The Imperfect Board Member

Today I enjoyed a relaxing day at home. While it was cool and gloomy outside, I kept myself warm with some delicious white truffle rooibos tea, and occupied by reading the book "The Imperfect Board Member" by Jim Brown.  Initially, I thought it might be better to drown my body in coffee, thinking that the book would bore me to sleep and the caffeine may help to push me through to the end.  Surprisingly, the book was delightfully engaging, a quick 200 page read that I finished in a matter of hours.  Written as a narrative, with sage advice and proven principals comprising the meat of the material, this is a book that I would recommend to every person who works within an organization, church or company that has Board style governance.  Whether you be the CEO, Executive Director, Board member or even staff, Jim Brown's book offers invaluable insight.

As I do with most everything I read, I create a cornucopia of colour in my books. As interesting and poignant statements catch my attention, I stroke the little nuggets of wisdom with a highlighter for quick future reference. The rest of this post will be a quick summary of the pretty little pink lines you would come across if you read my copy of "The Imperfect Board Member", some of them are poignant and others just caused some personal reflection or left me laughing. I've bolded some of my favourites.

If I was to summarize the content of this book it would be encapsulated in this sentence:

To DIRECT and PROTECT the board must CONNECT - EXPECT - CORRECT and with regard to the CEO the board must SELECT - INSPECT - REDIRECT and if necessary - EJECT

** "He snapped on his positive, professional countenance- the one he had mastered after his
    MBA course on pubic relations, in which he learned to "always be sincere, even if you 
    have to fake it""

** "I'm just creating an environment for her to be her best. I view tips differently than many
    people do.  I like to use them to inspire premium service.  Why wait until it is too late to give
    her a message about her performance?"

** "Sometimes the best way for me to support you will be for me to disagree"

** Owners - Board - CEO - Staff - Customers -- "When the straight lines of communication,
    authority, and accountability get broken, confusion and chaos result"

** "President Lincoln wisely judged that 'it never does a boy much good to shoot him"

** "Hope is a choice.  Add to it perseverance and that's what changes the world"

** "Sometimes we inadvertently reward the behaviour we don't want and fail to reward 
    the behaviour we desire"

** "Sometimes a majority only means that all fools are on the same side"

** "When you're in the depths of despair, things appear dark in every direction.  But 
    when you raise your head out of the pit, you get a totally different experience"

** "Boards don't need to hear about how busy the CEO is -- they need to hear about results"

** "The only way a board can responsibly to it's job without medling is by monitoring well"

** "The best boards keep their noses in the business and their fingers out"

** "What you should know by now is that I don't just tell you my thoughts - I expect you to think"

** "It's amazing how uncommon common sense is these days"

** "Monitoring the results the CEO has achieved compared to the plans and policies set by the
    board is how the board fulfills the responsibility to INSPECT"

** "The board's position is not management one step up, it's ownership one step down."

** "An example of good use of board inspection is interviewing several staff members 
    to assess how closely the organization is following the board set values."

** "Tie as much of the compensation as possible to performance.  Despite what Woody Allen
    said, merely showing up for work is not enough"

** "Winston Churchill's response when a friend asked if he was impressed that ten 
    thousand people had come to hear him speak: "Not really.  A hundred thousand 
    people would come to see me hang""

** "Every director [board member] has a significant investment in the business.  We insist on
    that because we believe that board members must feel the impact of their decisions and their
    leadership as much as any other shareholder"

** "Feedback is the breakfast of champions"

A Fruit Basket - The Gift God really Wants.

The one gift that God treasures most from His children, is a Fruit Basket. While not everyone appreciates receiving a fruit basket, it is a gift that can make all the difference to God, and each person we share it with, not to mention the benefit to our own lives.

Do you know how I know that God loves Fruit Baskets – He tells me so, repeatedly in His word, most notably John chapter 15. In Christ’s own words he tells us that we are to bear fruit “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” John 15:16 Straight from the mouth of Christ – BEAR FRUIT - FRUIT THAT WILL LAST

Verse 8 Jesus Christ says to us “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” There are two things we learn from these words of Jesus We Glorify God by producing Fruit and a true disciple produces a bounty of fruit – it is evidence of our relationship with Christ. Matthew 7:16 reads “By their fruit you will recognize them.”

The term fruit as it is used here includes everything from their growing in the image of God and the fruits of the spirit, to the fruit that is produced because of their sharing the gospel and the fruit that is produced as a result of their service to God and others. A fruitful life is a life that benefits others. A vineyard is worthless unless it bears fruit that provides life, nourishment and joy for people, so the Christian life would be worthless unless Christians lived so that others may find life, strength and joy through their example and good works, and so that the world may be brought into relationship with Christ through the cross.

Verse 16 briefly touches on the quality of fruit God desires. It implies (through the direction to “GO”) that the disciples should be rich in good works and be striving to produce fruit that lasts. If you are uncomfortable with the implication of good works here, you can turn in your bibles to Colossians 1:10 “We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work.”

Fruit is something tangible, it is something I can see, I can hold, I can touch, it nourishes me, strengthens me and gives me life. This is the kind of fruit we are called to produce – life-giving fruit.

As Christians, a fruit basket should be the easiest gift to give; we should be overflowing with fruit, a virtual cornucopia of plenty. Fruit is the evidence of life in Christ!

Take inventory of the lasting fruit our spiritual life is producing. What difference has your faith made in your life, made in someone else’s life? What difference has your faith made in your church and for God’s kingdom? What fruit is your faith producing?

We can claim to have the fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control, but if it is not evidenced in tangible ways, expressed in good works, giving life to others, and bringing God glory, then perhaps we need check for parasites and examine our roots for rot.

Jesus warns us that those whose faith does not produce fruit will lose their privileges. I quote Jesus from Matthew 21:43 “Therefore I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit"

We are a people who will produce the fruit for the Kingdom of God if we are faithful with what we have been given. There are 3 biblical principles that we can apply that will help to increase the fruit yield in our lives.

First and foremost, if we want to produce fruit that will bring sustenance to our life and bring life to the lost than we need to remain attached to the vine. The Vine is Jesus Christ. If we look again at Jesus’ words in the book of John chapter 15 verse 5 He tells us “If a man remains in me and I in Him, He will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Second we must submit to God as the gardener. Jesus refers to us in verse 2 as the branches and says, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Finally “An apple a day keeps the pain at bay” The fruit that is produced in helping others, not only Glorifies God, and brings life to others, it actually brings us healing.

