I Think I May Be a Pacifist

I think I may be a pacifist. One of my favorite songs is “Bobby Darin - Simple Song of Freedom.” Check it out on YouTube. I want Netanyahu and the leader of Hamas to go somewhere and fight each other and leave the people alone. I want Putin and Zelensky to go there also and wrestle until one gives up. Leave the people alone. We would all be better people if our “politicians” would do the same among themselves. When Jesus was arrested, Peter pulled a sword and cut off someone’s ear. Jesus told him to put his sword away (Matthew 26:52). Jesus also added “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.” Jesus was prophetic. Nations that build up piles of armaments will surely find a way to use them or, in a feeble act of innocence, sell them to others who will use them. I wish and pray our politicians had courage so we could get military weapons off our streets as well as stop killing people we have locked up in our prisons with capital punishment. I really wish those in prison, who are not a danger to others or themselves, could be set free. I think I may be a pacifist.

Christmas and Wars

I still do not understand why or how a kid from Oklahoma was in Bethlehem on Christmas day. Nevertheless, I was there. I do understand why—I was leading a group from our Church. The how is also easily understood as we were touring the Holy Lands. I have fond memories of being in Bethlehem on several occasions, but especially that Christmas. Today’s news reports that Bethlehem is quiet, and the Church of the Nativity is closed due to the war. What a tragedy that the city and Church built over the cave where it is believed the Prince of Peace was born is now closed. Perhaps this is the Christmas message of 2023—the Price of Peace has been made unavailable and quiet because of wars happening in Israel, Ukraine, and other parts of our world. It would be a wonderful Christmas gift if the nations would study war no more. The Prince of Peace must be incredibly sad on this 2023 Christmas day.

Adapting to Change

Every transition or change is a mixture of joy, happiness, relief, peace, etc. and grief, sadness, anxiety, etc. These thoughts and feelings are just part of the reality of transition. Everyone will experience transition, especially as we age. It is sad when we attempt to deny and/or avoid transitions because we then become hoarders, often without realizing we have become hoarders. We must hang on to our things, ideas, public image, influence, etc. because we think they are evidence of our value. In educational psychology graduate school at the University of Oklahoma, I was introduced to the educational theories of Jean Piaget whose definition of intelligence was the ability to adjust and/or accommodate to change. The ability to hold lightly to one’s things, ideas, public image, influence, etc. seems the best measure of intelligence as well as mental and emotional health. I want to take care of my things; I want them to be simple. I am thankful for a good public image and whatever influence I may have. However, I want to hold all of this lightly because there will be changes and transitions and I want to enter those transitions without trying to hold onto them as if they are reflective of my value. My value is my relationship to the Divine and I do not need to worry about that changing, it is eternal. Nothing else is eternal; those other things, ideas, public images, influence, etc. will change and I will eventually lose them. This is a universal truth. The Buddhist’s know about being non-attached. Jesus’ invitation was “Follow me.” To obey Jesus’ invitation, I must be willing to let go of my things, ideas, public image, influence, etc. Things wear out and become obsolete; ideas develop into newer ideas; public image fades; influence will eventually become non-existent; etc. Faith has an element of insecurity because faith asks for a step into an unknown future. By faith, I want to be willing and able to adjust and/or accommodate all transitions and changes which will be part of my life’s journey.

The 'Light' Seems to be Getting Dim

In 1882, Nietzsche wrote that God died due to our replacing routines, rituals, institutions, doctrines, etc. for the life force or God. God did not really die, as a person dies, but the means of reminding us of God’s life-force energy had lost their energy. James Hollis, A Jungian analyst, writes it is the energy behind the light bulb that makes the bulb give off light. (James Hollis, A Life of Meaning, pg.100). When we become so focused on the bulb, the shade or light fixture, we lose sight that it is the energy that makes the light. Our “religion” can be so focused on institutions, doctrines, rituals, etc. that we lose sight of the energy or God who is the energizing life/light force. This is not to say that light bulbs, shades, light fixtures, etc. are unimportant; rather it is saying that by themselves they will not give off light. Light bulbs burn out, switches and wires short out and can no longer carry the energy that creates the light. The light fixture may still be beautiful, but it no longer gives light. Light is about the energy that flows into and through the light bulbs in the fixture. It is crucial to know the difference between the energy that gives life, i.e., God, and our “fixtures,” such as institutions, doctrines, rituals, etc. I do not believe that God is dead. I do believe many of our religious institutions, routines, rituals, doctrines are growing very dim or flickering if not already dark.

Separation of Church and State

I am fearful of the idea that American is to become a Christian Nation. There are other nations whose leadership is affiliated with the predominant religion, such as Turkey, Israel, Saudia Arabia, etc. These nations have religious dictatorships, and any opposition is seen as betrayal. When I listen to the language and anger-energy of some of our so-called leaders who espouse these ideas, I become fearful. I fear the end of democracy and the rise of religious intolerance. I am praying for our nation that we may be delivered from those who see a divine destiny to alter our democratic type of government. Democracy is neither easy, quick nor clear. Democracy requires integrity and willingness to learn from those with whom we disagree. I believe in the separation of Church and State.

Daylight Savings and Feelings

Daylight savings time has ended this Sunday morning. I have turned back all our clocks, which is not an east task as we have many time pieces. It is actually 10 o’clock according to our clocks, which have been properly set but it feels like 11 o’clock and Church time. I think this is a reminder that our feelings are necessarily our best guides. Sometimes I know that doing something is correct even though it does not feel right at the time. I once heard a colleague say that our feelings are to be the caboose of the train, not the engine. This is not to say that feelings are not important; it is to say they may not be the source of our best guidance.

Prayer is Relationship.

Prayer is about relationship, specifically our relationship with God, self, and others. Prayer begins with God. In God’s creation, we see demonstrated God’s loving desires for all of us, including the created world of earth, air, water, and animals. In prayer we return that gift with our love, gratitude, seeking to become what God has desired for ourselves, others and this created world. Prayer is seeking to be in the Divine relationship with our self, others, and the earth. Prayer is a relationship with God. It is the continuation of God’s desires done in lovingly gratitude. Prayer is becoming a vital part of God’s desires and fulfillment. Prayer is about all our relationships.

Church?

I drive past a large Church with an auditorium, gym, and educational space. Their services are well programed with music, lights, video, and a preacher. They even have a school for which families must pay. I wonder if this is what Jesus intended when he founded Church. I also drove past another Church with a small congregation. They also have an auditorium, programmed worship service and a preacher. They use much of their space to clothe, feed and house the poor. I wonder if this is what Jesus intended when he founded Church. I ocassionally drive past a plain looking house in which a small congregation gathers weekly to sit in silence and listen for God’s Spirit. Their sign says they welcome everyone, no exceptions. They recently had a table at the community’s gay pride festival. They do not have a preacher, although anyone can speak as he or she believes the Spirit leads. I wonder if this is what Jesus intended when he founded Church. The Church down the street meets in a beautiful older building that looks like a European building. They have a preacher who wears robes, and their congregation prays from a book. I wonder if this is what Jesus intended when he founded Church. We have many and varied ideas about Church. I wonder what Jesus thinks of all our efforts to be Church.

