I heard something yesterday that was particularly provocative.
It was at work. Going about my menial tasks, I usually have a podcast or some sort of aural stimulation going so that I can give my mind something to do while I work. It makes the time go by faster I suppose. So, while listening, I literally stopped working when I heard this statement.
"You never evaluate a relationship based on where it is. You always evaluate a relationship based on where it's headed."
Oh snapz. What a profound statement.
It wasn't until later on in the night that I really had time to marinade on the implications of that statement. As I was driving to my various destinations, I thought about whether or not the statement was even true. And, I've concluded, that it is. At least in my life.
There is an old adage that stresses that time is the true measure of how loyal a friend is to you. For me, I can count numerous examples of how true this is. There were people that were close to me in school; but then again, once we didn't have classes together, the closeness seemed to drift. Ditto for many relationships at Disney. And any other job for that matter.
I have always maintained that I don't have a lot of friends. I say this not because I feel unpopular or anything; rather, it's due to the fact that I am extremely particular in defining the enormous difference between acquaintances and actual friends. Acquaintances are ones who know of me. Friends, on the other hand, know me. Further, my friends know me such that they will call me out when I am being unwise. None of my acquaintances have the authority nor the transparency to do so.
This leads me back to the earlier statement. Consider how many friends once that have once shared intimacy in your life. Chances are, one of you had an inkling about the trajectory of the friendship going awry. The difference with the friendships that last, is that they continually reevaluate and refocus. It takes intentionality and it requires work. But isn't it worth it?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
One (won)
It's been a year.
In fact, at this very moment she'll have been in the hospital already. Yet, by the sheer mercy and grace of God, she is no longer at the hospital. She's not even in heaven. She's in her house; happily and lovingly enjoying life.
To me, she defines what grace is all about. No one asks for car accidents. When they do happen, no one wants them to be life threatening. Taking the thought further, when people pray in a situation like that, an overwhelming amount of the time God says, "no." But instead, He chose "yes." No, He didn't just say yes. He said, "yes, and watch what else I will do." And the rest has been History.
So, as I sit in reflection, I'm reminded of the brevity of life. It's really cliche and is a truth that we all accept, but I don't think one can appreciate life until it gets personal. I suppose that's why some of the most joyful people are ones who have been redeemed. Celebrating hearts who have overcome cancers, handicaps, and, well, death. These are the people who light up a room with their smile. And, as a christian, this is the badge of honor that we should all be wearing. The banner of salvation.
It's easily safe to say that a lot of things can change within just one short year. It's also easy to conclude that tomorrow is never a guarantee for any of us. Therefore, our lives should count. But what is mine going toward?
In fact, at this very moment she'll have been in the hospital already. Yet, by the sheer mercy and grace of God, she is no longer at the hospital. She's not even in heaven. She's in her house; happily and lovingly enjoying life.
To me, she defines what grace is all about. No one asks for car accidents. When they do happen, no one wants them to be life threatening. Taking the thought further, when people pray in a situation like that, an overwhelming amount of the time God says, "no." But instead, He chose "yes." No, He didn't just say yes. He said, "yes, and watch what else I will do." And the rest has been History.
So, as I sit in reflection, I'm reminded of the brevity of life. It's really cliche and is a truth that we all accept, but I don't think one can appreciate life until it gets personal. I suppose that's why some of the most joyful people are ones who have been redeemed. Celebrating hearts who have overcome cancers, handicaps, and, well, death. These are the people who light up a room with their smile. And, as a christian, this is the badge of honor that we should all be wearing. The banner of salvation.
It's easily safe to say that a lot of things can change within just one short year. It's also easy to conclude that tomorrow is never a guarantee for any of us. Therefore, our lives should count. But what is mine going toward?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Blown Away
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Zo my goodness. I didn't even know this goldmine of a passage was even in the bible!
Can't write anymore. Brain swimming with thoughts that won't make it to the journal tonight. Crazy crazy ideas.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Zo my goodness. I didn't even know this goldmine of a passage was even in the bible!
Can't write anymore. Brain swimming with thoughts that won't make it to the journal tonight. Crazy crazy ideas.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday Night Thoughts
I am very, very tired.
Yet I'm thankful that I have a bed to sleep on tonight. Thankful for the provision of the Creator. And thankful for fatigue; for because of it I realize that I've been given the ability to do much (with much being precisely what I've done today).
