Saturday Quote

I stole this from Nathan's blog.

To have identity is not merely to have a face and a name, a recognizable physical presence. Identity in this deep sense is something that one must create for oneself by choices that are significant and that require a courageous commitment in the face of anguish and risk. That means much more than just having an address and a name in the telephone book. It means having a belief one stands by; it means having certain definite ways of responding to life, of meeting its demands, of loving other people and, in the last analysis, of serving God. In this sense, identity is one’s witness to truth in one’s life. - Thomas Merton, Contemplation in a World of Action (61)

My eyes hurt

Here is what I spent most of today working on:

Turning this:

Into this:

Tonight kicks off our series on L-O-L-O-L-O-V-E!  (and yes, I've been singing the Ashley Simpson song for a week now).  So here is some love for ya!

My birthday is next week!

If your curious what to get me, here is a suggestion: http://www.mardel.com/parallel-bible-pr-ms-niv.aspx

Thoughts on Sabbath

One of the most distinguished words in the Bible is the word qadosh, holy; a word which more than any other is representative of the mystery and majesty of the divine. Now what was the first holy object in the history of the world? Was it a mountain? Was it an altar?...How extremely significant is the fact that it is applied to time: "And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy." - Abraham Heschel

2010 Summer Videos | Student Life

Youth owe me deposits. So here is my plug on my blog! Get them in by January 30 or the price goes up!



2010 Summer Videos | Student Life

I'm a day late, I know

This is still convicting for the American Church, 47 years later.  Excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail

16 April 1963

My Dear Fellow Clergymen:

While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas...But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham...basically, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their "thus saith the Lord" far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco Roman world, so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.

Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly...

You deplore the demonstrations taking place in Birmingham...You may well ask: "Why direct action? Why sit ins, marches and so forth? Isn't negotiation a better path?" You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. My citing the creation of tension as part of the work of the nonviolent resister may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word "tension." I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood...

...My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure. Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture; but, as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups tend to be more immoral than individuals.

We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was "well timed" in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word "Wait!" It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This "Wait" has almost always meant "Never." We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that "justice too long delayed is justice denied."

...There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience. You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern...One may well ask: "How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?" The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that "an unjust law is no law at all."

...One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.

Of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was evidenced sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks rather than submit to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire...

We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was "legal"...

I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"...Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

...I have been disappointed with the church. I do not say this as one of those negative critics who can always find something wrong with the church. I say this as a minister of the gospel, who loves the church; who was nurtured in its bosom; who has been sustained by its spiritual blessings and who will remain true to it as long as the cord of life shall lengthen.

When I was suddenly catapulted into the leadership of the bus protest in Montgomery, Alabama, a few years ago, I felt we would be supported by the white church. I felt that the white ministers, priests and rabbis of the South would be among our strongest allies. Instead, some have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained glass windows.

...I have heard numerous southern religious leaders admonish their worshipers to comply with a desegregation decision because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers declare: "Follow this decree because integration is morally right and because the Negro is your brother." In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon the Negro, I have watched white churchmen stand on the sideline and mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard many ministers say: "Those are social issues, with which the gospel has no real concern." And I have watched many churches commit themselves to a completely other worldly religion which makes a strange, un-Biblical distinction between body and soul, between the sacred and the secular.

I have traveled the length and breadth of Alabama, Mississippi and all the other southern states. On sweltering summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at the South's beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing heavenward. I have beheld the impressive outlines of her massive religious education buildings. Over and over I have found myself asking: "What kind of people worship here? Who is their God?..."

...There was a time when the church was very powerful--in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators."' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent--and often even vocal--sanction of things as they are.

But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.

...Never before have I written so long a letter. I'm afraid it is much too long to take your precious time. I can assure you that it would have been much shorter if I had been writing from a comfortable desk, but what else can one do when he is alone in a narrow jail cell, other than write long letters, think long thoughts and pray long prayers?

If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and indicates an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything that understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows me to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.

I hope this letter finds you strong in the faith. I also hope that circumstances will soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as an integrationist or a civil-rights leader but as a fellow clergyman and a Christian brother. Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.

Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood,
Martin Luther King, Jr.