Israel and Palestine

https://baptistnews.com/article/in-this-war-there-are-no-good-guys/ I share this news link with you in the hope you will read the article because (1) I care a lot about what happens in Israel and Palestine, not only because of my travels but, also, because of friends, Israelis, and Palestinians, who live in Israel and Jordan. (2) Mark Wingfield is an acquaintance from the time he was the editor of the Kentucky Western Recorder. He works hard to be a fair reporter and editor. I trust his reporting. (3) The headlines “there are no good guys” is accurate by my estimate. I have been to Israel several times. In the late 1970’s I went into a Palestinian refugee camp with Dr. Wayne Ward (now deceased) and visited a Southern Seminary graduate who was a Baptist pastor in Palestine. I will always remember the smell of the refugee camp where he and his family lived in a tent (much like the article’s picture) and tried to continue his ministry among the refugees. Hamas is not right in their attacks! Hamas is no representative of the Palestine government any more than the white nationalists are representatives of either Christianity or the USA government. Israel is not right in their decade’s long treatment of the Palestinian peoples! Christian churches and pastors are not right in their uniliteral support for Israel when they do not know the history! The USA is not right with their dealings in the so called “Holy Lands.” I pray for the peace of Jerusalem which is more than just a place. The word, Jerusalem, means a reality or peoples from which peace flows.

It Is All Gift

It is all a gracious gift; not what I deserve. I was graciously gifted with good physical health and a good mind. I was also gifted with an excellent family, wonderful extended family, and educational opportunities. Those incredible gifts were really gifts, not what I deserved or earned. When I see individuals in the consulting room, I am aware that what I share continues to be a gift that has been given to me. I am both honored and grateful to be able to share those gifts or whatever gifts I may have with others. When we use our time together, it is the gracious gift that flows among us as well as God. Such a wonderful vocation and opportunity is not what I have earned or deserved; it is God’s gracious gift. Thanks be to God.

An Imperfect and Wonderful Cup

I was recently gifted a marvelous cup. It is a wonderful cup. Unfortunately, there is a mistake with the cup; a significant word is misspelled. However, the mistake doesn’t diminish its purpose. In fact, it is beautiful. I really like this cup because it reminds me that even if there is a mistake, the cup still functions exceedingly well as a cup. It holds my drink. It is a large cup, so it holds a lot of the drink. This cup reminds me that nothing and no one is perfect but that does not need to keep us from accomplishing our purpose. Too often we become focused on mistakes, which all of us make, and lose sight of the purposes of our lives. Thank you, Lord, for an imperfect and wonderful cup.

What Is the Worth of a Person

On Tuesday I conducted the funeral for a long-time friend. My friend was profoundly developmentally delayed. He was not able to talk. His care givers had to clean him after a trip to the bathroom. He could, however, communicate. Often when he saw you, he would laugh as he touched your face or body and then he would clap his hands and jump up and down. He was abandoned by his birth parents. He became a foster child and later some folks in our Church became his guardians after even his extended family would have nothing to do with him. I do not believe that God had anything to do with whatever caused his developmental disabilities. To believe such a lie only makes God an evil reality. I do know that God makes use of individuals such as my friend, as well as my brother, and many others to reveal a person’s value or worth has absolutely nothing to do with their abilities, education, family, money, etc. Everyone is of great value and worth and is a child of God to be valued. It is only this world (a world full of evil) that tries to make one individual worth more than another. That valuing is usually determined by how important or helpful that person is to whoever is making the value judgement. Such an attitude is not only egotistical; it is evil. The judgements of valuing or determining someone’s worth is a reality in this unredeemed world. We may be healthy, good citizens, productive Christians, etc., but we are also a long way away from God’s Kingdom

Demolition

Today I spent some time watching an old two-story beautiful brick house being torn down by powerful equipment. The house is near the Counseling Center. Houses in our area are close to one hundred years old if not older. As I watched the demolition, I was aware of how quickly and easily some things in our behaviors and values can destroy what has taken years to establish, such as one’s reputation. The house’s demolition took about half of one day, leaving a pile of debris which will be hauled away. What a metaphor of what can happen to one’s life if we are not self-disciplined and thoughtful in our values and behaviors. A person’s character, reputation, etc. takes time to establish but easily and quickly to demolish.

A Good Day

To those who may regularly read or inadvertently stumble into this blog, I recommend gratitude. Check out Brother David Steindl-Rast’s YouTube videos about gratefulness. A significant aspect of his gratitude is the practice of opening your eyes. For example, on the morning of September 6, 2023, around central Kentucky at 7 am there was a magnificent daybreak with the colors of red and orange reflected off the clouds as the sun made its morning rise. Noticing such a wonderful sunrise helps the day to be wonderful. May you be blessed with a good day, not only this day but every day

Securely Attached

Attachment styles provide good insight into our relationships such as marital, business, parenting, friends, etc. The attachment styles are four: secure, insecure with anxiety, insecure with avoidance and insecure with disorganized (“Thanks” Bowlby and Curt Thompson). I was a planned, expected, and wanted infant. I grew up surrounded by love. My aunts have told me they argued about who would babysit me. My grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins lived in the neighborhood and the entire family as well as most of our neighbors went to the same church. In my childhood, I was surrounded by family and friends. I grew up securely attached. This is an amazing gift which I did not earn by any behavior or attitude of mine. It was a gift for which I am grateful to my immediate and extended family, friends, and neighbors. I am also grateful daily for God’s abundant love because in God’s love we have all been given the gift of being securely attached.

Why?

My neighbor’s puppy loves to chase his tail. He seems to enjoy going round and round with occasional barks or yelps of joy or frustration. I can’t tell what his barks and yelps might be indicating. I do know that he loves to chase his tail and he does that a lot of the time. When I watch him chasing his tail, I know he will never completely catch it. He bits at it but he does not get it. I watch him and think that is what many “Why?” questions are like. We chase our “Why’s?” but never seem to get a firm answer to our question. Rather than ask ourselves “Why” perhaps we need to be asking other types of questions, such as, “What shall I do now?” or “I wonder what this situation means?” I think “Whys?” are frequently like a dog chasing its tail.