So, before I rest, I just thought I'd write down my thoughts.
And seriously, I find myself thinking about my friends.
How some of them already progressed into the REM portion of the evening. I pray that their sleep would rejuvenate them properly, so that they can make much of their saturday.
Others are finishing up their night. Be it clubbing or poker-ing or simple drinking, it is my hope that they journey safely home and rest well. I hope that one day I can talk with them about Life.
The rest are in between. And with them I pray that they would simply sit back and reflect. Consider how much they have and examine the direction of their life. I hope that they would make the most of their Opportunity.
Good night, loved ones.
Yet I'm thankful that I have a bed to sleep on tonight. Thankful for the provision of the Creator. And thankful for fatigue; for because of it I realize that I've been given the ability to do much (with much being precisely what I've done today).
So, before I rest, I just thought I'd write down my thoughts.
And seriously, I find myself thinking about my friends.
How some of them already progressed into the REM portion of the evening. I pray that their sleep would rejuvenate them properly, so that they can make much of their saturday.
Others are finishing up their night. Be it clubbing or poker-ing or simple drinking, it is my hope that they journey safely home and rest well. I hope that one day I can talk with them about Life.
The rest are in between. And with them I pray that they would simply sit back and reflect. Consider how much they have and examine the direction of their life. I hope that they would make the most of their Opportunity.
Good night, loved ones.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Picture Words continued
There is a caveat.
Pictures may mean a thousand words, but that's entirely dependent on whether or not communication can take place at all. That is, a message has to be conveyed to you personally in order for a particular picture to be meaningful.
Take this cow for instance.
For me this cow means memories of Mexico. For other people it can be extremely offensive. Others still may even find him "cute." The variations are endless.
Now this picture.
This could be merely wood to you. On my end, this symbol is loaded with a ton of emotion/memories. Hence the capture on my phone.
In the end, there are some signs that are universal.
This will usually suffice pretty much anywhere (regardless of language).
The crux of the matter is to find a particular photo that is extremely meaningful to you personally. After all, if pictures express stories easily, it would be an injustice to not have favorite stories picked out. With that said...
Pictures may mean a thousand words, but that's entirely dependent on whether or not communication can take place at all. That is, a message has to be conveyed to you personally in order for a particular picture to be meaningful.
Take this cow for instance.
For me this cow means memories of Mexico. For other people it can be extremely offensive. Others still may even find him "cute." The variations are endless.
Now this picture.
This could be merely wood to you. On my end, this symbol is loaded with a ton of emotion/memories. Hence the capture on my phone.
In the end, there are some signs that are universal.
This will usually suffice pretty much anywhere (regardless of language).
The crux of the matter is to find a particular photo that is extremely meaningful to you personally. After all, if pictures express stories easily, it would be an injustice to not have favorite stories picked out. With that said...
A picture really is worth a thousand words
That was like 5000 words right there. Just BAM all at one time.
P.S. only one of these was not taken by me.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday Night Thoughts
I heard the most interesting thing on the radio this morning.
I was listening to sports talk radio of all things. In lieu of Father's day, my local radio station decided to interview the dads of many of the Atlanta sports stars. They interviewed Chipper Jones' (baseball) dad, Matt Ryan's (football) dad, and Josh Smith's (basketball) dad. Nothing was really that interesting about the interviews. They talked about ordinary things like sports and growing up in "rough" situations. Blah.
What was interesting was a comparison they ended up making. Michael Vick, the former star player for the Atlanta Falcons, was compared to all of the aforementioned Atlanta sports stars. Vick, unlike the other athletes, is currently in prison. The comparison made, however, was the effect of the father on the sports star. Each star athlete went through an incredibly difficult "trial" in their life. However Vick, unlike the other three, didn't have the support of his father when he went through his problems. In fact last year, when Michael was getting accused of the crime he would later be found guilty of, his father went on record to say that he never supported Michael. The three other sports stars, on the other hand, received unconditional love from their dads when they went through their respective difficulties. While, again, Vick's father did nothing but distance himself from his son when he needed him the most.
As I was driving, I started thinking about how truly important it really is to have a good dad in your life. There is so much that a child can only learn from their dad (just as there are some unique things that you can only learn from a mom). There is equal need from both parents as God had original designed. But the reality is many children grow up with just their mom. And the end result is that society gets weak men who have no idea what a man is supposed to look like. It's tragic.
