Peter Keady Wandering Blogs - All Who Wander...

It’s 2:11 in the morning, April 5, 2020 and stepping outside it’s the same now as it was just-around-ten yesterday evening - eerily quiet. Except for the distant hum of an industrial generator and the waterfall in our pond - nothing. Absolutely. Nothing. And it’s glorious! I’ve had this writing bouncing around in my head for weeks since the “stay at home” order was announced for Northampton County, Pa. I’ve wanted to address a concern in the midst of the Covid-19 disruption. I know many people are anxious over many things - even before the pandemic; we are a very worried-centered culture. We’ve been wrestled to a halt by genetic material measured in nanometers, that’s one-billionth of a meter! The world is forced to rest - ceasing from its lust for faster, better, greater. And I’m concerned we won’t learn one dang thing about the inhuman pace we’ve been keeping for far too long. A few years ago my wife and I changed the rhythm of our lives, just a wee bit. It came at a great cost for me, but it was extremely necessary and life-altering. We didn’t have to make the change, it wasn’t health-based. But in the end, it was. We decided to return to our ancient, human roots of Sabbath. Taking one, 24-hour period of time to cease from all work, paid or unpaid. We set boundaries so we wouldn’t become legalistic and miss the positive impact Sabbath is supposed to have. We play, love, cook, read, walk, talk, nap, breathe in deeply, love nature, engage creation, fellowship with friends, worship, sing, dance, create and do just about anything restorative we can during our Sabbath. We’ve now come to a point where instead of the day off being a desperate resting from our work, the six days of work are born out of our rest. And all seven are oh-so-much more glorious! I can’t even tell you how it’s revolutionized our vacations! What if every so often the entire population just shut down, pulling the plug on the rat race machine and taking a huge, deep breath? Some are reporting the positive impact this virus-induced ceasing is having on nature. My wife told me about the lowered seismic noise our screeching-to-a-halt has fostered. Waters are clearer. The air is cleaner. I bet fish are happier! What if once or twice a month, or dare I suggest once a week, everything just shut down? How could life and this planet benefit? What if you each decided to take one day a week - pick one, I really don’t care which, and ceased all work, all striving, devoting the hours to honoring life - all life - starting with yours? How could your living be impacted? I speak from personal experience, we’re slaves to the work, work, work, performance-driven world and we’re missing out on so much! My concern is this, nothing will change. Nothing! When the virus is under control, the pattern of the world we’ve carved for ourselves will take center stage and we’ll be subject to our own idolatrous futility, yet again, like a dog returning to its vomit. But I won’t and you don’t have to, either. I’ve written a lot about the benefits of Sabbath. You can do a search of my blogs and read some more. I am praying many eyes and hearts will be open as we battle against Covid-19. I’m praying people will wake up from their drive for better, faster, stronger and realize there’s a Sabbath-sized hole in their lives and it’s killing us.

This is written during the CoVid19 pandemic. Where people are panicking and hoarding, of all things, toilet paper. Pretty crazy, but true.

I’m not surprised, not one bit! I was going to write a follow up to last week’s post, America’s 9mm Heart Problem, titled, Walkout, Walkup, however, upon hearing the news from across the pond, I had to switch gears without clutching (most probably don’t know what that means). Grinding to a halt on my part two, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to make a point. Or, to put it in other words, “I told you so!” In last week’s post, America’s 9mm Heart Problem, I concluded that resolving violence wouldn’t be achieved by confiscating guns nor staunchly upholding the Second Amendment. I submitted the problem would only be checked by healing the gravely wounded heart. Many are fighting for greater gun control without acknowledging a biblical truth, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? The writer, Jeremiah, a Hebrew prophet, posed this question in chapter 17, verse 9 as he lived in exile during the Babylonian captivity of Israel. The subsequent verse is GOD’s response. He states,  I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve. ~Jeremiah 17:10I know many don’t like religious or even spiritual answers to cultural problems. And I’m not ramming my view down anyone’s throat, just offering what I believe - from personal experience - to be the only efficacious solution to human ills. If there’s any stopping gun violence or any violence, it must incorporate the acknowledgment that humans are in need of a spiritual revival of supernatural initiation. I didn’t think I needed to elaborate. 50 homicides by knifing, already, in 2018!Then, like a bolt of lighting confirming the warning brought by rolling thunder before a storm, news from London, England, flashed across headlines! London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, is calling for stricter knife laws after a record number of deaths due to stabbings in 2017; a total of 80. The horrific reality is there have already been 50 homicides by knifing in 2018! London is out of control! Knives. A section of my collection that hangs above my work desk. I like knives. I have a few from around the world. They tell stories. They're tools. Unless handled by a dark heart. Do you see the irony? England already has ultra-strict gun regulations. Even their Bobbies patrol unarmed. For years the number of times police fired a gun was in single digits! But even with this firearm-free approach, there’s still violence. Imagine that! Some psychologists suggest killing with a knife is far more nefarious than with a gun; you have to get much closer! Knives require a level of personal evil, intrusion, and intent wholly different than firearms. That’s intense! The heart is dark and in need of healing.So, do you really think violence is an armament issue? Do you still believe taking away guns and knives will stop the horror? It won’t, I guarantee it. Why? Because as much as we might not want to embrace the truth, Jeremiah had it right - the heart is dark and in need of healing. Who can change it? Only the One who searches the heart, God! Take away guns and we’ll use knives. Take away knives and we’ll use bats. Take away bats and we'll find something else to use, a pen perhaps? The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. ~ Jesus from Luke 6:45This darkness isn’t unique to shootings and stabbings. No, it infects every thought in our mind, every word from our mouth. Jesus stated it succinctly, from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. This corruption is displayed on social media every day! From POTUS and preteens, women and men, old and young. It’s a catastrophic affliction infecting everyone. Every. Single. Person. It’s easy to blame an object, it takes the culpability off of personal responsibility and negates God’s command to love others as we love ourselves. But we don’t love ourselves very well - I’ll get to that topic in a few weeks. So, although I don’t believe everyone is responsible enough to own a firearm or a knife for that matter, I have no way of removing the darkness from people’s hearts, a far worse societal enemy than a bullet. The next time you hear of an act of violence, whether with guns, knives, shoes, rocks or words, instead of shaking your head in disgust or making a protest sign, stop and ask yourself this question, “How dark is my heart?” Then listen carefully, the answer is frightening!

