This One isn't for You.... It's for us Eagles

    I'm not good with goodbyes. In fact I hate them. Especially those of a more permanent variety. So for the past couple of days I have been stewing over the latest goodbye I had to issue, to a place close to my heart. I have been dwelling on the words that could appropriately fit the situation  I find myself in, and the goodbye I have to give, and they never came. Others issued their goodbyes, and did so eloquently and in such a manner that expressed exactly what I was feeling. The only problem was it wasn't my goodbye. It wasn't my own, it was someone else's goodbye that I resonated with. I needed to say goodbye for myself. So when I say that this one is not for you, it is not intended to be harsh or to be selfish. Well maybe it is a little bit selfish. Yet, all it means is that it is my goodbye. In all it's inefficiencies, and it's lacking. It is my best description of thanks, of appreciation, of this feeling of blessing, and of the place called Bethany College.
    Sunday April 26th. That was the day I lost a home. It may not have looked like a home upon first arriving on campus, but it became a second home, with a second family. Hepburn, the place "Where friends and family meet." No truer words could have been adopted by Bethany College. Once you walked in those doors you were both a friend and part of the family. So by the time the tears started to flow in that crammed Gymnasium I knew that they were both necessary, and wanted. There was nothing else to do. Nothing else to do but sit, and cry, and listen to the testimony of a place that had touched the lives of five thousand eight hundred people directly, and countless others indirectly. After all we had all lost a home of sorts. Whether you spent one day, or you spent four or more years on the campus when you came to Bethany's campus you came to a home, and on this particular Sunday this home gave it's final farewell. Five thousand eight hundred alumni, while not that big of a number, had dwelled here at one point or another. It's not a particularly large number, but then it's not really about a number, after all it never was.
    It was never about how many came through the doors on a September long weekend, wide eyed, with parents in tow (or towed by parents). It was never about that because it was about something more important than that (Although, I'm sure there was always wishes of numbers, it wasn't the focus). It was something that the staff and faculty understood about this place. It was something that the students came to appreciate about the place. The first time you drove up that dirt rode and pulled into that building you didn't get it. There is no way you could have. Maybe the odd person sensed something, or maybe you could tell by the looks on the faces of those that had resided there before, but you didn't really know. You didn't really know because deep down it wasn't about the building, the building was just the meeting place. It was about one thing, that when you understood and experienced, that also became the most cliche thing to actually say. Community.
    Everyone knew it. It might have been because they heard that word uttered fifty some odd times in the first week. I believe that they also felt it, some for a short period of time, and some for a time longer. Yet, when you chose to give some of your time to Bethany, you were guaranteed to be a part of a community. I will never understand it, how it always worked, and how it was always tried, tested, and true. Maybe it was the faithfulness of countless staff that poured their heart and soul into every single year at this place. They weren't building into a job, they were parents pouring into their family. They, for 8 months of a year, collectively adopted anywhere from 60-120 students and set out to make sure that they were looked after, and cared for, and loved. From long hours, to long talks, to short but sweet classes (we only hoped!). They poured their heart and soul into everything and everyone they encountered. Some, I'm sure, were easier to put up with and pour into. Some took a little more work (and a little more Advil), but that never stopped them from keeping up the task and pouring into every single individual. It was for these such people that the tears fell for on this day.
    Maybe this was the example that was set by the President's and Board members of the school. The many meetings, and budgets and conversations were necessary to keep such a school up and running, so that students had the opportunity to come and experience. The many headaches, and I'm sure tears that led up to the fateful decision that all of this would eventually be coming to an end. The writing on the wall that was there for all to see, accompanied by a deep sense of loss and heartache for the understanding that the environment that they worked so hard to make the best it could be and maintain that standard, would be no more. That no more would students be able to experience the wonder and joy that existed in the halls. These weren't necessarily the front lines workers in the sense that they worked directly with the students. This isn't to say they were invisible, we saw them. They were on the front lines of tough decisions and discerning the will and guidance of God, and following where He was leading them. I will never know what happened in the rooms where those meetings took place, or the atmosphere that accompanied them. Yet, I do know that these were also on the front-lines of making Bethany the kind of place that it was. It was for these such people that the tears fell for on this day.
    Everyone bought in to this environment. Have I mentioned yet, how I don't really understand how it all worked and fit together? It's because it didn't make sense that it did work. To avoid making it seem like it was all butterflies and rainbows and something from a too good to be true fairy-tale, there were hardships, and trials, and issues that arose. There were fights, and not everyone was the best of friends (not everyone held hands and skipped around the streets of Hepburn). I don't think everyone was always even keen on being at Bethany. I've heard it said that it's in the gritty and the grimy of relationship that you truly see the face of God. This was no less true about Bethany. It was messy, and gritty, and grimy at times, but in some ways that was also where we saw the face of God. Despite these things, there was always a part of Bethany that people bought into. People almost always bought into the people. The relationships that developed and remain to this day are a testament to the kind of place that Bethany was and the kind of community it fostered. People bought into the classes and the teachings; or at least they faked that they did and hoped that Gil, Randy, Rick or another professor didn't notice they were on Facebook (FYI they did notice). They bought into the person of Jesus that was present and working within the walls of Bethany, both in the dorms and in structures that made up Bethany. Almost everyone bought into something that was present at Bethany, and that's what made it so special. It was for all these such people that the tears fell for that day.
    I took up reading the book of Lamentations as I saw it as kind of a fitting place to read in light of the sorrow that I was feeling. I was expecting a book about sorrow and grief, something I could resonate with. Yet, as I started reading this book I noticed, right smack dab in the middle, a section titled: Great is Your Faithfulness. This is not my idea of grieving, and I didn't know how to fully describe the sense of deep loss and grief alongside the incredible foundation of hope found in Jesus that I was feeling, but I wouldn't have used the word Faithfulness if you did ask me. This is what I read:

