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? 

Where is God in Evil?

        In the light of recent events in the U.S. and around the world, this common refrain has again come to the forefront, "where is God in all this evil?"It is a question with not a lot of answers. Christians back away from the question because I think most Christians if they are honest with themselves have asked the question to themselves at least once before. In fact. the questioning of the world and the turning to Christians for the answer forces Christians to thinking they need to have an answer. The reality is that most people that are asking the question of Christians are doing so because a) they have a legitimate desire to get an answer b) they have a personal vendetta against Christianity or God c) they don't know where else to look. I would even venture to say that the reason most people ask this question in times of horrific evil or unexplainable tragedy, is because they don't know where else to look in these cases so they start looking for God. It's probably one of the only times they actually ask the question of, "where is God in all of this?". See it's less about the answer to the question and more about the question itself.
        Granted in the aftermath of great tragedy it is hard to look for these things and harder yet to even try and answer that question in a way that will make God look like he actually cares and loves people. It's hard to try and cover for a God who doesn't show his plan to his people. This is not a dig on God, guaranteed it's for the best that he doesn't reveal his full plan to his people. The question is why do we think we need to cover for him? We come up with excuses like, "uh, well, see, God loves you and he has a plan, we don't know what that is, but, uh, we just have to trust him!" or, "well see God, uh, doesn't want bad things to happen, but uh, the world is fallen and evil is a part of that, so, uh, we just have to try and see how God is going to work through it." Or, probably my favorite (because it's the most Sunday school, Hollywood answer) "well see, Satan makes all the bad things happen, see there's this cosmic battle, and uh, well God has won, but, uh bad stuff still happens because it's not technically over yet, uh..." While there is some truth in all of these, they are all just excuses, and responses that we use to try and 'cover' for God, so we can still say he is Good, but not say that he allowed the evil to happen, or caused it to happen. However I want to share something I read this past week in a book by Francis Chan from Erasing Hell. He is ending the book and he goes into a section on how we need to allow God to be God, no matter how uncomfortable that may make us, no matter how confusing that may be at times. "The fact is, scripture is filled with divine actions that don't fit our human standards of logic or morality. But they don't need to, because we are the clay and He is the potter. We need to stop trying to domesticate God or confine Him to tidy categories and compartments that reflect our human sentiments rather than His inexplicable ways."

        We need to ask ourselves if we need God to explain his action or inaction to us, or if we can trust in God's ways and his plan for humanity. God is going to be God, no matter how much we like it. No matter how much we want him to look nicer for our friends. It's not a matter of trying to explain why God allowed something to happen or 'where he was' in certain instances. Although that would make us a lot less squirmy and a lot more comfortable, it's not the way it is. The biggest thing that we can do in these circumstances is show that at the centrality of our faith is a God who loves and resonates with the victims. Not in a naive sense, that we ignore what is going on, but recognize and convey that it's part of something greater, no matter how hard that is to swallow. It's not about trying to explain where God was or wasn't, I have complete faith that God isn't confined to where we do or do not want him. God can be anywhere and everywhere at the same time. Does that mean he is? I don't know.

        The reality is that God is God, in the end he can do pretty much whatever he pleases and not deserve questioning. The fact that he doesn't just do whatever he wants is whenever he wants is what makes him literally amazing and awesome (in the sense that he is worthy of awe). He chooses to limit himself to fit himself in and alongside the human story (in a way that I can't fully grasp and don't fully understand how he does it). He chooses to not abuse his power and authority (if that's possible), even though he of all has every right to do so. And greatest of all, he chooses to use Love and reconciliation as his tools of redemption, even though he has every right to Judge and Smite people for the evil they commit. Yes, that means that love and redemption can even be worked out in a situation like that of the Connecticut shootings. I think it's about time we saw that kind of method worked out in these situations. It would be quite something if our first reaction was forgiveness instead of judgment. After all, isn't that the God we serve?

So where is God when these evil things happen? Probably bleeding out on two posts pointing to a different way. waiting for us to look to him, and live in his example, and bring others along for the ride. to live in forgiveness and love and redemption, and to trust in his wisdom and in his plan. Awful easy things to say. Now it's time to do it.  

And he built an altar...