This made me especially grateful for the Christian faith. A religion where God doesn't want some informal, criteria-meeting test for people; instead, He longs for a relationship where you would view Him as Father. What a thought.
I was listening to sports talk radio of all things. In lieu of Father's day, my local radio station decided to interview the dads of many of the Atlanta sports stars. They interviewed Chipper Jones' (baseball) dad, Matt Ryan's (football) dad, and Josh Smith's (basketball) dad. Nothing was really that interesting about the interviews. They talked about ordinary things like sports and growing up in "rough" situations. Blah.
What was interesting was a comparison they ended up making. Michael Vick, the former star player for the Atlanta Falcons, was compared to all of the aforementioned Atlanta sports stars. Vick, unlike the other athletes, is currently in prison. The comparison made, however, was the effect of the father on the sports star. Each star athlete went through an incredibly difficult "trial" in their life. However Vick, unlike the other three, didn't have the support of his father when he went through his problems. In fact last year, when Michael was getting accused of the crime he would later be found guilty of, his father went on record to say that he never supported Michael. The three other sports stars, on the other hand, received unconditional love from their dads when they went through their respective difficulties. While, again, Vick's father did nothing but distance himself from his son when he needed him the most.
As I was driving, I started thinking about how truly important it really is to have a good dad in your life. There is so much that a child can only learn from their dad (just as there are some unique things that you can only learn from a mom). There is equal need from both parents as God had original designed. But the reality is many children grow up with just their mom. And the end result is that society gets weak men who have no idea what a man is supposed to look like. It's tragic.
This made me especially grateful for the Christian faith. A religion where God doesn't want some informal, criteria-meeting test for people; instead, He longs for a relationship where you would view Him as Father. What a thought.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
[Title]
Life can be so weird.
Today was so tragically uneventful. Work was so blase. I guess we were just slow?
The one cool thing about today was how hard it rained. It was the type of storm that brewed tornadoes. I remember looking outside and seeing the trees at the mercy of the wind. I got reminded of just how furious the weather can be (and subsequently just how powerful God can demonstrate Himself to be). Then I realized that they hymn "How great thou art" was written from witnessing a storm just like the one I was watching. Weird no?
The only other noteworthy item about today was when I went to blockbuster. I was patiently trying to have my movies and whatnot checked out when this random lady walked in. She had a brazil t-shirt on. Looking at her face, I made the conclusion (along with information gathered from her shirt) that this woman very well may be brazilian. She talked about how there was a random dog outside that she didn't want to get lost or anything. So she called animal control and had been patiently waiting for them to arrive for more than one hour now. But they still hadn't showed up (so she was asking the blockbuster lady checking me out if she would watch the dog).
There's nothing really important here. Just a caring person. But what I was reminded of was hearing Louie talk about the Brazilian people on the Passion podcast. I saw this lady, who to me represented Brazil, and saw nothing but compassion on her face. Then I imagined myself being a stadium in Sao Paolo for Passion Brazil. That must have been cool. I'm not really sure where I'm going with this. However I do feel better having written it out for some reason.
To end the night I called Glorie. She didn't pick up. Figures.
Along those lines though, I keep asking God why I think about Glorie so much. I've kind of "bargained" with Him about my thoughts. If only I could think about Christ as much as I thought about Glorie, I'd be so satisfied.
But then I realized, satisfaction is the choice given to us. The empirical question that this whisper of life perpetually asks us is, "what will satisfy you today?" God invites us to enjoy satisfaction in Him.
So why is it that so often I decline the offer?
Today was so tragically uneventful. Work was so blase. I guess we were just slow?
The one cool thing about today was how hard it rained. It was the type of storm that brewed tornadoes. I remember looking outside and seeing the trees at the mercy of the wind. I got reminded of just how furious the weather can be (and subsequently just how powerful God can demonstrate Himself to be). Then I realized that they hymn "How great thou art" was written from witnessing a storm just like the one I was watching. Weird no?
The only other noteworthy item about today was when I went to blockbuster. I was patiently trying to have my movies and whatnot checked out when this random lady walked in. She had a brazil t-shirt on. Looking at her face, I made the conclusion (along with information gathered from her shirt) that this woman very well may be brazilian. She talked about how there was a random dog outside that she didn't want to get lost or anything. So she called animal control and had been patiently waiting for them to arrive for more than one hour now. But they still hadn't showed up (so she was asking the blockbuster lady checking me out if she would watch the dog).
