Current Event – Page 85 – intramuralist ™

08/27/201508/27/2015

something like this

I’m back.

(Note: I had a post ready to publish, but the events of yesterday altered my thoughts — and thus my plans and our ensuing, respectful dialogue.)

On Wednesday morning, as the Virginia dawn was breaking and many more were waking, a television reporter and a photo journalist were shot and killed during a live broadcast. They were shot by a former, said to be “disgruntled” employee. It was intentional. The very initial investigation seems to indicate the murders were premeditated.

Heinous. Horrific. Give me whatever word you want. As my longtime, sweet school friend shared with me — a friend who is also an accomplished photo journalist — I’m “numb. Just numb.” She told me about yesterday’s newsroom… how their typically bustling set was only quiet and devastated. There is “no ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, or CNN” on days like yesterday; our newsrooms are a close knit community. There are so many emotions — for them, for us — yet so few words to adequately describe.

It seems true on this planet, when bad things happen, we really struggle with how to respond… wisely. I get it. If we’re not numb, we’re outraged. Maybe, often… both. And when we’re outraged, we react immediately. We are a reactionary people.

I thus paused, observing the plethora of instant, varied reactions to Wednesday’s awful event…

Some immediately adopting the eye-for-an-eye verdict (although their words aren’t quite as nice as mine).
Others decrying gun violence.
Still more denouncing all private gun ownership.
Others ranting about racism.
More, too, demanding new policy initiatives.

… all in the seemingly immediate, initial instant after the awful event.

I get it. Does America have a gun problem? … a violence problem? … a racism problem? We certainly struggle with each of the above; many people are legitimately passionate about these issues. Let me first add a related concept. I believe we also have a significant problem in this country with mental illness; we’re not good at acknowledging it nor discussing it — a topic the Intramuralist believes gets way too little air time.

My sense, no less, is that each of the above conflicts are topics on which we could/should undoubtedly host a longer, respectful dialogue. My sense is also that our instantaneous outrage in these areas often impedes us from seeing a far bigger, bottom line.

Bigger than the problems with guns, violence, and race, America seems to have a “sin” problem (… sorry… I know we have trouble and great discomfort acknowledging and discussing this; I just don’t like to avoid any topic). Hence, allow me to explain…

If sin is “an immoral act considered to be a transgression of divine law,” we need to at least attempt to discern what “divine law” is. What does God actually require of us?

Yikes. I must confess that the Intramuralist was never blessed with some ultra-omniscience capable of articulating exactly what God requires and does not; in fact, I’m pretty confident no human has been so seemingly blessed. But if asked, I would start with something like this…

The great big God of the Universe wants us to love him and love other people (… let me repeat that…). Love him and love other people. He wants us to be humble, act justly, and love mercy. If each of us simply started with that, my even keener sense is that there would be less problems on this planet — yes, less of a gun problem… less of a violence problem… and less of a racism problem.

If yesterday’s killer had humbled himself before God — submitting in some semblance of prayer his emotions, experience, and so obvious (to us) wrongful belief system — before the living God — he would not have killed Allison Parker and Adam Ward. Instead, this killer was seemingly “mad as hell and not going to take it any more.” He knew no divine law at that time.

I think of the two innocent people who died Wednesday morning… two people, doing their jobs.   As my dear friend said, I’m “numb. Just numb.” Maybe that humble pause should be the first reaction for each of us… accompanied by tear-laced prayers for the families of Parker and Ward. May God be with you now.

(P.S. I’m back.)

Respectfully…
AR

08/25/2015

right or righteous?

Right or Righteous?…

That is the Question!

There are times in our lives when we feel as though we are in a refiner’s fire — those tough times or circumstances that refine — or seemingly purify — us… when, for whatever reason, it is as if every situation or interaction we find ourselves in brings about the same message. The message arises so much that you begin to ask yourself:

“Am I ever going to catch a break here?”

This is a picture of how my summer of 2001 was spent. At the time, I was on staff as a full-time missionary with Youth With A Mission – Nashville. YWAM is a non-profit ministry focused on service and training across the globe, that started over 50 years ago. My job and primary focus was to train and lead our college age volunteers as they led the youth groups. I LOVED my job! I was in my element!! I was doing what I love to do.