As Christians we need to commit to doing whatever we can to cultivate fruit so that at the proper time it can be harvested. It will not be easy but if we remain attached to vine; remain dependent on Christ; in His word &faithful to His word, our faithfulness will produce fruitfulness. If we submit to God as the gardener, allowing him, as painful as it may be to prune the dead branches in our lives, we will reap a harvest. If we take the focus off ourselves and place our focus on others, we will experience and abundance like we have never imagined and their will be a transformation of our lives, and community.

Give Him What You Got

I enjoy reading the story of God calling Moses into service for Him.  In Chapter 4 of Exodus we see Moses scared, insecure, and seemingly unqualified, at least in his own eyes to do what it was God was asking of Him.  "Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." ~ 4:10 These personal doubts in himself nearly brought him to the point of disobedience, which would of resulted in a loss of opportunity and blessing too large to even consider.

When I read Exodus 4:2 "Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied."" the thought occurred to me, that God can, will and does use whatever we have available, what we offer Him, to get His job done. If we simply offer what we have, regardless of how little it may seem, God will do great things with it. The theme is alluded to again in verses 4:11-12, "The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."" Again God uses what little we appear or think we have to offer, if only we are willing. This aligns with the premise in Genesis where God chose the second born, the seemingly weak to see His plans come to fruition. Along these same lines, God has equipped us each accordingly to ensure His work is carried out, provided us gifts to be used for His glory. "...Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you..." ~Exodus 31:6 

When I'm faced with an opportunity that seems larger than myself, beyond my qualifications and I am tempted to cower and turn away, I think of this story, and the impact that Moses was able to have when he stepped out in faith and trusted God, allowing himself to be used  to lead the people out of bondage and into the promised land. I am reminded of a saying I heard early on in ministry and believe to be true "God does not call the equipped, He equipps the called."

I'LL HAVE YOU...

I gave up TV for Lent. However, the 40 days of lent, leading up to Easter do not include Sundays.  Instead on Sundays, you break from your fast in order to celebrate and feast, rejoicing in Christ's victory over death. Well my Sunday is Tuesday, because my TV feast includes a generous portion of the show LOST!

Currently in it's sixth season, I have held firm to my belief since season 1 that this show has to do with faith and is strongly tied to the Christian faith. This promo picture from ABC, (1 of 3, ads used to provide clues/hints into the final season), certainly helped to cement that belief, though I would consider their depiction of the last supper to be sacrilegious.  While the show incorporates themes of Quantum Physics, which I believe could make sense, given that God is inside and outside of time, and perhaps there are some subtle possible hints of reincarnation, I maintain that the overall themes are faith, sacrifice, grace and redemption, the same major themes that serve as the foundations of my Christian faith.

The very best episode of LOST over the last 6 seasons aired this past Tuesday.  Entitled "Dr. Linus",  this episode presented one of the strongest cases for Christian allegory, not to mention one of the most powerful and moving shows ever.   LOST is so deep, involved, and intelligently comprised of subtle hints and facts that I could not do it justice with just a brief overview.  As a result I am simply going to point out some of the obvious parallels to my faith from the last episode, keeping it brief with  just enough to whet your appetite.

Jacob the central figure, whom most of the cast has placed their faith in, was recently killed, leaving his followers feeling hurt, confused, abandoned and even lied to.  All they had believed in and put their hopes in was now gone.  Their dreams, the purpose and plan He said they each had, seemed to die with Him.  This left them feeling deceived, disappointed, frustrated and angry with Jacob. I can't help but think this is at least in part, how the disciples might have initially felt when Jesus died on the cross.  

Like Jesus, Jacob returned, but revealing himself only to Hurley.  Jacob is guiding Hurley, giving him directions, using him to guide the others to their ultimate purpose, a purpose  they have the choice to walk in or deny.

Richard, one of Jacob's followers, who was touched by him and seemingly blessed with immortality (which he now considers a curse), was dejected after Jacob's death, and ultimately found himself at the point of losing his faith.  However ,in an important turn or events, Jack  tells Richard as they sit with a stick of dynamite burning between them, that he knows he won’t die, because Jacob’s been watching him and brought him to the island.  This is a pretty large shift in belief for Jack, who’s never been a man of FAITH, but a man of science (a doctor). I recently read a post by Chris Seay, author of the gospel according to LOST, who noted how Jack's new found "tremendous faith" restores that of the desperate Richard Alpert, adding, "if you haven't been in Richard Alpert's shoes [feeling hopeless and abandoned by God], you likely haven't been living the life of faith very long."

LOST SEASON 6 EPISODE 7 CLIP 5

The most powerful theme of the this week's episode is that of forgiveness and redemption.  Ben Linus, who killed his own daughter to protect the island and then killed Jacob, is tempted by who ever has taken over John Locke's body (evil/the devil).  Ben is invited by Locke, to take charge of the island.  A great offer since all Ben has ever wanted, is to be in a position of power. Yet the offer seems futile, considering the fact that he is shackled and digging his own grave, about to be shot, by one of Jacob's followers, Ilana, for having killed him.  Just like that,  Locke frees Ben from his shackles, and he makes a run for freedom, Ilana chasing after him.  Ben enters the jungle and grabs the rifle, which Locke told him would be leaning against the tree, and turns pointing it a Ilana.  Here was Ben's chance to kill Ilana and join John Locke, taking charge of the island, instead he broke down and explained to Ilana, why he did what he did.  Ben expressed remorse, and confessed that He was sorry that He killed Jacob out of anger, confusion and fear. He did not expect to be forgiven, because he could never forgive himself.  The dialogue that followed next left me in tears.

"Then what do you want?" said Ilana. To which Ben replied "just let me leave."  "Where will you go?" she asked. "To Locke" Ben replied. "Why?" she questioned.  Ben answered, weeping "because He's the only one that will have me".  It was Ilana's last words that set Ben free "I'll have you" at that she walked away and Ben followed her, turning his back on John Locke.  Ben now a new man, forgiven and free!

His confession and repentance, broke the hold Locke had over him and Her love and forgiveness on behalf of Jacob, snatched him out of the clutches of the enemy and restored him to community.