A Lesson from the Plumber

I learned a valuable lesson watching a plumber at work. To make the required repairs he had to turn off the water and allow the water in the pipes to drain. After which, he went about the repairs. Sometimes in a relationship, the stress, frustration, anger, disappointment, etc. must be ‘turned off.’ Turning all that energy ‘off’ may involve some type of separation. The separation may be to walk away, go to another room, etc. or it may even involve going to some other place for a period while the energy, stress, anger, confusion, frustration, etc., drain away. Repairs to the relationship can’t be easily made while the energy of accusation and defensiveness is flowing. The pressure may need to be ‘turned off’ before the accusations and defensiveness ceases their energy flow, then perhaps some repair to the relationship may be made.

God's Abundant Love

I read from the Psalms each day. I began doing this via the influence of the Lay Cistercians of the Abbey of Gethsemani. The Lay Cistercians are a group of lay folks who make an intentional effort to live by the teachings and guidance of St. Benedict as well as staying in a relationship with the Abbey and the monks. Recently I was reading Psalm 5 and verse 7 stood out, “I through the abundance of your steadfast love will enter your house….” (NRSV). My prayer is that God’s abundant love will lead and guide me not only today and every day as well as ultimately, into the very presence of God, i.e., ‘your [God’s] house.” That is a great promise (“Thanks” ‘Preacher’ Hallock for instilling in me God’s promises). I hope that today I will be sensitive and attentive to God’s abundant love, not only for me but for everyone as well as this earth, i.e., God’s good creation.

Forgiving Self is a Gift

Forgiving oneself is difficult. For many of us we try too hard to accomplish self-forgiveness. I think of the analogy of a pet such as a dog or cat. If I chase it, the pet will run from me. However, if I sit down peacefully and calmly, the pet will often come to me and eventually lay down beside me. I think self-forgiveness is something like that. The harder I try to forgive myself, the more difficult and elusive it becomes. However, as I become accepting of myself, including all the things I wish I had not done or said as well as the things I wish I had left undone or unsaid, I become more peaceful, and my mind or memories settle down. As that begins to happen, forgiveness of myself seems to come close, almost unannounced, and settle beside or within me. Self-forgiveness is a gift not a hard-earned self-accomplishment.

Becoming Unattached to Things

For many years I have advocated that it is not healthy to become too attached to things. This does not mean that there are some things which have a special meaning and I want to care for those things. However, I can become too attached or clinging to some things. Too attached and fearful of loosing something results in some suffereing for myself and probably others. Beginning this month, I am sharing my consulting room with a young female therapist. I value her and her contributions to our therapy team at Interfaith. I told her that even though I have used the consulting room for 22 years, I want it to become ‘our consulting room’ rather than my room which she uses several days each week. I also told her that even though most of the things in the room have a history and personal story, I did not want to be so attached that she could not change things. Honestly, that consulting room probably has the feel of an older man who has been in it for 22 years and does not recognize how others see it because he has become so used to it. Yes, our consulting room needs a face lift, and I am pleased for my young friend to share the room and make it ours. This thing about being too attached to things seems to not realize that in the end, I will take nothing with me so why not begin practicing letting go—or becoming unattached to things?

Religion and Government

“We have no King but the emperor” (John 19:15). In reading John’s account of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, we see the danger of an alliance between religion and government. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day wanted the Roman Government to enforce their expectations. The result then and now is that truth is crucified. True religious belief and behavior comes from the heart; it is not and cannot be enforced from outside of a person.

The Commandments

There seems to be a lot of political talk about putting the Ten Commandments into our public schools. I am not opposed to the Ten Commandments, but I am uncomfortable thinking of them as some type of magic wand that will solve the school’s issues. It isn’t just the schools; we seem to have behavioral and attitude issues throughout our culture. When I read the scriptures, I note that Jesus did not mention the Ten Commandments. When he was asked about commandments, he talked about loving God and neighbor as self. As he neared the end of his life, he again emphasized love as the commandment. I am not sure how putting something on any walls, such as schools, factories, offices, etc. will help us have a more loving spirit toward one another and ourselves. If such a message is not in our hearts and minds, it may help as a reminder to place it on a school or office wall. However, it first needs to be in our hearts and minds.

A National Fear?

I wonder if our nation is not full of fears. We refuse to share our national prosperity and blessings with our Hispanic neighbors. We desire to make any person who is not heterosexual an outcast from our society. Our national history is evidence that we have abused the native Americans as well as the dark-skinned Americans who may have come from Africa, the Caribbean, South America, etc. We seem to value greed over earth, water, and sky care. It appears to me that we are not able to recognize and confess our own evils, so we insist that our children never hear our complete national stories. I think our national fears, denials, and avoidances are attempts to maintain a false national identity. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32), then someone added ‘but first it will make you miserable.’ Fear prevents us from seeing the truth about ourselves and our relationships.

Chipmunks, bird feeder and a tree

We have two bird feeders along with squirrels, and chipmunks in our backyard. Recently I planted a young tree in the place where one of the bird feeders had been. I cleaned most of the feed that had fallen to the ground and planted the tree in that spot. Nevertheless, the chipmunks come to the newly planted tree and throw out the dirt looking for fallen bird seed—or at least that is what I suppose they are thinking and doing. I guess the chipmunks are giving me a lesson in habits. Habits are hard to break even if they no longer serve their original purpose. I hope the chipmunks will eventually learn that there is not much seed around the new tree and the bird feeder has been moved about ten feet away and seeds are falling underneath. At least I assume chipmunks are that smart, but I must realize that many humans are not that smart either because we keep doing the same old behaviors and having the same old attitudes we had in the past—even when they no longer serve us well.

Perfection

“The demand for the perfect is the enemy of the possible good.” (“Thanks” Richard Rohr, on-line devotional of 7-12-23). It has been said that the only thing wrong with perfection is that it is not. When Jesus speaks of being perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48), I think he means to be mature or to be whole. Maturity or wholeness is a growing or developing goal which is never achieved perfectly. It is the process of growing, maturing, etc. that is our goal. This process of maturing involves the whole person, i.e., physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. It even involves our “neighbor” as Jesus’ commandment states is not only to love the Lord, our God, but, also, our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). We cannot separate our spiritual life from the rest of our life. All of life is spiritual and our goal in living is maturing toward the possible good that we can both be and do.