So, why in the world was I facing such confrontation at every turn? And from one staff person in particular at that? Everyday I found myself asking:

“What is his deal?”

Then, one day, after yet another head-butting, down right frustrating confrontation with this fellow staff member (did I ever mention how much I dislike confrontation? Well, I dislike it… A LOT!), a dear friend spoke these words to me and, still, today they resonate within me — especially in those moments when I find myself going head-to-head with someone and all I want to do is yell:

“I know what I am doing!!! I can take care of it myself!!”

Here is what my dear friend, Tiny, had to say:

“I know the things you have endured, but do you want to be RIGHT or do you want to be RIGHTEOUS?”

Do we always have to be right? … or will we allow for our character to be carved and to grow?

Can we say ouch?!! That hurts the pride and the rightness of it all!

Hear this: there is no disgrace in being right. This world needs more of what is right and good and true. It is just in those moments the challenge becomes more real and true and honest.

Hanging with you in the fray…

Respectfully…

08/11/2015

all you have taught me

My oldest daughter asks, “Would you write a guest column for my blog?”

Sure! …what to write about?

Her sister, Nicole, is on my mind everyday. Would anyone be interested in my thoughts?

Maybe… Let’s give that a try.

Initially there was a positive — a relief. Her pain was over. No more struggle with the… ya … all that. But what a void in my psyche! Immediately you get busy with all the arrangement stuff. Lots of support yet one day down, next day level. Then the anniversaries start as April enters. A month since she died — two. Another month brings the 35th anniversary of her birth. We would always celebrate at her favorite restaurant.

A father laments with the reminder of special moments, special thoughts, special sharing. For more than a year, every other week, early on Thursday, in the car to Iowa City Medical Center…

“How is it going today?”

“Not yet Dad. I need a little time.”

Ten miles down the road the conversation starts. There were concerns lifted, issues clarified, history reviewed, faith affirmed and assured.

I have three daughters and two sons, all to whom God has given special gifts. Nicole had some exceptional qualities like no other — beginning with her always present smile, a symbol of her attitude. All four of her siblings will confirm that enthusiastically.

A few years ago she gave me a gift that seems so appropriate now. It is a book along with CD called, “Something Worth Leaving Behind.” Inside the cover she wrote:

“To Dad — From Nicole — I love you! Thank you for all you have taught me.”

I listen to the music now… with tears, for she taught me so much more than I ever taught her. She taught me how to face stage four cancer in a way I don’t think I ever could. She taught me how to not give up even though the oncologist gave her a year. She taught me to live with a confidence in difficult times and offer her “I’m fine” to the very day before she died. Yes, she also taught me to believe in important spiritual and eternal things when the going gets real tough.

And as I reflect now, she continues to teach me more.

With Both Grief and Joy…
RWM

08/06/2015

losing the art of friendship

What have we done?

That was the thought that went through my mind as I sat with a group of 8th grade girls. They were chatting about the usual teenage girl stuff: school, friends, and boys.

Then one of the girls commented, “My best friend and I were being silly, skipping to the school bus holding hands the other day. One of the kids at the bus stop yelled, ‘Lesbians!’ Now that rumor is all over school.”

“What did you expect?” said another.

This is not an article about sexual orientation. The topic I would like us to think about is the sexualization of simple expressions of friendship and the impact that is having on our kids. The American Psychology Association states that “sexualization occurs when:

* A person’s value comes only from his or her sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics;

* A person is held to a standard that equates physical attractiveness (narrowly defined) with being sexy;

* A person is sexually objectified —that is, made into a thing for others’ sexual use, rather than seen as a person with the capacity for independent action and decision making;

* And/or sexuality is inappropriately imposed upon a person.” (http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report-full.pdf)

Most of us are aware of the negative side effects of girls being over sexualized in regards to their male counterparts. (Click on above link for the full scoop.) Young girls are overly concerned about being attractive and attracted to boys, and now they seem to be dealing with relationships with female peers in a sexual context as well.

“You understand that being affectionate with friends is a totally normal things, right? It has nothing to do with whether you find that person attractive or not.” I said to blank stares. They didn’t believe me.

“When I was your age…” I started, then stopped when I got a group eye roll. My telling them of the good old days wasn’t going to help.