Growing up, I lived on a small farm complete with all sorts of tools for the trade. Wire cutters, come-alongs, pinch bars and wrenches. My father was very protective of his tools, and I was weaned onto them slowly, out of concern for myself and the equipment. I remember one day trying to use an adjustable wrench as a hammer, turning it sideways and striking a nail and then my finger. As I wailed in pain, my quick-to-respond-father snatched the Craftsman away from me, chiding, “See! I told you not to use it that way! If you can’t use it correctly, you won’t use it at all.” It was months before I was allowed anywhere near the toolbox. My view on guns has shifted over the years and, right now, is the same as my father’s for his tools, they're needed and necessary but improper use will get you barred. Just like there are tools for the farm, there are tools to combat oppression.I can’t imagine a society without the need for protecting innocents from violence, although I desperately want to. Why? Because I 100% believe there’s evil in this world. Years in journalism, decades in pastoral ministry and now serving as a Police Chaplain, have refined my understanding of good, bad and evil. And just like there are tools for the farm, there are tools to combat oppression. Even the anti-gun establishment doesn’t practice what it preaches. The irony in the March For Our Lives protest still makes me grin; armed police were protecting anti-gun protestors at rallies around the country. Let's admit it, as hard as it may be; guns are necessary, but there’s a growing number of people who are incapable of responsibly possessing a firearm. But this reality begs the question: Why? Why is this a mounting problem? Why does America seem to be losing its gourd over guns? As I write, new information surfaces from the shooting of three employees at YouTube headquarters in California. California! One of two states, Connecticut being the second, with the strictest gun laws in the country. And even with these strict regulations, a seemingly disturbed woman did what’s becoming commonplace. She got a gun and started shooting. These events were rare when I was growing up. I never once went to school with the fear of being shot at, and guns were everywhere! So, even with strict gun laws, people in their dysfunction will find a way, wreaking havoc. There are times when violence must be met with violence, as uncomfortable as this is for many to hear.It’s myopic and naive to believe that if all guns were banned, all guns would disappear halting the violence. This thinking is in the same camp as unicorns and Leprechaun gold. There are times when violence must be met with violence, as uncomfortable as this is for many to hear. Serving as Police Chaplain I know of no officer wanting to discharge his firearm, but they will if they must. The liberation of concentration camp prisoners in World War II required the use of violence. The crucifixion of Jesus is evidence that love, yes even love, sometimes requires a violent act to overcome and defeat evil. Protestors and counter protestors stand off in Centre Square, Easton, Pa during the March For Our Lives event on March 24, 2018 ©Peter Keady 2018 - All Rights Reserved It comes down to this, banning guns may resolve the issue temporarily, but it won’t solve the problem. It’s like putting new tires on a misaligned car. Eventually, you’re right back to where you started, and possibly worse. And, then there’s that ubiquitous little document called the Constitution and all those subsequent amendments in place for a reason, keeping checks on oppression and tyranny. “Malarky!” you say? “Australia did it!” you scream. But not so fast. We're in America, not Australia, a completely different cultural attitude and history regarding guns. I suggest you check out the recent NY Times article wonderfully dismantling this oft-heard argument. It’s titled, Australia’s Gun Laws Are Not a Model for America, and guess what, it’s written by an Australian! When people are unable to defend themselves, which is an individual’s right, the propensity for oppression multiplies. The Bill of Rights were enumerated, specifically, so there wouldn’t be a misunderstanding on specific topics. The Amendments cover overarching principles, not cultural specifics. Why, suddenly, would the Second Amendment be outdated in 2018 but the remaining 26 still valid? Is the Second Amendment the awkward child of the Constitution? I think not. But America’s sickness creates a bullseye on the right to bear arms unjustly. Granted, some Americans worship at the altar of firearms - acolytes of Smith and Wesson and Remington. On the flip side, many choose to ignore the lessons of history while marginalizing the foundational documents of our country. Both are misguided and ill-focused. So, what’s the answer? It’s not simple. It isn’t banning firearms nor allowing unrestricted access to any and every gun and accessory we can dream up. It is, in my opinion, the caring for and healing of broken hearts with a more effectual God than the Second Amendment. And it isn’t sliding into humanistic socialism with the relinquishing of individual rights in the name of security. In Jesus, we’re called to surrender ourselves to Him while loving others authentically, just as we love ourselves. But we hate ourselves; what we are, what we aren’t; constantly comparing. Humanistic wisdom won’t solve this deeply embedded bullet of personal pain and egoistic pride. Only faith in a loving God moved to action in loving others will. Only loving God and loving people can rescue America from its 9mm heart problem. For an excellent article on the same topic from a different perspective, please check out Dr. Michael Pittaro’s recently published work, A Theoretical Explanation for the Increase in School Shootings. For some interesting statistics on America’s gun infatuation, check out this link, Gun Ownership in America in Three Charts.

Wow! What a difference a few weeks make! I took a respite from writing, kind of a sabbath from English. I believe, very strongly, in resting from things for a period - all things. Food. Work. Writing. Reading. Sex. Yes, I include sex. Fasting from sexual intimacy - actually any human appetite - helps in self-control and focusing on what matters in life, and it’s biblical. However, it seems, our culture has an impossible time controlling our sexual cravings. We’ve drifted like a boat unmoored from the dock into a riptide of dangerous waters. Shipwrecked sailboat near Miami, FL. Not properly moored, this boat wound up not only where it didn't belong but significantly damaged. The proper God-designed expression of our sexuality has been, for the most part, tossed to the wayside. We’ve drifted like a boat unmoored from the dock into a riptide of dangerous waters. Sexuality, a magnificently beautiful gift from God, has become an idol. We’re reaping the consequences amidst the temporary euphoric rewards of a corrupt sexual identity. So, when the likes of Matt Lauer, Dustin Hoffman, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and their Godfather, Harvey Weinstein, get entangled in sexual harassment scandals, is it so shocking? If half the allegations against these men are accurate, it should turn our stomachs upside down. We should raise a shout and a fist against sexual exploitation, no doubt. But on the flip side, why are we surprised? Our culture churns out sexually explicit and illicit material at a hellish pace. Can you think of one area of life not sexually exploited? Sex sells, and the machine needs fueling!When Hugh Hefner died, he was lauded by many as helping us escape the supposed shackles of sexual expression. Even the feminist movement decades ago - led by women - aimed to free us from prudish mentalities. Men and women gleefully roamed beyond healthy boundaries established by God. But what they refused to acknowledge were the land minds they stepped on over and over. My thought is this: culturally, we’ve made the bed we’re lying in and we love and loathe it, concurrently. We shout “sexual harassment” from the rooftops while producing movies like, 50 Shades of Gray and 50 Shades More. We rally in streets for change and then curl up with an erotic novel when arriving home. If you’re not indignant at the sex machine we’ve established, while being angry at guys like Al Franken and Kevin Spacey, you’re a hypocrite. As long as there are consumers, there will be producers. There’s money to be made! Exploitation is part of the Garden curse.I’m not condoning the evil perpetrated by some - actually many. If we examine ourselves closely and honestly, we’re all guilty, to some degree, of the same ills. Exploitation is part of the Garden curse - we