There are so many more Christian subtexts in this episode, let alone the series.  Far too many to address in this post.  Do I know for certain how it will all turn out - that LOST will ultimately end in supporting the foundational truth of Christianity? Nope, but no matter how it ends, the themes addressed over the last 6 seasons have at least served as great jumping off points for amazing discussions with people of various beliefs, and understandings, and have been a fabulous non-confrontational way to introduce the foundations of my faith.

If you missed last Tuesday's episode or any from season 6 you can watch them all free online here at ctv.ca LOST

With regards to the promo photo above, I think those on the right end up being redeemed while those on the left reject redemption. There are 13 people, which means fake Locke is eliminated, putting perhaps Jack in his place. That being said, there are subsequent 2nd and 3rd photos, where some of the characters have switched places. ;)

SPOILER ALERT - next week's episode is called  “Ab Aeterno” which is Latin for, “Since the beginning of time.” hmmm...Alpha and Omega - begining and the end...hmmmm....

I Can Appreciate an Honest Doubter

I was privileged to spend time with a friend over coffee today, having great discussions about all sorts of things. We engaged in a fabulous discussion on God's word, tackling some difficult topics. I enjoy it when people have questions about God, when they question what they have heard, in attempts to understand the truth for themselves. Whenever I am trying to discern the validity of a biblical teaching I resort to prayer and Wesley's quadrilateral.  I test what I've heard against scripture first, then reason - looking at the logic, then my experience, followed by tradition.   While not perfect or the total answer in understanding God's word, it has served me well, keeping me from potential false prophets, or misguided teachings, while solidifying my faith in God's truth.  There is nothing wrong with asking questions, God is big enough to take it.  We want to get to a place where our faith is strong enough to handle it. If we have an open mind, a heart to receive the answers, and the desire to seek the truth, questions can go a long way to complimenting our personal experiences and drawing us closer to God.

I recall having read a book by Shirley Guthrie on Christian Doctrine for one of my courses.  It was a good book that held some wisdom when it comes to understanding God's word.

“Jesus Christ is the clearest revelation of who God is and what God promises and wills for faithful Christian life. Therefore all scripture is to be interpreted in light of “what Christ Jesus himself did and commanded”. A poignant principle not only for the study of theology and interpretation of scripture but also for the living out of our faith in practical terms, knowing that Jesus Christ is the example of what God wills for the life of the faithful Christian.

“Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9) “Jesus Christ is to be served and obeyed: above nation, above generally accepted ethical and religious values, above family, above economic prosperity – above everything else” Simple concept, that all our Christian creeds and confessions are rooted in and yet we as Christians struggle in living out this truth. As I say this I am at the same time considering another powerful question Guthrie presented in her book, “When we criticize and disagree with the church’s teaching at this or that point, how can we be sure that we are really doing it in obedience to Christ or scripture and not just an expression of our own biases?”. I love this question because I personally struggle with exactly this, perhaps not with regards to specific teachings of the church, but in how those teachings are lived out, within the church, the “orthopraxis” of such teachings.

His follow up question though is also another one that I have had to personally reflect on in the past “When we hold tenaciously to what the church teaches, how can we be sure that we really are doing it because we respect the truth of God and not just because we are afraid or unwilling to subject our understanding of the truth to revision and correction.?” I believe Guthrie answers this question and I am in agreement when he says that “You will learn far more from genuine open debate than from total agreement” and that “An honest doubter is closer to the truth than a superficial or dishonest believer”. I can recall a similar illustration from when I was a youth pastor. I asked my youth how many of them were Free Methodists and they subsequently all raised their hands, then I asked them why they were Free Methodists, and what it meant to them. Most if not all stated they were FM because their parents were, even unsure of what it meant to be Free Methodist, to some extent their personal faith was determined by their parent’s view and the sentiments of their church, not yet having taken the time to discern if they were holding to these teachings out of respect of an understood truth or fear of the unfamiliar.

This morning I had a meeting at the college. During our conversation, I commented on how I think it is important that believers are taught how to think, and not just what to believe, so that their faith becomes their own, through their choosing and in turn, they are equipped and enabled to defend what they believe and why they believe it.

Oh the Places You'll Go!

I've been overwhelmed lately by the goodness of God in my life.  I'm not sure what initiated it, but as I look back over my life, especially the time, since becoming a Christian, I'm blown away by how incredibly blessed I am.  Every area of my life, has been a gift.  I feel like a spoiled child, with my Heavenly Father, not only giving me more than I deserve but so much more than I could have ever dreamed for myself.  My life of course is not much different from anyone else's.  While I joke that "God loves everyone but I am His favourite," the truth is we are all His favourites, and He wants nothing more than to be able to bless us. In fact if we are following Him, we are being led on an incredibly beautiful journey that will see us being blessed as we bless others, all to His glory.

Of course like most people my life has had it's struggles. At times I've felt like I was drowning in struggles.  Others have heard me say, tongue in cheek, that I've had enough experiences to make up 3 lifetimes. Though I can see now, looking back, how even amidst the struggles, God was at work. While my bad choices or the poor choices of others, found me in difficult times, in the end God worked all things together for good, because I loved Him. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" ~ Romans 8:28.  Not only that, but I recognize now how many of those struggles were actually blessings in disguise, things I would have never wished for, but needed. Two sayings come to mind, a classic Garth Brooks song "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers" and "Sometimes we are forced in directions we ought to have found for ourselves." I just need to be reminded every now and again, that He is God and I am not.  ""For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." ~Isaiah 55:8

I'm a young pup, with hopefully many years ahead of me.  Sometimes I forget that, thinking that at 34, I've hit the top of the mountain and am now it's all downhill.  PFFF - Not hardly! God has assured me and I say with confidence "my best days are ahead!".  Watching the Mother Teresa movie the other night,  I realized to my delight that she did not receive her call to minister to the poor on the streets of Calcutta until she was 36 and then did not enter into that calling until she was 38.  "I know the planss I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future" ~Jeremiah 29:11.

Based on the incredible gifts and opportunities God has already afforded me, I can not even begin to imagine what He has in store for me. I need not, worry about tomorrow, because I am completely aware of God's generous hand in my life today!  God's past faithfulness in my life, is proof positive of His continued faithfulness in my future.  God has never left me or forsaken me, ever! "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~Deuteronomy 31:8. I can move forward knowing that He knows what is best for me.  If I place my trust in Him, even when I do not understand and walk in obedience, I will leave this earth having lived the best life possible.

