So, I'll be over on Tumblr for awhile here
I'm not quite sure if this will end up being home for my blog, but I am going to experiment for awhile. I find that most of these post end up being days or weeks after an original thought or action and therefore not too relevant. But, that might make me think a bit more before I post something, and not make quite so much a fool of myself. I'm excited to share songs, quotes, pictures, links, and the like in a more 'real time' sort of way.
This may be the home to my longer post. Hope you join me or at least check it out and I'll check back in here once in awhile!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
The Deficit Deal
*WARNING: Political opinions ahead*
I wouldn't call my self a republican or democrat. I wouldn't call myself liberal or conservative either. There isn't a political label out there specific enough that fits. I used to think there was a problem that I didn't fit into a category regarding those things, but I've been learning that is just fine because I know where I stand. I generally take everything, any politician says skeptically in a prove-it sort of way. I think it is sad that we've gotten used to our politicans selling us big ideas and dreams and then, very quicky, falling short. I find it hard to believe that one politican can make that big of a difference, when there are two massive opposing political parties duking it out for votes.
Generally, I think most people get started in politics with good intentions. You know, wanting to change the world for the better and what-not. I have even considered going the polictical route, but that is quickly ruled out because I know I'd either get myself in trouble by saying something wrong or I'd get corrupted. However, somewhere along the lines, things change for those that wish to do well by the American people. It more often becomes about getting votes to stay in office longer and pushing an agenda. Now, I know that politicians can't ever please everyone, but I would just like a little more common sense in Washington. Maybe I'm just a cynic.
This morning on the way to work I got the chance to listen to President Obama give a press conference regarding the deficit reduction negotiations (you can see a summary of that here ---> http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/11/137763574/coming-up-president-obamas-news-conference). After listening to the President talk, I thought he was talking common sense. Maybe I was just duped by his savvy political speech.
Here's what I think about this deficit issue. This might be an over simplification, but here goes. The Democrats are saying they won't vote on a 'raise the debt ceiling' package if cuts to entitlement programs (social security, medicare, etc) are part of the deal. Republicans are saying they won't vote on a package that includes anything that looks like tax increases (even to corporate jet owners or the wealthiest Americans). Now, I'm no economist, in fact I'm terrible with numbers and all that stuff. However, if what everyone on NPR, the Wallstreet Journal and NY Times are saying is true regarding numbers, and it'll take a combination of those two tactics to reduce the deficit, then why are we arguing?
Experts have been saying for years that entitlement programs are not sustainable (especially with the baby boomers heading towards retirement) the way they are (in fact, I've resigned that I'll never even see a social security check in my life). Also, if a way to decrease the deficit is to increase revenue, then raising taxes (or at least closing loopholes or taxing those that can afford it most) is going to have to be a part of the deal. I think it is childish that members of both parties are refusing to even consider the other's proposals when in reality, we are going to have to do BOTH if we want to see real deficit reduction.
It is so hard to imagine that top law makers aren't willing to compromise on this difficult issue. They need to shove their pride to the side and do what is best for it's citizens, not what will make President Obama look bad to voters or what will get either party more seats in the senate or house in the next election. Those are shameful principles with which to make decisions. I don't care if you are up for re-election, or if you don't trust someone from another party, or if it's your goal to make the other party look bad. This will impact all of us. So suck it up, and do what is best for our Country and compromise. Do they think a default is what is best for us if they aren't willing to compromise? Actually it blows my mind how foolish some politicians are.
I'll say it again, I'm not an expert in politics or economics and I don't have all the information that is said behind closed doors, I'm an average American that works hard for what I do have and is thankful for the freedoms that were attained through sacrifice. I don't always agree with the President, but I respect what he has said on this issue. That we need to compromise and not push it off with another stop-gap spending agreement. This just proves how selfish we are as a society, so entitled to think we can have whatever we want without hard work. It is partially those selfish, greedy practices that got us into the financial trouble we are in. Are we so arrogant that we think we don't have to make sacrifices for change?
I hope Washington can prove me wrong and show me that, in the President's words, "this down can actually do something once in awhile".