Born To Stand Out

This afternoon, 7-6-2023, we held a memorial service for Kristina Harrison who died in her sleep. This was found in her journal. “Were you forced to be “born to stand out?” Before you answer, really think about the question I’m asking. I can 100% tell you that I was, in fact, FORCED to be born to stand out. When I was delivered as a newborn… my apgars (a score used by Physicians to determine the health of newborns) were 0/0/0. What turned that around for me? A resident, who obviously read his textbooks, paid attention in class, and had a heart; was able to identify that I had TCS (Treacher Collins syndrome which affects the way the bones of the face develop before a baby is born). He was also educated enough on how to secure an airway for me, and thus leading to ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation). I never asked him personally to do this for me. Actually, no one asked him to save this black child with profound medical issues. He did it because he went into the medical field, more specifically neonatology, to help, assist, save the new creatures of this world. He was the first one to demand that I be born to stand out. Then you have my biological family who did not demand that for me. There is absolutely no wrongdoing for their decision. The state then decided to entrust my life to a white woman in a country town who cares for children no one else wanted. She was the second person in my life that demanded I be born to stand out. Even when my body fought against her efforts … she persevered…and maintained the life of a little black girl that many others at this point had deemed that I was actually not worthy and/or able to be born to stand out. She has spent the rest of her days and continues to do so to ensure that I beat the odds and be forced to be the little black girl that was born to stand out. So as the years went by…people saw her (the little black girl) as incapable. No way a little black girl with ALL those medical problems could stand out in a world like this? Well…I’m here…37…almost 38 years old later. Has it been an easy road? Hell no! Have I hit major roadblocks along the way? Hell yes!!! Have I always wanted to fight this daily fight that no one even realizes I have to fight? Hell no! So…when I’m faced with conflict or with situations that make me question…why God? Why did I have to be born to stand out? I will never know the answer while I’m here on this earth. Maybe…I can provide some comfort to those facing similar struggles? Or similar questions? Or maybe…it has nothing to do with me…but everything to do with YOU! Never underestimate what God can do! Don’t EVER underestimate a child of God! Even though the trails [trials] I face make me weary…I must continue the work that the Good Lord is doing through me. I just pray that when people see me, and I mean REALLY see me...they don’t automatically have negative thoughts or questions. Because the God I serve…is capable of ANYTHING! So, while I’m enduring a trail [trial] of not being a good enough nurse, a good enough person…I have to remind myself…God’s got me! Because before I was formed in the womb…He knew…I was born to stand out! No one or anything was going to stop God from making that happen!” Ms. Kristina Harrison

Reading and Writing is Soul Work.

I like to read. I like thoughtful words that engage imagination. I read on my Kindle as well with a paper book. I read books for my profession as a psychotherapist and spiritual friend. I also read novels, short stories, and poetry. I like to read and reread books that have been around for a long time and are considered classics. I like to read new stuff. I like to give away books to folks who come to my mind when I am reading, especially novels. I also like to write, hence this blog which is primarily another type of journaling for me. My reading usually influences my thinking and writing. I write this blog because writing helps me to clarify my thinking. Writing either in this blog or in my journal is part of a discernment process of what is happening with my soul as well as in my mind.

Inclusion or Exclusion

Recently several large Church communities have been excluding others, ex. homosexuals, women in leadership, etc. I do not think this is being like or following Jesus. Jesus was all about including. He included those who the religious and political ’authorities’ excluded. I put ‘authorities’ in quotes because I have always believed that being legal or following a creed, statement of beliefs, etc., does not mean it is right. To assume that legal equals right is not only foolish; it is egotistical. I believe there is a better standard, and it is following Jesus. I frequently say in a therapy session that if you really want to know a person, then you must read their behavior and not just listen to their words. Jesus included all others, no exceptions—well I guess he did make exceptions for those who thought they were the authorities in both the religious establishment and the political world. They just could not tolerate someone like Jesus who included everyone, so they felt they needed to exclude him, i.e., crucifixion. Reading behaviors, I choose to follow Jesus.

Soul and Needs

Since reading many of the depth psychologists, I have been questioning whether my “needs” are a profitable guide. James Hollis (a depth psychologist whose writings I recommend) writes that we are summoned by the question, “What does the soul want of me? Notice that this transformation has little if anything to do with the ego’s comfort or control, or the approval of others.” (p. 162, What Matters Most). There is a basic truth that we need safety and security to develop relationships (“Thank you,” Maslow). However, we can become so preoccupied with safety and security that they imprison us. We are so anxious and fearful about risking our safety and security that we fail to respond to a larger life summoned by the soul. For example, I have had folks tell me that they would love to go to the Holy Land and see the Biblical places. When asked, “Why not go?”. Their response was that they might get sick. It is true they might become ill, but their anxious and fearful self, imprisoned and kept them from following the summons of their soul and traveling to the Biblical Lands. Our ‘needs’ are important, but they may not be as significant as we make them to be. If we are not insightful, our needs can become little gods.

Trust and Anxiety

It was 1995 and my soul knew it was time to leave the Church where I had been serving as Pastor for 16 years. The relationship between myself and the Church was wonderful. The Church was growing. Nevertheless, something in me was alerting me to the reality that it was time to move on. “Move on” to what? We, my wife, and I did not know. We were anxious about this anticipated change because it was significant. A friend, who was a Catholic Priest and a Spiritual Director, said that perhaps I would need to trust God sufficiently to leave before I knew what I was going to. His words did not help our anxiety. Nevertheless, that summer, I read my letter of resignation to the Church. They were confused. What had they done? Nothing, everything was fine. Did I need more money, a larger staff, etc.? No, the reason was within me, and I could not clearly explain to them. Today, I recall Jesus’ invitation to the disciples, “Come follow me.” Jesus did not tell them where he was going, how long he would be gone, what was going to happen, etc. Jesus only said, “Come follow me.” That summer of 1995 produced a great deal of anxiety within my wife and me. That anxiety, however, has become the source of one of our most significant spiritual lessons about what it really means to trust God. The invitation is simple, complex and produces great anxiety, “Come, follow me.”

Untune the string

“Untune the strings and hark what discord follows.” (Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida). What happened in New Orleans among 10,000+ Southern Baptist and continues to happen among the 100’s of thousands of Southern Baptist is the fear of what might happen if the string of ‘women as second-class citizens in God’s Kingdom’ were to become untuned. Second class because women, i.e., Eve, is the cause of sin in the world (“Thank you” Augustine and Southern Baptists for letting us men to become free of first responsibility for sin). In Shakespeare’s play there is a betrayal as she returns to her father. There is also a betrayal of courage as he fears the consequences of going after her. Among Southern Baptists, the “fathers” of the doctrine or creed rose to speak in New Orleans, and the women betrayed themselves by returning to the ‘fathers’ beliefs and creeds. The men were intimidated by their fear of the doctrinal or creedal “fathers” and choose not to go after and redeem the women. As the depth psychologists have taught us, we are so often ruled by fear, often without having consciousness of it. How often, not only among the Southern Baptists in New Orleans, but among all of us, has fear caused us to betray our ‘better selves?’

