answered when we are squashed or snatched from this world. But what do we do for the time being.

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

*

Admittedly, sometimes I can get caught up in an author's opinion and perspective on life and keep The Author's book of Life secondary on the night stand. I don't believe Miller's perspective is un-biblical it's just that. A perspective. And I believe a good one. Hopefully I have a perspective of my own too.

**

Sometimes I think our world, the makeup and beauty of it is screaming out its answer. We are just too blind to see. To busy. To self-absorbed.

Beastly Burden

I was watching the Behind the Music: Mary J. Blige edition last night. What a story. Raised by an abusive Dad. Battled cocaine and alcohol addictions. And overcame some tough streets. Her story was pretty intense and inspiring. What struck me as most impactive was her statement that "Through forgiveness comes reconciliation." As well as her commitment to prayer.

My folks have been heavily involved in Mission in Rwanda. I've read quite a novel about the genocide there. And most amazingly the forgiveness and reconciliation that continues to take place. People are living alongside others who have slaughtered their entire families—sometimes in front of their own eyes.

Boyd Bailey tweeted a quote the other day: "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." -Louis B. Smedes. Not sure who Smedes is, but he definitely makes a great point on forgiveness as well.


How often do we keep hold of someone or something who has slighted us. Most likely with nothing to forgive along the lines of molestation or slaughter. But yet we do. Stupidly. I suppose it's mostly pride.

They said this. Or they did this. I want to teach them a lesson. They should know better. They shouldn't treat people like that. I told them so. They are always doing that. They may really even just be a major a-hole. And still we carry the weight of unforgiveness.

If we don't execute the power of forgiveness the burden is ours to carry. The anchor is set. The immobility is eminent. The bars are locked. And we lose out on the freedom and opportunities which come through reconciliation. We may be really missing out on some pretty out of this world things—on joy.

Ephesians 4:32 shares, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Of all our nerve to not forgive.

The Audacity of Me

I was feeling a bit uninspired from a faith-walk standpoint. Things were just sort of plodding along. I'm sure many of us do feel this way, or have at points in our lives. Perhaps all to often.

A friend loaned me Francis Chan's Crazy Love. The first chapter or two into the book was enough to recalibrate me a good bit. Chan outlines, pretty effectively, the enormity and omnipresence and holiness of God. And it caused me to feel that I had a lot of nerve to feel uninspired. He also points the reader to a video on his website which tries to give a look at God's majesty. And really makes me feel like such a dumb ass for sitting around feeling uninspired.

In some respect the hippies may have had it right. They walked around telling us to love one another. And that all you need is love. And through most likely hallucinogen-influenced eyes looked at a flower for hours on end, and appreciated the beauty and intricacies of it. There's a Youtube video of a guy in Yosemite who is awed by a double rainbow (which of course its been auto tuned, but no less inspired). While there may be some mind influence in play, this guy seems to get it.

The audacity of us Christians who take for granted God. And his creation. I can sit and make a quick assessment or judgement on anyone around me. Forgetting that God numbers even the very hairs of their head. Or sit and ask God to inspire me. To show himself to me. So I can feel good.