want to rule over each other, and we’ll do it any way we can (Genesis 3). What we need to do is define our reality. The accusations are real. The pain and wounds are indelible. #MeToo blankets social media like snow after a blizzard. When does it end? I submit it won’t because sex and free sexual expression are gods in culture. But you can’t have both. Baby, It's Cold Outside!How pervasive is this sex machine? Well, it’s Christmas. How purer of a holiday can we get? But I hear it in every store, even playfully sung in the movie, Elf. Baby It’s Cold Outside, was penned in 1944 in two parts, one as “The Wolf” and the other as “The Mouse” sung between author Frank Loesser and his wife at dinner parties. Innocent enough, right? Well, at first blush it’s innocent and fun, but loaded with sexual innuendo and coercion. If accusations of sexual harassment can be as simple as, “He made me feel uncomfortable,” then we must be consistent in our condemnation. Think I'm harsh? Nitpicking? Tell that to the multitudes of men and women pressured into sexual favors by wolves. Have you read the lyrics? Garnering an Oscar in 1949 for Best Original Song, the theme is anything but innocent. Some call it a date rape. I’m not so sure I’d go that far, but it does have a few very manipulative lines. And here’s befuddlement, we love this song! Weren’t we taught “no” means no? Is the behavior of such men - and if we dig enough, women - acceptable? Unequivocally, no! We’ve become mere products of the culture we’ve fought for and embraced. It’s not an excuse, it’s reality. So, the next time you hear a lewd comment or accusations of sexual harassment, don’t be astonished, be embarrassed. Disgusting, isn’t it? Don’t be a cog in the machine. Raise a voice against harassment of any kind, but also be acutely aware of your roll in propagating it as you watch movies, listen to music and read mags and books filled with sexual material. You’re only experiencing what the sex machine produces.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the need for allowing Jesus access to every part of our lives, and therefore receiving the full measure of His grace-filled life. Often, Jesus doesn’t work because we cordon off the sacred areas of our souls; what’s most needing His healing. Since God is a gentleman, not forcing His will or ways on us, we do not reap the full fruit of His passion. Then, treating Jesus more like a vending machine than the Almighty God, we conclude He doesn’t work, and we move on. Admittedly, we can be pretty dull bulbs at times.But it’s not that simple. I've seen seasoned Christians exasperated because Jesus wasn't performing for them, like their stock portfolio. So, I want to address another facet of our lives potentially causing a bottleneck for an effective life in God. Like the first, it’s not very popular and, to be honest, when you realize how basic this is you’ll probably put palm to forehead for the proverbial Dumb Slap. Admittedly, we can be pretty dull bulbs at times. I mean, how often do we ignore a life lesson, marching around the same mountain again and again and again? I know I’ve worn out a few sets of emotional Nikes! I want to return to the Bible passage I referenced in the first posting When Jesus Doesn't Work. It’s packed with all kinds of good stuff. Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life? “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. ~ Matthew 19:16-26Faulting the young man for walking away is easy. And, congratulating Jesus for calling out the significant issues in the man’s life - a lust for wealth and prosperity and an unwillingness to surrender - is also obvious. But there’s a life practice the young man aces. Obedience. Notice Jesus doesn’t chastise the man for the question, and He certainly doesn’t give an esoteric answer. But what this passage does affirm is this, obedience to the clear teachings of God always precurses a call to the deeper life in Jesus. The Jewish man is looking for life beyond this life - the crux of Jesus’s earthly purpose. “What good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Obey the commandments,” Jesus responds. Badda Bing, Badda Boom! Disobeying the basics can disqualify us from participating in the treasured riches of the Kingdom. And they always come at a cost! I know I’ve often sought a richer intimacy or revelation of Jesus only to be halted by disobedience. Now, to be clear, God’s blessings fall on the pious and the putrid, on the good and the bad. Scripture says, “…He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45b So, we have to be careful not to live presumptively, thinking blessings indicate acceptance or difficulties point to rejection. A few years ago, as therapy, I tore apart and rebuilt into a bobber a 1986 Suzuki 650. Getting it apart was easy! Putting it together again, with fewer pieces, not as easy. I had to follow the basic instructions in order to get it to work! Bike in front is my 2007 Victory Vegas 8ball. “Don’t be sorry, just don’t do it again.”When I was in ninth grade, I had an excellent English teacher, Mr. Reich. He knew his stuff and was serious about teaching. On one particular day, I was goofing around in the back of the class, being disruptive, doing stupid stuff.  He called me out, loudly! Being a good Catholic boy, I quickly chirped, “I’m sorry.” hopefully covering my indiscretion. But it didn’t. Much to my humiliation, in front of the entire class, Mr. Reich growled, “Don’t be sorry, just don’t do it again.” Wow! I wasn’t expecting that! But he was right. Don’t say you’re sorry, just obey the stated rules! It was an amazingly embarrassing moment as the rest of the class gawked as witnesses, but it taught me incredibly valuable life and spiritual lessons. Biblically stated, obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). When you’re frustrated in prayer, fed up with life, when Jesus just doesn’t seem to work, take a moment from your tantrum and tears and survey your life. Ask yourself the hauntingly probing question, “Am I being obedient to the basics of what God has called me to be or do?” Doing this, I’ve put my palm to forehead, realizing Jesus does work! It's not his fault, I’m just not being obedient! “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." ~ 1 Samuel 15:22

There’s a wound in the human heart that isn’t self-healing producing anxiety, broken relationships, and damaged lives. In scope, it’s a pandemic severely infecting America. It’s making us violent beyond compare. And in the fallout, more lives are shattered as bystanders offer up prayers. Yet, I was graphically reminded recently that prayers alone don't change a bad situation. Action must be taken. Last week, in reflecting on the Las Vegas shooting, I wrote that our societal problem is systemic, reaching beyond black steel and plastic to the heart of humanity. I gambled that the media and social chatter wouldn’t address the issue accurately. Rather, the scapegoats became inanimate objects capable of absolutely nothing other than collecting dust if left to themselves. And, after a week, I must say, I was spot on. Bump stocks, automatic firearms, and assault rifles stole the lion share of the headlines over hurting souls twisted with grief, emotional pain, and loneliness. To be clear, I'm not advocating support for any firearm or Second Amendment in this post. And, I’m not a mental health worker, but this is my educated, well-experienced opinion. Nearly two decades of engaging people and observing, first hand, our societal decline serves as the foundation of this post. The leaf of a Pin Oak in central Pennsylvania lay on black asphalt, highlighted by fresh rain. Life is fragile and temporal. We must take every step we can to foster healing in the broken human heart. Years ago I was part of an extended family in a small church. The congregants were real, raw and a bit rowdy at times. One guy attended services with his pants still wet from wading in a trout stream earlier that morning. Chit-chat chatter could be heard during the sermon, too. But it was home. It was comfortable. But for some, it was still a lonely place. A man sat on the end pew, just inside the center aisle. Thoughts and words shot across his mind as he wondered if anyone even noticed his presence; quiet, unassuming. But this particular day he sat entertaining a darker thought. A consideration too frightening for words. Then, out of nowhere, a hand touched his shoulder as the pastor made his way toward the platform. No words exchanged. No smiles traded. Just a touch, seemingly meaningless to the reverend, it held the gift of life to the man. Darkness parted like Moses through the Red Sea. And as quickly as steam from boiling water disappears, so