"But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; 

great is your faithfulness

'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul,

'therefore I will hope in him.'

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, 

to the soul who seeks him. 

It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. 

Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; 

let him put his mouth in the dust -- there may yet be hope;

let him give his cheek to the one who strikes,

and let him be filled with insults.

For the Lord will not cast off forever, but,

though he cause grief,

he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love;

for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men." (Lam 3:21-33)

    I stood in a gymnasium on April 26th and sang about the faithfulness of God, and his right to be honored and glorified, and blessed his name. Tears rolling down my cheeks as I sang these words and reflected on four years, and countless other visits to Bethany. The words could not have been more true. I had sang many songs like this within the walls of Bethany. It was the faithfulness and blessing of God that I was able to experience in such a place, and have it change me into a large part of the person I am today. It was the faithfulness of God that kept Bethany the place it was for 88 years. No other place has had such a deeply felt impact on my life, and as a result I don't really even fully know how to say Thank You. Words don't do it justice, and I will never be able to fully explain what this place was to me. It was a home, a theater, a church, an stadium, a meeting place, a comedy club, a concert hall, and so much more. It was a place where a faithful God chose to dwell. It was the home and resting place of Eagles. 

    I read a description on a Facebook status the other day, about a month before this day would come. It was talking about Eagles and the image of the eagle used in the Bible. It spoke to me profoundly, and I asked if I could share it but for some reason I didn't right away. I don't know what stopped me because it spoke to me and touched me. I think it was meant to go here: 

Eagles are one of the most powerful creation of God, they are symbols of power, grace, superiority and freedom. 

In its own right, the Eagle is the king of the air. It dominates,and is able to do what other birds are not capable of doing.It is a skillful flyer.

God has made you, much more powerful than the Eagle, he has given you the ability to dominate the air, land and sea. You are a King, made to dominate your territory for God, why are you seeking the approval of man, when God has approved you himself, why bow and perform before political office holders, mare men, for favor. As they say in the military wake up!, stand up and stand out!, Your case is and should be different! you are the child of the King of Kings.

While other birds fly, the eagle soars.When other birds struggle with the elements, that is the wind, the sun etc,the eagle takes advantage of it, rather than struggle to gain momentum, the eagle simply studies the direction of the wind and takes advantage if it, it glides and soars, allowing the wind to take it to its desired destination.

Child of God, relax, stop struggling, enjoy the benefit of your sonship, tap into the promises of God. Jesus has paid the price. Glide like the Eagle rest upon the wings of the Almighty let him carry you as he carried the weight of the world upon his shoulders, lay your troubles at his feet.

•Eagles have unusual eyes, the eagles’ vision is among the sharpest of any animal, for example,humans see just three basic colors,the eagles see five this enable them to spot well-camouflaged prey from a very long distance. 

Where many see discouragement, failure, and closed doors may you see the potentials for promotion, success and victory.in Jesus name!.