There's nothing really important here. Just a caring person. But what I was reminded of was hearing Louie talk about the Brazilian people on the Passion podcast. I saw this lady, who to me represented Brazil, and saw nothing but compassion on her face. Then I imagined myself being a stadium in Sao Paolo for Passion Brazil. That must have been cool. I'm not really sure where I'm going with this. However I do feel better having written it out for some reason.
To end the night I called Glorie. She didn't pick up. Figures.
Along those lines though, I keep asking God why I think about Glorie so much. I've kind of "bargained" with Him about my thoughts. If only I could think about Christ as much as I thought about Glorie, I'd be so satisfied.
But then I realized, satisfaction is the choice given to us. The empirical question that this whisper of life perpetually asks us is, "what will satisfy you today?" God invites us to enjoy satisfaction in Him.
So why is it that so often I decline the offer?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
God really is patient
It's been a little under 24 hours since my rant.
I still don't know where that came from. It felt so good writing that out though. With the sea of thoughts swimming around in this brain of mine, sometimes writing proves to serve as an effective ravine to allow for structure.
In any case, the theme of today was God. I basically started the day off begging Him to let me have a better day (compared to yesterday) and I think He just had mercy on me. It was only fitting that God was able to teach me a few things along the way.
1) I'm pretty sure my problem yesterday was due to the fact that I was unfocused. I simply lost perspective. I carried on throughout my day as if God owed me an explanation for life. Frankly, I don't know where I had the audacity to think of myself as someone whom He is accountable to, but I sure did a great job of it yesterday. I lacked humility. I think it's just that simple.
2) I really don't understand why God doesn't just strike me with lightning. If I were in His shoes, I would smite everyone who opposed me. I wouldn't even think twice about it. I wouldn't even snap my fingers to make it happen. I'd just smite with the blink of an eye.
With this said, it's clearly apparent how much I have to learn about loving others. If God were to smite everyone in a manner similar to me, I would be among the first He would annihilate.
But He doesn't.
He loves.
He restores.
He waits patiently.
He hugs.
This is the true nature of God.
Infinite compassion.
No-strings-attached forgiveness.
Immeasurable gentleness.
Champion of the weak.
Friend of the widow.
Father to the orphan.
Lover to the lonely.
Shelter from the storm.
It's crazy.
3) I had a really crazy thought tonight when we were singing "Mighty to save." I thought about how altruistic it would be if I were to constantly remind Glorie how thankful she should be that she's even alive. Very few people survive an accident and live to tell about it. In fact, when people pray for a loved one in an accident as severe as Glorie's, God will often respond with a "no." But He didn't with her. In fact, Jesus ended up showcasing just how mighty He was through her.
However the thing I found most striking is that her lesson is applicable to everyone. We, in a manner analogous to her, were hopeless just like she was. We could have died just as she could have. Instead, He made Him that knew no sin to be sin for us so that we may become the righteousness of God. In other words, we have life just as Glorie has life.
And it's all because of Jesus.
In both cases.
Maybe I need to start taking my own advice.
I still don't know where that came from. It felt so good writing that out though. With the sea of thoughts swimming around in this brain of mine, sometimes writing proves to serve as an effective ravine to allow for structure.
In any case, the theme of today was God. I basically started the day off begging Him to let me have a better day (compared to yesterday) and I think He just had mercy on me. It was only fitting that God was able to teach me a few things along the way.
1) I'm pretty sure my problem yesterday was due to the fact that I was unfocused. I simply lost perspective. I carried on throughout my day as if God owed me an explanation for life. Frankly, I don't know where I had the audacity to think of myself as someone whom He is accountable to, but I sure did a great job of it yesterday. I lacked humility. I think it's just that simple.
2) I really don't understand why God doesn't just strike me with lightning. If I were in His shoes, I would smite everyone who opposed me. I wouldn't even think twice about it. I wouldn't even snap my fingers to make it happen. I'd just smite with the blink of an eye.
With this said, it's clearly apparent how much I have to learn about loving others. If God were to smite everyone in a manner similar to me, I would be among the first He would annihilate.
But He doesn't.
He loves.
He restores.
He waits patiently.
He hugs.
This is the true nature of God.
Infinite compassion.
No-strings-attached forgiveness.
Immeasurable gentleness.
Champion of the weak.
Friend of the widow.