This conversation has been on my mind since and I have brought it up to enough teens and young adults to believe that their perception is a common one. And it made me sad.

You see, I do have strong fond memories of the girls I hung out with in 7th and 8th grade. These were the years of growth-spurts, first bras, periods and passing around books by Judy Blume. We leaned on each other for understanding and support, and laughed until milk came out our noses. At dances and skating parties we would be just as likely to partner up with each other as with a boy. Dance or skating with a boy had flirty overtones, but among ourselves there was none of that. We shared a close intimacy that allowed several of us to cram into a bathroom; one changing, one peeing and another at the mirror putting on her Bonnie Bell lip gloss.

Oh, we talked about boys, but mostly the unattainable ones whose Teen Beat pin-ups were taped to our walls. Most of our time together was spent making our own adventures: camping under a starlit sky, sleepovers that involved baking, making up dance moves and then crowding close to each other telling ghost stories, or hanging out at the local swimming hole. Our friendship was not based on being thin or fat, tall or short, curvy or flat. We were just us.

As we’ve grown up our lives paths and experiences have been as diverse as anyone’s. However, during those formative years when we were transitioning from girlhood to womanhood, our society and media wasn’t telling us that our physically displays of affection with our peers had sexual connotations. We were free to hug, touch, and run arm and arm. We were free to accept each other no matter how we were made. We learned how to be good friends, strong and reliable, and that love had very little to do with sex, but with our willingness to be there for one another.

I worry about this young generation who consider every relationship with their peers in a sexual context. I worry about their ability to be content, self-accepting and at peace.

Respectfully…

SBS

08/04/2015

speaking at my funeral

Do you ever wonder what people will say about you at your funeral? No, I am not talking about the “she looks good”, or the “they did an amazing job” comments. I am talking about the real heartfelt comments that will come from your family or your friends — and hopefully not anytime soon. Have you done enough “good” in your life so that those chosen to speak will leave a lasting impression on those in attendance?

I watched the funeral of Officer Sonny Kim in Cincinnati last July and listened to the speakers and what they each had to say about him. How difficult it must have been for each of them to prepare their remarks because his death was so sudden, so senseless, and so tragic. Yet, Officer Kim created quite a legacy and left plenty of content simply by the way he lived his life.

If you, like me, didn’t have the good fortune to know Officer Kim in life, take the opportunity to know him in death. We can learn from his example and try to leave this community and city better than when we arrived. Make something positive happen from this tragedy.

No doubt, Officer Kim was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, mentor, teacher, and police officer. No doubt, Officer Kim touched and positively influenced many lives. No doubt, Officer Kim lived each day to the fullest. And no doubt, Officer Kim died a true hero.

In death, Officer Kim almost seems larger than life, a super hero, an immortal. In theory, it is fine for us to remember him in this way. We should. He deserves it. But in reality, he didn’t possess any super powers any more than you or I do. He loved. He cared. He displayed a genuine kindness to his fellow man. He was special. He made a difference. And he will be remembered.

Officer Kim didn’t make a conscious effort to make this world better; he did it by simply living his life. He didn’t care what race you were or what religion you practiced or how much money you had; he simply loved and cared about everyone collectively. Those that knew him, loved him. And those that didn’t know him, have come to love him in the days following his death. This has been very evident in the endless tributes and donations that have come flooding in.

If Officer Kim were here today, I would imagine that he would shy away from all of this attention. I say this only because his beautiful wife, Jessica, was quoted as saying, “you are doing too much” in response to all of the love and support shown to them in the days following his death. No, Mrs. Kim, we can never do enough to thank you and your family for sharing your Sonny with us — not only in life but in his death, as well.

He united us on a sunny, then, briefly stormy Friday afternoon in June. We were all Cincinnatians, Ohioans, and most of all Americans. We were supporters of the hundreds of law enforcement members who were a part of his funeral procession. We lined 17 miles of the city’s Montgomery Road with our American Flags, wearing our blue. It didn’t matter race or religion. It didn’t matter young or old. It didn’t matter rich or poor. We were there to honor Officer Kim and his family. We were one.

So, I ask you…what are you doing to make a difference? Do you go the extra mile? Do you take the time to enjoy the little things and/or little ones in your life? Do you go out of your way to do something nice for someone? Are you kind? Are you compassionate? Do you love? Do you care? Do you live — and I mean really live?

