Recently I happened to have a conversation with a young woman who, to the best of my knowledge, has no regular church affiliation. She knew me well enough to realize what I do for a living and that I do not fit well into the traditional conservative evangelical model of ministry (we were together working on a local community theater project). Somehow the conversation turned to the topic of our Resurrection service set for this March 31 when this young woman explained to me that she has a hard time buying into the resurrection story due to the brutality of a God who would allow the Son to die abandoned on the cross. She knew enough to remember the Matthew-Mark version of Jesus' last words, "My God, why have you forsaken me?" and this apparent abandonment made her uncomfortable.
Pastorally speaking, I shared with her how this phrase is a reference to Psalm 22- a psalm of David that ultimately speak more of faith in God's Presence than the fear of abandonment. Since the Psalms were not numbered in Jesus' time as they were now they were often referenced by using the beginning line of each Psalm. New Testament scholars point out that this reference might be more of an expression of faith than it is a feeling of abandonment. But I don't buy that either. I think it was a direct reference to Psalm 22- but it was not a celebration of victory near as much it was a commiseration with David in the midst of a very bad day.
For me, and understand that I am speaking only personally here, I see Jesus as feeling abandoned by God on that cross. It only brings to fruition the dilemma of the crucifixion after all of Jesus' disciples had fled, one had betrayed him, and he was left to die on a cross. In that moment as he slowly and painfully died from carbon dioxide poisoning, I find it highly probably that Jesus felt totally and utterly abandoned by everyone- God included. Many physicians have commented that ultimately we all die isolated from the ones we love.
But I am not troubled by this thought. I have the personal experience of too many people I have known and loved who have taken their own life. I have sat in my office while a man I have loved called me a reprobate and demonic because we disagreed over how to interpret a passage of Scripture. I have felt alone. I have been so wounded in caring for God's people, sometimes as they die on the inside and others on the outside, that I have felt as if there is no one or nothing that understands what I experience in my life's calling. Not even God.
I have no idea how Jesus felt on that cross. But I know how I have felt carrying the cross I have chosen to bear. I know how I have been affected by the spear of hate and mistrust that has pierced my side and my heart.
So you see, a forsaken Jesus appeals to me.
Why? Because even in that feeling, God was present. I remember Elie Wiesel being forced to watch as a small child slowly asphyxiated at the end of a rope and his fellow Jews called out looking for God's Presence in that moment. How much later in life he came to believe that God was present with that child at the end of that rope, gasping for a breath which would not come. I remember that even though Jesus felt abandoned by God, the story does not end there. There is more to that temporary feeling of isolation. There is the third day.
Even though there are people who will betray, abandon, and assault us, this is not the end. I find hope that just because we are not aware of God's Presence with us that means God is not present. My ability to perceive God's Presence does not limit that Presence (thankfully). And there is always more. Another day. Hope.
I also point out that if by leaving the Son to die on the cross seems brutal and hard to us- It happened because God knew it to be the best way to provide for our salvation. And if this is the best way God could accomplish this feat, imagine the less perfect, flawed models that were rejected in the design...
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
You keep using that word...I don't think it means what you think it means
Tonight my Facebook page is full of posts about an attempt to have a straight only Prom is Sullivan, IN. One of those articles can be found here:
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/02/11/1568631/indiana-school-community-calls-for-gay-free-prom-as-media-sugarcoats-homophobia/?mobile=nc
It recalls to mind a recent conversation I have had with a person who wanted to lay out for me their understanding of Scripture as to why homosexuality is wrong, a sin against God, and a threat to our peaceful loving society. Well, let's be honest- this person wanted me to validate and agree with their views. I did not, but this post is not about that conversation. Its about an apparent lack of understanding between the gay community and the opponents of such a lifestyle. From my limited encounters with both groups of people, I have become convinced that certain concepts around the gay life are not properly understood.
The example? Sexuality- in my conversation with most opponents to a gay lifestyle the basis for much of their understanding revolves around the concept of human sexuality- gay couples can not produce children naturally, homosexual activity is forbidden in Scripture, the act of homosexual intercourse is wrong, immoral, dirty, etc... This leads me to believe that the focus of these anti-gay organizations seems to be solely on the idea of gay sexual relations (its also interesting for me to note that in most cases this stance against gay sex focuses only on sodomy).