too, did the man’s dark thoughts. The human heart craves belonging!After years of interacting with people from all walks of life, from crack-smoking homeless men in Kensington, Philadelphia, to multimillion-dollar earning professionals, there’s one thing I've determined the human heart craves, belonging. It's why teens endure humiliation to be part of a gang. Why some tolerate abuse and neglect in relationships. We are designed for community and will even foster unhealthy companionship in achieving it. Without connection, the soul of a person withers and dies and in death the darker kind of brokenness emerges. A brokenness resulting in shots fired from windows, road rage on the turnpike, domestic violence, and school-yard bullying. I can’t say it’s always easily fixed with a touch on the shoulder, but it can be. Saying a relationship with Jesus will fix it all doesn’t cut it.I don’t want to spiritualize or simplify this serious topic; neglecting it has already tallied its victims. Saying a relationship with Jesus will fix it all doesn’t cut it. Too many Jesus-following people sit in church week after week with crushed countenances. Smiling on the outside while grimness eats away on the inside, longing for personal interaction. No, this has to be a flesh-to-flesh experience. Yes, I do believe only Jesus can truly heal a broken heart to its fullness. However, Jesus called us to do two things - love God with all we are, 100%, and love our neighbors as we truly love ourselves. Can you imagine what the world, our neighborhoods and our homes would look like if we turned our narcissistic, self-centered love outward? When reading the Bible, I’m fascinated by the accounts of Jesus touching people. He touched lepers, people with parts of their bodies falling off. He touched prostitutes and allowed them to caress him, anointing him with perfume. He embraced the sick, downtrodden and demonized. He. Touched. People. We have to do the same. I don’t expect this changing everything overnight. In fact, I think we’re beyond the tipping point. Texting, FaceBook, Twitter and a multitude of other media platforms have become poor substitutes for face-to-face human interaction. I watch, week after week, high school students sitting around tables completely quiet while texting. But when the proverbial effluent hits the rotating blades, Twitter won’t reach out and touch someone. It's not hopeless. We can slow the progress of the vial plague of broken hearts. I recently heard this little fact, the number one reason why people stay at a job isn’t due to substantial pay or fantastic bosses, no, it’s whether or not they have a workplace buddy. Having a “work wife” or “work spouse” is the main reason people stay at a job. The workplace longevity for most people is about connection, not the contract! Confiding in, share joys and sorrows with another person cements feet to the ground in ways high salaries and supportive managers cannot. I think this is where most failed marriages collapse, the couple ceases - or never began - to share simple intimacies. Sure they have five kids, but the foundational idea of being connected at the human level never took root. So, now what? Where do we go from here? It starts very simply with one person, you! Find someone and share a cup of coffee, a lunchtime sandwich, a water cooler conversation. Open door policies don't work! Go beyond yourself, reaching out to someone near you, speaking face-to-face. Put down the cell phone, take out the ear buds, and connect with humanity. Sure, it’ll be scary, but it’s one step toward healing a broken heart, that may just be yours. It starts very simply with one person, you!Check out these recent links on the same topic.   Apple's Jony Ive: Some People 'Misuse' iPhones Thoughts on Vegas, and Why Men Keep Doing This

I had another blog ready for this week, the second part to last week’s, “When Jesus Doesn’t Work.” But what happened in Las Vegas didn’t stay in Las Vegas and has me more concerned than ever. I have a lot to say, but I’m going to keep this brief. This blog won’t assuage the pain or erase the horror experienced by those at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. And I’m hesitant because I don’t want to capitalize on the abject evil as many politicians have. My hope is we’ll look long and hard at ourselves, examining and addressing the motives of our hearts. Yeah, this isn’t going to be easy. It’s effortless to watch the news and cringe, hearing over and over again the sounds as bullets shower 20,000 people. But it’s excruciatingly difficult to find a dark, quiet corner, evaluating our own lives. So, instead, we simply become numb to our brokenness, feeling good about ourselves because let’s face it, we would never do what he did, would we? Maybe not. But God’s standards don’t release us from the hook swiftly. And in numbness, this acceptance of it’s-just-how-it-is brokenness, we continue to produce more broken people. I learned a long time ago that we only produce after our kind; cows give birth to cows, rabbits birth rabbits, brokenness bears more brokenness. Is there ever an end? Do we believe broken hearts can produce healthy, whole people? A hurting, fractured man took lives and his pain reproducing, like rabbits. This Gerbera Daisy produced double headed blossoms on a single stem all summer long. None of our other plants bloomed like this, only this one. It couldn't help but produce what was in its DNA. We're no different! We only produce after out kind; broken hearts producing broken hearts, unless... One of the reasons I follow Jesus and not another are the promises the Bible offers in the way of healing and wholeness completely disconnected from my efforts. No other faith offers this. Apart from our human works, the Bible presents a painting of a God who heals, restores and provides. It displays an image of a God who mourns and weeps for the innocent. But just like any other gift, we have to embrace him, otherwise, our lives will never change. Psalm 34 verse 18 reads this way, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” And there are passages upon passages where God reveals his tenderness towards and connection with the broken. Jesus displayed the qualities and characteristics of a holy God, lifting the hurting and alleviating their pain. One day Jesus took the scroll of Isaiah and found this place where he read. The Spirit of the Lord is on me,       because he has anointed me       to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners       and recovery of sight for the blind,       to release the oppressed,       to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And then he said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:18,19, 21Jesus intentionally selected this passage and claimed it for himself! He purposefully announced himself as the healer, the rescuer, and the savior. We can reject Jesus for all sorts of reasons, but this fact remains, wrestling with his historically pinned presence is essential. In Jesus, we trade our brokenness for wholeness. Until then, all of us are susceptible to heinous acts of violence, overt or subtle. You can put a Maserati emblem on a Ford, but you're still stuck with a Ford.You can be religious and broken. You can call yourself a Christian, a pastor, a bishop and still broken. It's not about a title, it's about a connection with the life-changing Jesus. Without submitting to the life-changing power of the Spirit of Jesus, nothing changes. You can put a Maserati emblem on a Ford, but you're still stuck with a Ford. Why do we expect people to live whole lives without being transformed on the inside? The value of Jesus is about the gifts he’s offering to us who are willing to surrender our tainted lives for his healing. Confronting the darkness of our own lives, this is the harder and deeper work. The only One who can change hearts is Jesus. Until we surrender, allowing Him unmitigated entrance into the crevasses of our lives, superficial Band-Aids will have to do, but we’ll still have broken hearts. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.Psalm 34:18