One more reason Wal-Mart is evil

I had to pick up sandwhich meat yesterday at Wal-Mart.  I roll through the self check-out line.  I have a total of 4 items.  I paid in cash, with exact coin change.  So, I was through it pretty quick.  But, the moment my transaction was finished, before I could grab my change and put it away, get my receipt, or my bag o' goodies, the guy behind me tried to step in front of my to start scanning his items.  I had to politely ask him to step back so I could take the 20 necessary seconds to gather all my things before he started his transaction.  The look on his face made me wonder if I had instead asked him to kick the old lady behind him in the face.  I was able to leave with everything, but was pretty frustrated.  It really was only 20 more seconds.  If he didn't have that time, then he didn't have the time to be shopping at Wal-Mart.  If being 20 seconds late to whatever he had next was such a big problem, then he should have punched me and started his transaction before I could start mine.
What stood out to more to me than anything though is that all of do this in some way or another all the time.  We immediately rush into a situation or conversation with our own plans and ideas.  We don't take a breath to see what is actually going on, or to even see if it is our place to be there yet.  I think sometimes people come looking for Jesus, and we rush in to fix their lives before they can even say "no thanks."
All I needed at the store yesterday was 20 seconds.  How long do the people around us need before we bust into their lives to save what they are already dealing with?

Happy Saturday!

Brian Slow

So precious Lora did something cute again.  During the news Monday night, Brian Williams was not seen as much.  All reporters were out and reporting on the tragedy in Arizona.  Lora wanted to see Brian though.  So, she kept saying "Brian slow, Brian slow."  Adorable!
I wonder how many times in church people are wanting to see Jesus, and instead are wading through the reports of all the various people and distractions.  Sometimes we think our meeting, our plans, our goals, our problems, and our solutions are the show.We spend so much time doing the day to day work, we forget that we aren't the anchor here.  So, we sit around and say "Jesus slow."  In all reality though, Jesus is still doing and being what He also has done and been.  We just need to shift our focus away from the reporters (or ourselves when we are being reporters) to the anchor. 

Only Because Everyone Else is Talking About It...

It seems we are pretty up in arms about what caused the murders in Arizona this past weekend.  I don't claim to know.  I'm still trying to deal with the horror of the violence, I'm not too concerned with the "why" yet.  That being said, I found this comforting and somewhat enlightening.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Arizona Shootings Reaction
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog</a> The Daily Show on Facebook

Styrofoam and the Consistency of Christ

So, there are 2 deacons in my church I feel like I might be causing problems for.  You see, they are married, and often serve and set up communion on the same sundays.  I prefer my communion stuff to be set before the service.  It is hard for me to play the piano during communion, and take communion.  My church pianist growing up was able to, but I'm not convinced she wasn't a super hero.  But, I digress.  Catherine will usually put out one of the those styrofoam wafer thingies with my grape juice.  Don, knowing I don't care for styrofoam, will come behind and swap it out for the little crackers.  (And he usually gives me 3 or 4 crackers.  Woohoo!)
Now, I know the communion has nothing to do with which form of bread I prefer.  That is not what it is about.  I just can't imagine that the body of Christ is styrofoam.  I cannot make that leap.  So, this sweet couple has to do double duty.
Strange how we let the little things that have no effect on God, or our relationship with him, get us worked up.  We will draw our line in the sand at some of the most ridiculous points, and then get really confused when God doesn't back us up.  This is a hard place to be because we know that we are supposed to stand strong on some things, we just don't usually have a clue which things.
I don't really have any advice or deeps thoughts on this.  What I do know is that the true consistency of Christ is love.  What was always most obvious and where He stood, was love.  So maybe that should be where we stand.  Our line in the sand should be love. 

My favorite song today.  Enjoy!

Working on a Saturday

You read that title right.  I'm at the church, finishing up my application for licensed ministry.  Fun times!
I was scrolling through the blogs I follow before I start my hardcore essay writing.  Over at http://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/, Richard Beck shared a link to another blog I am now following.  This blog's goal is to spend the next year intentionally and purposefully living out the Sermon on the Mount.  Go check it out at http://livingwhatjesustaught.blogspot.com/.
I'm really excited and hopeful by this.  I really am encouraged by people taking such a huge goal and completely selling out to go for it.  Who knows?  I may join in!