I will admit to having a limited exposure to gay men and women and we need to understand that I can only speak in relation to those openly gay people with whom I have conversed, but in most conversations I have had with openly gay men and women the issue of sexuality rarely arises, or only arises in a limited capacity after something much more important happens- a relationship. In EVERY conversation I have had with an openly gay person their regret/desire/hope is for a meaningful intimate relationship with another human being. These conversations are not about sexual pleasure, they are about the desire to be loved, accepted, and supported by a person and having the chance to do the same for that person. Gay people speak of an emptiness in their life when they are denied love and a great longing for a deep impactful relationship with other human beings. This is not to say that one night stands take place in the homosexual community- this is also true for heterosexual activity as well.
This leads me to conclude that homosexuals are really not all that different from heterosexuals in their desire for such a meaningful loving relationship. And this helps me understand why gay people sometimes get so confused at the vitriol directed their way- its not about sexual immorality- its about a desire for a relationship- something heterosexual people also crave. Why is it wrong to desire this? Dr. James McGrath deals with this in a recent blog where he points out in Genesis God's comment that it is wrong for man to be alone.
Now, I am not so naive to believe that there is not a sexual component to a homosexual relationship, but this is also true for heterosexual relationships as well. But how much time is spent engaging actively in sex in any relationship? We spend so much more time just sleeping! And if we are going to object about unnatural homosexual relationships that are less than 1% of a couples relationship, then should we not also object to all of the unnatural heterosexual sexual activities that also comprise 1% of their time (or less). I don't accept the belief that human sexual activity should only be for procreation. It is a gift from God given to human beings involved in a loving relationship.
In fact I find the opposite happening in my conversations, leading me to believe that extreme opponents to gay men and women are focused in a very unhealthy percentage upon the act of sex- be it gay or straight, and that there is much more going on in these conversations that appear to be more about these individuals sexual understanding of self than their understanding of the gay community. Maybe Freud did touch a nerve...
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/02/11/1568631/indiana-school-community-calls-for-gay-free-prom-as-media-sugarcoats-homophobia/?mobile=nc
It recalls to mind a recent conversation I have had with a person who wanted to lay out for me their understanding of Scripture as to why homosexuality is wrong, a sin against God, and a threat to our peaceful loving society. Well, let's be honest- this person wanted me to validate and agree with their views. I did not, but this post is not about that conversation. Its about an apparent lack of understanding between the gay community and the opponents of such a lifestyle. From my limited encounters with both groups of people, I have become convinced that certain concepts around the gay life are not properly understood.
The example? Sexuality- in my conversation with most opponents to a gay lifestyle the basis for much of their understanding revolves around the concept of human sexuality- gay couples can not produce children naturally, homosexual activity is forbidden in Scripture, the act of homosexual intercourse is wrong, immoral, dirty, etc... This leads me to believe that the focus of these anti-gay organizations seems to be solely on the idea of gay sexual relations (its also interesting for me to note that in most cases this stance against gay sex focuses only on sodomy).
I will admit to having a limited exposure to gay men and women and we need to understand that I can only speak in relation to those openly gay people with whom I have conversed, but in most conversations I have had with openly gay men and women the issue of sexuality rarely arises, or only arises in a limited capacity after something much more important happens- a relationship. In EVERY conversation I have had with an openly gay person their regret/desire/hope is for a meaningful intimate relationship with another human being. These conversations are not about sexual pleasure, they are about the desire to be loved, accepted, and supported by a person and having the chance to do the same for that person. Gay people speak of an emptiness in their life when they are denied love and a great longing for a deep impactful relationship with other human beings. This is not to say that one night stands take place in the homosexual community- this is also true for heterosexual activity as well.
This leads me to conclude that homosexuals are really not all that different from heterosexuals in their desire for such a meaningful loving relationship. And this helps me understand why gay people sometimes get so confused at the vitriol directed their way- its not about sexual immorality- its about a desire for a relationship- something heterosexual people also crave. Why is it wrong to desire this? Dr. James McGrath deals with this in a recent blog where he points out in Genesis God's comment that it is wrong for man to be alone.
Now, I am not so naive to believe that there is not a sexual component to a homosexual relationship, but this is also true for heterosexual relationships as well. But how much time is spent engaging actively in sex in any relationship? We spend so much more time just sleeping! And if we are going to object about unnatural homosexual relationships that are less than 1% of a couples relationship, then should we not also object to all of the unnatural heterosexual sexual activities that also comprise 1% of their time (or less). I don't accept the belief that human sexual activity should only be for procreation. It is a gift from God given to human beings involved in a loving relationship.