What does the future hold in store? Long term only God knows for sure, so I am walking in faith and obedience, living out His call, in the here and now.  Currently I'm preparing to share a message and challenge that God has placed on my heart on Sunday morning April 11th.  I'm  excited because I know, it's of God and therefore has the potential to transform countless lives not to mention our community.

I also leave in June for India, having been invited to speak at a number of conferences and events. I am still in shock and awe that I have been given this opportunity.  If you are reading this and are so inclined, I ask you to join me in prayer.  Pray that God would prepare me and give me the words to speak. Pray for all those in attendance.   They are crying out for the change and transformation that comes from a real intimate love relationship with God, wanting it to start in one place and spread to every part of India, revolutionizing lives. 

Aside from what I already know I am called to do, I'm not going to waste time trying to figure out what my future holds, because I often do not even come close to understanding.  I am simply going to hold on to God and let Him lead me on the crazy trip called life.  While the ride might be bumpy at times and means going through some dark tunnels and even a few thorn patches it is all worth it, because God always brings us to the most glorious of places! Oh the places I've been and the places I'll go, I take comfort in knowing I don't go alone.

All Up In My Grill

Today I took a break from work, and spent the day at home reading and relaxing. I listened to some great music on CBC Radio 2 and was then later reminded that Matt Anderson was playing at the Grand Theatre tonight.  Inspired, I spent the evening listening to some great contemporary blues artists, a little Keb Mo, Matt Anderson and Bonnie Raitt. I love most all music genres, indeed, I am very eclectic in my tastes, and blues is no exception. I love the stories the music tells, not to mention the incredible guitar and mouth harp stylings.  Blues always has the affect of bringing me back to simpler times of friends gathered together to jam and of course reminds me of my times in New Orleans, Louisiana and Mississippi.

All this being said, I do not have much else to share today. Except that I was going back through some old notes, and came across one I decided to post. Even though it is over 3 years old, it is still pertinent. Our spiritual walk is just that - a walk - a journey - a process of being refined into the likeness of Christ and this post touches on that process.

Recently I have been confronted by my own short-comings and personal weaknesses. I hate it when they get all confrontational and up in my grill…lol. Of course I have always known about them, but since they are not so apparent to others, I reason them away, never really thinking they were that much of an issue. We all have our little idiosyncrasies. In fact mine are a part of who I am – how would I ever change such a thing. I have come to learn, and it is a difficult lesson - that I can not do it on my own - but if I allow God too do so – He will. It won’t be easy, it will probably be painful but in this I have gained a more personal understanding of what it means to die to “self? so that more of Christ can live within me.

Have you ever been confronted by your weaknesses. Not the obvious outward ones but the inner personal ones, insecurities, worry, pride, jealousy, fear, the list goes on. Ever experienced those moments when you are all alone struggling with your “self?. It’s these weaknesses, these sins that are the hardest to overcome and it is my belief they are among the greatest hindrances to us living a joy-filled life as they rob of us opportunities to bless and be blessed.

We pray "search my heart oh God and reveal any unclean way in me" and our faithful God does indeed reveal to us, those subtle, personal weaknesses that create huge cracks in the foundation of our faith - those stumbling blocks that keep us from living a joy filled life in His will. At first it is ever so gentle - a whisper - easy enough to ignore if we choose to -then a tug on our heart, that this is just not working - our pride, insecurities, fears, jealousy or worry is keeping us from great things - yet still it is too much to deal with so we run in the opposite direction.

When confronted with your personal weaknesses do you subconsciously run the other way, reasoning away the opportunities to overcome it or do you simply ignore it – pushing it back into the deep abyss, moving on to other things.

There comes a time when we have ignored the truth for too long, when we are smacked in the face with the truth of our own cherished sin that we either have to face the challenge God places before us - A challenge to let go - to rise above - to step out in faith and deal with the hardest things we face - our inner carnal self - or ignore it and become complacent misguided in our thinking it is easier to remain as we are then go under the proverbial knife for removal of the malignancy.

If not pruned, this unripe, if not bad fruit festers within our soul, hindering healthy growth and risks holding us back from achieving all that God has planned for us. Think of it – how many times have your insecurities, worry, pride, jealousy or fear kept you from doing something for God, prevented you from stepping out, and held you back from greatness.

How sad it will be to get to heaven and have God say well done good and faithful servant – you lived a life of contentment – you did what you had to do – you served me but this is how much more I had for you, if only you had trusted me, if only you had stepped out – let go – let more of me live within you - guide you!

Often times it takes being honest with our selves and then trusting God enough to allow Him to bring us to a place where the dead branches can be pruned - it is not without its pain, or suffering, but without it - we can never truly become who are in Christ or achieve all that God has in store for us.

I am Pro-Life

I did not have a chance to watch the Superbowl.  I was cheering for the saints though, the New Orleans Saints and the saints that joined me on Sunday.  Not only did I miss the Superbowl but also all the entertaining commercials.  I saw this morning for the first time, Focus on the Family's Tim Tebow Superbowl Ad.

There has been a lot of controversy over this commercial which I personally think is unwarranted  The commercial  did what I think is appropriate for Christians to do.  Present what they stand-for without attacking what they stand against. It was a pro-life message verses an an anti-choice one.

I'm Pro Life and I advocate Pro Life. God is certainly Pro Life!  He created life - "God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them" ~Genesis 1:27.  He gives life - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~John 10:10.  It breaks his heart when we take life from anyone, for any reasons. "Thou shall not kill" ~ Exodus 20:13 "Jesus replied, 'Do not murder,'" ~ Matthew 19:18.  This being said, I do not spend my time fighting against pro-choice. God has given us all free will. While we are commanded and advised to not do certain things, we are not prevented from doing them. God guides us and He informs us of the consequences of our choices good and bad. The consequences for not following His commands or advice, both temporally and eternally will be devastating for all involved but ultimately God still leaves the decision to the individual. While I am a strong pro-life proponent, I recognize that people have a choice both because it is legal and because God has given us free will. Make it illegal and people will still have a choice, though the consequences of an ungodly decision could be even more devastating. 

I am not God and I certainly have no desire to play God, instead, I want to point people towards Him.  I want to be an advocate for the things of God. I want to be able to build relationships and present the truth in love, advising them of the possible, probable and definite consequences of any decision so that they can make the right choice, the Godly choice. I realize that in the end the choice is theirs to make - theirs to live with, but believe this is the best chance I have to influence anyone.