We all would like to think we would answer yes to all of the questions. I believe we would all choose good over bad at any point. But, if you are like me, we are constantly running by the seat of our pants. We have games and concerts and work and household matters. We have family obligations and school meetings and dinner to cook. It is hard to manage our time these days.

I challenge you to start small and do one thing each day to make this world a better place. Maybe just smile at someone, lend a hand, send a card, offer a hug, or take the time to tell someone how much they mean to you. It doesn’t have to be monumental, the smallest showings sometimes are the most memorable.

So, think again about who you would want to speak at your funeral. What do you want them to say? Reflect on this often. Start creating your content today. Be kind, be gracious, love all, care, forgive and forget, don’t judge, and laugh. Above all, go make a difference today.

Kindly…
LS

08/02/201508/02/2015

“I am your father, Luke.”

Before you read this column, please set aside whatever opinions you have about Obamacare and same-sex marriage. Whether you think the Affordable Care Act is the greatest piece of legislation ever or will soon become the black hole of all government debt — and whether you think same-sex marriage is long overdue social progress or the American government advocating sin — this entry won’t make sense if you read it from the perspective of whatever opinions you hold. So before you read on, please just set them aside for a few short moments….
You see, it is not the current policy on those two matters that is important; it’s the process by which they came to be.
A short civics reminder: the United States Constitution created three branches of government — the legislative branch, which passes laws, the judicial branch, which interprets laws, and the executive branch, which regardless of what it thinks about the laws that are passed or how they are interpreted, is charged with implementing those laws. After the Revolution, the founding fathers wisely divided government authority between these three equal branches of government — called the Separation of Powers — to prevent one branch from obtaining the abusive power wielded by the British monarchy.
Two landmark cases have just been decided by the Supreme Court of the United States, and regardless of whether you were parading in the streets in celebration or shaking your head at Facebook rainbows, every American needs to understand what just happened to the Separation of Powers.
First, the case of King vs. Burwell, about Obamacare. The Affordable Care Act is a 900-page piece of legislation that few lawmakers read before it was voted upon. It established a mechanism for states to set up health insurance exchanges, but the uninsured in states that did not could purchase insurance through an exchange established by the federal government. The law went on to say that insurance would be subsidized in exchanges “established by the state.”
There are different opinions about how those words ended up in the final legislation. Some say it was a mistake made while reconciling two versions of the bill. Others say it was intentional, as an incentive for states to establish exchanges. What is not in question is that those were the words in the legislation that Congress passed.
The IRS, an agency of the executive branch, charged with implementing the laws that have been passed, didn’t like those words, so they ignored them. They issued a directive through a federal register that subsidies were to be provided through all exchanges, whether “established by the state” or the federal government. A lawsuit ensued.
In short, six justices of the Supreme Court ruled that “established by the state” does not mean “established by the state.” In the context of the entire legislation, that must not have been what was intended, since so many states did not establish an exchange, and the law wouldn’t work otherwise.
My friends, we are no longer following the rule of law. “Established by the state” clearly means “established by the state,” and regardless if this was a mistake or that’s not what Congress intended, that is the law that Congress passed. Those black robes do not give the justices clairvoyant powers to know what each lawmaker who voted in favor intended. Just read the words on the paper. Their meaning is clear.
Next, Obergefell v. Hodges, about same-sex marriage. Because some states recognized gay marriage and others forbade it, James Obergefell married John Arthur in Maryland, then sued their resident State of Ohio to recognize their marriage. Because Arthur was terminally ill, they wanted Obergefell’s name listed as the spouse on his death certificate. That’s all this case was about. John Arthur died in 2013.
In an opinion that began, “The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach, a liberty that includes certain specific rights that allow persons, within a lawful realm, to define and express their identity,” the Supreme Court struck down all state bans, declaring same-sex marriage to be the law of the land.
That is pure gobbledygook, typical of an opinion concocted within someone’s head than having any legal basis whatsoever. The Constitution does not mention marriage. The words “marry,” “married,” or “marriage” do not appear in it anywhere. There is no “right to marry” in the Constitution.
As such, the Tenth Amendment is clear: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
Hear me plainly. I am not arguing against same-sex marriage. I am simply saying that the United States Constitution does not provide a right to marry, and as such, clearly gives the power to determine who can and cannot marry to the states. Yet only five people this time in black robes have dictated otherwise.
I understand that eliminating subsidies in the federal health insurance exchange would have been a calamity, and the excitement felt by those who seek same-sex marriage, their friends and families who know their pain, and those who opposed “#lovewins” have often not behaved in a very loving manner.
But if you don’t like the law, elect different representatives, and they can pass new laws. That’s democracy.
The Supreme Court justices are not elected, yet they are no longer following the plain meaning of the rule of law nor the U.S. Constitution. They are issuing opinions based on what they think in their own heads, not what the law says. If they are not bound by the Constitution or the rule of law, what limits their authority? That’s oligarchy, “a small group of people having control of a country.”
You may be very happy at the results of these opinions, and I respect that. But you might not be next time, and this is not democracy. This country determines its laws by representatives who are elected “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” not nine tyrants in black robes who force their wills upon the rest of us. Every American should be concerned about this abuse of power.
We revolted against the British monarchy. This judicial oligarchy deserves no less a response.
Respectfully…
MPM