Just sad today

So I just started crying at my desk.  The longer Hailey Dunn is missing, the more hurt there is.  For those who don't know, I'm from Colorado City.  Small town doesn't begin to describe it.  The whole community is in turmoil.  And that doesn't begin to compare to the fear and hurt of Hailey's family.  I know people are praying, and working hard.  It is so frustrating when we don't see immediate results.
But, this is not what made me cry this morning.  I've been following alot of the comments on the news reports from the local paper and tv stations.  There is such a lack of understanding of the Amber Alert system, the police/sheriff/Texas Ranger's jobs.  There are men and women who aren't sleeping or eating.  They have done nothing but try to find this precious girl.  They have been fighting to get her picture out there.  They have been denied an Amber Alert 3 times.  They have put their lives on hold to search for this one.  And yet, those of us in fear have not united to help or support them.  Instead, we rip them apart for what is beyond their control.  We question what we do not know, and blame them for not knowing it either.  In the middle of our fear and hurt, we have let that take control.
We will not find this little girl by blaming those who are doing everything in their power and a few things that aren't.  We will not find Hailey by blaming the very people who are giving everything to find her.  We give no comfort to her or her family and friends when our hateful (and completely unfounded) words undermine and discourage the people fighting to find her.
As people of faith, we must remember who is in control.  We must find a way to trust in God no matter what is going on around us.  This is incredibly difficult at a time like this.  We cannot understand why this would happen to someone so young.  Many of us may be questioning God, but we must learn to trust Him through our questions.  We have to seek His peace and comfort.  Giving into fear accomplishes nothing good.  There's a reason that terror is a good form of control.  When fear becomes the dominating force in our lives, we will do anything, say anything, give anything, and believe anything.  We must be led by faith and love.
So, in the midst of this horrible and terrifying time, I have one piece of advice.  Let love lead.  Always love.

Just had a brilliant idea!

I know, 2 posts in one day!  Crazy!
I had to share my brilliant idea though!  I think we should change my position name to "Grand Pirate."
That is all.

Literature and LIfe

So the new book in the House of Night series came out yesterday.  I have, of course, finished it.  I can't say too much about it though, because Twin is still working on.  Turns out she can't read while teaching high school theatre.  Go figure.
I do have to say, this was not my favorite in the series.  It might be my least favorite actually.  It starts with the fact that they not only ruin a very important death with show tunes, they don't even use the original show tune.  We, the readers, are forced to spend an entire chapter reading about Glee singing 'Defying Gravity.'  What a waste of not only an important sacrifice (from both sides) by making it cheesey, but by ruining the good song.
That was not my biggest disappointment though.  That honor goes to some of the character's handling of forgiveness, specifically the conditions the goddess they follow, therefore the rest of them, puts on forgiveness.  I'm not going into great detail here, just in case Twin reads this before she finishes the book.
Here's my real point today.  True forgiveness cannot have conditions of "when you deserve it," or "when you make things right," or "when I'm not hurting as much," or whatever else we put there.  Mainly because the act of forgiveness is a completely passive event for the one to be forgiven.  Forgiveness is only done by the one hurt.  Therefore, the only one who can make it happen, the only one who can choose forgiveness, the only one who can cause forgiveness is the one forgiving.  The moment we start forcing the other party to somehow earn our forgiveness, we aren't being forgiving.  We are being judge and executioner.  Forgiveness is when we say that whatever someone did, we do not hold it against them.  I may not be able to stop the consequences of your action, but I won't hold any debt for my part.  The act of adding conditions nulls that.  Those conditions are demanding that the debt be paid.  That's not forgiveness.
And, as we so often pray, God forgive us as we forgive others.  I can't pay that debt, I need God to not hold it against me.  So, I must learn to not demand it from others. 

Words vs Actions

So we've all been told, and probably told others, that actions speak louder than words.
Now, I still agree with the spirit and intention of that phrase.  It is intended to speak those who would say they love God but act otherwise.
But, I've had a really weird couple of weeks.  What about us whose actions show love for God, but our words do not?  I wouldn't have thought this possible until this season of my life.  And, do we still think actions speak louder than words?  As one who has recently hurt and been hurt by this exact situation, I don't anymore.  I'm also not sure that is what the Bible teaches either.
James 1:26:  If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James is pretty harsh.  Most of us consider ourselves and other religious by actions.  James says all those action become WORTHLESS if we aren't controlling what we say and how we say it. James isn't done on this topic (which is actually reassuring, it's not a new problem we've made here).
James 3:8-11

but no man can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

Not the most encouraging passage.  But the letter continues to talk about wisdom, and not harboring bitterness or envy.  James seems to be getting to the point that our words pour out of where ever our hearts are, regardless of whatever filter our minds put on our words.  If we let ourselves thrive on anger, jealousy, and control, our words will overcome any action, honest or not, to know God.
I don't really have an answer to the problem.  It is really easy to say stop being this in your heart so your words will be this.  It is a completely different matter to actually do that.  What I do know is this.  Our words are hurting each other, and deeply.  Our good works that are supposed to point others to our Father in Heaven are being drowned about by the script we're writing.  We have to come to a place to be healed in our hearts, only then will our words be healing for others, instead of weapons.