My question is where are the Christians in the lives of  people before they find themselves lost in the darkness of confusion and hopelessness looking for a way out?  I suggest that more lives would be saved, more women would choose life if we spent more of our time coming alongside people, building relationships, providing them support and pointing them towards the hope they need, to believe that they can get through anything.  The Tim Tebow story is evidence of this - it was their relationship with God and trust in them that gave them the strength to make the decision they did.  I would love to know what percentage of people who stand with picket signs, fill-out petitions, and lobby government, spend as much or more time working in crisis pregnancy care centers, mentor young women struggling with self-esteem and promiscuity.  How many are interested in ministering to those who make the difficult decision amongst confusion and feelings of hopelessness and need healing?

If God will not force someone to make the right decision, what makes us believe that we could do so.  What we can do is reach out to those among us, and lead them to the Saviour.  Trusting that He will help them to make the right choice, saving perhaps not only 1 life but 2. We need to spend less time focused on fighting against the issue and more time focusing on people, building relationships, extending the same grace, mercy and love that was extended to us by our Heavenly Father. Here is what I know to be true - if people are brought to a place where they choose God - then they will choose life!

I'd Rather Risk

"There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say, "Yes, I've got dreams, of course I've got dreams." Then they put the box away and bring it out once in a while to look in it, and yep they're still there." ~ Erma Bombeck

I've been thinking a lot today.  Actually I have been thinking a lot over the last year, I'm growing weary of thinking, I am ready for action.  The song RISK by Paul Brandt has been playing in my mind, probably as a subconscious push.   As I type this, I am laughing out loud, because coincidentally the conclusion of the episode of  "House" I'm watching,  is all about taking risks.  It illustrates the point that when we take risks, to do what we know is right, we unleash greatness. This is where I sit, thinking and wondering, about what, when and how to risk in order to fulfill the dreams God has placed in my heart. "Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake" ~Henry David Thoreau

I've been looking in scripture, and know that I can not bury this passion or the gifts that God has given me.  "Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!" ~ Luke 12:48.  In fact God does not want us to play it safe, this does not bring Him the honour He is due, help others or even leave us satisfied.  He wants us to trust Him and jump in with both feet in order to achieve all the God placed dreams in our heart. Jesus' parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 is evidence of this: "It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money. "After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' "The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' "The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.' "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. "'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.'

C.S. Lewis said that too often we're like children who settle for playing in the mud puddles when the beauty and immensity of the ocean are just a few feet away.  I want out of the puddles and into the ocean. Everyday that I do not take a step closer to the edge of the cliff, the more my spirit grows discontented.  The more I risk mediocrity. God created us to take risks.  Risks however are different than a gamble.  Risks are well discerned where a gamble is reckless.  I am not afraid to risk it all - where I am paralyzed at the moment is discerning where I am meant to invest. I do not have delusions of grandeur, but I do know we are all meant for greatness.  Ephesians 3:20 "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" While I have a pretty good idea of the areas I am gifted and the ways God can use me, I have not yet confirmed where my proverbial jumping off point is. So I wait and pray and prepare and serve as best I can where I am - till I jump off the cliff and find myself soaring above the horizon of mediocrity on the wings of eagles.

So I end this post the same way I began with the lyrics of RISK playing in the background of my mind.

I’d rather stand on the edge of a cliff, And hang my toes over a bit, And then jump when they dare me. Even if it scares me and I get hurt. I’d rather build my wings on the way down, Do my best not to fall to the ground and than laugh at my mistakes, ‘cause there only lessons I’ll learn I’d rather burn with desire deep in my soul, And love like a fire that’s out of control, and laugh and dance and fall and chance and kiss. I’d rather live my whole life with a sense of abandon, Squeeze every drop out, no matter what happens. And not wonder what I've missed, I’d rather risk. Well I guess I could just play it safe and forget about love, hope and faith, with my eye on the shore line, keeping my boat tied and staying home, ohhh but I’ll never discover new land by keeping my feet on the sand No I’d rather set sail and get carried away by the storm. Ohhh live, and love and laugh and dance and fall and chance and kiss - I’d rather risk 

Perfected in Love

I am of the belief that God would not call us to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and love our neighbour as our self if it were not possible.  We are commanded to be Holy as He is Holy not as a simple appeal but a command, an attainable reality, God helping us.  “For as long as love takes up the whole heart, what room is there for sin therein?”

I long to see the same religion established in the world that Reverend John Wesley sought and God calls us to “a religion of love, joy and peace, having its seat in the inmost soul, but ever showing itself by its fruits, continually springing forth not only in all innocence – for love worketh no ill to his neighbour – but likewise in every kind of beneficence, spreading virtue and happiness all around it.

With denominations debating doctrines of little eternal importance, Wesley points out that "there is a better religion to be attained, a religion worthy of God that gave it.  And this we conceive to be no other than love: the love of God and of all mankind; the loving God with all our heart and soul and strength, as having first loved us, as the fountain of all the good we have received and of all we ever hope to enjoy; and the loving every soul which God hath made, every man on earth, as our own soul.  This love we believe to be the medicine of life, the never-failing remedy for all the evils of a disordered world, for all the miseries and vices of men.  Wherever this is, there are virtue and happiness going hand in hand.  There is humbleness of mind, gentleness, long-suffering, the whole image of God, and, at the same time, a peace that passeth all understanding and joy unspeakable and full of glory”

Being perfected in love is what I strive for, God helping me, it is the focus of my faith, centered on Christ! Wesley has defined this, the pursuit of Christian Perfection as “Nothing higher and nothing lower than this: the pure love of God and man – the loving God with all our heart and soul and our neighbour as ourselves.  It is love governing the heart and life, running through all our tempers, words and actions” LOVE – “the highest gift of God – humble, gentle, patient love.”

My faith is summised by the the verses in Matthew 22: 36-39, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" All too often we complicate the gospel, our legalism and manufactured doctrines getting in the way of what God wants to do, sometimes pushing people further away from God’s truth than drawing them nearer.   “The more care should we take to keep the simple, scriptural account continually in our eye: pure love reigning alone in our heart and life.  This is the whole of scriptural perfection.”  If only we were more conscious of doing just this, of allowing pure love to reign alone in our heart and life, to guide our decisions and motives.

Being perfected in love does not mean that we are not liable to mistake in practice as well as in judgement, but that, this is not sin if love is the principle of the action. Wesley attests that this does not exclude us from the need for a mediator/saviour but quite the contrary that as a result we are totally dependant upon Christ. “As the branch cannot bear fruit itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me…Without,” or separate from, “me ye can do nothing”

If we have not first experienced the perfect and unconditional love of Christ we can never expect to be able to love God and others perfectly or perhaps even well.