I started again... meaning I am starting again from the book of Genesis, because by the time you actually reach the end of reading the bible, it is about time to go back to the beginning. How can the book that we are supposed to base our life on be too ingrained right? More than that, I am listening to an audio version, and actually finding it quite rewarding. I can almost imagine myself sitting down like a good little Jewish boy back in the time of Moses, and Moses recounting the stories that he had been told and telling them to the people. It brings a whole new realistic aspect to it, when you realize that these stories are being told like they would have in those days. (minus the voice-actors, and probably some of the interpretation choices). For those who are thinking, your listening to an audio-bible? That's so lazy, and less "holy" or whatever association seems to go along with audio-recordings of the bible. It actually is quite a bit more biblical accurate, as it is the form that many would have heard these stories and accounts given.

With that long introduction out of the way, I was listening to Genesis, and one thing that really caught my attention listening to the recording, was the choice of the people to "build and altar" or to give certain areas a name based on what happened there. For so long I have thought that it was a nice gesture, and that it was just an easy way to name things. Yet, the more I thought about it the more I realized how aware these 'Jews' were of the human condition. Abram is conscious of the need to remember, and how easy it is to forget. Maybe it is the fact that most people in those days lived over 130 years, and they needed constant reminders in order to remember I don't know. What I do know is that they have these reminders everywhere. Yet, these reminders are not just for their individual benefit. These have an everlasting benefit, in the fact that, whenever that places name comes up, or whenever that altar is passed, it is a reminder to that individual, but also an opportunity for them to share what God had done in that place. They can share the story of why that altar is there, or why this place is named as it is. It's an amazing part of the Jewish culture to set reminders all over the place for these things. Obviously they eventually build up and some are a little odd, but it is a question that I think our culture has lost. Why are things the way they are? Not just that, but why is the city I live in called Calgary? Didn't learn that in school, yes we learn history of our country and in a broader, more global, sense, however, we have lost something of the fascination with where we come from and why.

It made me start to think of what practical things I could do that are more permanent to remind me of such things. I think it needs to be more permanent then sticky notes all over my room, or reminders in my phone. These are not bad, but they are brief reminders, until we clean our rooms, or erase that reminder in our phones. They have no comparison to naming a specific place after such things. Then, I started to think about societal things that are like our altars to God, or have the potential to be, and immediately tattoos popped into my mind. Which, obviously I chuckled a little to myself, because a lot of Christians have a problem with the idea of getting tattoos and would not even think about it. Now they do have good reason, because they claim the verse of 1 Corinthians 6. However, when I think about this verse it does not really say anything about tattoos. Only maybe if you are thinking of getting something along the lines of Bubba in the shape of a heart or something. But, if you think about it, tattoos have the potential, especially in our society, of being quite the conversation starter. More than just Christians have them, and a lot of people find an interest in the reasoning behind getting a tattoo. One of the main questions about tattoos is "will you still want it when you are 90, and your skin is drooping", however, if that tattoo is your way of reminding yourself of the faithfulness, or love, or power of God in your life, and it has a story that tells of God's goodness, who cares what it looks like when you are 90. I don't think Abraham asked when he was building an altar what it would  look like in 90 years, if the stones would wear nicely, or if it would even look like it originally meant to. (I do realize that this is a different and probably unfair comparison) however I think it should be reconsidered. Now tattoos I'm sure aren't the only way of making altars to God, and creating reminders for ourselves that others can ask about and will open the door to share stories of what God is doing, or has done in our lives. However I think it has gotten a bad rap simply because of all the bad tattoos out there, and the way they are normally used.

The point is we need to remind ourselves in some way or another that there are things God has and is doing in our lives. There should be things that when I have kids and they see something and ask why I do something or what 'that' symbolizes (whatever that may be) I can tell them about the time God provided for me, and the goodness of the God I serve. It is about reminding ourselves about God's provision and action, and also about being an open doorway to share about the action of the God we serve.

What's the Difference?

I was thinking the other day about the walk of Christians and the walk of non-Christians and that intersection point. There is a tension that has been present for probably as long as Christians have been around on how to live in the world in light of the gospel. Then I started thinking of what I have seen in our culture and society and how Christians walk compared to non-Christians.

Every Christian would not disagree that our lives are meant to be a witness to those that we come in contact with. The easy part is establishing this, the hard part has always been how and in what way do we do this? I think that for every person you talk to you will probably get a little bit different of a variation on how Christians are supposed to witness to those around them. I do not have the answer for this question, just to burst that bubble and so you don't get to the end of reading this and wonder where in the world the parting of the clouds and great epiphany went. However I do want to pose a question that should maybe get us all thinking about how we are living. I think that for the most part we (Christians) have enveloped ourself in our culture so much that nobody really can tell the difference. We watch the same t.v. shows, we listen to some of the same music, we possibly (depending on your convictions) drink the same drinks, and for the most part we actually have the same attitudes as the people around us. whether that is an attitude of consumerism, or an attitude of laziness, or an attitude of alcoholism, there is not much that separates us from them (and I shudder to use the old 'us'' and 'them' terminology but it just is the easiest to use).