I wouldn't call my self a republican or democrat. I wouldn't call myself liberal or conservative either. There isn't a political label out there specific enough that fits. I used to think there was a problem that I didn't fit into a category regarding those things, but I've been learning that is just fine because I know where I stand. I generally take everything, any politician says skeptically in a prove-it sort of way. I think it is sad that we've gotten used to our politicans selling us big ideas and dreams and then, very quicky, falling short. I find it hard to believe that one politican can make that big of a difference, when there are two massive opposing political parties duking it out for votes.
Generally, I think most people get started in politics with good intentions. You know, wanting to change the world for the better and what-not. I have even considered going the polictical route, but that is quickly ruled out because I know I'd either get myself in trouble by saying something wrong or I'd get corrupted. However, somewhere along the lines, things change for those that wish to do well by the American people. It more often becomes about getting votes to stay in office longer and pushing an agenda. Now, I know that politicians can't ever please everyone, but I would just like a little more common sense in Washington. Maybe I'm just a cynic.
This morning on the way to work I got the chance to listen to President Obama give a press conference regarding the deficit reduction negotiations (you can see a summary of that here ---> http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/11/137763574/coming-up-president-obamas-news-conference). After listening to the President talk, I thought he was talking common sense. Maybe I was just duped by his savvy political speech.
Here's what I think about this deficit issue. This might be an over simplification, but here goes. The Democrats are saying they won't vote on a 'raise the debt ceiling' package if cuts to entitlement programs (social security, medicare, etc) are part of the deal. Republicans are saying they won't vote on a package that includes anything that looks like tax increases (even to corporate jet owners or the wealthiest Americans). Now, I'm no economist, in fact I'm terrible with numbers and all that stuff. However, if what everyone on NPR, the Wallstreet Journal and NY Times are saying is true regarding numbers, and it'll take a combination of those two tactics to reduce the deficit, then why are we arguing?
Experts have been saying for years that entitlement programs are not sustainable (especially with the baby boomers heading towards retirement) the way they are (in fact, I've resigned that I'll never even see a social security check in my life). Also, if a way to decrease the deficit is to increase revenue, then raising taxes (or at least closing loopholes or taxing those that can afford it most) is going to have to be a part of the deal. I think it is childish that members of both parties are refusing to even consider the other's proposals when in reality, we are going to have to do BOTH if we want to see real deficit reduction.
It is so hard to imagine that top law makers aren't willing to compromise on this difficult issue. They need to shove their pride to the side and do what is best for it's citizens, not what will make President Obama look bad to voters or what will get either party more seats in the senate or house in the next election. Those are shameful principles with which to make decisions. I don't care if you are up for re-election, or if you don't trust someone from another party, or if it's your goal to make the other party look bad. This will impact all of us. So suck it up, and do what is best for our Country and compromise. Do they think a default is what is best for us if they aren't willing to compromise? Actually it blows my mind how foolish some politicians are.
I'll say it again, I'm not an expert in politics or economics and I don't have all the information that is said behind closed doors, I'm an average American that works hard for what I do have and is thankful for the freedoms that were attained through sacrifice. I don't always agree with the President, but I respect what he has said on this issue. That we need to compromise and not push it off with another stop-gap spending agreement. This just proves how selfish we are as a society, so entitled to think we can have whatever we want without hard work. It is partially those selfish, greedy practices that got us into the financial trouble we are in. Are we so arrogant that we think we don't have to make sacrifices for change?
I hope Washington can prove me wrong and show me that, in the President's words, "this down can actually do something once in awhile".
Monday, June 20, 2011
What Am I Looking For?
I've been asked that question a number of times before. By friends, by mentors, by my pastor and today through Donald Miller's blog post (you can read that here ----> http://http//donmilleris.com/2011/06/20/what-are-you-looking-for-in-a-spouse-why-not-create-a-list/).