In fact I find the opposite happening in my conversations, leading me to believe that extreme opponents to gay men and women are focused in a very unhealthy percentage upon the act of sex- be it gay or straight, and that there is much more going on in these conversations that appear to be more about these individuals sexual understanding of self than their understanding of the gay community. Maybe Freud did touch a nerve...
Monday, January 14, 2013
Moving in a Pro-Life direction, but not like you think it means
In our recent trip to South Africa we had a chance to meet with a Catholic Bishop named Kevin Dowling. He serves in a part of South Africa where some of the worlds largest platinum mines can be found. In this community roughly one out of every 3 women aged 25-29 is infected with HIV or Aids. It is a terrible epidemic exasperated by the poverty and culture around the mines. In these mining communities alcohol and sex are the norm, not the exception. The estimated percentage of people infected with HIV/Aids lies somewhere between 22-29%.
Bishop Dowling is at odds with the rest of his Catholic community due to his endorsement of the use of condoms among the people in his community. He promotes their use, not as a form of birth control, but as a way to protect human life. If you are going to be pro-life, the Bishop claims, it has to be for every aspect from conception to death. Using condoms in South Africa is about preserving life.
This has lead me to once again consider what it means to be pro-life in America, especially in light of some of the current topics up for discussion. I have always considered myself a pro-life kind of person, but probably not according to the definition of the anti-abortion right wing definition of pro-life. I find it difficult to reconcile the general consensus that works so hard to protect the lives of the unborn then do nothing to help this unborn live or grow in a healthy environment. Its almost like after birth these so called pro-life advocates assume that their job is complete and they can kick back and relax while the child grows up. Little to no energy is expended to protect these children, other than the occasional complaint about welfare or other government program costs to raise these children. A suggestion has been made to stop referring to such people as pro-life and instead call them pro-birth.
Now, I understand the complaints that the welfare system is in need of reform and that there are people who take advantage of the current system. Of course there are flaws in the process and even as repairs are attempted politics, funding, and other matters interfere. The issue at hand here is whether we can be pro-life unless we are pro-life in every aspect and age of life.
It also leads me to question some of the current controversy over gun control. Many of these same right to life people are also vocal against new gun laws or legislations that tighten the governments control over handguns, semi- and automatic weapons. Here is the problem as I see it: what is a gun supposed to do? Fire a projectile at a high speed. A gun is a weapon. It was created to be one and is used by police and our military in that manner. The clever turn of calling a weapon such as this "for defense" just does not make sense. You don't defend yourself by firing a weapon. Such a weapon is used to attack. Arming people as a deterrent seems to be counter-intuitive.
Now I understand that there is a culture of hunters out there who use these weapons for a different purpose all together. But most of these advocates hunt with a rifle or shotgun- not a pistol.
It would make more sense if these advocates would be more vocal for such items as kevlar, or bulletproof vests and equipment. Now there is a device solely with a defensive purpose. If we are going to be defenders of human life, why urge more people to arm themselves with a weapon- a device that threatens human life? In the state where I live, all it takes for someone to legally own a handgun is for them to pay a license fee and pass a criminal background check. There is no requirement to understand how to use such a handgun, how to load, check, and safely fire such a handgun, or any kind of decision making training on when it is and is not legal to draw or use such a weapon. How can this be protective of human life? It encourages irresponsible gun ownership. And irresponsible gun ownership leads to the loss of life, something both sides of this controversy seek to prevent.
Why are these so-called gun advocates who seem to universally opposed to any laws tightening the use of guns as weapons? Why are they not the ones leading the charge against irresponsible gun ownership? Why have they not at least tried to develop some plan for safe and responsible gun ownership that involves training, understanding, and good decision making skills for those who wish to carry and conceal a weapon?
There is much that I simply don't understand.
Bishop Dowling is at odds with the rest of his Catholic community due to his endorsement of the use of condoms among the people in his community. He promotes their use, not as a form of birth control, but as a way to protect human life. If you are going to be pro-life, the Bishop claims, it has to be for every aspect from conception to death. Using condoms in South Africa is about preserving life.