07/30/201507/30/2015

coming soon…

For the past seven years, we have covered multiple incidents, issues, and current events. Some posts have been more personal and passionate; whereas, others have been more factual and informative. We have covered much. For a very brief example, since November of 2008, we have covered:

The events… the election of Barack Obama, subsequent elections, the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, the tsunamis and tornados, the ongoing conflict with militant Muslims, the worsening economic crisis in Europe, the atrocities — here, there — way too many… we even covered Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.

The issues… healthcare, heroes, caring for the least of these, education, the economy, increasing debt, marriage, gay marriage, God, guns, bailouts, idol worship, 80’s music, vacation, vaccines, false religion, racism, and all the wild, manipulative rhetoric.

The ideals… humility, arrogance, patience, kindness, self-control, freedom, sacrifice, acceptance, tolerance, selflessness, greed, gluttony, and love (…because the greatest of these will always be love).

The people… Joe Biden, Jack Kemp, Rod Blagojevich, Tom Brady, Condoleezza Rice, Tim Tebow, Mark Twain, and Prince George. We covered Habitat’s Millard Fuller, (way too many) Bush’s and Clinton’s, the singularly-named Seinfeld, Oprah, and Beyoncé… and never forgetting lessons learned via those three, cute, teenage boys in my own household.

The sports… Baseball, fantasy football, golf, March Madness, the Packers and Patriots, Lions, Tigers, and Bears, FIFA, and especially, this summer’s awesome, women’s World Cup team.

Yes, we have covered much.

Let it always be said of the Intramuralist that we care more about articulation than agreement. It is not important that we always agree. We can’t. Throughout my life, for instance, many have insisted that I must like mushrooms and pickles… “What’s wrong with you?!” I’m sorry. I don’t like them. I won’t. And I don’t plan on changing my opinion any time soon. It’s ok that we disagree. 🙂

What’s not ok is our inability to have the conversation. There are far too many on Facebook and elsewhere who find no discomfort calling a brother or sister an “idiot” or “douchebag.” Excuse my language; I’m making a point. The insults and indignities say more about the person who employs them than the person they are attempting to target.

Consistent with that value, let it also be said then that while I so appreciate this blog and means of communication, I don’t think it’s always important that you hear from me. I want you to hear from one another. I want you to hear from someone other than me — and other than self.

Beginning Sunday, therefore, is our annual summer Guest Writer Series. Over the next three and a half weeks, you will hear from other people. You will hear from a parent, nursing professional, a police chaplain, and a communications expert; you will hear from three known published authors and a philanthropic CEO; you will also hear from an insightful, new friend made on the spring “grad party circuit” — and even from a sitting State Senator. You will hear angles and articulations different from mine.

Please know that the opinions expressed here may or may not be consistent with mine. I may totally disagree, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we learn to express ourselves in ways respectful to one another so that we can discuss, learn, and sometimes, hopefully even solve.

I will add that this year’s group of writers is a talented, expressive group. They will address some challenging subjects — beginning Sunday — but they communicate consistently with respect.