Relationships or romantic love is a topic I don't really enjoy discussing outside of my close friendships, even then it's a little uncomfortable. Talking about it with co-workers, family and on this blog give me a sort of squirmy feeling and that is probably and indication I need professional help. Squirmy for no particular reason, however. I've had less relationship drama than a 13 year old girl. When high school hit along with the hormones, I made a sort of purposeful attempt at avoiding romantic things because I wanted to focus on school and swimming. When college came I took the approach (or lack-there-of) that it will just sort of 'happen'. I don't need to do anything, it'll all just fall into place, I had plenty of time. Well, college came and went with minimal movement. About a year or so after graduation I found myself thinking, "Crap, maybe I was supposed to do something more, how am I supposed to meet guys now!?"
Well, its a couple of years later still, and I've slowed my roll a little in the worry department. There are times when I feel a sense of urgency regarding acquiring a relationship, however I feel that might be more due to cultural pressures. As the vast majority of my friends are married or in serious relationships, and even thought the wedding boom as slowed, I can think of five babies that have been born within the last month or so.
It is a kind of weird place to be. I've been working really hard on building a meaningful career, being intentional in my relationships with friends, and trying (at a rather snail like pace) of serving my community more. Seeing where my skills and gifts fit the needs of my community. But I don't make for a great conversationalist at a friends wedding, a baby shower or at any medium to large social gathering of friends. Maybe you know what I mean, it goes something like this:
Friend I haven't seen in awhile: Oh, how have you been? What have you been up too?
Me: Well, I've been working and (at this point I'll add the most recent 'exciting' activity I've done, kayaking, trip somewhere, family event, etc).
At this point the conversation usually dies, so I attempt to revive it by inquiring about what that person has been up too. You know, what have them and their significant other been doing, what new milestone has their child reached, what career goal have the attained, what new home improvement project have they taken on. Then you move on to the next conversation that will be identical. The more cynical side of me would like to say something about how I don't have a job I love, I'm still single, I share a bedroom with one of my college friends, my cars check engine light is still on and I haven't gotten into school! But I don't say those things, because in reality I don't think I REALLY feel that way. Again, all that societal pressure.
However, I am reminded of a quote from one of my favorite movies, Nacho Libre with Jack Black, where his character is hilariously lamenting about how he is priest that just does the same thing everyday but really wants to be a wrestler and fall in love. "But my life is good! Really good! I get to wake up every morning, at 5AM, and make some soup! It's the best. I love it. I get to lay in a bed, all by myself, all of my life! That's fantastic!"
With the recent news that I did get into grad school, I feel as though I can face the masses with that as my reasoning behind why I'm not where the majority of people in my age range are at in life. Now don't get me wrong, that is not the reason I applied to school, in fact I've wanted to get my MSW since my junior year at Oregon State. I'm really excited about school, so excited that I spent my Saturday night on my couch in my sweat pants looking at my class schedule and book lists.
The thing is, even if I knew scores of single, eligible men, I'm not even sure I would know what I 'want'. I've spent so much time not focusing on relationships and the idea of making a list makes me cringe a little, and I'm not sure why. It is not that I don't want a relationship or to get married and have a family one day, because I do. I've tried to talk myself out of it on a few occasions, but it is a desire I have. And that is a little scary to admit not just to myself, but to the world (by 'world' I really mean the 6 people that actually read this thing).
It's funny how God uses people to speak truth into your life. Just yesterday I was talking with my Aunt, stressing about the not-so-small fortune of debt I'll be acquiring through going back to school. She said that she felt that way about a mortgage when they first bought the house they are in how, and God was faithful and they paid off the mortgage in about 15 years (I'm pretty sure it was a 30 year loan, too). She went on to say that God proved faithful again when my cousins and I got through college without any debt. She told me that God has me on this path, getting into school on his timing (as I'd been trying for the last three years), and that he is faithful and is going to use that for his good. I felt really blessed when she spoke those things. Realizing that she was right not just about school debt but more about life. Not that it won't be without difficulty but that He is faithful.
I'm continually confronted by God's love for me and that the end-all be-all of life's existence isn't found solely in a relationship or in an education, it's found in Him. I'm hopeful that a God centered and serving relationship will be a part of my life, but in the meantime I'm going to live into the adventure that God has for me.