This has lead me to once again consider what it means to be pro-life in America, especially in light of some of the current topics up for discussion. I have always considered myself a pro-life kind of person, but probably not according to the definition of the anti-abortion right wing definition of pro-life. I find it difficult to reconcile the general consensus that works so hard to protect the lives of the unborn then do nothing to help this unborn live or grow in a healthy environment. Its almost like after birth these so called pro-life advocates assume that their job is complete and they can kick back and relax while the child grows up. Little to no energy is expended to protect these children, other than the occasional complaint about welfare or other government program costs to raise these children. A suggestion has been made to stop referring to such people as pro-life and instead call them pro-birth.
Now, I understand the complaints that the welfare system is in need of reform and that there are people who take advantage of the current system. Of course there are flaws in the process and even as repairs are attempted politics, funding, and other matters interfere. The issue at hand here is whether we can be pro-life unless we are pro-life in every aspect and age of life.
It also leads me to question some of the current controversy over gun control. Many of these same right to life people are also vocal against new gun laws or legislations that tighten the governments control over handguns, semi- and automatic weapons. Here is the problem as I see it: what is a gun supposed to do? Fire a projectile at a high speed. A gun is a weapon. It was created to be one and is used by police and our military in that manner. The clever turn of calling a weapon such as this "for defense" just does not make sense. You don't defend yourself by firing a weapon. Such a weapon is used to attack. Arming people as a deterrent seems to be counter-intuitive.
Now I understand that there is a culture of hunters out there who use these weapons for a different purpose all together. But most of these advocates hunt with a rifle or shotgun- not a pistol.
It would make more sense if these advocates would be more vocal for such items as kevlar, or bulletproof vests and equipment. Now there is a device solely with a defensive purpose. If we are going to be defenders of human life, why urge more people to arm themselves with a weapon- a device that threatens human life? In the state where I live, all it takes for someone to legally own a handgun is for them to pay a license fee and pass a criminal background check. There is no requirement to understand how to use such a handgun, how to load, check, and safely fire such a handgun, or any kind of decision making training on when it is and is not legal to draw or use such a weapon. How can this be protective of human life? It encourages irresponsible gun ownership. And irresponsible gun ownership leads to the loss of life, something both sides of this controversy seek to prevent.
Why are these so-called gun advocates who seem to universally opposed to any laws tightening the use of guns as weapons? Why are they not the ones leading the charge against irresponsible gun ownership? Why have they not at least tried to develop some plan for safe and responsible gun ownership that involves training, understanding, and good decision making skills for those who wish to carry and conceal a weapon?
There is much that I simply don't understand.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
More tragedy? I've had enough...
I'm tired of reading about gun control issues. I'm tired of ridiculous ideas such as arming teachers or principals in elementary schools where children are supposed to go to be safe. The rhetoric around assault weapons and their connections to these rash of school shootings has worn me down. The conversations on social media are really only of limited help since the people talking often are not talking to one another...
Why don't we stop talking about the symptoms of the problem and deal with the cause: Evil.
Yes, evil exists in the world. It has existed for some time, it still exists today, and I am afraid will be around for some time to come. Evil excels at finding new ways to shock us as it creatively seeks paths, avenues, and people to twist and corrupt until we have the terrible situations that exist in the world.
Since this is the Christmas season, I found myself reading the birth story of Jesus- you know what happened shortly after he was born? Herod ordered the deaths of all male babies under the age of 2 in attempt to kill Jesus. His parents fled to Egypt of all places to escape. Even Jesus, the Son of God, could not escape evil. He could not escape it as an infant. He had to deal with it in his earthly ministry. And ultimately, evil brought him to die on a cross. Fortunately, his death revealed the limitations of evil and asserted forever that God's love has the capacity and power to overcome the power of evil that would lead to death.
And even with this witness, evil continues to spread it ugliness in our world. Let's be honest about this past tragedy- this one man's access to the weapons in his possession helped inflate the tragedy of those children and adults who were killed. The access the shooter had to guns and ammunition made it easier for him to kill and to kill over and over. However, it was not those guns that made the decision to start his spree against innocent children and teachers and no amount of control will be able to stop evil people from performing evil acts.
Don't allow the symptoms of these issues to distract us from the nature of this conversation. Our desire to empty the world of evil can only be accomplished as we fill the world with love.
Why don't we stop talking about the symptoms of the problem and deal with the cause: Evil.