Southern Baptists and Women

I was born and raised as a Southern Baptist in Oklahoma. I went to a Southern Baptist College in Oklahoma. I graduated from the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville. My Southern Baptist heritage was significant in my life. Today I am disappointed with my Southern Baptist family. Several years ago, I moved my endorsement from the Southern Baptist Convention to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. I am pleased to be identified today as a Cooperative Baptist rather than Southern Baptist. The Southern Baptists are preoccupied with women and ministry. If God trusted women to take the message of Jesus’ resurrection to the men who had fled from the tomb, how can anyone doubt that a women cannot be a minister of the Gospel. What God did at the tomb settled the ‘women in ministry’ issue for me.

Campaigning, Elections and Values

The political election system is underway. I choose my values and ethics prior to anyone candidate’s campaigning. My sense of values for the nation is from Matthew 25 where Jesus told us how the nations are to be judge. My thinking is that Jesus’ sense of evaluating is good enough for me. So, I ask myself does this political party or person endorse such things as: respectful care for the ‘strangers,’ i.e., the immigrant, refugee, etc. among us? What are their plans about respectfully caring for and rehabilitating those who are now incarcerated? Do they want everyone to have access to appropriate health care? I also think about our young people, who are the future of the nation; so, do they want to provide free education from pre-school through college and, even, graduate school? What are their plans for clean, healthy water and adequate food for everyone? These are the values by which I make decisions for whom to support and how I vote.

Aging Seems Inevitable

In these past several days I have received notice of several deaths. A Disciples minister who was a colleague in Seminary field education. A lady of whom I was her Pastor. An acquaintance who I knew in Seminary and with whom we shared similar views about denominations. There was also a friend with whom we shared leadership in Lexington’s Comprehensive Care. All these folks are contemporaries of mine. We worked together years ago in various endeavors. They are about the same age as I. My mortality continues to get closer. What I hope folks will say about me at my death, depends upon how I choose to spend this day. As a homework assignment in Seminary years ago, I had students write their obituaries. After the assignment, I suggested the students live into their obituaries. I think that is still pretty good advice as well as daily intentions. It seems that aging is inevitable.

Elections and Government

The Primary elections are over, and we are moving toward the General elections. I am already weary of campaigning. If I believed the ads, I would conclude that all the candidates are crooks and need to be jailed rather than elected. I do not believe most of the candidates’ ads either about themselves or their opponents. Those ads tell half-truths if not outright lies. I fear large amounts of money given to political campaigns. I believe that such large funds have “strings” and favors attached. I am suspicious of individuals who spend a million dollars to secure a job that pays one-hundred thousand dollars. This math smells bad. I want to add my small voice to the principle of separation of church and state. I do not believe that partisan politics and political parties have any place in the world of religion with its Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, etc. I do however believe that our religious leaders must speak about those things that concerned Jesus such as how we as Believers relate to those in poverty, those who lack sufficient food, how we incarcerate individuals, the sick, those who lack inadequate housing, how we relate to other nations and ideologies, etc. Democracy is one way of government and if left in the hands of the people is effective but if taken over by the rich and powerful it is dangerous and ineffective. I believe in government of the people, by the people and for the people.

No Stone Throwing

It may have been a practice of stoning someone to death for violations of the Biblical law, but we do not stone folks to death anymore. I am thankful that we do not practice all the Bible’s prescriptions for some behaviors. We select which Biblical prescriptions we want to follow and which we want to ignore. In our contemporary world, we do not stone others to death, we kill with military purposed weapons which can be purchased by civilians. Unfortunately, we also throw verbal stones meant to destroy someone’s character or well-being. If you are not convinced that we do this type of stone-throwing, I would suggest that you watch the campaign advertisements. I would also suggest you listen to yourself when you talk about other people, particularly others with whom you are upset. We throw verbal stones at or about others which are meant to put them down or be-little them. Verbal stones usually have a “should” attached and are spoken or hurled with energy. Our verbal stones may not physically kill the other person, but they are meant to be destructive to the other’s character, motives, etc. I wish more of us were able to hear and feel the hurt when we hear anyone, or even ourselves, using stones or words such as “stupid,” “dumb,” “crazy,” “lazy,” etc.

Stone Throwing

There is an experience in John’s gospel which Jesus had with men who wanted to stone a woman as the Jewish law prescribed for her adultery (John 7:53f). Stoning someone to death for adultery is prescribed in the Bible, (Deuteronomy 22:21). It is interesting that the Bible prescribes that the woman is to be stoned to death but not the man. It helps to remember that men wrote the scriptures. This practice is in the scriptures, but Jesus did not obey it. Yes, Jesus did not obey the scriptures in this instance. First regarding the woman caught in adultery, I wonder if this was not a set-up by these men. At least it sounds like one to me. I wonder why these men were so determined to get rid of the woman. What was it that she knew that these men did not want to be made known publicly? Why were they there? Was one of them the man in the adultery incident? These men were self-righteous who thought they possessed the wisdom and ability of judging others. At least they were good at quoting scripture. The men wanted to stone the woman to death. Jesus wrote something on the ground, which the gospel writer John either did not know or could not remember so we do not have a record of what Jesus wrote. After Jesus’ dirt-writing, he said, “Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone.” (John 8:7). Jesus brings the Jewish practice of using stones to a better conclusion. That conclusion is to stop judging others. None of us know the other person’s story, history, experiences, etc. We do not know why others do whatever they are doing, so let us leave any judging to God.

The Cups and Religion

Judy and I have a large collection of cups. They are hanging on 18 hooks in our dining room. We have collected cups from our various travels. Those 18 cups have been gathered from our European, African, Middle East and Central America travels which were the result of our visiting missionary friends and seeing their ministries. Those cups are not only beautiful; they also remind us of wonderful families and their mission work. However beautiful those cups are, their real purpose is the empty space inside the cup. The purpose of the cup is to be filled with tea, coffee, water, etc. Without the cup, we would not be able to drink the liquid. I think of the cups as a metaphor of religion. The purpose of religion, church, denominations, rituals, music, sermons, etc. is to permit one to drink of the Living Water or the Divine I Am. Unfortunately, too frequently folks become so involved with the cup, its outside, and appearances that they fail to remember that its purpose is the empty space inside that is waiting to be filled with the Divine’s life-giving substances. The cup is important, perhaps not as important as we might think. Nevertheless, without some type of ‘cup’ we would not have anything from which to drink the Divine’s life-giving substance, but the life-giving substances need to fill and overflow the cup. Religion is not about the ‘cup;’ it is about the Divine’s living water becoming available.

Flying Loose

Thanks to Richard Rohr’s daily meditations (meditations@cac.org) for inspiring my thoughts today of “flying loose”. I recommend his daily meditations. When I was in college, I joined an airplane club and earned my student pilot’s license. I learned to fly in a Cessna two-seater. It was a simple airplane. I recall an early lesson about not keeping a tight grip of the yoke when the airplane was in a windy situation. I had to learn to trust that the airplane would pretty much fly itself, that is until it was time to land. I had to learn to not try to over-control, in other words, “fly loose”. Flying loose was an important lesson about airplanes as well as a valuable life lesson. The reality is that neither you nor I are in control of nearly as much as we think we are or want to be. This does not mean that in some situations we do need to have control; especially over ourselves, which is called self-discipline. However, we also need to learn the lesson of flying loose. When I learned the lesson of flying loose, I realized that I was able to look around from that small airplane and enjoy both the marvelous view and ride. Flying became a much more wonderful and relaxing experience. Life can become a much more wonderful and relaxing experience if we learn to fly loose.