Father to the orphan.
Lover to the lonely.
Shelter from the storm.
It's crazy.
3) I had a really crazy thought tonight when we were singing "Mighty to save." I thought about how altruistic it would be if I were to constantly remind Glorie how thankful she should be that she's even alive. Very few people survive an accident and live to tell about it. In fact, when people pray for a loved one in an accident as severe as Glorie's, God will often respond with a "no." But He didn't with her. In fact, Jesus ended up showcasing just how mighty He was through her.
However the thing I found most striking is that her lesson is applicable to everyone. We, in a manner analogous to her, were hopeless just like she was. We could have died just as she could have. Instead, He made Him that knew no sin to be sin for us so that we may become the righteousness of God. In other words, we have life just as Glorie has life.
And it's all because of Jesus.
In both cases.
Maybe I need to start taking my own advice.
Monday, June 09, 2008
That weird sunday morning feeling
I'm not really sure where I find myself right now.
I woke up and didn't really feel like going to church. Is that bad?
I love Northpoint. Andy and everyone else have so deeply shaped my spirituality. Good things are happening in Alpharetta. But why was this morning different?
I wasn't hung over.
I didn't have a one night stand.
I didn't even sleep that late. 2:30 is early for a saturday isn't it?
But there I was. Awake and borderline lamenting going through with what felt like a process.
Where did this come from? Where is my joy?
I thought I was supposed to wake up and be excited to commune with Jesus? I was far from thrilled.
My faith must be getting dim.
I ended up going to church anyway.
Everyone sang loudly to God.
I watched camera work.
We learned from the story of Hosea (and Gomer).
I ended up missing Glorie a little bit more.
The main message that was broadcast to me was how God loves me.
I know He does. But why still so empty?
Are these valleys natural? Are they normal for a "mature" believer?
What if they aren't? Why would I be feeling this way?
Sometimes I just want Jesus to talk back to me.
What good is a one way conversation?
I'm aware that God does speak. But what if I can't understand?
Is it bad to desire something so simple?
Blah.
I'm alive.
I'm purchased.
I have a purpose.
A great one in fact.
Maybe the whole reason for this is because
I've lost something.
focus.
I woke up and didn't really feel like going to church. Is that bad?
I love Northpoint. Andy and everyone else have so deeply shaped my spirituality. Good things are happening in Alpharetta. But why was this morning different?
I wasn't hung over.
I didn't have a one night stand.
I didn't even sleep that late. 2:30 is early for a saturday isn't it?
But there I was. Awake and borderline lamenting going through with what felt like a process.
Where did this come from? Where is my joy?
I thought I was supposed to wake up and be excited to commune with Jesus? I was far from thrilled.
My faith must be getting dim.
I ended up going to church anyway.
Everyone sang loudly to God.
I watched camera work.
We learned from the story of Hosea (and Gomer).
I ended up missing Glorie a little bit more.
The main message that was broadcast to me was how God loves me.
I know He does. But why still so empty?
Are these valleys natural? Are they normal for a "mature" believer?
What if they aren't? Why would I be feeling this way?
Sometimes I just want Jesus to talk back to me.
What good is a one way conversation?
I'm aware that God does speak. But what if I can't understand?
Is it bad to desire something so simple?
Blah.
I'm alive.
I'm purchased.
I have a purpose.
A great one in fact.
Maybe the whole reason for this is because
I've lost something.
focus.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Friday Night Thoughts
I was listening to a podcast at work when I heard something incredibly thought provoking.
Margaret Feinburg was speaking (she was the person who wrote "The Organic God" and probably some other books) when she started asking "what is your favorite thing about Jesus?" So, pretending I was in attendance hearing her speak, I started asking myself "what is my favorite thing about Jesus?" Roughly two seconds passed before I found myself smiling.
Far and away my favorite thing about Jesus is the fact that His character lets us see who God really is. That is, through Jesus, we see just how wonderful God really is.
Regardless of how someone views the bible, I don't think there's any denying that reading about Jesus' life is incredibly intriguing. The Man was as radical as it gets. He perpetually confronted religious leaders about their hypocrisy and frequently hung out in the most curious of places. Even if you don't believe any of the miracles that He did (allegedly if you will), the parables [stories] that He frequently taught were simply, well, disturbing. I don't mean disturbing in a scary sense either. I mean disturbing as in personally bothered on an epic level. For example, He'd say stuff like...