Yes, evil exists in the world. It has existed for some time, it still exists today, and I am afraid will be around for some time to come. Evil excels at finding new ways to shock us as it creatively seeks paths, avenues, and people to twist and corrupt until we have the terrible situations that exist in the world.
Since this is the Christmas season, I found myself reading the birth story of Jesus- you know what happened shortly after he was born? Herod ordered the deaths of all male babies under the age of 2 in attempt to kill Jesus. His parents fled to Egypt of all places to escape. Even Jesus, the Son of God, could not escape evil. He could not escape it as an infant. He had to deal with it in his earthly ministry. And ultimately, evil brought him to die on a cross. Fortunately, his death revealed the limitations of evil and asserted forever that God's love has the capacity and power to overcome the power of evil that would lead to death.
And even with this witness, evil continues to spread it ugliness in our world. Let's be honest about this past tragedy- this one man's access to the weapons in his possession helped inflate the tragedy of those children and adults who were killed. The access the shooter had to guns and ammunition made it easier for him to kill and to kill over and over. However, it was not those guns that made the decision to start his spree against innocent children and teachers and no amount of control will be able to stop evil people from performing evil acts.
Don't allow the symptoms of these issues to distract us from the nature of this conversation. Our desire to empty the world of evil can only be accomplished as we fill the world with love.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Musical Gratitude
Talking with my 2 kids about the election today led me to go back and consider just how blessed my life has been and how many people have contributed to helping me get to this place where I realize the extent of my blessings. In this post, I would like to explore the people who have contributed to my understanding and appreciation for music.
I have to start back in 4th grade when Mr. Hays, my elementary music teacher at school (it was a new school for me that year), told me I had a good voice and invited me to sing in a 4th grade choir. It was in his class that I discovered that I did enjoy singing. That participation led to an invite to be part of a select group called the Christmas Club Singers, where I remember being able to sing on the Cowboy Bob show! It also led to my first musical, called the Secret Garden. I can not express my appreciation enough to that wonderful music teacher who discovered a spark that fanned to a life of passion for music that is still with me today.
This love took root as I moved into Junior High. The high school that year was doing a production of the Music Man and needed a younger student to play Winthrop. I do not remember how I got to this point, but was actually able to audition and was cast in this show. I will never forget the overwhelming sense of accomplishment I felt as the curtain closed on opening night. It was an amazing sense of elation as I realized I had given everything I had that evening and found the joy in that night! It also led to a relationship with my high school choir director, Peter. I never had a good relationship with this man, finding that his arrogance might only be outstripped by his ability as a teacher/motivator, but I did learn a lot about the basic foundations of singing and singing well. Peter also exposed me to something I would grow to admire and endure- the artistic temperament. Later in life I would meet others who shared this quirky passion for music and I believe my ability to appreciate these gifted people came from my exposure to Peter. There was very little that I could say that was normal about Peter and his leadership of the choir, but there was much that was extraordinary and my lack of affection for him as a person (which I think was a mutual lack on both our parts) in no way diminished that through this time my love for music only grew.
In college I had a chance to sing in an all male chorus under the direction of Dr. Gilbert while at Wabash College. Never before had I chance to sing with such a group and I found an appreciation for the many different styles of music to which we were exposed. It also led to one of the highlight trips of my life as the Glee Club was able to tour through Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. I am of a small company of people who can say I sang at the Sydney Opera House (although I will point out that when I say at, I mean on the front steps outside...we did not actually sing inside the building). It is also the source of one of my biggest regrets in that I did not return for my senior year in college to sing with the Glee Club.
My life as an American Baptist minister has also involved music- from singing in cantatas and musicals to this present day where I am one of the guitarists in our worship team. I believe that in one case I was called to a church in southern Indiana to work with a great friend of mine who was the music minister at this church. Our friendship endures to this day, only slightly changed by the distance between us now that we live and work in different communities.
I also would have to mention the numerous people with whom I have shared the stage with in musical theater in Indianapolis. My wife and I try to fit shows into our hectic family lives and our work with people such as Bryan, Susie, Buzz, Robyne and with such wonderful directors/leaders as Brian, William, and Kathleen. These folks have furthered our journey down this road and we are blessed to know them and have them in our life.
Finally I would like to thank the people who are currently a part of our worship team at Crooked Creek Baptist. Their gifts, and their willingness to use and share them constantly inspire and amaze me. It is a loving and constant challenge to work with them and I value those times when we can get together and just play for ourselves. It is with you that God provides some of the best nourishment for my own soul.