Shane Claiborne wrote in Irresistable revolution that "we need converts in the best sense of the word, people who are marked by the renewing of their minds and imagination, who no longer conform to the pattern that is destroying our world.  Otherwise, we have believers, and believers are a dime a dozen now a days."  I submit that we need people marked most by the renewing of their hearts.  As we strive to fulfill the greastest commandment to love God and others we will become more than just believers but a people who believe so much in another way and another world that we cannot help but begin enacting it now.

Consider Our Ways...

I have the privilege of facilitating a 48 hour prayer vigil this weekend at church.  While I was praying, I became distracted by the sound of the cars going by, which got me thinking and in turn inspired this - my 2nd attempt at poetry slam. Perhaps I`ll attempt to write one a week, but we`ll see how it goes. I could definitely use the practice. This is a spoken word art form, so a little is lost when it is read rather than heard. 

CONSIDER OUR WAYS...
I hear the cars driving by, whizzing, streaming by and I wonder why, they never stop to look inside - this sanctuary. Is it scary? Or is there something more ominous looming? Like the possibility that we are not choosing - to go beyond these stained glass walls to where it is dirty, messy and Jesus calls, us to start leading people out of the darkness, pulling them out of the muck and mire. Cause perhaps we're to concerned that it may ruin our image, mess up our attire.

You can debate me on this, argue that it's not the case but given the evidence or lack there of could you look me in the face. When people are lost more than ever before, many never having even darkened a church door. When there is so much space in this sacred place, full of empty pews and seats - tell me where is all the "Fresh Meat". I'll tell you where it is - in the world rotting away, unaware of their spirits decay, all because our fear or selfishness keeps us away.

Don't blame it on God when He has called you to get out of your pew, to start putting others ahead of you. There are people in Darfur dying, children crying, homeless people sleeping on the street, nations with nothing to eat. So many of God's children oppressed. this world is a mess. Yet we sit back and say it ain't our fault, wondering why the dark is so dark - pitch black like a moonless night. The question worth asking is why is our light not so bright.

Blood stained sacrifice paid the price - Do we honour the cost? When our inaction seems to indicate that we don't really care about the lost. Do we even care to bring them inside - this place where we hide? Or are we embarrassed and ashamed that our church is not all that we've claimed. Maybe we will recognize the error of all that we've been doing, building palaces for ourselves, while God's temple inside our hearts lies in ruins.

I don't mean to rant or come down to hard, my intention is not to have you leaving here emotionally scared - but if you are getting a little offended -then perhaps your heart needs to be mended. Maybe this Def Jam Slam was meant for you, because God has powerful, incredible things for you to do. Don't pack your bags, I'm not sending you on a guilt trip. These words are meant to challenge and edify the church not break the spirits of the saints like a whip. I am there with you, trying to get it right, considering my ways and how to brighten the light within me so that others can see when I venture into the dark, someting worth having, a spark, that will ignite a desire to know of God and his refining fire. Let's consider our ways and how to ensure this is a place of God's glory, where people come and sing praises, sharing their own story - Of how God's servants came blazing bright, leading them out of the darkness and into the light.

There's Still Fire In Me Yet

Does it have to start with a broken heart. Broken dreams and bleeding parts. We were young and the world was clear. But young ambition disappears. I swore it would never come to this. The average, the obvious. I'm still discontented down here. I'm still discontented. If we've only got one try. If we've only got one life. If time was never on our side. Then before I die. I want to burn out bright.  A spark ignites In time and space. Limping through this human race. You bite and claw your way back home. But you're running the wrong way.  The future is a question mark. Of kerosene and electric sparks. There's still fire in you yet. Yeah there's still fire in you!. I keep cleaning up the mess I've made/ I won't run away. I can't sleep in the bed I've made.

The lyrics above are to the song that begins when you open this blog. They are sung by John Foreman lead singer and co-founder of Switch foot, though I prefer his solo work over the bands stuff.   This song is reminiscent of a classic Neil young tune and is echoing the current state of my heart. I don't want to fade away I want my light to burn so bright that it is gonna take a tsunami to put it out.

It has always been there, a constant subconscious knowing driving me forward.  When I came home from Cambodia, I actually said it out loud  and to another person no less. "I was created to do great things." It may sound conceded to you, but it rings true to me. I am not satisfied with living the status quo, I am not satisfied with good enough, I want great! Not to my benefit but God's glory. It's a passion that run's deep, an emotion I can not define. Perhaps the best way to illustrate it is to say "If you were meant to fly, not even running really fast is that impressive." I am working towards what I don't understand, trusting in the Master's plan, believing that it is bigger than me and it's going to leave a lasting legacy. There is something in my spirit that insists on greatness! My spirit knows there is a greater purpose for my life, a God-sized dream(s) waiting to unfold and become my future and it won't be satisfied until it is fulfilled.

For myself greatness is not defined by fame, or fortune though I am not adverse to these things if it provides a greater means and platform to bless others and glorify God.  Greatness is knowing I made the greatest difference I could in the lives of as many people as possible resulting in both temporal and eternal benefits for all.  I want this world to be a better place because I was in it. I want my life to be lived at it's best for God and others.  Is this conceded and self-centred? I don't think so, I would certainly hate to live with the alternative.

In Erwin McManus' book Soul Cravings he says "All of us begin our lives fuelled by curiosity, yet far too many of us replace it with conformity" I fear this! I would hate to get to heaven, stand before God and have Him say "Well done, good and faithful servant, did you enjoy your time on earth" to which I reply "I certainly did" "I am well pleased" says God "but this is how much more I had for you to do, these are the blessings I had prepared for you and as a result others, but you let fear, insecurities, apathy and disobedience, get in the way"

"Some people seem to live in a very small universe. Their world has room only for themselves. while their souls have every potential to be ever expanding, they seem instead to be the center of a collapsing universe - no room for dreams..." Perhaps some give up their desires along the way. Greatness placed on the back shelf of a life overwhelmed with obligations. Dreams given way to present desires. A settling for less than God has for us, in exchange for what the world has to offer and instant gratification. I think society sometimes beats us down until we give up our uniqueness and conform. "It is only as we loose our childlike innocence that we begin to settle for far less. A part of growing up seems to be acquiescing to mediocrity. It's easy to say that we're just becoming realistic, that it's just a part of growing up, but in fact it is the death of our souls"  Imagine if Martin Luther King Jr. did not fight for the dream God placed in his heart, or Mother Teresa. What would be the detriment to my life and the lives of those in my influence, if I were to compromise, to settle for anything less than what I was created to do, created to be, all that God has for me.