- "...it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matt 19, Mark 10, Luke 18)
- "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14)
- "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6)
Obviously there are plenty of other examples. However, I highlight all of these to illustrate [again] just how radical Jesus is. I mean after all, who says weird stuff like the ones listed above? C.S. Lewis sums it up pretty well: "Either Jesus was who He said He was, or He was a lunatic."
So, you may be wondering how this "crazy talk" represents God in any way. What you find, assuming you delve deeply into the bible, is that all of these strange parables (and miracles for that matter) pointed, in one way or another, at how deeply God loves us.
It's really cliche. But cliches develop because they're true. I've ready every single word in the four books devoted to the life of Jesus in the bible (you may hear them referred to as the Gospels). Story after story is written about how Jesus seeks only to restore relationship between God and people. For instance, the following stories are good examples of what I'm talking about.
- Jesus defends the adulterous woman (John 8)
- Jesus washes His disciple's feet (John 13)
- Jesus calls us [people] His friends (John 15)
The more you read the more you understand that Jesus, more than anything, loved everyone. The only exception (if that) was toward the religious leaders. But then again, the main reason He was so angry at them was because they, whom everyone expected to know the most about God, misrepresented Him the most (and thus steered people away). God is all about a relationship. He has no interest in how well you can keep rules.
So, I guess that was the long answer to the question. Jesus shows more clearly than anyone, that God is always trying to reveal Himself to us and always trying to repair and restore.
Which is the ridiculous thing about Christianity. God entrusts us (to a degree) with the very same task that Jesus did.
Margaret Feinburg was speaking (she was the person who wrote "The Organic God" and probably some other books) when she started asking "what is your favorite thing about Jesus?" So, pretending I was in attendance hearing her speak, I started asking myself "what is my favorite thing about Jesus?" Roughly two seconds passed before I found myself smiling.
Far and away my favorite thing about Jesus is the fact that His character lets us see who God really is. That is, through Jesus, we see just how wonderful God really is.
Regardless of how someone views the bible, I don't think there's any denying that reading about Jesus' life is incredibly intriguing. The Man was as radical as it gets. He perpetually confronted religious leaders about their hypocrisy and frequently hung out in the most curious of places. Even if you don't believe any of the miracles that He did (allegedly if you will), the parables [stories] that He frequently taught were simply, well, disturbing. I don't mean disturbing in a scary sense either. I mean disturbing as in personally bothered on an epic level. For example, He'd say stuff like...
- "...it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matt 19, Mark 10, Luke 18)
- "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14)
- "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6)
Obviously there are plenty of other examples. However, I highlight all of these to illustrate [again] just how radical Jesus is. I mean after all, who says weird stuff like the ones listed above? C.S. Lewis sums it up pretty well: "Either Jesus was who He said He was, or He was a lunatic."
So, you may be wondering how this "crazy talk" represents God in any way. What you find, assuming you delve deeply into the bible, is that all of these strange parables (and miracles for that matter) pointed, in one way or another, at how deeply God loves us.
It's really cliche. But cliches develop because they're true. I've ready every single word in the four books devoted to the life of Jesus in the bible (you may hear them referred to as the Gospels). Story after story is written about how Jesus seeks only to restore relationship between God and people. For instance, the following stories are good examples of what I'm talking about.
- Jesus defends the adulterous woman (John 8)
- Jesus washes His disciple's feet (John 13)
- Jesus calls us [people] His friends (John 15)
The more you read the more you understand that Jesus, more than anything, loved everyone. The only exception (if that) was toward the religious leaders. But then again, the main reason He was so angry at them was because they, whom everyone expected to know the most about God, misrepresented Him the most (and thus steered people away). God is all about a relationship. He has no interest in how well you can keep rules.
So, I guess that was the long answer to the question. Jesus shows more clearly than anyone, that God is always trying to reveal Himself to us and always trying to repair and restore.
Which is the ridiculous thing about Christianity. God entrusts us (to a degree) with the very same task that Jesus did.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Distraught
I had a talk with my mom tonight.
One of those mother to son type of deals. We talked about whom Obama will pick for his running mate. We talked about how a rabbit scared her when she was gardening today. We discussed how much better our TV looked because I calibrated it properly.
But then we delved deeper.
The conversation inevitably turned toward my thoughts. She wondered what I was thinking. Of course, I was thinking about Glorie. This shifted the mood of the conversation from relaxed to uneasy.
