When for the sake of a bargain, you are willing to step over (and on) a lifeless body... these are problems of humanity that go beyond terrorists, defaulting mortgages, and our economic crisis. Humanity in that moment lost its soul.
This man was over 250 pounds, yet people in the search of a tv that is 50% off, decided that their wallet was more important than his life.
I am appalled beyond words.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/nyregion/30walmart.html?em
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Does Being Moderate Mean Apathetic?
Why does it seem these types are the majority? Are they? Is there no one else out there?
[Can any body hear me? *insert Pink Floyd riff here*]
I know there are alternative Christian perspectives. I know there are others out there that do not carry so much baggage. Does there really seem to be a need within the Christian faith for exclusivity, prejudice, and rigid dogma? Closed communion comes to mind. Since when did Jesus only let certain people come to Him?
As a Methodist, I enjoy being in the middle of the road (or at least our congregation is and I won't pretend to know enough about UMC to speak for the denomination). Maybe it is better to say, my church is welcoming to those who are middle of the road, liberal, and even conservative. We seem to have a good mix.
What is it about the moderates (Liberals who chose a church who might be right of their leanings, and Conservatives who tolerate a church who sometimes is a little too welcoming) that allow the Fallwells and Phelps of the world define Christianity? Is it our laid back nature to say, "Let them be?"
While that may have worked for The Beatles (or did it?), I am not sure it is working for me. I want to stand up and shout : YOU DON'T SPEAK FOR MANY OF US. But I am not a fan of shouting alone.
Thousands of passive church goers who join together to sing praises doesn't make media headlines in the same way protesting funerals and blaming hurricanes on the gays does.
We're boring. We're tolerant people who keep to ourselves. We have our opinions, but we don't force them on others. We are not threatening in anyway.
[Can any body hear me? *insert Pink Floyd riff here*]
I know there are alternative Christian perspectives. I know there are others out there that do not carry so much baggage. Does there really seem to be a need within the Christian faith for exclusivity, prejudice, and rigid dogma? Closed communion comes to mind. Since when did Jesus only let certain people come to Him?
As a Methodist, I enjoy being in the middle of the road (or at least our congregation is and I won't pretend to know enough about UMC to speak for the denomination). Maybe it is better to say, my church is welcoming to those who are middle of the road, liberal, and even conservative. We seem to have a good mix.
What is it about the moderates (Liberals who chose a church who might be right of their leanings, and Conservatives who tolerate a church who sometimes is a little too welcoming) that allow the Fallwells and Phelps of the world define Christianity? Is it our laid back nature to say, "Let them be?"
While that may have worked for The Beatles (or did it?), I am not sure it is working for me. I want to stand up and shout : YOU DON'T SPEAK FOR MANY OF US. But I am not a fan of shouting alone.
Thousands of passive church goers who join together to sing praises doesn't make media headlines in the same way protesting funerals and blaming hurricanes on the gays does.
We're boring. We're tolerant people who keep to ourselves. We have our opinions, but we don't force them on others. We are not threatening in anyway.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Chance and Coincidence
Tonight I ran into a member of my church at the mall. My little one was at gymnastics and I was out of moisturizer. In theory, I could run over to the mall, get in and out quickly, and be back before she noticed I was not in the bleachers. Mission accomplished.
While making a mad dash past the perfume counter in Dillards (my eyes! my eyes!) I ran into a member of my church (we're everywhere). She was in my first Disciple class, started at COR-West with me, but I hadn't seen her or her kids in awhile. I had 10 minutes and we tried to do 9mos of catch up in that time. It was awesome and I miss her!
I told her I was batting about .250 for attendance this year. I'm struggling and my heart isn't in it. She informed me they started going back to main campus. She asked why I was struggling and I tried to sum it up succinct manner, which does not match my personality frankly! haha.
The short answer I gave her: The church seems to be going in so many directions, yet the sense of community I miss is even more evasive than 2 years ago when I first met her.
She replied, "yeah, if I was sick and in the hospital, you'll never have the phone tree calling on my behalf." Yet we both keep attending. When she asked why, I said... I have been going there for 10 years. I was 21 when I started. I walked the hymnals over from the old church. I have seen our church grow and struggle. To me, when I visit other churches, I feel like I'm cheating on my boyfriend and if I officially quit... I think it would hurt worse than a breakup.