I’ve been doing a lot of contemplation about my early days in light of today. Transformed, mostly through difficulty, hardship, and tears, I’m a bit different than when I was 16. And although my life after believing in Jesus wasn’t smooth and straightforward, I’ve become even more committed to the call of God on my life. But many haven’t. What’s the difference between me and those who’ve said, “I tried Jesus, but he didn’t work?” Why have I experienced jaw-dropping supernatural movements while others skipped off to another faith, philosophy or just became agnostic? I think there’s a great example in the Gospel of Matthew. Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life? “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:16-26 Bits and pieces of a Suzuki 650 I worked on a few years ago. Lots of things didn't work, at first... If we examine Believers in the New Testament, we find them approaching Jesus differently than most of us today. Those who were desperate (Matthew 9:20-21), or hurting (John 11:21), or rejected (John 8:3-11) shared a common thread from the same cloth in their clinging to Jesus. For these people, Jesus “worked,” and He was the only one who did. Not because He worked “for them,” but because of the common thread. What is required for Jesus to work? Well, it’s not a very pleasant idea in today’s culture. It’s viewed as a negative, a weakness, a crutch. But the key to accessing the power of the Kingdom of God looks like surrender. All of them, to the person, surrendered.Jesus words to the young man were the call to surrender - everything. “Go, sell everything you have, give it to the poor, and then follow me.” It’s what Peter, James, and John did with their fishing nets. It’s what Matthew did with his tax collecting business. It’s what the woman caught in adultery did when she was ripped from the bedroom, most likely naked. They allowed Jesus complete access to the entirety of their lives, extreme vulnerability, and sacrifice. And He worked! All of them, to the person, surrendered. The necessity of allowing Jesus full access to our life, unrestricted vulnerability, is a key to having Jesus work. He doesn’t force upon us the gifts of the Kingdom of God: humility, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and love. Rather, just like the young man, He offers truth, extending requests to follow. More often than not we’re just like the young man. We reject the deeper work of the Spirit of God for temporal happiness and pleasure. God is more like our vending machine - a prayer in and response out. But if what we get is not what want or we get nothing at all, we think something is jammed or broken. So, having lost our $1 petition, we conclude “Jesus doesn’t work,” and we move on. But this isn’t the way of Jesus. Jesus is the master operator.No, Jesus is the master operator when it comes to knowing who we are. He’s better than our hearts, able through both the written word and the inspection of the Holy Spirit, to cut to the depths of our hearts and motives bringing correction, healing, and wholeness. He ferrets out the unclean from the pure, renewing the broken, encouraging new growth and life. It's the reason I do what I do. It’s the reason I walked away from an international photography career years ago. Jesus does work, and I want to help others realize this.Yes, I believe, I know Jesus works. The question is, will we let Him? Jesus working is not simplistic, and we're more valuable than spiritual platitudes. The complexity of people’s lives encroaches on the abundant life Jesus offers. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be addressing what’s needed for Jesus to work. If there’s an aspect you’d like me to unwrap during this time, please let me know.

By now most of us have heard the harrowing accusations against Joel Osteen, probably the most popular and wealthiest Christian Pastor on the face of the earth. I want to be sure I emphasize Christian for one simple reason - he’s from my tribe. Not my tent, but my tribe. So, I think it’s appropriate to speak up. If you don’t know, Osteen pastors Lakewood Church in Houston, TX, where Hurricane Harvey dumped over 50 inches of water last week (in comparison, Hurricane Katrina drenched New Orleans with 20 inches). His failure to act, or move quickly brought tons of condemnation on his head. It’s easy to point fingers and flip Tweets at those with whom we disagree.Osteen and Company were accused of failing to open their facility, which holds 16,000, to flooding victims. Whether the accusations are accurate or not is not my focus here. I’m not writing to heap on more burning coals or douse them. It’s easy to point fingers and flip Tweets at those with whom we disagree. Some people are walking caricatures, making easy targets, aren’t they? Amidst all the finger wagging and name calling what ends up happening is we start feeling good about ourselves, even when we should be doing more, because let’s face it, we’re not as bad as he is! Maybe the unsavory taste of Joel Osteen lies in this little truth…we can all be a Joel Osteen! Clowns. If we're not careful, we can all look like one at the most inopportune moment. This is an old film image that I scanned, taken at a small circus years ago. Slow to act can be just as horrible as not acting. And in something as catastrophic as Hurricane Harvey, the missteps get magnified. But what about the blunders we make every week? Every day? I think, when someone like Joel Osteen slips up, we feel better about ourselves; we use it as personal leverage, elevating ourselves in our own minds. But God doesn't look at the outward appearance, no, He calls us to live from the heart, a sacrificial, serving heart and to think soberly of ourselves, with a right judgment. Are we any better than Joel Osteen?Speaking of heart, I heard comedian Kevin Hart pledge $25,000 - way beyond my capacity - to disaster relief in Houston. A noble gesture, he challenged others to copy. Then Sandra Bullock donated a cool $1M. Now, having net worths of $120 and $200 million, respectively, does help. In doing so, they created a huge contrast to the apparent stinginess of Osteen. But what about me? What about you? What have we given and what do we give when we see others hurting, desperate and in need? Are we any better than Joel Osteen? I’ll put it honestly, when God provides one person with an ark He anticipates others being able to get aboard; whether it’s a 16,000 seat stadium or an extra sandwich at lunch. God calls us to be generous, because God is generous, lavishly so! I’m not advocating socialism, forcing distribution. I’m calling for voluntary gratefulness in giving. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 What’s important from God’s perspective isn’t the amount of money a person gives but the level of sacrifice, birthed from a grateful heart. And the heart, our motives are only seen by God. Jesus tells the story of a poor widow who gave two, small copper coins for an offering. Most would look and shrug their shoulders in disgust. What good will that do? But Jesus’ perspective is drastically different than ours. He sees the heart, not the just the hand. Later, in chastising the religious leaders, he rebukes them for giving a tenth of their herbs from their gardens but neglecting the more important and weightier aspects of God’s Kingdom, mercy, justice, and faithfulness. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give 10% of your mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Matthew 23:23If God calls us to both, giving of resources while being merciful, just and faithful, maybe we all fail epically? I think we do. When we compare ourselves to those who have stumbled do we not set ourselves up as the standard? Jesus condemned the religious for precisely this! Sin always looks more heinous when seen in someone else.Sin always looks more heinous when seen in someone else. The Bible doesn’t differentiate, it calls all of us sinners in need of a loving, lavishly generous God who gave His only Son up to slaughter so we could be forgiven and live. We all suffer from the same shortcoming, selfishness. I’m a huge believer in personal, reflective evaluation. Taking time, regularly - even daily, to meditate on our motives in light of our actions. We must check ourselves before a right and proper standard, I suggest a holy, righteous, loving God, not Joel Osteen. It’s here we’ll realize we all fall short. It’s not an excuse; it’s reality. We won’t always get it correct and we shouldn't feel condemned. Maybe we should be slower in worrying about the people around us? As Hurricane Irma churns the Atlantic with 150 mph winds, with the devastation from Harvey still gobbling up resources, we could potentially see 10s of thousands of people without electricity, sanitation, food, and shelter. It will matter to them what we do, whether with money, resources or volunteering. Will we be quick to act, or will we make excuses and dilly dally? Will we merely send our “good thoughts and positive vibes” as men and women scramble to put their lives back together? Maybe the problem with Joel Osteen is he looks a lot like us? *As I finish this, First Responders are gearing up to face the wake of Hurricane Irma. My deepest respect to those who put themselves in harm's way for the help and benefit of others.