Hear what the Almighty says concerning you child of God

[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

So thank you Bethany for everything you became and everything that you were. Despite your flaws and short comings you were a blessing and a gift of God for these 88 years. Thank you for letting me be an Eagle, both as a member of sports teams and as a child of God. After all whenever you attend a school, no matter if you're on the court (or ice) or not, you adopt whatever mascot the team boasts. Every one that walked through those doors and gave some time to Bethany was a Bethany Eagle. So I'm sorry this one isn't for you. This one is for all of us Eagles. 

A Log and a Speck

It's a slow afternoon on a nondescript day in January. There I was on a particularly slow day, at a particularly slow time of this slow day. Now, when these sort of circumstances present themselves one does whatever it takes to wheedle away the minutes and hours. With the hum of numerous electronics and belts (I work at an airport, with baggage, so not the belts that you would put around your waist to keep your pants nice and snug). For this reason, I read on my phone, play various games, scroll through my twitter and Facebook feeds, and listen to music. This is all when I am not engaged in conversation with fellow co-workers, (or actually doing the work that needs to get done).

Now it is this scrolling through various feeds of various social networking sites that both frustrates and gets me into trouble. After all, social networking is not the place to post controversial statuses and risk the inability to properly communicate the many nuances of any one of these discussions. Most people avoid these statuses because of a desire not to post a blog-esque length comment under a status, fully flushing out the argument of your side, or fully explaining yourself so that you do not have mis-communication. Even if people don't avoid this and decide to pursue such a bold and futile venture, the fact that it is typed messages and not face to face, vocal, back and forth, causes misunderstanding and oversimplification of possibly complex discussions. These statuses coupled with the many, many articles on various topics (both controversial and not) have gotten me into self-proclaimed trouble. Not that I love most of the articles, although some are worth the read, there is just such an overload of these articles both worthwhile and not that there simply isn't time and it gives Facebook the feel of an impersonal advocacy center for whatever the cause or complaint of the week. It is because of this that I even left Facebook for a while, and deleted the app off my phone. The urge to post opinions in the boredom of a day can sometimes be too much, especially when you are opinionated, and not shy about those opinions. Too often I should just keep the opinion to myself or unload it on someone that is actually there in live person. However, this doesn't always happen and can then lead to a lengthy, and often grueling, "discussion" in a comment section. For this reason, I have re-booted this blog. This blog is as much for myself as it is for others. A place to splurge so to speak and possibly (hopefully) flush out my opinions. You have  a right to disagree, and I love discussions if you do. I am no authority, and this is simply my opinion. If you disagree, comment that you disagree, but if you want to discuss and explain why talk to me in person, not in the comments section.

With all that said, the real reason for this post is in a response to many of said articles in Facebook. I have noticed that the particular kick of the week has to do with modesty of Christian Woman (I am talking about Christians for this whole post, and would rather put a disclaimer here for convenience sake), and the back and forth between two parties saying who should do and say what. As well is the very comical satirical article about modesty of Men in regards to suits which is quite humerous, and worth a read. Most of these are from Christian perspectives, and as I am one of those (a Christian not a woman) I get more and more frustrated with both sides of the argument on this one. The interesting part is it isn't a disagreeance that is causing frustration. I actually agree with both sides. The problem I see is with the starting point of the argument. You see the very watered down, readers digest version of the argument as I see it goes like this:

Men's point of veiw. We are visual beings and as a result Christian Woman should be conscience of what the wear in order to not cause men to stumble and lust after them. The Bible talks about woman being modest, and not causing others to stumble so they should cover up... buy a burka. (Ok I added that last bit, but there has been mention of burka's in comment sections of some of these articles)

Woman's point of view. It is unreasonable for men to ask woman to basically wear a burka. Some of the "so-called" clothing items in question are worn for comfort and not with the purpose of being revealing. It is unreasonable for men to place their problems with lust on the shoulders of women. As a result men need to take care of their problems and not just blame them on the dressing of woman.

I think that I understand both points of view. I think I agree with both points of view. My problem is that both arguments come from the starting point of pointing the finger at the other party. Both have truthful statements and I don't think I disagree with either statement, to a point. See what comes to mind is a verse about a log and a speck. In fact, it is Jesus teaching in Matthew 7 and it goes as follows:

"Judge not, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye, while the log is in your own eye?' You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour's eye." (NRSV). 