Relationships or romantic love is a topic I don't really enjoy discussing outside of my close friendships, even then it's a little uncomfortable. Talking about it with co-workers, family and on this blog give me a sort of squirmy feeling and that is probably and indication I need professional help. Squirmy for no particular reason, however. I've had less relationship drama than a 13 year old girl. When high school hit along with the hormones, I made a sort of purposeful attempt at avoiding romantic things because I wanted to focus on school and swimming. When college came I took the approach (or lack-there-of) that it will just sort of 'happen'. I don't need to do anything, it'll all just fall into place, I had plenty of time. Well, college came and went with minimal movement. About a year or so after graduation I found myself thinking, "Crap, maybe I was supposed to do something more, how am I supposed to meet guys now!?"
Well, its a couple of years later still, and I've slowed my roll a little in the worry department. There are times when I feel a sense of urgency regarding acquiring a relationship, however I feel that might be more due to cultural pressures. As the vast majority of my friends are married or in serious relationships, and even thought the wedding boom as slowed, I can think of five babies that have been born within the last month or so.
It is a kind of weird place to be. I've been working really hard on building a meaningful career, being intentional in my relationships with friends, and trying (at a rather snail like pace) of serving my community more. Seeing where my skills and gifts fit the needs of my community. But I don't make for a great conversationalist at a friends wedding, a baby shower or at any medium to large social gathering of friends. Maybe you know what I mean, it goes something like this:
Friend I haven't seen in awhile: Oh, how have you been? What have you been up too?
Me: Well, I've been working and (at this point I'll add the most recent 'exciting' activity I've done, kayaking, trip somewhere, family event, etc).
At this point the conversation usually dies, so I attempt to revive it by inquiring about what that person has been up too. You know, what have them and their significant other been doing, what new milestone has their child reached, what career goal have the attained, what new home improvement project have they taken on. Then you move on to the next conversation that will be identical. The more cynical side of me would like to say something about how I don't have a job I love, I'm still single, I share a bedroom with one of my college friends, my cars check engine light is still on and I haven't gotten into school! But I don't say those things, because in reality I don't think I REALLY feel that way. Again, all that societal pressure.
However, I am reminded of a quote from one of my favorite movies, Nacho Libre with Jack Black, where his character is hilariously lamenting about how he is priest that just does the same thing everyday but really wants to be a wrestler and fall in love. "But my life is good! Really good! I get to wake up every morning, at 5AM, and make some soup! It's the best. I love it. I get to lay in a bed, all by myself, all of my life! That's fantastic!"
With the recent news that I did get into grad school, I feel as though I can face the masses with that as my reasoning behind why I'm not where the majority of people in my age range are at in life. Now don't get me wrong, that is not the reason I applied to school, in fact I've wanted to get my MSW since my junior year at Oregon State. I'm really excited about school, so excited that I spent my Saturday night on my couch in my sweat pants looking at my class schedule and book lists.The thing is, even if I knew scores of single, eligible men, I'm not even sure I would know what I 'want'. I've spent so much time not focusing on relationships and the idea of making a list makes me cringe a little, and I'm not sure why. It is not that I don't want a relationship or to get married and have a family one day, because I do. I've tried to talk myself out of it on a few occasions, but it is a desire I have. And that is a little scary to admit not just to myself, but to the world (by 'world' I really mean the 6 people that actually read this thing).
It's funny how God uses people to speak truth into your life. Just yesterday I was talking with my Aunt, stressing about the not-so-small fortune of debt I'll be acquiring through going back to school. She said that she felt that way about a mortgage when they first bought the house they are in how, and God was faithful and they paid off the mortgage in about 15 years (I'm pretty sure it was a 30 year loan, too). She went on to say that God proved faithful again when my cousins and I got through college without any debt. She told me that God has me on this path, getting into school on his timing (as I'd been trying for the last three years), and that he is faithful and is going to use that for his good. I felt really blessed when she spoke those things. Realizing that she was right not just about school debt but more about life. Not that it won't be without difficulty but that He is faithful.