No, this is not about the Kardashians or Crossfit. This is about real life and it’s going to sting. Why? Because, after reading quite a bit over the past few days I’m convinced that unless I write a tome of the size of “War and Peace,” I’m going to leave something out, and someone, somewhere will be triggered, I just know it. So, bear with me for the next 800 or so words, this isn’t exhaustive. Feel free to chime in after. Part of the answer to this massive dilemma is collective unity, across the board. The headlines were amazingly eye catching. “Protestors Carry Torches on Virginia Campus.” I clicked the bait. Squinting at the ridiculousness of it all, I laughed! I was expecting to see “Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman” torches and a few pitchforks. But Tiki torches? “Are they serious?” I thought. Are they headed to a backyard barbecue? Horseshoes, anyone? And although I laughed, my smile quickly faded. They looked ludicrous and they were dead serious. Let me be crystal clear; there was absolutely nothing humorous about what took place in Charlottesville, VA. Racism is wrong. White supremacy is wrong. It’s wrong, ungodly, evil and atrocious! And when we speak of racism, Naziism or anything else lessening the worth of a human being, we have to stay on point. What I mean is this: A lot of articles compared Tiki totting, white evil in Charlottesville to the Black Lives Matter groups shooting cops and burning businesses. They seemed to express that one justified the other. You can't compare, and I’ll tell you why - just hold your socks for a moment longer. I'd thought this garbage was dead and gone, unfortunately, it isn't. This was taken at a rally in Easton, Pa, circa 1989 when I was a journalist. I didn't think this kind of thing existed, but it is alive and well - and it's evil! There can be no “buts” in addressing racism. One group’s actions do not condone other’s. Racism is wrong!“But, they’re racist…” “But, look what they did…” "But…but…but!"It. Is. Never. Justified.Each incident must be critiqued independently. Comparison breeds numbness and indifference, with the lesser offense, even though heinous, looking acceptable in light of the more abhorrent. So, the parade of patio flames was nefarious and every other adjective applicable in describing the walking evil. Racism is wrong. And, the demolition of public property, the pulling down of statues is wrong, brainless and ineffectual. The former doesn’t justify the latter! Nor does the greater evil absolve the lesser. No buts about it! They showed us their “buts…” and it wasn’t appropriate!In Kindergarten we were supposed to have learned that two wrongs don’t make a right. How far we have fallen from, “Warm cookies and milk are good for you!” Some of the most prominent political pundits fell into the trap! They showed us their “buts…” and it wasn’t appropriate! Lastly, what I find particularly reprehensible, even more so than the slowness of leaders and the President to renounce the Charlottesville Tiki toters is this: many marching, destroying, and hating identify as Christians! So, what you’re telling me is this: you claim to follow a man who was 1) born in the middle east, 2) was Jewish, 3) was dark skinned, 4) was a stranger in this world, 5) spoke a different language than English - unless you believe Hollywood, 6) sacrificed himself so that others could be free, 7) allowed himself to be slapped on one cheek, insulted, and then offered the perpetrator the other, 8) kept his mouth shut when he was insulted, and yet you hate someone of another color, creed or religion? You're so easily offended! You declare, “Down with hate!” while wishing the opposition dead or burned alive? Wow! We need Jesus more than ever! Some Christians need to get saved!Every single person will one day give an account for their actions. No one gets absolved by being compared to Adolf Hitler, Chairman Mao Zedong or Pol Pot! You are judged in the light of a perfect, holy God, not in the light of evil. In the mean time, the only thing for evil to persist is for good people to do nothing. So…if you’re wrestling with what to do before you meet the Big Guy, here are some excellent suggestions. Speak up. If you haven’t already, find a voice against racism, bigotry, and injustice. It doesn’t have to be a big voice, but it has to be a voice. Listen up. Be intentional about listening to others who are different than you, and then, keep listening. Ignorance is not bliss; it’s unloving. Hint: It doesn't mean you have to agree! Seek and destroy. Not others, rather, the bits and pieces of racism, bigotry, hatred and injustice existing in your own heart. And if you don’t think you have any, you haven’t searched hard enough. Get leveled. Start looking at life through the correct lens. It may be “right for you” but is it right? Apparently, some believe racism is right! The only way to know truth is to seek Truth. Jesus said, “I am the way, the Truth and the life, no one gets to the Father except through me.” Forget opinions and feelings, go for Truth! Then you'll have a proper gauge for right and wrong. Keep your buts to yourself. Judge and act on each situation independently. When you start comparing, you’ll give evil a foothold, and that’s all it needs to root, grow and fruit - in the most subtle of ways. When they kept on questioning (Jesus), he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8Racism is always wrong. No buts about it!Check out my other blogs on this issue: Eating the Elephant and America Gone Wild.