I could tell she wanted to talk to me deeply about this subject but she was just so unsure of what to tell me (apparently, my ability to outsmart/outwit can create a sort of intimidation when it comes to simply approaching conversation with me). I desperately made things easier for her. I asked her questions that were open ended.
"Are you on the same boat as dad? Do you think it would be best if I just "moved on" and didn't hope for any friendship with her?"
"I don't think the same as your dad. It's ok to say hi and kamusta every now and then. But this [referring to the mess between our families] didn't happen for no reason at all. I think it would be best if you moved on. Who knows? Maybe the Lord has something better for you anyway."
I didn't really look up at her after that. I understand that my mom means well and only wants the best for her son, but what if I want the friendship? If it's "best" to "move on", why is it that I desire so badly to restore and repair? Am I missing something here? Am I in denial? It seems like it. I don't even think Glorie wants friendship with me as much as I want it with her.
This is why I sit here in a big fog. I want so badly to repair and restore the priceless friendship that I shared with Glorie. To be able to call her up and talk about nothing at all until the early morning. And then to be able to admire her simply because she's such a tremendously admirable person. But it's extremely frustrating when all of my family looks down on me for having that desire. It feels like they're faulting me for still caring.
I wish there were an easy way to tell everyone that Glorie is worth it to me. I don't know how to articulate that. It's beyond sense. I don't think the woman herself would be able to get it. What we were able to share, be it romantic or platonic, is extremely precious to me. I'd do anything to get that back. Even endure the scorn of my family and the abandonment of hers.
But what if I'm wrong? What if I'm just clueless? What if I'm hoping for a reality that will never occur? Am I foolish for hoping?
Faith! I needeth thee immediately!
One of those mother to son type of deals. We talked about whom Obama will pick for his running mate. We talked about how a rabbit scared her when she was gardening today. We discussed how much better our TV looked because I calibrated it properly.
But then we delved deeper.
The conversation inevitably turned toward my thoughts. She wondered what I was thinking. Of course, I was thinking about Glorie. This shifted the mood of the conversation from relaxed to uneasy.
I could tell she wanted to talk to me deeply about this subject but she was just so unsure of what to tell me (apparently, my ability to outsmart/outwit can create a sort of intimidation when it comes to simply approaching conversation with me). I desperately made things easier for her. I asked her questions that were open ended.
"Are you on the same boat as dad? Do you think it would be best if I just "moved on" and didn't hope for any friendship with her?"
"I don't think the same as your dad. It's ok to say hi and kamusta every now and then. But this [referring to the mess between our families] didn't happen for no reason at all. I think it would be best if you moved on. Who knows? Maybe the Lord has something better for you anyway."
I didn't really look up at her after that. I understand that my mom means well and only wants the best for her son, but what if I want the friendship? If it's "best" to "move on", why is it that I desire so badly to restore and repair? Am I missing something here? Am I in denial? It seems like it. I don't even think Glorie wants friendship with me as much as I want it with her.
This is why I sit here in a big fog. I want so badly to repair and restore the priceless friendship that I shared with Glorie. To be able to call her up and talk about nothing at all until the early morning. And then to be able to admire her simply because she's such a tremendously admirable person. But it's extremely frustrating when all of my family looks down on me for having that desire. It feels like they're faulting me for still caring.
I wish there were an easy way to tell everyone that Glorie is worth it to me. I don't know how to articulate that. It's beyond sense. I don't think the woman herself would be able to get it. What we were able to share, be it romantic or platonic, is extremely precious to me. I'd do anything to get that back. Even endure the scorn of my family and the abandonment of hers.
But what if I'm wrong? What if I'm just clueless? What if I'm hoping for a reality that will never occur? Am I foolish for hoping?
Faith! I needeth thee immediately!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Just cause
I don't know why.
I just feel like writing it down will help me remember it more. It's just that important.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?
It is God who justifies.
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--[no] more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that
neither death nor life
neither angels nor demon
neither the present nor the future
nor any powers
neither height nor depth
nor anything else in all creation
will [ever] be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
amen.
I just feel like writing it down will help me remember it more. It's just that important.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?
It is God who justifies.
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--[no] more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that
neither death nor life
neither angels nor demon
neither the present nor the future
nor any powers
neither height nor depth
nor anything else in all creation
will [ever] be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
amen.
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