I'm continually confronted by God's love for me and that the end-all be-all of life's existence isn't found solely in a relationship or in an education, it's found in Him. I'm hopeful that a God centered and serving relationship will be a part of my life, but in the meantime I'm going to live into the adventure that God has for me.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Namesake
I thought it interesting this morning, when looking at the title of my blog, I hadn't ever really shared why 'Be like the fox' is it. After all, names are so important in our culture.
Parents fret over naming their children (well, not some people as evidenced by bazaar names out there) or our animals, women change their last names when they marry to signify a new life, names are splayed across jerseys from middle school sports to the professional elite, we pay money to get our initials monogrammed on various personal belongings, we find great identify and significance in a name. I have a friend who has a hyphenated last name can't WAIT to get married and change to just one simple name. I have another friend who's husband took her last name when they got married. I personally like my last name and am nervous about what my married name might be, seeing as how a childhood friend of mine had the last name of Gubert (said like Goobert). I know it could be worse than that.
Titles are equally as important. How many times have you heard 'don't judge a book by it's cover'? I know I do, if I don't like the title then I probably won't read it (I'm shallow in the literary world). We put a lot of thought into our user names for email, twitter, and other social media. How do I want the world to know me? You can communicate a lot or a little by it. My twitter user name is PDXLinds, I thought it
was fitting seeing as how my name is Lindsay and I'm (proudly) from Portland. So when I chose the title for my blog, I wanted it to say something. And rather than try to convey to you what that 'something' was as if it was magic or some epiphany, I'll just show you.
I heard about Wendell Berry from the pastor at my church. The title to the poem for which my blog name comes from, immediately intrigued me the first time I heard it, 'Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front'. Sounds a little crazy, right? See for yourself.
Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front
By Wendell Berry
Love the quick profit, the annual raise,
vacation with pay. Want more
of everything ready-made. Be afraid
to know your neighbors and to die.
And you will have a window in your head.
Not even your future will be a mystery
any more. Your mind will be punched in a card
and shut away in a little drawer.
When they want you to buy something
they will call you. When they want you
to die for profit they will let you know.
So, friends, every day do something
that won't compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace
the flag. Hope to live in that free
republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot
understand. Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.
Ask the questions that have no answers.
Invest in the millennium. Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest
that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest.
Say that the leaves are harvested
when they have rotted into the mold.
Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.
Put your faith in the two inches of humus
that will build under the trees
every thousand years.
Listen to carrion -- put your ear
close, and hear the faint chattering
of the songs that are to come.
Expect the end of the world. Laugh.
Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful
though you have considered all the facts.
So long as women do not go cheap
for power, please women more than men.
Ask yourself: Will this satisfy
a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep
of a woman near to giving birth?
Go with your love to the fields.
Lie down in the shade. Rest your head
in her lap. Swear allegiance
to what is nighest your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos
can predict the motions of your mind,
lose it. Leave it as a sign
to mark the false trail, the way
you didn't go.
Be like the fox
who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection.
There is a lot packed into that poem, and you might not agree with all of it. I might not agree with all of it. But that is not the point. I think this was written in part, to evoke thought. So, in my life, and the snippets of my life that are here on this blog, that is what I want to do. Make a few more tracks than necessary and practice resurrection.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sunshine, Coffee and Thankfulness
It is a gorgeous morning in the Rose City today. I think I slept extra soundly due to the anticipation of nice weather. Being a born and raise Portlander, it is days like today that we, as a city, live for (the image to your right is a live image from this morning when I wrote this). Days like this make those other nine months of dreary and drizzly rain worth it. When everything is blooming (as well as my allergies), the sun shining over the pristine mountains, and all the greenery everywhere.
As well as being in a great mood this morning I couldn't help but think of a few things that I am thankful for. Not just to live in an amazing place, although on the many rainy days I do day dream of San Diego or Moab or Aspen, but to get the opportunity to go on all kinds of adventures. Food Cart adventures, hiking adventures, kayaking adventures, climbing, camping, rafting, skiing, and all those 'Keep Portland Weird' adventures (it really is a weird place).