My wife and I are vacationing this week. We booked these few days many months ago, looking forward to some rest, adventure and time with family. Although we’ve had more than our share of driving - Pennsylvania to South Carolina to Nantucket, MA, and home again - we’ve had some unforgettable hours talking, reflecting and looking toward the future. I hadn’t a clue what I was getting into.Driving up the NJ Turnpike, of all places, our conversation turned to fire chaplaincy. We talked about the blessing and honor it’s been to be part of the Palmer Municipal Fire Department (PMFD). When I agreed to take the position three years ago, I hadn’t a clue what I was getting into! But I haven’t regretted one moment. As I’ve observed the crew and command staff, as I’ve read articles from veteran fighters and completed training classes to be a more competent Chaplain, I’ve seen some amazing correlations between a firehouse and the church - with the institutional church coming out on the short end. PMFD is in the process of building two trucks, a tiller ladder, and an engine. A tiller is a tractor trailer-type of a vehicle - the kind where there’s a driver up front and in the back! The decision to purchase a tiller came after a careful examination of the needs of the community and the capabilities of the vehicles. (Keep both of those criteria in mind, they’ll be important later). In ordering these custom machines, an assessment of the current buildings also took place. Personal interests took a backseat to the real needs of the community. As I listened to the department discussions over the past years, I realized something foundational to firehouses; they exist, ultimately, for others. I know of no firehouse, although there probably are some, existing only for its members; they’re not clubs. Every firehouse, no matter how small, is designed from floor to ceiling to house apparatus, assisting others in time of need. A firehouse contains all manner of gear, also for the sake of others. Its vehicles are always pointing outward, never in. Ever drive past a firehouse with its bay doors open and see the backend of a truck? I bet not. Everything is ready for dispatch on a moments notice. Apparatus for the Nantucket, MA, main fire station at the ready - dispatching on a moment's notice - defending, protecting and rescuing. And the crew? They’re trained or should be, to protect, defend and rescue. They’re schooled in exterior and interior fire fighting techniques, vehicle rescue, fire behavior, mass casualty incidents, hazardous materials and more, much more. A firefighter unwilling to execute the tasks necessary for the safety of self, team or public is not a firefighter, they’re fakes, phonies, frauds. Signing up just to get the t-shirt gets you ejected! The weight of the department rests on the broad shoulders of the capable volunteers.In our department, at present, there’s only one paid professional, the Commissioner. But he doesn’t do all the work; he’s not expected to! The weight of the department rests on the broad shoulders of the capable volunteers - command staff, firefighters and significant others. If the Commissioner can’t respond to a scene, there’s no worry. Others are trained to assume command, assess the situation and respond with vigor and effectiveness. The responsibilities are spread out over the whole of the department, each person deploying with the skills necessary to perform accurately and safely. And in the down time, when motor vehicle accidents, fire alarms or “odors other than smoke” calls are few, there are many things to do. Times to check gear. Times for fellowship. Times for food - there’s always time for food! And times for rest. But all of the activities of a firehouse, a true-to-the-faith firehouse, swirl around one vision, to protect, defend and rescue. Shouldn’t the church be the same? I’m proud to be part of the Palmer Municipal Fire Department as its Chaplain. I’ve learned more than I knew there was to know in the few years in service. I take my role seriously, even though it’s not the role of the Commissioner, Assistant Chief, Captain, or Firefighter. We’re called to stay in our lanes, always vigilant in training, learning and executing. We’re expected to know where all the tools are and how to use them. It can mean the difference between life and death. What would it look like if the church functioned the same way? What would it be like if everyone who entered the doors of any church, proclaiming to be a constituent of the faith, were required to train and deploy in time of need? I’m not talking about those who are curious or just want a tour; I’m talking about adherents to the faith. Statistics reveal that 80 percent of ministry is executed by 20 percent of the people. And, what if everything inside the building of a church was set up and structured like a firehouse - always facing outward, never inward? What if the church embraced the standards of a firehouse? I suspect much would be different, across the board. They all have a t-shirt.What if the church took the same approach as a firehouse, assessing the needs of the community and the capabilities of its members first, then training and dispatching accordingly? I know of some houses of worship existing only for the club members rather than the community. They all have a t-shirt. They take up real estate, looking inward instead of outward. Jesus came to seek and save that which is lost. The church should do the same. Seeking to be a firehouse church; defending, protecting and rescuing. Anything else is just a club.

A few weeks ago I had the humble privilege of engaging a dozen phenomenal seventh and eight grade students. They were part of an inaugural, three-day event called, Team Leadership Initiative. It was an honor to be asked to speak on the topic of, Faith in Leadership. When I teach or present topics I like to make the session interactive since lecture is the least effective way people learn. So, I prepared a skeleton of my presentation, leaving lots of pockets, catalyzed with questions, for discussion. I arrived with several pages of quotes from well known and not-so-significant leaders. I was very pleased to find a few of the students were familiar with all of the quotes. It was invigorating to interact with and discuss how faith affects leadership. The topic is worth far more than one hour. These words seemed to roll off my tongue as though I’d been saying them for years.However, emerging from the back-and-forth banter was the question of what should the posture be of a leader who finds herself in adverse situations. “Leaders don’t have the luxury of playing the victim,” I said. These words seemed to roll off my tongue as though I’d been saying them for years, but I hadn’t. At that moment, in that crucible of leadership, a change was taking place in both students and professor. A revelation was coming, opening our eyes just a little wider. I repeated the phrase several times watching as pencils scribbled on paper. “And, sometimes, you can’t be the Blood Hound, you have to be the Pit Bull.” I continued. A student raised her hand and asked for clarification. What a wonderful group of leaders! All credit to Marybeth Ringo, upper left, who coordinated the initiative. Now, unlike “the victim” quip, the Pit Bull and Blood Hound phrase wasn’t new to me. I’d heard it long ago in the rural hills of West Virginia through the lips of a peer mentor. It stuck with me for well over a decade but found itself shelved in the bookcase of my mind, collecting dust. And just as swiftly as I heard it, this middle school leadership forum dislodged it from its arid space. “What do you mean by that?” she asked. Oh, how I love that question! And herein is the thought for today. When engaging an adversary, you can hear a Blood Hound wail and moan for miles away. Spotting its target, it bays and hollers like no other canine; it’s unique. Drawing all sorts of attention, the coon, fox or other varmint runs for cover, the Blood Hound whooping up a ruckus. But the Pit Bull, oh, the Pit Bull. It may bark, it may growl, but the Pit Bull isn’t about drawing attention, it’s about drawing blood. It goes for the throat, takes hold of whatever is in its way, and deals with the problem decisively. As leaders, we can’t just point out the problem, holler, yell and make a lot of noise. We can’t always be the Blood Hound. Sometimes, in focused confidence, we just have to deal with the issue decisively, like a Pitty. If we’re going to lead well, we don’t have time to play the victim.Now, before you go to work and tear people up, there’s a lot more to leadership than just, “Full speed ahead! Attack!” Do this and people fall off the boat, are left behind or worse, get injured. You can’t latch your jaws onto every problem strolling by and decapitate it. We have to pick our battles wisely. That’s part of the art of leadership. But, at the same time, we can’t be all bark and no bite. We’re called to lead. If we’re going to lead well, we don’t have time to play the victim. And we’re going to have to learn to deal with problems head on, not in a cacophony of vocal wailing, but decisively, wisely and sometimes quickly. My fire department, Palmer Municipal, understands this. Their new shirts boldly proclaiming, “Train More, B*tch Less”; sounds like a Pit Bull to me. My time with the students was only an hour, but it was deep, productive and enlightening. I hope they mature into wise, lovable Pit Bulls. I hope I do, too.