Hence, feel free to comment. Share with our guest writers where you agree or disagree; share with them why. Talk to them here or on Facebook or Twitter. Join the conversation. Let our writers know what you appreciate. Ask questions. Ask for more insight. And as always, do so respectfully. Let’s articulate ourselves wisely and well.

Respectfully… (I can’t wait…)
AR

07/28/201507/28/2015

playing by the rules

Funny how this world works… how one thing leads to another… how what we learn in one area is so often applicable to something else…

As the year’s summer baseball season wraps up for my middle son, we found ourselves neck-and-neck in the late innings of one game in a highly competitive tournament last weekend. In fact, since this team has found significant on-field success, we were playing mostly teams a year older.

This game was especially tight, but with two on and no out, our cleanup hitter came to the plate. He quickly smacked a long double to right center field, giving us a two run lead, which seemed somewhat insurmountable in a game where runs were rare.

Before the cheers had yet to subside in the stands, the coach of the other team was out of his dugout, yelling at the umpires. “Check his bat! Check that bat!”

Yes, we were playing in a wood bat tournament, a series where no metal nor composite wood bats are allowed. Funniest thing… our four hitter’s bat sure looked like it was wood. And it was. But buried deep within the rules was the edict that the bats must be made of a singular piece of wood. The bat in question was actually made out of two pieces. Granted, it was not a error of deception; rather, it was an innocent error by a teen with a previously-thought, cool looking bat. After an extended conference with both umpires and opposing coaches, the batter was called out and our two run lead was erased.

Let me be clear. The opposing coach was right. He was completely within his jurisdiction to question what was a potential violation of the rules. In fact, I learned later that this coach was a baseball bat salesman; he knew what he was talking about.

Here’s the problem. Remember we found ourselves neck-and-neck in the late innings of the game. This was the third time the cleanup hitter was at bat. The previous two times at the plate, his at bat did not affect the outcome of the game. Only when it affected the outcome of the game did the opposing coach speak up.

Hence… my questions of the day — my learning from one area applied to another…

How often do we play by the rules only when it affects the desired result?
How often do we demand that others play the rules only when it affects the desired result?
How often are we silent about the rules — because we don’t necessarily want to totally play by them either — until, of course, we can gain some sort of advantage?

I wonder when we play by the rules and when we don’t.

I wonder how often we announce the rules… and… when we choose to stay silent.

Does the end justify the means? Does the game matter?

Is it hypocrisy? Is it unethical? Seems to me way too many inconsistently play by the rules, embracing them when they want to — ignoring them when they don’t.

Let me again say that the coach had every right to come out of the dugout. He was right. The challenge is, though, that too many only come out of the dugout when it benefits them… when it affects the outcome of the game. In business… in government… in activism, etc.

Oh, how I wish what we learn in one area would affect other areas as well…

(And FYI… for the record, the good guys still won. 🙂 )

Respectfully…
AR

07/26/2015

pausing

As I’ve said multiple times previously amidst these posts, every now and then there’s an incident or event that promptly causes me to dismiss what I originally intended to say. Today is one of those days.

In the late hours of Thursday night, just before midnight, a long line of traffic was slowed to a near standstill due to construction on the interstate near my alma mater. Notably in line were a semi-truck, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Yaris. Behind them was a fourth vehicle — driven by a man who when he looked in his rear view mirror, shockingly saw an 18 wheel tanker rapidly nearing at full speed behind them — not slowing for the construction zone. The driver of the fourth car somehow was able to swerve his car out of the way, but the tanker then hit the three aforementioned vehicles, reportedly at full speed.

The Yaris was first knocked into the adjacent ditch, killing the driver, a promising postdoctoral physics student at Purdue. Next hit was the Pilot, driven by a beloved mom and respected optometrist — a member of the community in which I grew up. Also in the car with her were her two young sons, 8 and 10.

When the tanker hit the Pilot, it caused the stationary vehicle to spin initially into the median. The tanker then struck the semi, at which time the tanker caught fire and the Honda Pilot spun into the two semis, also then catching fire. When police arrived on the scene, the tanker and the Pilot were fully engulfed in flames. The driver of the tanker, the mom, and her two children were killed.

My heart aches. I simply cannot easily, emotionally grasp the depth of this tragedy.