One of my roommates thinks my family is so weird (but not for the obvious reasons) in that we don't really fight or argue. Not to say that we don't all have problems, because we do, we're human. But I'm so thankful for my low-drama, supportive, and funny family. My sarcastic and sweet Dad, my goofy and generous Aunt and Uncle, my smart-ass cousin Mike, my teasing and wise cousin Jeff and his sweet and funny wife Stef. My amazingly funny, cute, sweet, and smart nieces and nephew.
For as much as I complain about working. I'm really blessed to not have just one job, but three, in an economy that is struggling where so many people can't find work. Not just work either. I get the opportunity everyday to help coordinate giving some of the most vulnerable kids an opportunity to begin the healing process from being abused. I also get the chance to work with kids that have either had less than ideal environments to grow up in or made poor choices, to being making positive
changes. So excited that I have the opportunity to further my career in studying for my Master of Social Work this fall, I'm officially a USC Trojan! Now, with all that said, if for some reason I won the lottery or found a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, and never had to work again and could just volunteer with organizations that I loved, I'd be alright with that too.
Being in a transitional stage in life (and learning that I'll probably always be in a transitional stage), and working through the stress that goes along with it, I'm so thankful to have the friends that I do. I get to share in those transitions, the heartaches, the victories, the sweet moments and the ugly stuff. When friends celebrate the accomplishment of grad school, get a great job, get engaged and married, have babies and go on adventures, I get to share in that...how awesome is that?!
I was having a conversation with a woman that is sort of a mentor to me. She has walked through many more seasons in life that I have and is so wise because of it. Makes me wonder why we worry about getting older sometimes, because if I could be
half as great as that woman, I'd be in good order! I digress. Recently I was lamenting on how I've gotten to where I am in life. It wasn't a part of my master plan, because when I started college, I wanted to 'grow up' and be a photographer! I have sort of meandered to where I am at now. Not to say that I'm unhappy with where I am or that I don't find purpose in the things I do, because I find great purpose in these things. What she told me was that if you look back on my life, 4 years, 10 years, or all 25 you can see a path. That the things I've done or gone through, the choices I've made and things I've seen have all been building on each other to get me to where I am now. That the choices I'm making in the present will impact the future. That God has a plan, there is a path and I'm on it...not trying to find it. I know that this information isn't exactly new or novel or life changing. But it does make me thing, to look back AND forward with perspective so that I live life in the present.
With all the good and even the heavy things in life, it is good to look at the small things with thankfulness. Like the sunshine and mountains on a beautiful day, or delicious Stumptown Coffee, or Nine West strappy heels and platform pumps, or new backpacking gear, or Sharpie Pens, country music, silly dogs, funny youtube videos and homemade scones.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Trusting in God's Hiddenness
The longing for the life that we don't possess and cannot gain from this world will remain until we find fulfillment in the King himself."- Rick McKinley, from A Kingdom Called Desire
I like what McKinley says in the above quote (well, and the whole book) because it really speaks to the tension that we live in. More specifically, at church recently, we've been focusing on some of these tensions and the tensions within the church.
There seems to be this tension between Evangelist and the 'social action' camp, well between neo-liberals and neo-fundamentalist. "Which camp is Jesus in? That's the question. Because everyone is claiming he is one their side. But Jesus isn't in one camp or another; he is at work in the tension of holding together the proclamation of the gospel embodied in a people who lovingly serve the world. The choice is not either evangelisim or social action but both/and."
In my home community last week we had a candid and honest conversation about a feeling someone in the group had...and come to find out, many others also shared in. That as a church, our church specifically, we felt this focus on serving in an outreach capacity and not so much on loving each other. Maybe a 'Portland' culture thing? We didn't spend a whole lot of time on analyzing how, why or where, or place blame on anyone or anything.
We decided that as a home community, to not only focus on outreach of the marginalized, but to be intentional in loving each other- to be authentic. In my opinion, it was encouraging. Not to say that it will be easy, because to be intentional and authentic you have to be willing to open up your own life. To let people in, and that can be hard.