We exchanged cell #s and promised to find each other on facebook. Not only is it nice to run into someone from church, but someone who understands my struggle and is sharing it for her and her family. Maybe community at COR isn't lost afterall.
While making a mad dash past the perfume counter in Dillards (my eyes! my eyes!) I ran into a member of my church (we're everywhere). She was in my first Disciple class, started at COR-West with me, but I hadn't seen her or her kids in awhile. I had 10 minutes and we tried to do 9mos of catch up in that time. It was awesome and I miss her!
I told her I was batting about .250 for attendance this year. I'm struggling and my heart isn't in it. She informed me they started going back to main campus. She asked why I was struggling and I tried to sum it up succinct manner, which does not match my personality frankly! haha.
The short answer I gave her: The church seems to be going in so many directions, yet the sense of community I miss is even more evasive than 2 years ago when I first met her.
She replied, "yeah, if I was sick and in the hospital, you'll never have the phone tree calling on my behalf." Yet we both keep attending. When she asked why, I said... I have been going there for 10 years. I was 21 when I started. I walked the hymnals over from the old church. I have seen our church grow and struggle. To me, when I visit other churches, I feel like I'm cheating on my boyfriend and if I officially quit... I think it would hurt worse than a breakup.
We exchanged cell #s and promised to find each other on facebook. Not only is it nice to run into someone from church, but someone who understands my struggle and is sharing it for her and her family. Maybe community at COR isn't lost afterall.
Friday, October 31, 2008
When Well Meaning Christians Attack
What does a "seeker" look like to you? Can you tell that person when they walk into your church? Do they have it stamped on their forehead? What assumptions do you make about that person once you determined they are "unchurched"?
Obviously last night I did. I went to a Q&A for our west campus. My attendance has been about 20% this year, and frankly I was looking for a reason to change that. Unfortunately, I didn't find that.
I could go into the details of this lady that inspired my blog and why her final words of our conversation were, "it's ok, you're just a seeker and you'll find your way." I didn't realize I was lost. I won't go into those details, because frankly, they are not important to everyone else.
Of our 3 minute conversation ( or was it an interrogation?) she managed to sum up my journey in those words. You could argue that we're all seekers. Or that she meant well. But without recapping the conversation word by word, let's just say she saw me as a lost puppy with no clue where I was. She offended me.
I'm not used to people being up in my business like that and frankly, she needed to take 2 steps back. No one wonder Christians scare people. reminded me of the intensity of Mormon Missionaries. Of course, since we're good Christians, we know what's best and of course we are here to shepherd you and of course we know the right way. Right? *sigh*
Literally, I felt attacked. I have very little personal space, ask me anything and most of the time I'll answer it. This lady managed in less than 3 minutes to totally invade what little space I had.
How do we approach those we feel in need? Are we opening and welcoming to their point of view? Or do we make a bunch of assumptions and make sure those assumptions are know? Do we let the seeker (no matter their level) indicate what they need? Or do we tell them what is best for them?
Obviously last night I did. I went to a Q&A for our west campus. My attendance has been about 20% this year, and frankly I was looking for a reason to change that. Unfortunately, I didn't find that.
I could go into the details of this lady that inspired my blog and why her final words of our conversation were, "it's ok, you're just a seeker and you'll find your way." I didn't realize I was lost. I won't go into those details, because frankly, they are not important to everyone else.
Of our 3 minute conversation ( or was it an interrogation?) she managed to sum up my journey in those words. You could argue that we're all seekers. Or that she meant well. But without recapping the conversation word by word, let's just say she saw me as a lost puppy with no clue where I was. She offended me.
I'm not used to people being up in my business like that and frankly, she needed to take 2 steps back. No one wonder Christians scare people. reminded me of the intensity of Mormon Missionaries. Of course, since we're good Christians, we know what's best and of course we are here to shepherd you and of course we know the right way. Right? *sigh*
Literally, I felt attacked. I have very little personal space, ask me anything and most of the time I'll answer it. This lady managed in less than 3 minutes to totally invade what little space I had.
How do we approach those we feel in need? Are we opening and welcoming to their point of view? Or do we make a bunch of assumptions and make sure those assumptions are know? Do we let the seeker (no matter their level) indicate what they need? Or do we tell them what is best for them?
Friday, August 15, 2008
I do not understand people.
originally posted on myspace 8/15/2007
I don't understand how you can ask a person, "how do you feel about {insert some current event here}?" and they respond with, "I really don't know" or "I don't pay attention to the news" or "That doesn't really affect me."