Tea and Prayer

I am fond of drinking tea. I have several favorites such as Earl Gray, Darjeeling, English Breakfast, and Green tea. In the morning I choose teas that contain caffeine, whereas after lunch I choose decaffeinated teas or teas which have minimal caffeine, such as white tea. I am not a fan of teas that are fruit flavored. To make a good cup of tea requires hot water and waiting. The waiting is for the tea to infuse the water. I drop the tea leaves or tea bag into the hot water and wait while the tea infuses itself into the water. The longer I wait the stronger the tea becomes. Tea is a wonderful metaphor for one type of prayer. I show up, like a cup of hot water, and wait as the divine I Am begins infusing my thoughts, feelings, heart, soul, spirit, etc. with the divine presence. The truth of praying in this manner is that I may not know what the divine I Am has done. This type of praying requires silence and waiting, and a cup of tea helps me remember how to pray.

Yeast

I enjoy making bread. Yeah, the yeast kind where I must knead the dough. I must give most of it away because of my diet and the carbohydrate thing. What I like most about making bread is watching and waiting for the yeast to work. The yeast gets stirred and kneaded into the dough where I cannot even see it. Yet, when placed in a bowl and in a warm place, the yeast begins to do its work. The bread rises almost as if it is magic. Jesus talked about our spiritual life being like yeast. Yeast does not bring attention to itself. Yeast works in the background. God’s Spirit is like yeast, it goes to work if I will make room in my life for the Spirit and then, get out of the way and give it time to work. I wonder if too many of us are in such a hurry that we do not give God’s Spirit time to work. Yeast bread is not instant bread. I must mix, knead, and wait. That is a pretty good recipe for the Spiritual life: mix and knead well, then wait.

The Moon

This morning as I sat in the pre-dawn, I was able to see the moon. It was a bright moon and yet the moon has no source of light within itself. It reflects the Sun. I have seen pictures of the moon’s surface from the astronauts’ visits. The moon’s surface is not like a mirror or the surface of a lake that would easily and naturally reflect the Sun. No, the moon’s surface is full of craters, rocks, dirt, and other stuff. I suppose it looks like our planet before anyone arrived. I thought how this is a picture of our lives. We are to reflect the light of the World or the divine I Am. To consider someone’s life, someone like me, it does not appear that I would be a good reflector. My life is full of darkness, confusion, attitudes, behaviors, etc. that surely do not or cannot reflect the divine I Am. Nevertheless, there is the moon. It reflects the sun not because it is such a perfect or natural reflector but because of the sun and the moon’s position in the universe. Perhaps the lesson of the moon is to position my life, attitudes, behaviors, etc. so that the divine I Am can be a reflection in my life.

Making Bread

We made bread a few days ago. When I write “we,” I mean Betty Crocker’s cookbook and me. When I write “made,” I mean bread with flour, yeast, kneading and waiting for the dough to rise. I made bread, not just baked, although we also baked the loaves. When the two loaves came out of the oven, we put the butter on the hot bread and ate several slices. When I write “we,” I mean Judy and myself. Bread is a wholesome task which gives wonderful rewards. The reward of hot homemade, yeasty, bread and butter. The reward of an effort with tasty and observable results. The reward of exercise comes from stirring and kneading. The reward of remembering my grandmothers and their bread. Making bread is a wonderful and delicious spiritual discipline.

Respecting Other Faiths

I am learning to value and respect other faiths, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Judaism, etc. They have much value and a great deal from which I can learn. I am, however, a Christian by birth, language, culture, training, etc. By Christian I mean more than Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, etc. By Christian I mean a Jesus follower especially Jesus’ “Sermon of the Mount” and specifically the Beatitudes. I also mean Jesus’ sense of judgement as revealed in Matthew 25’s judgement of the sheep and goats. A Jesus follower is dying to self or ego which I interpret to mean becoming unattached or clinging to self or ego. Being a Baptist, Methodist or Catholic does not make one a Christian and claiming the label of Christian does not make one a Jesus follower. I have friends of other faiths who seem more like a Jesus follower than some of the Baptists, Methodist or Catholics, etc. whom I know. It is easy as well as culturally appropriate to remake Jesus into the image or person I want him to be, so I end up following my image of Jesus. In other words, I remake Jesus to be like me and reflect my values. This is not following the Jesus of the Scriptures. Jesus said to sell everything, give it to the poor and then, follow Him. Yeah, I’m not quite ready to do that either. I think it is best to leave any sense of judging who is right or who is wrong up to God, or the I Am. I have sufficient worry and work about myself, let alone any others.

Clarifying Language

Clarifying language is important, especially among religious folks. These are a few of my working definitions—at least currently. Faith is my lived experience in relationship with/by God/Divinity or the “I Am.” I prefer to use “I Am” as a name of God/Divinity since the I Am gave us this name (Exodus 3:13-14, 15b). In that 15b verse we find “This is my name forever and this is my title for all generations.” I prefer calling God/Divinity the name or title the I Am told us to use. Jesus often used this name/title even though we usually think he used it to refers only to himself. I suspect he also meant it to refer to the I Am or God/Divinity. I like to use the gerund of faith or faithing as it is a process. Faithing is a life-long journey. Faithing is never complete; it is evolving, growing, maturing, etc. I often use the phrase “The journey (faithing) is our destination.” Beliefs are my concepts or thoughts of my lived experience with the I Am. Beliefs may be changing as I learn new insights and/or receive new revelations. Therefore, my beliefs are evolving, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (I Corinthians 13: 12, NRSV). I am uncomfortable around individuals who have their beliefs all work out and there is little chance of their beliefs changing. By religion I mean the generational accumulation of doctrines, dogmas, beliefs, institutions, etc. that are purposed to assist individuals in the worship (faithing) of I Am. By spirituality I mean the “desire to please” (“Thanks,” Merton). Pleasing I Am as I choose to adapt and adjust to the experience and the following of I Am. I think of salvation or redemption as transformation. Transformation is something that I cannot do for myself; it is formation from a divine source, hence the prefix of “trans.” I also believe that transformation is an individual process rather than a one-method-fits-all for everyone. The I Am deals with us individually. I hear many folks talk about judgement, but I think of judgement in terms of Matthew 25, especially the sheep and goats (verse 31-46). This judgement does not have much to do with doctrine, church, denomination, religion, beliefs, etc. I suspect we judge ourselves by our lives or behaviors and actions. Judgement, or judging others, is not my business anyway. “Thanks,” I Am, judging others is one less thing I need to be concerned about.