Hence, what caused me to pull my planned post today is the thought that moments such as this should make us pause. These moments should stop us. These moments should stop us in our tracks, shake us to our core, and prompt us to ask ourselves what we really believe. What we believe should then affect how we behave.

But we’re too busy. We go from one thing to the next to the next to the next. It’s not that we’re engaged in so-called “bad things”; we just keep going on life’s continuous treadmill without stopping to take note of the surroundings.

If we did take note of the surroundings, I wonder what we’d do differently…

I think we’d be better at putting ourselves in the shoes of another… I think we’d take more time to listen and honor and view the perspectives that are different than our own… I think we’d be better empathizers… I think we’d quit shouting at singular people or people groups…

I think we’d be less likely to embrace and repeat extreme, rhetorical rants — realizing that the often, originally legitimate rant sometimes evolves into a disrespect of someone else… I think we’d be more respectful as a whole… I think we’d be humbler… I think we’d have fewer blindspots…

I think we’d be better at taking time to acknowledge and thank the great big God of the universe. Ever since the world was created, God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been evident. Often, though, we don’t seem to pause long enough to see him… thereby becoming far too dependent and puffed up on self.

As said, it’s hard for me to shake the death of this mom especially. As any who have felt such dire loss across the country — from California to the Carolinas — we share in the grief of the families who today struggle with the depth of such unthinkable tragedy.   How do we honor the victims?

Might I suggest we begin with a pause…

Respectfully…
AR

07/23/2015

belief

Anyone who is President or runs for President tends to do three things:

Kiss babies.
Claim to know Econ. And…
Talk about God.

As the 16th entry into the diverse 2016 GOP presidential field, Ohio Gov. John Kasich concluded his announcement on Tuesday with the following:

“As for me, I’m just a flawed man, a flawed man, trying to honor God’s blessings in my life. I don’t even understand it. He’s been very good to me. And I want you to know that I will do my very best to serve you, because you are in my mind’s eye… God bless you and God bless America.”

Ah, yes, to appeal to the masses, we like to invoke the name of God; it sounds good. But when is such a reflection of what we really believe — and when is it merely a strategic manifestation of — shall we say — lip-service?

Even in our seemingly all-things-go society, non-belief is still politically unpopular. I speak not of atheism or agnosticism — those who claim God doesn’t exist or simply say they do not know him. According to the Barna Group, 75% of us believe in God; 92% say Jesus Christ was a real person who actually lived; and 62% of us have made a commitment to Jesus that we say is still important to us today.

But my sense is that belief means something more. Belief cannot be qualified as lip service. Belief changes us. And belief radically changes how we behave.

Belief in an omniscient, omnipotent, amazing grace-giving, compassionate God means we learn to love our brother and sister well. It means to look out especially for the poor, sick, elderly, and orphan. It means that all lives matter.

Belief in this great big God of the universe means we trust more in him than in ourselves. That means I allow my prayer and my pause to direct my heart, mind, soul, and strength. That means I am submissive to someone other than myself.

Belief in God means that I recognize that I don’t have life all figured out… that I don’t know all there is; and I can’t. My experience doesn’t equate itself with exhaustive truth. I recognize there must be someone greater and wiser than me.

Time and time again, I find myself struck by those who share their belief in God, but then seemingly, in the same breath, turn around to chastise another… to only love one person or people group well… or to arrogantly proclaim only they or their tight knit people group has been solely, divinely enlightened. So many times I have been struck by the lack of humility claimed by those who say they believe.

Allow me one more notably, transparent sentence: so many times I have been struck by my own lack of humility.

To say we believe means we are changed. It means our trust comes from God, our empowerment comes from God, and thus our peace and confidence comes from him. That person will be like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots, but doesn’t fear when the tough weather comes. The worry is less. The need to control is less. The need to only love some people is less. The need to trump one people group over another is less. The need to proclaim one’s own enlightenment is less. The need for arrogance is less. God is more; we are essentially… “less.”

Make no mistake about it; believing isn’t always easy. It takes faith. It is peace giving and confidence building, but it takes investment on our parts. It takes time. It takes pause.

So many proclaim their belief, but we should also be able to see their belief in how they behave.

It’s too easy to simply kiss all the babies.

Respectfully…
AR