But I guarantee if you ask that person:
"How many days did Paris stay in jail?"
THEY WILL KNOW!!!!!?!!!!!!?!!!!!
argggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(in my best charlie brown voice)
I don't understand how you can ask a person, "how do you feel about {insert some current event here}?" and they respond with, "I really don't know" or "I don't pay attention to the news" or "That doesn't really affect me."
But I guarantee if you ask that person:
"How many days did Paris stay in jail?"
THEY WILL KNOW!!!!!?!!!!!!?!!!!!
argggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(in my best charlie brown voice)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A Poem I Found and Liked. Not sure who the credit goes to.
The fog lifted itself up from the ground and rises
To encircle me, fill me with the looming sense
Of impeding doom.
Suspended, as if waiting, in quiet anticipation
For better weather, for warmth, for sun,
for dissolution.
The vapor blankets the world beneath its fragile
Weaving, curling, furls
of nothingness.
To encircle me, fill me with the looming sense
Of impeding doom.
Suspended, as if waiting, in quiet anticipation
For better weather, for warmth, for sun,
for dissolution.
The vapor blankets the world beneath its fragile
Weaving, curling, furls
of nothingness.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
My Religion has a Bigger "one" Than Yours. Take That!
originally posted on myspace.com on July 31, 2006
This is what happens when we let men run the countries. We have conflicts, wars, police actions, etc. All because of testosterone posturing. Yes, folks, they have to prove to the world who is bigger.
Slap your religion behind your cause, and all of a sudden, your position is supposed to have validity, and the bombing is done because its Gods will. God hates those infidels across the border in case you didn't know.
A few random thoughts about God, war, and religion....
1) When it comes to killing in the name of your God, I especially get my panties in a wad. First of all, how do you KNOW you're right? Did God personally come down and tell you to kill those infidels across the border?
2) When God speaks to you, it's a good idea to listen.
3) When someone tells you God spoke to them though, it's a good idea to double-check. Here are a few examples:
~ David Koresh & the need to stockpile more ammunition than Ft. Bragg
~ that Utah polygamy-guy on the FBIs most wanted
~ and our current President who said God wanted him to win I always thought of God as more of a Libertarian.
I think religion is great and serves a purpose in many peoples lives. It gives purpose, direction, guidance, support, and a center they can come to when life gets crazy.
I also think it can be taken too far (and becomes a negative in life) and when it takes away a persons ability to think independently. Religion should be to enrich your life, not dictate every thought and action.
Killing in the name of religion is one of the most revolting things I can think of. Both sides pray to the same God before they go off to kill each other. In spite of the many differences among Christians, Jews, and Muslims, they share a fundamental belief in God as compassionate and just. Maybe a little less posturing and a little more compassion gets us back to where all religions think we should be.
This is what happens when we let men run the countries. We have conflicts, wars, police actions, etc. All because of testosterone posturing. Yes, folks, they have to prove to the world who is bigger.
Slap your religion behind your cause, and all of a sudden, your position is supposed to have validity, and the bombing is done because its Gods will. God hates those infidels across the border in case you didn't know.
A few random thoughts about God, war, and religion....
1) When it comes to killing in the name of your God, I especially get my panties in a wad. First of all, how do you KNOW you're right? Did God personally come down and tell you to kill those infidels across the border?
2) When God speaks to you, it's a good idea to listen.
3) When someone tells you God spoke to them though, it's a good idea to double-check. Here are a few examples:
~ David Koresh & the need to stockpile more ammunition than Ft. Bragg
~ that Utah polygamy-guy on the FBIs most wanted
~ and our current President who said God wanted him to win I always thought of God as more of a Libertarian.
I think religion is great and serves a purpose in many peoples lives. It gives purpose, direction, guidance, support, and a center they can come to when life gets crazy.
I also think it can be taken too far (and becomes a negative in life) and when it takes away a persons ability to think independently. Religion should be to enrich your life, not dictate every thought and action.
Killing in the name of religion is one of the most revolting things I can think of. Both sides pray to the same God before they go off to kill each other. In spite of the many differences among Christians, Jews, and Muslims, they share a fundamental belief in God as compassionate and just. Maybe a little less posturing and a little more compassion gets us back to where all religions think we should be.
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