In recent years, I've discovered that I tend to hold most of my relationships at a little bit of a distance (maybe more of a gaping distance in some instances). There are a few, that I think I do let in. And I think a lot of people are like that especially in the culture we live in. Don't want to get too close, you might get hurt or offend someone. But how can we live wholeheartedly and intentionally love others if we aren't willing to let them in?
It is a two way road and you can't have one without the other. You have to receive and overflow with love in order to give it. However, that is a lot of work and it requires, demands even, vulnerability. You have to let other in to call you out on things, to speak and walk with you in truth AND grace.
I think the grace part is easy sometimes, at least easy to receive it. Also easy to give it sometimes. I also think we mask a lot of our giving of grace as silent judging, or maybe that is just me.
It is clearly not my job or anyone elses to judge another, because I am a sinner and you are a sinner. We are both guilty. I am sure glad that it isn't my job, although I sometimes struggle with thinking it is. God is the only one that can do that job, however that doesn't stop us from trying. He is full of grace and is just. Can you imagine if he did judge us like we judge others? We'd all be screwed. Thankfully, he is full of grace and mercy and sent Jesus and that he conquered the grave.
Here is an excerpt from McKinley's book that I think is more clear than I could ever be.
"We leave the polarizing place of choosing between church or culture when Jesus becomes the object of our desire. We have to. To desire Jesus is to live into his reign and display his love to the world whereever he calls us, whether that be church or the board room, the home or the streets, the neighborhood or the mission field. To do justice and love mercy in its fullest sense is most authentic and Christ honoring when we have received mercy and been justified by a gracious King."
So, if Jesus is in everything, and the Spirit is in me then all I need to do is live into him and his truth and grace. That is going to be the greatest adventure.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Red Thread
So I meant to write this post close to two weeks ago, however, with a glitch in 'Blogger' I lost everything I wrote before I had a chance to post it. I felt defeated after this and decided to ignore my blog for awhile in rebellion of technology.
But I'm back, and so is my motivation to write!
Everyday when I walk into my office, I pull the blinds up, start my computer, unlock my file cabinet and my desk drawers, and turn my light on. I make sure I don't have any voice mails or faxes waiting and find myself often looking up at my bulletin board. This board has many documents, contact lists, phone numbers and misc. information about conducting a phased interview and what the typical detection periods for drugs of abuse in urine from the time of abuse look like. There are also many pictures of friends, my childhood, family, places I've been and the quote you see in the image to the left.
I'm not the most sentimental person in the world and don't find a lot of value in inspirational quotes, notes, or trinkets. Not to say that I don't appreciate or value these things when they are genuine gifts from others. Actually I really value them. I just find that the 'genuine' part is often times missing.
This quote is a little different and for some reason I find great meaning in it, especially with my line of work, spiritual beliefs and future goals. Is is a simple statement and a sort-of personal anthem, I guess.
A few weeks ago now, due to the aforementioned snafu, I read an article at Relevant Magazine online that you can find here ------> http://http//www.relevantmagazine.com/life/current-events/features/25062-finding-forgiveness-in-south-sudan (sorry I don't know the fancy way to connect a link). In this article, author, Roseann Dennery who is a relief worker for Samaritans Purse, talks about her experience in South Sudan and finding forgiveness.
Dennery introduces an interesting concept that I hadn't heard of when she said, "The red thread of destiny, how it is sometimes referred to, is a concept referring to a continuum of fate, a weaving of events happening as they were meant to be. It is a theme that runs through a shared human experience. Thin and continuous it came through, tying together stories of hope and hardship, each unique yet spoken with subtle traces of forgiveness and forgetting."
This idea, that there is this red thread of destiny which connects one person to another, originated in Eastern Asia, and is used in Chinese and Japanese legend. This concept reminds me of the quote hanging within arms length reach of where I spend 40 hours of my week. Minor Myers Jr. says, "Go into the world and do well" which I interpret as worldly things. Do well, get a good job, marry a good man, be successful, do well. Then he says, "But more importantly, go into the world and do good."
Do good. I interpret that as less tangible, more eternal things. Make a difference, to love others in words and actions, much like Minor Myers Jr. was said to have lived his life. Through the lens with which I look at life, to do good, means to do things for the Kingdom good.
