Speed Limits

One of the things that my friends get on to me the most is my religious devotion to obeying speed limits! They are always telling me to pick up the pace. Sometimes I think they are right. I drive to slow. But this isn't the case with the rest of my life. In fact, I think I am going so fast that life is passing me by and I'm not noticing all the beauty that surrounds me. At the same time I fear I may in some ways be going so slow that I'm not getting anyway. Since I am not a car, it is possible for me to go both too fast and too slow at the same time. 

Once again I am faced with the need (and desire) for change. Change has been a major theme in my life over the last 5 years, and it seems that it will be for a good deal longer. This change has to do with what I was referring to in the paragraph above. Observation of the life that speeding past me and the people that I am encountering on a daily basis is one of the things that I am working on. This is going back all the way to my very first post about "Being Present". Being a part of the world around us and our community is a significant part of being human. 

Second, I am not getting far in life as of right now. Personal study and discipline in the areas of life that I'd like improve in are significantly lacking. The study of foreign language, theology, culture, art, etc are all areas that I want to research and dive into, but have yet to truly devote time and effort into accomplishing. The time has come to change this. Waiting to start will only result in me waiting so long that death will come knocking before I accomplish what I want in life. This means breaking free of some of the limits that I've imposed upon my self...and many that have been imposed on me by others and I have foolishly followed. 

It's time to be me as I am and not me as others want me to be. I am a Christian, not because my parents want me to be, but because I have found Christian doctrine true and the purest way to live life. I am conservative in my lifestyle because of what I believe and not what others believe. It's time to break a few speed limits and write a few new ones. It is a matter of great discipline and it will be most difficult, but I have found this to be of the utmost importance. I think it's about time that I truly took the controls and began driving my own life. 

A "Race" to Self-Destruct

Humanity, that species of vast intellect, incredible physical capacity to build and create, and the greatest cluster of stupidity and self-destruction. Don't agree? you might be part of the problem (either that or you are a hermit living by yourself and no internet).

Looking at Facebook today I was bombarded with the insanity of humanity. People accusing and demanding justice even when they were not present and do not have the evidence in hand. All because some deemed it necessary to cry "racism", when in fact it is the one's crying out that are the racists. They accuse at the drop of the hat; not even taking the time to see the situation or the actions of the "victim". Now people are threatening to kill white people because the courts have declared a man innocent. They would rather that the man be thrown in jail over a flimsy accusation than to actually seek justice.

Paula Dean has been the victim of such a mentality, rejected for a mistake made over a decade ago and put to social shame and financial ruin for the sake of some being "politically correct". This foolishness is destroying our country from the inside out. The hearts of the people are set on themselves and cry out for rights that are not their own and demand recompense for deeds that cost them nothing.

It appears that "feelings", whims, and self-centered, victim mentalities are now what drive the actions of this once great people rather than logic, determination, and respect. For our country to grow and prosper we need to learn to look before we act and think before we speak. Stop being offended over every little thing, stop being hypocrites who punish for actions that you yourself are doing, and learn to respect your brothers and sisters in humanity.  

TedTalk Tuesday! "My escape from Korea"

Hey Y'all! This week I wanted to share this intense story from TedTalk. From time to time I hear stories liek these that blow my mind and remind me of the problems of the world, but also of the strength and determination that God has endowed humanity with to be able to stand against tyranny and struggle. Enjoy!

Peace be with you,

Stephen

"Aaahhhh...Sweet, Sweet Music."

Three years ago, I had the privilage of taking a fine arts class in the middle of beautiful, art-filled Italy. I had been a person who listened to and appreciated music, but it was after that class that I found myself falling in love with music and the arts far beyond my shallow adoration that rarely made it past my own art pad or my headphones.

Tonight I am writing from a table in Chattanooga, TN where I am enjoying the quarterly finals of an open mic competion held at a local coffee shoppe/Anglican Church. I find myself blown away by the performances that I have heard and I find my soul refreshed in listening to the creative works of these artists who have poured themselves into lyrics and ryhmes. If you have never been to an open mic, I would encourage you to go out and find one in your community and enjoy :)

Divine Encounters

Recently I found myself on the doorsteps of a beautiful church which I had gone to for the purpose of participate in a mid-day Eucharist service, but sadly I found the doors were all locked. I found, however, that there were a few men sitting out on the steps by themselves talking. I had stumbled across an impromptu  AA meeting, and before I knew it I had been asked to stay and listen. I was soon sitting on the ground listening to these men's stories, their struggles and experiences. It was a beautiful encounter that I would not have been able to experience if I had not gone and found the doors locked.

I had never participated in an AA meeting, primarily because I could not been deemed an alcoholic by any stretch of the imagination, but also because I never have actively sought out such things. In some way I see this as a tragedy on my part. I do not struggle. but there are those out there that do and need support. Perhaps it is best that a non-alcoholic not try to step in and "fix" those who are, but then again, is it otherwise merely the blind leading the blind?