Some of the names I mentioned we have lost touch with. Others we see on an almost daily basis. But what this does for me is remind me of how God has blessed me with such fantastic people in my life. I recognize that not everyone responds to music in the same manner that I do. The fact that I do feel so nurtured in my spirit is a great testimony to the love of God, the Great Artist, and the impact of so many talented and beautiful people in my life.
Today as I walk down through my history with music, I praise God for these influences and hope that some day to pass along the great gift you, and countless other unnamed people, have shared with me.
I have to start back in 4th grade when Mr. Hays, my elementary music teacher at school (it was a new school for me that year), told me I had a good voice and invited me to sing in a 4th grade choir. It was in his class that I discovered that I did enjoy singing. That participation led to an invite to be part of a select group called the Christmas Club Singers, where I remember being able to sing on the Cowboy Bob show! It also led to my first musical, called the Secret Garden. I can not express my appreciation enough to that wonderful music teacher who discovered a spark that fanned to a life of passion for music that is still with me today.
This love took root as I moved into Junior High. The high school that year was doing a production of the Music Man and needed a younger student to play Winthrop. I do not remember how I got to this point, but was actually able to audition and was cast in this show. I will never forget the overwhelming sense of accomplishment I felt as the curtain closed on opening night. It was an amazing sense of elation as I realized I had given everything I had that evening and found the joy in that night! It also led to a relationship with my high school choir director, Peter. I never had a good relationship with this man, finding that his arrogance might only be outstripped by his ability as a teacher/motivator, but I did learn a lot about the basic foundations of singing and singing well. Peter also exposed me to something I would grow to admire and endure- the artistic temperament. Later in life I would meet others who shared this quirky passion for music and I believe my ability to appreciate these gifted people came from my exposure to Peter. There was very little that I could say that was normal about Peter and his leadership of the choir, but there was much that was extraordinary and my lack of affection for him as a person (which I think was a mutual lack on both our parts) in no way diminished that through this time my love for music only grew.
In college I had a chance to sing in an all male chorus under the direction of Dr. Gilbert while at Wabash College. Never before had I chance to sing with such a group and I found an appreciation for the many different styles of music to which we were exposed. It also led to one of the highlight trips of my life as the Glee Club was able to tour through Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. I am of a small company of people who can say I sang at the Sydney Opera House (although I will point out that when I say at, I mean on the front steps outside...we did not actually sing inside the building). It is also the source of one of my biggest regrets in that I did not return for my senior year in college to sing with the Glee Club.
My life as an American Baptist minister has also involved music- from singing in cantatas and musicals to this present day where I am one of the guitarists in our worship team. I believe that in one case I was called to a church in southern Indiana to work with a great friend of mine who was the music minister at this church. Our friendship endures to this day, only slightly changed by the distance between us now that we live and work in different communities.
I also would have to mention the numerous people with whom I have shared the stage with in musical theater in Indianapolis. My wife and I try to fit shows into our hectic family lives and our work with people such as Bryan, Susie, Buzz, Robyne and with such wonderful directors/leaders as Brian, William, and Kathleen. These folks have furthered our journey down this road and we are blessed to know them and have them in our life.
Finally I would like to thank the people who are currently a part of our worship team at Crooked Creek Baptist. Their gifts, and their willingness to use and share them constantly inspire and amaze me. It is a loving and constant challenge to work with them and I value those times when we can get together and just play for ourselves. It is with you that God provides some of the best nourishment for my own soul.
Some of the names I mentioned we have lost touch with. Others we see on an almost daily basis. But what this does for me is remind me of how God has blessed me with such fantastic people in my life. I recognize that not everyone responds to music in the same manner that I do. The fact that I do feel so nurtured in my spirit is a great testimony to the love of God, the Great Artist, and the impact of so many talented and beautiful people in my life.
Today as I walk down through my history with music, I praise God for these influences and hope that some day to pass along the great gift you, and countless other unnamed people, have shared with me.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Sandy Relief
The response to the death and destruction caused on the eastern coast following Sandy has been strong and public. Federal and local responders have rushed to aid the survivors of this catastrophe and have made great progress helping to restore order and care for families affected by this storm.