Francis of Assisi is well quoted in saying, "It is of no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching." I love that saying because in order to do good I often times have to remind myself it isn't my actions that are the most important, it is my intention. Is my heart in the right place or in good condition? If it is, then I think there is an outpouring of my heart to others. Personally, I must also remind myself that it isn't about me. It just isn't. I can't do anything apart from God. For more thoughts or insight on this I encourage you to read Romans 8 here ------> http://http//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=ESV
I do think there is a red thread that connects us all in some magical way. Except I don't think it is magic, it is God. I want my walking to be my preaching. In essence put my money where my mouth is, or insert any other cliche idiom here that you wish.
I'm learning that my personal life and beliefs aren't necessarily so far off from my work, my field or my goals. That in working with abuse victims, struggling parents, physical and sexual offenders, law enforcement and child welfare; there is always room for that red thread, for grace to enter.
But I'm back, and so is my motivation to write!
Everyday when I walk into my office, I pull the blinds up, start my computer, unlock my file cabinet and my desk drawers, and turn my light on. I make sure I don't have any voice mails or faxes waiting and find myself often looking up at my bulletin board. This board has many documents, contact lists, phone numbers and misc. information about conducting a phased interview and what the typical detection periods for drugs of abuse in urine from the time of abuse look like. There are also many pictures of friends, my childhood, family, places I've been and the quote you see in the image to the left.
I'm not the most sentimental person in the world and don't find a lot of value in inspirational quotes, notes, or trinkets. Not to say that I don't appreciate or value these things when they are genuine gifts from others. Actually I really value them. I just find that the 'genuine' part is often times missing.
This quote is a little different and for some reason I find great meaning in it, especially with my line of work, spiritual beliefs and future goals. Is is a simple statement and a sort-of personal anthem, I guess.
A few weeks ago now, due to the aforementioned snafu, I read an article at Relevant Magazine online that you can find here ------> http://http//www.relevantmagazine.com/life/current-events/features/25062-finding-forgiveness-in-south-sudan (sorry I don't know the fancy way to connect a link). In this article, author, Roseann Dennery who is a relief worker for Samaritans Purse, talks about her experience in South Sudan and finding forgiveness.
Dennery introduces an interesting concept that I hadn't heard of when she said, "The red thread of destiny, how it is sometimes referred to, is a concept referring to a continuum of fate, a weaving of events happening as they were meant to be. It is a theme that runs through a shared human experience. Thin and continuous it came through, tying together stories of hope and hardship, each unique yet spoken with subtle traces of forgiveness and forgetting."
This idea, that there is this red thread of destiny which connects one person to another, originated in Eastern Asia, and is used in Chinese and Japanese legend. This concept reminds me of the quote hanging within arms length reach of where I spend 40 hours of my week. Minor Myers Jr. says, "Go into the world and do well" which I interpret as worldly things. Do well, get a good job, marry a good man, be successful, do well. Then he says, "But more importantly, go into the world and do good."
Do good. I interpret that as less tangible, more eternal things. Make a difference, to love others in words and actions, much like Minor Myers Jr. was said to have lived his life. Through the lens with which I look at life, to do good, means to do things for the Kingdom good.
Francis of Assisi is well quoted in saying, "It is of no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching." I love that saying because in order to do good I often times have to remind myself it isn't my actions that are the most important, it is my intention. Is my heart in the right place or in good condition? If it is, then I think there is an outpouring of my heart to others. Personally, I must also remind myself that it isn't about me. It just isn't. I can't do anything apart from God. For more thoughts or insight on this I encourage you to read Romans 8 here ------> http://http//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=ESV
I do think there is a red thread that connects us all in some magical way. Except I don't think it is magic, it is God. I want my walking to be my preaching. In essence put my money where my mouth is, or insert any other cliche idiom here that you wish.
I'm learning that my personal life and beliefs aren't necessarily so far off from my work, my field or my goals. That in working with abuse victims, struggling parents, physical and sexual offenders, law enforcement and child welfare; there is always room for that red thread, for grace to enter.
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