In this particular instance and context this verse seems to apply in multiple facets. First, I think that when coming at the problem of modesty (for lack of a better name) both are failing to search themselves first. Both parties immediately are either attacking or defensively retaliating rather than maybe examining themselves and working on their problems before pointing blame at one another. Or God forbid we actually worked together to solve some of our problems.  

Men, yes we are visual creatures, but just because a woman is wearing something does not mean that her main goal is to cater to you and try and lure you off course in a rage of lust. The reality is even if all Christian women dressed like nuns there are a lot of non-christians out there that may have a different value system than a Christians might.  What are you going to do in those situations, convert them all on the basis of modesty? (Good luck with that).  Men you need to work on you, on your mental space, on where your mind goes, and how to control your thoughts and take those thoughts captive. "Renew your minds" daily, and control your eyes, because even though we are visual, you don't always have to look either. In fact, every time I'm in a mall, I have to look the other way purposefully passing some stores because of the content displayed that is hyper-sexualized. (These are women's stores too btw). Men, learn self-control, and utilize it, there is a reason it is one of the fruits of the Spirit. We too quickly forget, that one of the biggest problems that can plague women is self-image. I am not saying that this is why all women dress the way they do, or even that all women have this struggle. That being said some women do dress a certain way to get attention, for whatever reason. Maybe, they just like the clothes, but maybe they feel that the only way they have value is if guys are looking. Let's look at how we are thinking, and how we are treating women before we point the finger at them, and accuse them of all being Jezebel because it's summer and they don't want to wear a sweater. Learn to control yourself, and maybe it won't be as big of a deal for you. 

Women, I am not a woman, and because of that I have less right to talk to your 'stuff'. However, you are not blameless either. While I understand that some of those clothes may be comfortable and that is why you wear them. It is still your job to AT LEAST have an understanding of how your choice of clothing is going to come across. Understand where the line is, and I don't say this so you second guess every single wardrobe decision, but you need to focus on yourselves as well before your pointing the finger. The fact is that men are visual beings. It's not always bad thing, it's not an excuse either. Sometimes it doesn't matter how much you like that shirt or those pants, sometimes maybe you can choose not to wear it because you know that it is a little more revealing. Or you wear it differently, to be a little more modest. Like I understand those yoga pants (the most common example in this discussion) are comfortable, but wear a lower riding shirt. Understand your context and the purpose for what you are wearing. For me it is harder to speak to women because I see the women's side of it as more of a heart thing, than an actual practical action. However, I think that this is just as much about you as it is involving you. Instead of blaming men for placing all their lustful thoughts on your shoulders, and making you deal with them, try and look inwards and see if there are things you can do to help Men and their major stumbling block of thinking that you are beautiful. After all how dare they think that right? 

That really is the main point of my ranting. It's not just to get everything off my chest. With issues like this (and I think it goes beyond the whole modesty thing), what if instead of arguing and pointing fingers at other parties. We worried about ourselves and our own faction of the problem. Or heaven forbid we actually work together to be better. If there is a argument, how can you be the solution, don't wait for someone else to be a solution. Work together as much as possible to make things better. Jesus has some pretty strong words for these kinds of conflict, and more than once. In the sermon on the mount he talks about walking the extra mile for someone who forces you to go one. (NRSV) To give more to the person that SUES you. To turn the other cheek (a concept that I think has become watered down). It means actually allowing someone to hit you on the other side, it's not rolling over and just being meek about it. It's actually actively turning and offering the other cheek (not aggressively mind you). All these are active. It is not a passive avoidance of conflict, it is looking at the conflict, throwing your own pride aside and loving those who persecute you. The focus in all of these is on your response, not what the other person did. Get over yourself enough that you can humble yourself and see where you are in the wrong in certain situations. After all is said and done, the main point isn't about who is wrong and who is right. The point is living in proper healthy relationship with one another. The point is living in relationship in a way that is pleasing to God.  The point is showing a lifestyle that says the kingdom of God and Jesus' teaching are more important than my pride, or my opinion. Maybe we should be more focused on our own logs, and not be trying to remove the specks from our neighbours. All blame does is allow us to be lazy with our own crap, our own issues. And it makes it seem that it's "all on them", it's "their problem" more than ours. The reality is, it's all of ours. Do the heavy lifting. Cause last I checked Logs are a little heftier than specks. 

That's my opinion, agree or disagree?