So then, the question I want to pose is what makes your life different enough that people actually can look at you and notice that you live a life different than others? Now it's easy to say "well I believe different things" or "I have more love, or more joy than others", but the reality is, if no one is noticing (and granted you might not hear about if people are noticing) then perhaps possibly you are doing something wrong, or not allowing Christ to do his part in your life. It's nothing concrete and I am not thinking about anything in particular but it is fairly clear in the Bible that Christians are supposed to be a witness that people notice. It is not a matter of words and I think this is where the famous saying by St. Francis rings the most true "share the gospel, use words if necessary" (paraphrase). This quote has actually always rubbed me the wrong way to be honest, I always thought it was ridiculous, the gospel could not be told simply through actions, but the heart I think of the quote is that our actions should be enough that people notice a different, can I use "counter-cultural" aspect. What in your life is counter-cultural? Church does not count, I asked what in your life, not what day in your week that non-Christians aren't a part of, is counter-cultural, but what could others point to in your life and either not understand, or point to your Christianity.

Again, this is not to point fingers at others, saying I don't recognize your faith, or you are doing something wrong. It is merely an honest question that I think we Christians could benefit from, a little more, if we were willing to re-evaluate ourselves every once in a while.

A Question of Glee

If you have ever watched the hit t.v. show Glee you know the motto that they profess: be who you are and don't let anyone change that. Now whether you like the show or not this is an interesting concept and a prevalent one in our culture. One of the most common areas where this is addressed is in the gay-lesbian discussion among Christians and non-Christians alike. There are people that say they were born gay or lesbian, and then Christians say, no you weren't, and the back and forth continues with no progress. Now the catchphrase among Christians in regards to this is "hate the sin not the person", which leaves a sort of bitter taste in the mouth with people wondering how in the world that works out. Now I don't really want to talk about that part at all but as my random mind thought about the new season of Glee and such at work (yes I watch the show and enjoy it) I thought about their message to people, the one that can be seen almost anywhere you look in society: the rise of Lady Gaga, the relativistic attitude towards religion, the "positive mental attitude" movement, etc.  So I want to pose two questions then: is this a good thing to be professing? and what is the difference between Glee's "being who you are", and being who God made you to be?

Here is the difference. Pop culture just says that we should just accept people's dispositions without question because that must have been how they were born. If they were born that way then what right does anybody have to try and change. The problem comes with the fact that nobody can even question if that disposition is by choice or natural, because that would be offensive even if it seems that it is a choice. However I think there is a way that God made us to be. Now this does not mean that all of us were made to be the same, it also doesn't mean that Christians have a reason to not be loving or to start being judgmental, however I also don't think that having such a flimsy stance on certain things is good or healthy, it allows for us to sit in our sinful nature without having to work towards that person God made us to be. I don't think God made anyone to be gay, or a chronic liar, or a thief, or lustful, or a plethora of other things. How do I know? Because God is none of those things, and he made us in his image. I still think that God wants us to be an individual and he gives us personalities and passions and desires that make us unique and we should not be ashamed of those things. I am not ashamed of the fact that I like the show Glee even though some people think I should be.

I used to struggle with anger issues, and the slightest thing would tip me off (a lot of things were small and ridiculous). I always thought that it was just kind of the way I was, after all it's not like I thought 'I'm going to lose my temper and freak-out, and look like and idiot'. It seemed to be a natural reaction, and I thought that I might deal with it my whole life. You want to know the one thing that started to change my attitude problems? My mom had a conversation in the car after an explosion at a baseball game and told me that it was my choice whether I got angry or not. As soon as that realization that I had a choice came (and by the grace of God) I started to change that attitude and today people can hardly believe that I used to have anger issues. In fact, I think I am most complimented on my always smiling, and laughing. What a turnaround eh? So why did it happen? Because I refused to believe that I was just angry by nature, and I started instead to work towards who God made me to be. Now I realize that it's not an easy process to change some of those things that seem to be such a part of who we are, but it's a worthwhile process. So the challenge that I have is not necessarily to finger wag at people and say that they are not actually just born gay, but to try and point and guide people to show them who God made them to be. It's a worthwhile question to ask: was I born this way? Really, were you?

