Made of Iron

The other night I watched the movie The Iron Lady, a movie commemorating the life and achievements of the late Margaret Thatcher. Towards the beginning of the movie, the character of Thatcher is met with praise from a young woman stated Mrs. Thatcher had a significant impact on her life and that she was inspired to "be somebody", to which the elderly Thatcher replied, "In my day, it was about 'doing' something. Now it has become 'being' something."

Throughout the movie, there is a theme of "doing". The Iron Lady of good ole Britain did not strive to "be someone". No, she strived to DO something.  There is a significant difference between the two, and the latter often produces better results. There is a notable difference between the man that strives to be the leader of the free world and the man that strives to do something to make the world a better place. Comparatively speaking, it is the difference between President Washington and President...Clinton (I'll refrain from speaking about our current president out of respect. For though I am not a fan, I will respect the position that God has allowed him to be in).

So in my own life, I must begin to question my heart and ask myself "what is your goal, to be or to do?" I have a dear friend who's desire is to start an organization that reaches our to prostitutes and pimps; to make a difference in their lives and bring truth and healing to both the offended and the offender. She is not striving to "be" but to "do". She does not desire fame and power, but instead to make a difference in the lives of the hurting and the broken.

For too long I have reflected and contemplated the concept of "being someone" and it now I realize that my focus is in the wrong place. Let me not be, instead let me do. I am a Christian, let me do Christianity. Let me act and make a difference rather than try to make a reputation or a name for myself. I will become what I do--the action comes first.

Grace and Peace,

Stephen. 

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