American Baptists are responding to this tragedy as well. Funds from the One Great Hour of Sharing have already been committed to helping relieve some of the worst of this storm. Other organizations such as the Red Cross are also hard at work responding. Individuals interested in helping with relief can now make donations to a number of agencies involved with relief efforts.
Yet it is important for us to to be good stewards even with these donations. Before contributing to such an organization, it would be helpful to check into the organizations background to see how much of what you donate actually makes it to the people you are trying to assist. There are agencies out there that use funds you donate to cover costs of running an office, advertising and publicity, and sometimes even executive salaries. This means that sometimes less than 75% of what you give is actually used for the intended purpose.
Be informed. Ask questions. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering provides an opportunity for 100% of your donations to go toward relief of those affected by the storm. Additionally, American Baptists will not just care for those affected in the northeast, but all of those people affected in Haiti, Cuba, and the Caribbean. These areas feature many living below poverty and the savage nature of this storm can mean the difference between life and death.
Crooked Creek Baptist will be accepting gifts for the One Great Hour of Sharing: Sandy Relief throughout the month of November. Gifts can be marked in this manner and will be forwarded to help with both the short term and long term care and recovery of the regions affected by this terrible disaster. Thanks to you for your prayers and support of our brothers and sisters in their time of need.
American Baptists are responding to this tragedy as well. Funds from the One Great Hour of Sharing have already been committed to helping relieve some of the worst of this storm. Other organizations such as the Red Cross are also hard at work responding. Individuals interested in helping with relief can now make donations to a number of agencies involved with relief efforts.
Yet it is important for us to to be good stewards even with these donations. Before contributing to such an organization, it would be helpful to check into the organizations background to see how much of what you donate actually makes it to the people you are trying to assist. There are agencies out there that use funds you donate to cover costs of running an office, advertising and publicity, and sometimes even executive salaries. This means that sometimes less than 75% of what you give is actually used for the intended purpose.
Be informed. Ask questions. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering provides an opportunity for 100% of your donations to go toward relief of those affected by the storm. Additionally, American Baptists will not just care for those affected in the northeast, but all of those people affected in Haiti, Cuba, and the Caribbean. These areas feature many living below poverty and the savage nature of this storm can mean the difference between life and death.
Crooked Creek Baptist will be accepting gifts for the One Great Hour of Sharing: Sandy Relief throughout the month of November. Gifts can be marked in this manner and will be forwarded to help with both the short term and long term care and recovery of the regions affected by this terrible disaster. Thanks to you for your prayers and support of our brothers and sisters in their time of need.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Ubuntu
Now that our trip to South Africa is completed I have been trying to organize some overall thoughts about the trip and the experience of leadership that has affected the political, economical, and social lives of so many South Africans. Even with the fall of apartheid, a racial system based on discrimination, there are strong lines between too many groups of people.
Apartheid had drawn strong lines between white, colored, and black people. Even after the fall of apartheid, there still seems to be a strong line between these groups that is now drawn by economic status rather than race. Poverty in this nation is extreme with the poor living in conditions where even such staples as clean water and sanitation are limited. Employment opportunities are limited as are access to education, job training, and other vehicles to help improve the lives of these groups. Corruption in the democratically elected government stifles many attempts to raise the standard of living. To build a stronger South Africa, the untapped potential living in informal housing will need to be engaged.
In South Africa we heard a word from several of the different leaders with whom we visited. This word is Ubuntu. Ubuntu was defined to us as, "I am because we are" and stressed that no one person exists as an individual but always as part of a community. If I demean someone, I also demean myself. As one person's welfare rises or falls, my welfare is directly impacted. I believe that this concept is one which has helped control the potential for violence in this nation.
As apartheid fell, a great deal of tension arose in the nation as a regime of racism, hatred, and fear drew to a close. The challenge arose as these groups that had been target of the regime rose up to speak against the injustice they faced. There is always danger when an oppressed people rise up and discover their strength. The threat of reprisal, of vengeance, of inflamed righteous indignation was everywhere. Its why a great a deal of credit needs to be given to the leadership that were able to help channel and control these emotions preventing a terrible backlash from plunging the nation into an even more violent and bloody time (It is important to note that there has been, and continues to be violence in South Africa. Our group missed an opportunity to worship in a region where violence was a very real threat during a lorry strike that was taking place in the country). As difficult as the transition has been in South Africa, it could have been much worse.