Let me ask you a question "If you could do absolutely anything for God, and knew it would not fail, what would you do?" 

I love what the message bible paraphrase says in 2 Corinthians 6:11:13 "I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!" 

We musn't allow our curiosity to be replaced with conformity.    Let's break free from our comfort zones and dream - dream big, every plan and purpose God has placed in our heart released from it's cocoon and set to flight.  Live - Risk - Fly -  change the world - in ways that will ripple into eternity and set us free! There's still fire in you yet.

Get by With a Little Help From My Friends

As I shared in an earlier post, I visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Wednesday.  As I came to the end of the exhibits, I decide to stop and watch the closing movie. It was a documentary containing interviews with a number of survivors of the holocaust sharing their personal memories and stories.

The importance of friendship was evident in every story.  Often the only hope and strength they had was each other. They referred to the friends they made in the concentration camp, as their camp family. One lady recounted a friendship she quickly formed with another young girl in the concentration camps.  Food was sparse and if one would get a little more because of the extra work they had done, they would be certain to share it with the other.  She said I would mark the half way point of the bowl, and I would get my spoon as close to that halfway point as possible, ensuring I got my every morsel, but never a spoonful more.  I would never rob my friend and she would never cheat me. "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor" ~Proverbs 22:9.   My experience is that those who have little give much. People who themselves are struggling are the first to ensure that others are not.  I am reminded of the young boy in Matthew 14 who offered up his few loaves and fishes in order that all might eat. I have seen this time and time again, in Africa, Cambodia, New Orleans and while volunteering in homeless & street ministry.  In the actions of all these selfless people, my favourite verse, 1 John 3:16-18 is lived out "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" 

The most powerful story in the documentary was told by "Stanley", a gentleman who was sent to the concentration camp at the age of 17.  When a 10 year old boy named "Daniel" arrived at the concentration camp, one of the first people he met was Stanley.  He asked him why he was just brought to the camp, and Stanley told him it was because he was Jewish,. At this Daniel asked what is a Jew?  Stanley told him it was because he was circumcised that he was there, because he was born a Jew.  David however, still did not understand why he was being held in this prison.  As Stanley, now a big strong man, recalled their first meeting that fateful day, he kept emphasizing the fact that David was only 10 years old, as he did, he broke into tears and so did most of us watching.

Stanley went on to tell of the death march that he and David were forced to go on.  Death marches were an evacuation, by foot, of all prisoners from the concentration camps  in an effort to avoid the incoming liberation armies.  Prisoners were brutally mistreated on these marches.  Often having to walk through snow, survivors talked of seeing friends snap their toes off like twigs.  Many prisoners died of exhaustion, starvation or exposure, during the marches held from 1944-1945.  Those who simply collapsed or could not go on were shot dead.  Some prisoners would walk 4 in a line, 3 people holding one person up allowing them to sleep in rotation. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 

On this particular march they made a rare stop at a farm to rest.  The owner of the farm, a Czech, had taken pity on David and pleaded with the officers to allow him to provide the boy something to eat.  The SS soldiers agreed, so the farmer gave David hot potatoes, which in turn he would race back and forth to bring to Stanley.  A while later they were set to continue marching, but Stanley had a plan.  He explained to David that the farmer liked him, and that he needed to stay at the farm.  He would hide him in the pig farm and cover him with hay.  David refused, saying he wanted to stay with Stanley, that he would not leave him.  So Stanley yelled at him, and told him he did not want him following him, to leave him alone and stay at the farm.  Then he took him to the barn and hid him in the hay, trusting the farmer would take care of him. David fought him the whole way, not wanting to leave Stanley, knowing  that this would be the last time they would see each other.  Stanley closed his interview with  "I hope he is alive and well somewhere today" and again broke into tears.  Stanley saved David's life at the peril of His own.  He cared for that young boy so much that he was willing to risk His life so that David might be saved.

If it were not for the loyalty of the friends found in the camps, those that did survive probably wouldn't have. "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." Proverbs 17:17.  If it were not for the friends God has placed in my life, I know for certain I would not have made it to where I am today. Sometimes  I wonder if I would have survived let alone thrived without them. We can not make it through life alone.  In the words of Joe Cocker  "[we all] get by with a little help from [our] friends", those people God places in our life, to be His hands and feet. Where would David be without Jonathan, Timothy without Paul, Ruth without Naomi. Where would we be without Jesus, a friend who sticks closer than a brother?

Have You Ever Been Punished for Something You Didn't Do?

My friends Jenn and Chester, who I am visiting in Delaware this week, had to work today, so I decided to take a road trip to Washington DC.  It was a fabulous experience.  I got to see the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, The Capital Building, a Smithsonian Art Museum and I did a walking tour of most of the popular buildings. The place that affected me the most was the Holocaust museum.  I knew that it was going to impact me but not nearly as deeply as it did. I ran through a gamut of emotions, during the 4 hours I was there, anger and sadness being the prominent ones.

The first exhibit I entered was an interactive walk through of the life of a young Jewish boy named David.  It is designed for young students and was incredibly well staged. It starts with David asking "Have you ever been punished for something you didn't do? I was". Then the journey begins in his home where he played with friends from his neighbourhood, and takes you through the community as the Nazi Regime takes over, then the ghetto he was placed in and it ended with him as a young survivor leaving the concentration camp.  I went through this twice, and both times it had me in tears.