I am forced to ask myself, can true accountability be held between two people who struggle with the same issue? I believe so. I saw this as true in the human beings that I encountered today. Young men often hold each other accountable (with moderate success) in the matters of sexual sin and addictions, so it is also helpful here. Though I would imagine that having someone who didn't struggle in the exact same way would be somewhat helpful, so long as the addict can see the non-addict for who they are and not see them as Pharisaic or Pietistic Overlords.

Photo taken from the AA websie:http://www.aa.org/pics_site/noflash_people.gif

I think that the important factor to remember is that they are human beings, regardless of addiction or abuse. We continually come across people throughout the week who are in need, some who recognize their problems and some who don't, and we have the amazing opportunity to be human with them; to be present in their lives. Should we not being seek opportunities to help others and to show others the Light of the Kingdom of Christ,the Light that gives liberty and freedom from addictions and to self-destructive philosophies? We need to stop talking about the world needing help and healing and start helping and seeking to heal. I pray that, as we grow in our faith, we might begin see these divine encounters that present themselves to us on a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis. For "life is short and there is but little time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us. So let us be swift to love and make haste to be kind."

I would encourage you to look around at the people in your own communities, whether work, church, etc and look for ways that you can be a light in the midst of their darkness for the sake of the Kingdom and for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peace be with you,

Stephen 

TedTalk Tuesday: "If I Should Have a Daughter..."

I have to say that this young woman is an absolutely talented young poet! I found that he words bore much wisdom and I hope that you find this as entertaining and thought provoking as I.

Peace be with you,

Stephen

Of Knowledge and Understanding

When I was a freshman in college I took a class called "Intro to Christian Ministry". The end of the semester had come and it was time for the dreaded final; we all gathered early in the class room to do some last-minute studying before we through ourselves into the winds of fate. All of us, that is, except one. For the sake of kindness and protection of identity we shall refer to him as "Jay".

Jay had a knack for Bible knowledge. He had trivia and facts down...but that was about it. He knew the stories and where various passages could be found, but when it came to application and deeper understanding of scripture he was found lacking. Additionally, he was academically lazy. He preferred to play video games than to study, and it definitely showed when it came down to presentations and quizzes. 

But this was IT, the final that would make or break it for most of us. It wasn't just any final either...it was a "Randle final"! Despite the fact that he was about to take a test worth of fear and utter terror, Jay proceeded to voice his opinions out loud and complain about how the "test is ridiculous" and that "we should be tested on Bible knowledge and on scriptures". After a lengthy exposure to this my friend Nick finally spoke up. Nick put a swift and timely end to Jay's rambling on about what the test "should" be about and told him that the class was not about Bible stories and scriptures but instead about Ministry and the application of the scriptures. Nick told him to be quiet so that the rest of us could study for what the test was actually about. Needless to say...Jay didn't do so well on the test. 

When I think back to that memory it brings a smile to my face every time! It also reminds me that it is one thing to have knowledge and another thing entirely to have understanding. Many neglect the importance of study and intellectual pursuit, thereby handing themselves over to the consequences of ignorance. It is not possible to know everything and our ability to understand will always be limited, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Jay was satisfied with his knowledge and did not open himself up to the teachings that our professor offered, and as a result he was ill equipped, not only for the test, but also for future ministry.  Jay ended up dropping out for poor grades and the like. 

That event also sticks out to me because of my friend Nick's reaction. Nick is an inspiration because he was willing to speak out against something that needed to be addressed, but he did it in a respectful and gracious way. Nick is making a difference in the lives of many because he refused to be satisfied with his knowledge and sought understanding. Nick is currently living with his wife in New Orleans, LA working to get his M. Div. and serving as an assist pastor.

Understanding of scripture isn't the only thing we need. The fact of the matter is that there are hundreds of topics that we neglect to seeking understanding in and remain satisfied with what we already know. Even worse is that we treat people like this! There are thousands of opportunities that Christ gives us to serve and make a difference, but we often miss them because we fail to be understanding of one another. People need grace, mercy, and love. Others need to be told to shut up and let the rest of us study for the test they don't want to take. The ability to properly choose the corresponding action that best fits requires us to have at least a measure of understanding.

For example, I had a friend call me the other day who gave me quite the lecture and called me out on my actions/inactions. He was able to do this because he did it in understanding. He has come to know me, but he sought to understand and from there he made a judgment call that led him to say what he did. He gave me the words that, even though less than pleasant, were what I needed to hear and motivated me. It also reminded me that there are people out there who really do care. Haha, enough to even be rough with ya. 

May we all learn to seek understanding, not only of scripture, but also in each other so that we may better serve each other. 

Peace be with you,

Stephen

TedTalk Tuesday: The Power of Introverts

I am an introvert. 

As a result, I found myself most inspired by this video! I hope that if you are an introvert you will also be inspired, and if you are not...then perhaps you will learn to appreciate us a little better ;)

Enjoy!

Peace be with you,

Stephen