Love Indifference

     I'm starting to think that this blog should really be about song lyrics, that i get bigger ideas from. I don't care how much you like music, but anyone who says that music is simply entertainment is way off. This latest blog post comes from a song by the Lumineers called "Stubborn Love". There is a line in this song that goes like this, "the opposite of Love is indifference".

        The very first time I heard this line, I was not quite sure if I believed this to be true. After all, it seems like the opposite of Love is Hate, at least that is what we grow up believing. Yet, the more I think about it the less that I can believe this.

     Let's start from the basis that God is Love. I think this is a pretty common truth that every believer can agree on that comes from the bible. So God IS Love, not God loves (even though he does love) but in his essence he IS Love, it is his being, just the same that I am human. I can't decide whether I am human or not, it is a fact of who I am. It is a state of being, rather than an optional disposition. OK, so God IS Love. Yet, we read in multiple places in the Bible that God describe God as hating something (e.g. Deut 12:31,Psalm 45:7, Proverbs 6:16 etc.). As well, this is a common term we use for God's stance toward sin, we say "God hates sin", or a popular phrase among Christians, "God hates the sin, not the sinner" (I know, the eyes are rolling right now).  Yet there is obvious reference to things God hates. It might be helpful, as well, to define the term hate. Dictionary.com says that hate is "to dislike intensely or passionately: feel extreme aversion toward or hostility toward, detest". So I think it is fair to say that God feels this way about certain things, and behaviours. So the real point is, if hate is truly the opposite of love, how is it that a being who is in essence Love with a capital L, be what is contrary to himself? It's about as confusing as that sentence sounds. Something that is light cannot also be in turn darkness and vice-versa. Just as something that is Love cannot be the opposite of what Love is. So if God can hate, then hate cannot be the opposite of Love. Which leads to a whole bunch of other questions, or conclusions.
     If you ever thought that all evil was just hatred, then you might want to rethink that. Without trying to really define what evil really is, evil is simply working as contrary to good. (I thought I would give you as vague a definition as you can get). Yet, hatred towards certain things can lead to good being done, which means that hatred and evil are not synonymous. Which tends to be the way we use the terms today. As well this means that Satan is not just a big ball of hatred that sits and hates everything, because in reality hating certain things are actually good, which means that if Satan just hated everything, in some areas he would actually be good. On this point I tread very lightly as it is easy to say something that could be quite off target, but I will say that I believe Satan is evil, which means that he hates some things and loves others, which is like God but it tends to be that what Satan hates God loves, and what Satan loves God hates. I feel like that should be enough without getting into too much of the relationship between God and Satan, because to be honest I have very little knowledge about how Satan works, and how he relates to God, and all I want to know is that I want less of satan and more of God. Another question, and the main one that I started thinking about was, if hate is not the opposite of love, then what is?
     This thought obviously led me back to the song lyrics. Could indifference really be the opposing force of love? Well instead of trying to define Love in order to find out what is it's opposite, I figured I should look at what composes love. I think that love is a combination of many things. It is not quite the same as kindness, gentleness, compassion, passion, desire, it is the umbrella that covers those things and all those contribute to love. This is why it is so hard to define Love, because if you just define it as a good feeling, well your only covering desire, or passion. If you define it as turning the other cheek, you are only looking at mercy or gentleness. When in reality it is both at the same time. So if Love covers a multitude (sorry not of sins in this case for all those bible readers out there) but a multitude of emotions and attitudes, then the opposite of love is a lack of emotion or lack of care. It is a reckless abandon of indifference in each and every situation. The only way to show complete lack of Love at all is to be indifferent. Every action that involves an emotional response, even if it seems like a hateful act is because of a love for something else. Let me explain. If someone chooses to hurt another person either physically or emotionally, unless they are a psychopath (can't feel emotion, or feels incredibly reduced emotion) is doing it out of a love for something else. Whether that be a love of themselves and so they feel that they need to boost themselves above, or out of jealousy they hurt someone to boost their standing (and I think that a love of self is most often the case of harming another individual) but it is still showing a love of something, even if the priority and that Love is misdirected. So again the only way to not love anything at any point in time is to simply not care about anything. Now I don't know if this is fully possible, but it is interesting to think that by not caring we are choosing not to love. That is the only time that we are really not showing any love at all. Now there are certain ways we should direct our love as well, and how we balance our love between god and others and such is another ball game completely but as soon as we stop caring, as soon as we stop becoming enraged at injustice and disobedience towards God, then we stop becoming children of the Light, because there is no Love in us.
    May we Love as the Father loves, and hate what the father hates, and may we not be indifferent to the world, but may we work in it to bring heaven here to earth, one step at a time.