Numb to Violence

I was born in 1941, so I have lived my life with the threat of nuclear war and the destruction of earth. I can recall the exercises we had in school during which a siren would go off and we would hide under our desks to save ourselves from a nuclear blast and fallout. Oh, how innocent we were! Today, children are hiding under desks to save themselves from gun violence, even though the threat of nuclear weapons is still a reality. I wonder if our accommodating to military style weapons in the hands of citizens, who do not seem to be interested in joining the military or the police, is not a foretaste of violence gone amuck. Have you read the Second Amendment? “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” “A well-regulated militia” sounds to me like the military and/or police. If someone wants military type guns then, join the Army, Police or National Guard. If we are accommodating to the violence of military style weapons, why do we think that someone, somewhere, sometime will not launch nuclear weapons? I fear that we are getting numb to violence. Let us stop this madness while we still have the option!

Guns and an Evil Spirit

A young person purchased military style weapons in Nashville. This person shoots her way into a Christian school and proceed to kill 3 adults and 3 children before being killed by the police. The response of politicians seems to be that they can do nothing. Wasn’t it the politicians who made it possible for this person as well as many others to purchase these weapons? I am reminded of the 3rd century hermit monk, Evagrius, who taught about the eight passions. Those passions will be later interpreted as sins or the work of the Evil Spirit. Evagrius wrote that the first task of these evil passions is to blind the person(s) to their presence so that they will not be able to see the evil spirit that has inhabited them. Isn’t it ironic that the Evil Spirit is also named the Prince of Darkness in John Milton’s Paradise Lost. It seems to me that the Evil Spirit(s) are alive and very efficient today and our sense of “paradise” has surely been lost. There have been too many public evidences of the Evil Spirit(s) work although too many of our leaders seem to be blind to its presence.

Religion is to "bind back"

The word “religion” (from the Latin “ligare”) which means “to bind back” or to become whole. Religion is the means whereby we are being bound back to our original intent which is to love God, others, and ourselves, i.e., Jesus’ Great Commandment. At least this Great Commandment was what the early desert monks believed to be the definition of a mature faith or being perfect. Unfortunately, when we think of religion today what comes to mind for many of us is: buildings, Churches, denominations, clergy, money, doctrine/dogma, Sundays, songs, etc. There is some truth to that as religion frequently involves those activities and things. However, religion is about love and not merely the feeling or sentiment of love, but the commitment to genuinely care about God, others, and self. I fear many churches and denominations have also become lost with a preoccupation with buildings, programs, doctrines, dogmas, rules, ethics, etc. It seems that all of us, individuals as well as institutionalized religion, need to be bound back to our Divine purpose in creation. “Lord, bind us back to Your desires for us.”

Religions are Like Languages

I believe that all religions have a common source which is the Divine. Recently I read the following quote from Rabi Shapiro and immediately thought “YES! This is it.” My ‘mother tongue’ is Christianity, especially protestant evangelical, Baptist, white, and middle-class Christianity. I honor and respect my background and am grateful for the foundation which it has provided me. Nevertheless, my desire, which I attribute to God, is to grow beyond my Christian birth inheritance. I am grateful that God has given me the blessing or gift of an insatiable and wide curiosity. Our languages and concepts are but words pointing to the Divine, they are not the Divine. I share his quote with gratitude to Rabi Shapiro. “To me, religions are like languages: no language is true or false; all languages are of human origin; each language reflects and shapes the civilization that speaks it; there are things you can say in one language that you cannot say or say as well in another; and the more languages you learn, the more nuanced your understanding of life becomes. Judaism is my mother tongue, yet in matters of the spirit I strive to be multi-lingual. In the end, however, the deepest language of the soul is silence.” Rabi Rami M. Shapiro

God's Is Love

There is a theory that Jesus’ death on the cross was to pay the penalty of our sins. A penalty which God demands. That theory is labeled “substitutionary atonement.” Many of the Protestant “Reformers” taught this theory which may have first been taught by Anselm (1033-1109). That theory seems to make God to be an angry and punitive Deity. That is the concept with which I grew up. It was a significant part of my “imbedded theology” (what was imbedded in me from my up bringing in a Baptist church) or my “folk religion” (what my folks taught me). That idea has bothered me for a long time. The Bible teaches that God is love (I John 4:8). That section of I John also says that Jesus was our atoning sacrifice. The sacrifice was not because God was angry but because God was showing us a better way, a way of love’s redemption that will go to the utmost for our sake. God is love! Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son is about the father who lovingly and continual looks for his son, not to punish him, but to welcome him back to the family. I choose to believe a loving not a punitive God.

Fear, Trust and Faith

In Matthew’s gospel there is a rather dramatic story of Jesus walking on water. The disciples are caught on the lake and the wind is against them. They are not making any headway. Jesus comes by them walking on the water. When Peter recognizes that it is Jesus, he asks to come to him. Jesus invites him and Peter leaves the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. When Peter sees the waves, he becomes afraid and begins to sink where upon Jesus reaches out to pull him up. Whatever else faith and trust could mean, it has something to do with not being so afraid even in difficult circumstances.

How To Journal

How to journal. I am not fond of blogs, comments, books, articles, etc. that have a title of “How to ….” My intuition says that nothing is that simple and clearly stepped. Nevertheless, here are some of my thoughts about journaling. You may want to journal a chronicle of the day’s events such as May Sarton’s beautiful journal At Eight-two, a journal. It is a lovely read and as I approach that age, I am enjoying reading about her activities at age 82. You may, however or in addition, want to journal some of your internal workings. When I do this self-reflection journaling, I often use the acrostic FACE. I journal my fears, angers, control issues and expectations. I have these inner situations or ‘voices’ going on internally almost every day and journaling helps me to bring them to the light of consciousness where I can look at them with some sense of evaluation. When I can bring them to my consciousness, I ask myself, and it is usually part of the journaling, “How realistic and healthy, is this thought, feeling, etc. and, do I want to entertain it or even follow it with words, actions, etc.?” If my journaling is to be a spiritual journal, I like to follow the Daily Examen and journal (1) how have I been grateful today and did I express my gratefulness to whomever as well as (2) where did I think I experienced God today and what made me think it was God?” Journaling is a good discipline for looking within as well as around my life’s activities and discerning “How am I doing

Personal Development as part of Bible Interpretation

I have the idea that the scriptures were written by folks at different stages of spiritual developmental and written to communities at different spiritual developmental stages. If my hypothesis is anywhere near true, then it is important to interpret scriptures (the study of hermeneutics) based on stages/phases/types of spiritual development of both the authors and the community of recipients. This means that I do not interpret all scriptures as of equal significance. I interpret Jesus’ teaching and life, as recorded in the Gospels, as the most developed and significant. The other scriptures I interpret in terms of their situation as well as what I believe to have been their spiritual development stage. For example, I recently heard of a conversation between a young child and her aunt at a funeral. The young child has not developed to the time when she has the capability of abstract thinking. When she heard the Preacher say that one day we will see uncle again, she replied, “You mean Uncle will become un-dead?” That is perfect logic for a young child with concrete thinking. Later in her life, her brain will have developed the capability of doing abstract thinking and, when that happens, she might have a different interpretation of what that Preacher said at her uncle’s funeral.