The concept of Ubuntu could be a mitigating factor in helping to control the violence in the nation. The realization that the oppressor is also a slave to the system of fear has helped the people reach out to the ruling powers that have have denied justice for others. There is a connection between oppressed and oppressor and a desire to liberate both groups from a system that would promote hate and intolerance. I believe this may be the single greatest resource for the transition of South Africa.
And I believe it is also an important lesson that we living in the USA can take with us. Our nation is still reeling from a strong economic recession. The Occupy movement while quieted has revealed the disparity between the "haves" and the "have-nots" (By the way, by South African standards we are all pretty much haves in America). One of my biggest concerns is with the increased sense of polarization in our society. It is not enough to be a conservative or liberal now. Our society has become fragmented to the point where it is difficult for us to discover or even talk about our shared community. We even disagree over what the community is, the lines that create it, or our inter-connectedness in our communities. We have very little understanding or appreciation for Ubuntu. Republicans blast Democrats. Liberals blame conservatives. Paranoia and extremism clouds our views and understanding of so many issues. In many ways, we have abandoned common sense for party loyalty. We vilify the opposition because they are different from us. When we do this, we abandon our sense of community and bring harm to our own self and to others.
Americans could use Ubuntu in their personal lives, in their communal lives, and in our financial world. Honestly, I could not help seeing a strong parallel between this and the story line of "A Bug's Life" What will we grasshoppers do when the ants wake up and realize that we need them as much as they need us?
Apartheid had drawn strong lines between white, colored, and black people. Even after the fall of apartheid, there still seems to be a strong line between these groups that is now drawn by economic status rather than race. Poverty in this nation is extreme with the poor living in conditions where even such staples as clean water and sanitation are limited. Employment opportunities are limited as are access to education, job training, and other vehicles to help improve the lives of these groups. Corruption in the democratically elected government stifles many attempts to raise the standard of living. To build a stronger South Africa, the untapped potential living in informal housing will need to be engaged.
In South Africa we heard a word from several of the different leaders with whom we visited. This word is Ubuntu. Ubuntu was defined to us as, "I am because we are" and stressed that no one person exists as an individual but always as part of a community. If I demean someone, I also demean myself. As one person's welfare rises or falls, my welfare is directly impacted. I believe that this concept is one which has helped control the potential for violence in this nation.
As apartheid fell, a great deal of tension arose in the nation as a regime of racism, hatred, and fear drew to a close. The challenge arose as these groups that had been target of the regime rose up to speak against the injustice they faced. There is always danger when an oppressed people rise up and discover their strength. The threat of reprisal, of vengeance, of inflamed righteous indignation was everywhere. Its why a great a deal of credit needs to be given to the leadership that were able to help channel and control these emotions preventing a terrible backlash from plunging the nation into an even more violent and bloody time (It is important to note that there has been, and continues to be violence in South Africa. Our group missed an opportunity to worship in a region where violence was a very real threat during a lorry strike that was taking place in the country). As difficult as the transition has been in South Africa, it could have been much worse.
The concept of Ubuntu could be a mitigating factor in helping to control the violence in the nation. The realization that the oppressor is also a slave to the system of fear has helped the people reach out to the ruling powers that have have denied justice for others. There is a connection between oppressed and oppressor and a desire to liberate both groups from a system that would promote hate and intolerance. I believe this may be the single greatest resource for the transition of South Africa.
And I believe it is also an important lesson that we living in the USA can take with us. Our nation is still reeling from a strong economic recession. The Occupy movement while quieted has revealed the disparity between the "haves" and the "have-nots" (By the way, by South African standards we are all pretty much haves in America). One of my biggest concerns is with the increased sense of polarization in our society. It is not enough to be a conservative or liberal now. Our society has become fragmented to the point where it is difficult for us to discover or even talk about our shared community. We even disagree over what the community is, the lines that create it, or our inter-connectedness in our communities. We have very little understanding or appreciation for Ubuntu. Republicans blast Democrats. Liberals blame conservatives. Paranoia and extremism clouds our views and understanding of so many issues. In many ways, we have abandoned common sense for party loyalty. We vilify the opposition because they are different from us. When we do this, we abandon our sense of community and bring harm to our own self and to others.
Americans could use Ubuntu in their personal lives, in their communal lives, and in our financial world. Honestly, I could not help seeing a strong parallel between this and the story line of "A Bug's Life" What will we grasshoppers do when the ants wake up and realize that we need them as much as they need us?
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