After this I circled through the exhibits that began on the 4th floor and ended on the first.  I read every story and fact that accompanied the photos, artefacts, first hand audio accounts, and disturbing video footage from the concentration camps themselves.  Again I was left disgusted, overwhelmed, heart broken and I think most of all angry.  That was the emotion that kept welling up as I walked through the museum - ANGER!  I kept thinking how could this happen, how could it be ignored and allowed to go that far (learning that the US and other countries had opportunities to step in and help in a myriad of ways but did not).   What is worse is that history continues to repeat itself, even in my generation! Rwanda and Darfur are genocides comparable to the moral repugnancy of the Holocaust.   It is abhorrent that this is allowed to happen.  It is disgusting that it is not shut down at first thought let alone the first dead innocent. It is inexcusable and I am certain God will not be mute on judgment day, when it comes to our silence and inaction in this matter!  Perhaps this is where we should expect to be "punished" for something we didn't do  - because of what we didn't do,  "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6 "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed." Psalm 82:3 "Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

The exhibits end with a video of survivors of the holocaust. sharing personal experiences.  Stories expressing the reality of loss, but so too the strength of faith and the power of friendship and loyalty. As the video comes to a close, one woman beseeches generations now and to come "Remember our stories and stand up to any form of persecution"

Martin Luther King Jr. who's life was celebrated on Monday, here in the USA is well known for speaking against the attitudes and ignorance that contributes to these atrocities.  "Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal." "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." and "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."  His kicker quote in regards to all this "The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict."

There were so many powerful moments, I would love to share.  So many lessons worth passing on, but this is a forum better suited to shorter messages. So the stories and lessons will be presented individually over the days and weeks to come, an homage to those in the video and a sort of  reminder to remember.

 Deuteronomy 4:9

The Delaware Drive

I am writing to you from the wonderful US state of Delaware.  My good friend Chester and I, began the 7 hour drive this afternoon, eager to be reunited with one of my best friend's and his lovely wife, Jennifer.  We spent our time reminiscing about simpler times and our childhoods spent biking from dawn till dusk, working hard picking stones from the field, raking grass, piling wood or collecting beer cans along side the road for some extra cash. We talked about God and things of faith, the culture of materialism and the tragedy in Haiti.  We flipped through the radio stations, finding music to sing along to and we broke up any monotony with a few shout out's of "road trip woohoo" to keep us motivated.  Roads Trips with a friend are by far my favourite thing.

I was captivated by the beautiful picturesque skylines, that lined our drive.  The mountain ranges breaking up the horizon were majestic and the fog that had settled upon them provided an almost mystical appearance.   Matthew 17:20 came to mind "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Looking at the magnitude of the mountains before me, I was vividly assured that whether they be literal or proverbial, with God I can move mountains and overcome all things.

As we kept driving, the horizon separated into hues of purple, pink and orange, creating a patchwork quilt of colour across the sky. I could not help but reflect on the majesty of God's creation. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."~ Genesis 1:1. I do not often enough, reflect on God's attribute of creativity but as the orange sun sunk into the mountain tops it was difficult to not be in awe. "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." ~Psalm 104:24

We left Kingston on a full tank of Gas, and when we reached the Philadelphia area, having driven 631km, we decided to stop for gas.  The gas light had not come on yet, so I was pleased to learn that my Pontiac Sunfire can go at least 720 highway kilometers on a tank of gas!  Jenn wanted us to call her as we got closer, so she could ensure supper was ready when we arrived (she is a great cook). We had tried to call on my cell but it would not work, so we figured that the gas station would probably have a pay phone.   It didn't, but the wonderful man who managed the shop generously offered Chester his cell phone to use.  As we continued our drive, Chester commented on how refreshing it was to come across someone who still maintained a trustful nature, generous and kind.  I agreed, adding that, in the midst of a society that appears at times cold, calloused and self-absorbed, it is those special moments that restore my faith in humanity. "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ~ Romans 14:7

Tomorrow...insights from Martin Luther King Jr. - in celebration of his life because today is his birthday!

It all begins with hello or My Epic Fail

There are not too many things in life more regretful than missed opportunities.

This morning I went to Canadian Tire, to get one of my tires replaced before my road trip to Delaware on Monday.  The mechanic took my car in at 10:30, so I made myself comfortable in their posh waiting room, sinking myself into one of the large leather chairs, placed in front of the fireplace and big screen TV. There were three other people, 2 men and a woman in the room as well.  As I sat there, looking straight ahead at the TV, not saying a word, I found it interesting that here were 4 individuals stuck in a room with nothing to do, yet no one was saying a word.  I toyed with the idea of opening with Hello, but I didn't.  I just sat there thinking how silly it was that none of us, would engage the other.  I sat there, in my chair the whole time, realizing that if I would just start a conversation perhaps, one of us would leave impacted in ways we never imagined when we awoke that morning. Ashamedly, I exhibited an issue many of us suffer from - we think to much and do to little. I have no other way to explain this missed opportunity to enter into relationship except to say it was an EPIC FAIL on my part.

Some may say that I am being a bit over dramatic.  That I am making a mountain out of a mole hill.  The truth this incident merely revealed the symptoms of  a larger problem. As I drove away in my newly re-tired, the following three lessons became painfully obvious.

Call it intimidation or call it fear but whatever it is that keeps us from doing the thing, that we know we should - will cripple us and rob others.  I can not deny that I knew what I should do, but I was intimidated.  I was afraid of how I might be perceived by others, worried about offending someone or interrupting them in their silence.   In that moment I failed to trust God who says in Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Logically and spiritually I knew what to do and, yet as I battled it out in my mind, I remained silent in my chair, till I left, without a goodbye.

Social Justice starts with being social.  You can't isolate yourself from society and expect to make a difference in someone's life, let alone change the world. Entertaining a party of one helps no one.   We were designed as relational beings. We are created to be in relationship with God and others.  From the very beginning God said "it is not good for man to be alone" Gen 2:18. This is not just about marriage.  Just as God enters into relationship with us He desires that we enter into relationships with others.  Our capability for virtual connectedness continues to increase exponentially with the introduction of new technology, though it appears that it has been to the hindrance of  actual real live interaction. So the hands of Jesus are kept snug in the safety and warmth of our proverbial pockets, while our feet remain planted in the comfort of our homes, even our mouths seem disabled, as we connect more through the aid of "Qwerty". We watch the devastating news of tragedies unfold on TV so that we are socially aware, we mind our "P's" and "Q's" so that we are socially correct, we set our hearts on climbing the social ladders and yet we do this, often at the sacrifice of being socially just.

The opportunity to make a difference will meet you right where you are at.  Every day in a myriad of simple and profound ways we're invited to step into the life of someone and offer encouragement, hope comnfort and more.  God desires to use us to make a real impact in the lives of others, and so, He brings us to places where we are encouraged to engage one another.  "As God brings people across our path, we are changed by them and we are used by God to shape and change others" Jesus has the power to change lives!  We can change cities and countries - one life at a time.
It all begins with Hello!