The Asbury Revival "Broke Out"

The news stations are reporting that a revival has broken out at the University of Asbury in Wilmore, Kentucky. It is reported that the revival began at a Chapel service when the speaker felt led to ask for testimonies. After the Chapel service, the folks stayed to pray and continue singing. That was this past Wednesday and today is Sunday. The revival is continuing. Folks are coming from nearby and faraway places to experience what is happening in the Chapel of Asbury University. I am struck by the words “broken out.” This revival was neither planned nor created by the students or faculty at Asbury. It “broke out.” It was not, and continues not to be, controlled by anyone. It “broke out.” I want to be reminded of that reality. The work of God, via the Holy Spirit, is not under our control. God’s work seems to “break out.” Our task is to be sensitive and alert to whatever the Holy Spirit may be doing and wherever the Spirit is doing Her thing (Old Testament word for Spirit is feminine). “Thanks” be to God.

The "Doughnut Syndrome"

I often asked folks if they like doughnuts. They usually answer that they love doughnuts. I love doughnuts. I remind them that there is something very wrong with doughnuts. They have holes in the middle of them. Instead of enjoying the wonderful and tasty and doughnut, you could focus on the hole—or what is wrong with the doughnut. You could be extremely critical of doughnuts. By focusing on the hole, you deny yourself the pleasure of a tasteful doughnut. Too many of us have a strong critical voice that seems to lurk deep inside of our brain and seeps out through our words and expressions. Criticism may be helpful, especially when requested, but too often criticism is expressed when it was not requested. We can be too critical of ourselves as well as others. Such a critical attitude is what I call “the doughnut syndrome”.

God is the Life-Force of Everyone and Everything

God is that life-force that has been, is and will be before, behind, above, and below as well as within everything that has ever been, is now or will ever be. Everything is God’s creation or God’s child. Every human individual that has ever lived, is now living or will ever live regardless of culture, language, skin color, religion, etc. is a child of God. Every plant that exists whether it is the rose bush in your yard or the giant sequoia trees are children of God. All animals are God’s creation. The air we breathe and the water we drink are children of God. The starry skies and the Sun as well as every creating galaxies are God’s creations. In the gospel of John, we are instructed that “God so love the world” which I take to mean that God loves everything that has ever been, is now or will be. If I am to honestly love God, I will demonstrate that love in the manner with which I love and, creatively care-for, what God loves, i.e., everyone and all of creation, no exceptions.

Some Advice from Bildad, One of Job's Friends

I have been reading JOB. It is a fascinating book of the Bible which I recommend reading regularly. JOB challenges any idea that if we follow God then we will be blessed with good health, great wealth, and continuous happiness. That did not happen with Job and Job was a God-follower. Job’s friends tried to explain God’s actions. Such attempts at explaining God have never made sense and still does not work despite generations of thoughtful studies by theologians and proclamations by preachers. Nevertheless, those friends of Job did say some important things. In the 8th chapter and verse 4, Bildad says, “If your children sinned against him (God), he delivered them into the power of their transgression.” (NRSV) “Thank you, Bildad.” I think that is true. If we sin, our sin’s consequences bring their own trouble on us. It isn’t God who does the punishing; it is the results or consequences of our choices. If someone abuses alcohol, for example, alcohol will bring its own consequences to that individual as well as their family and friends. Gluttony, lust, greed, etc. bring their consequences and their consequences are usually not very good or healthy. My belief is that God is a loving God not a punishing God.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today our nation celebrates the prophet, Martin Luther King, Jr. In the early and mid- sixties, I was in college at a denominational school in Oklahoma. I watched the news and knew a little about Dr. King’s work. In my hometown, as well as in the community where the university was located, there were very few African Americans. In a sense I was isolated and shielded from what was happening. When I graduated the University and moved to Southern Seminary in Louisville, I was no longer shielded. Some students and faculty from the Seminary were much involved in the open-housing marches in Louisville. I became involved with an inner-city mission. I saw the conditions in which African American families lived. I heard their stories of discrimination. I knew them personally. I began to recognize my prejudices and ignorance. I joined the Louisville open-housing marches. I began to learn from Martin Luther King, Jr. and he introduced me to Gandhi. My spirituality was growing from just a personal and “folk-religion” (what my “folks” taught me) to becoming both socially active and interfaith. I try not to isolate and shield myself from what is happening in our city, nation, and world. I think to become prayerfully concerned and involved is a significant aspect of what Jesus meant when he said “Come, follow me.”

God Is Mystery

Our concepts of God are our most significant impediments to knowing God. Jesus never invited others to know about Him. He invited them to follow him. God is the divine mystery. God is not defined by our concepts of God. Our concepts are merely poor fingers pointing to God. Our concepts are not God. We are tempted to substitute the signs of God for the reality of God. The signs are only signposts pointing us in the direction of the reality of God. Jesus, the incarnation of God, invited us to follow Him. Our concepts of God can be the “boxes’ into which we think we have placed God, after which we do not need to follow because we think that we have God figured out. Moses asked to see the face of God and God refused. Instead, God told Moses to hide in the rock’s cleft and God would pass by. Our concepts may only be the shadow portions of our experiences of the backside of God’s activities. I think the lesson is to be cautious around anyone who says they have God all figured out. The reality is the invitation to follow Jesus into a relationship with God which is more about mystery than completely understanding.

What Is Silence?

Beatrice Bruteau in her book, Radical Optimism, gives an expanded description of silence. (“Yes,” I recommend her book if you want to do deep and serious theological thinking). Silence is more than just ‘not talking.’ Silence is letting go of or relaxing the need or obsession and compulsion to talk. Silence asks myself “Is what I want to say necessary? Silence lets go of the ego’s need to talk about myself. Silence is relaxing the desire or need for approval and/or admiration. Silence is also letting go of the ego’s desire to demonstrate my success, power, wealth, and control of others. Silence is letting go of needing things to go my way. Silence is letting go of desiring not to be inconvenienced or humiliated. Silence gives up the need to have the last word. Silence is a self-discipline which relaxes the ego’s demands or expectations of ourselves and others.