His name is Winston.Well, to be perfectly precise, Sir Winston The Great! He’s our ten-year-old, West Highland Terrier. He’s quite the character. Seventeen pounds of pooch with a ton of passion. He’s the embodiment of the phrase, little body, big heart. We were on a walk the other day, and we stopped for a moment to catch our breath. It was quite warm, and the pavement radiated heat like a furnace. I saw and captured a photo I’m including with this post. It made me think of all the years gone by with this big-hearted dog. Taking a short break on a recent walk, our dog, Winston, casts a long shadow with the setting sun. Winston is the second of our two Westies. The older, wiser, more cautious Reilly, aka The Wonderful Mister O’Reilly (it has nothing to do with the political pundit!), is deliberate and calculated. He’s never run into a wall chasing a ball. But he has slid off the edge of the couch while sluggardly sleeping on his back. But Winston, well, let’s put it this way, if Winston were our first dog, we wouldn’t have two! Fuzz Butt, Under Foot, Mr. Pee-body, Little Buddy...Demon Dog, Sir Pees-A-Lot, Fuzz Butt, Under Foot, Mr. Pee-body, Little Buddy, Spazz Dog, The Creeping Puppy, Winstonian, Wiggle Butt, and Snuggles are all nicknames we have for Sir Winston. Reilly has a few, but not nearly as many because Winston has a huge heart and a loud character. And as I looked at him and his shadow during our rest time, recalling the imprint he’s making in our lives, I couldn’t help but translate it into humanity. In the Bible, the writer Paul tells his young mentor, Timothy a very crucial element of a successful life. Timothy is rather young, and in First Century Jewish culture, that didn’t carry a lot of clout. But Paul tells Timothy this: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12Now, I can’t say Winston has set an example for us in a positive light. In fact, I’m a bit fearful, if we were to get a third dog (I’m now hinting at my wife) that Winston would be its mentor. Lord, help us all! But what about us? Can we say we set a positive example for those around us? Paul’s exhortation to Timothy is holistic - in life, in love, in faith and in purity. That’s a pretty high calling. However, it seems Paul has confidence in Timothy to do just those things. In his youthfulness, he’s to use it not as an excuse for childishness or immature behavior, but as leverage; a young man acting so godly would leave a lasting impression on the elders. Have I set an example for others in the way I live, love and express my faith?And I thought about Winston, his shadow, and my life. What kind of shadow do I cast? Is it foreboding and ominous? When people hear my name do they cringe? I'm sure some do - they did with Martin Luther King, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rosa Parks and even Jesus ; there will always be critics. But what about in the other sense? Have I set an example for others in the way I live, love and express my faith? How about you? It’s good to take stock of our lives regularly, checking the contents and darkness of our shadows. It’s never too late to make the necessary adjustments, leaving a positive imprint. We need to strive to be the kind of people who set the example, especially when people don’t expect us to, like Timothy. Casting a long shadow can be a good thing, as long as we’re aware of the kind of shadow we cast! Remember: Success is Intentional!

I’m always on the look out for writing topics. That’s why the parenthetical title of this blog is, All Who Wander Are Not Lost. In my “wandering” I’m always looking for things of this world and connections to the internal or spiritual. Often those revelations serendipitously appear like an ice cube down the back on a hot August day - very startling yet amazingly refreshing. Most of the time, they’re subtle and shy, slow to develop and emerge. I had two ideas brewing for this week’s post. One was on Sabbath and the other focused on my dog, Winston. However, what I’m about to share is the proverbial ice cube on the spine.I'm part of a speaking cluster meeting every month since January. At gatherings, a guest presents techniques to improve our public pitches. Then, after lunch - today we were allocated a mere 13 minutes - we circle up listening to just a few in the group for 5-minute rotations. Today started off with a curve ball. Instead of 5 minutes and prep time, we’d have a minute-and-a-half to tell a story from our life, extemporaneously.A good friend went first and did wonderfully relaying a story about his wife and kids. Next, Andrew went and spoke about The Boston Red somebodies or other. It was good, but not New York Yankee good. Somewhere in the pit of my soul, I knew I was next and, sure enough, Dave the Moderator, came through. And of all the things I could’ve talked about, I chose a rather heavy topic.If, we can be pregnant, then we can have cancer.About two years ago, actually it was August 4, 2015, my wife and I walked, hand-in-hand, out of the hospital towards our car, in complete silence. I don’t remember much other than beelining to the vehicle. I opened her door - in silence. Inserting the key into the ignition, I started the engine and we drove out of the parking lot - in silence. We weren’t too far down the road when I spoke to Kris with a raspy voice. “Well, I guess if, ‘we can be pregnant,' then ‘we can have cancer.’” Silence. My wife, in 2015, being cared for by an expert beautician prior to her cancer treatments. In the two years since August 4, 2015, the longest day of our lives, through all of the diagnoses, treatments, surgeries, consults, and care, looking back, I’ve come to realize the depth and width my love for Kris and her love for me has grown. Pregnancy usually culminates with the expectant gift of a baby. And, until a few weeks ago, I hadn’t realized so clearly the gift bestowed on us through my wife’s cancer. Our love, faith and sensitivity and love for others have exponentially multiplied beyond what we thought needed. In the darkness of cancer, the light of Christ, of hope, gave birth to things we’re not completely sure would’ve even rooted or sprouted without chemotherapy.I share this because many of you are in the middle of difficulties you’ve never even imagined could exist. In fact, if you’re like Kris and me, you wouldn’t have selected the pain, worry, heartache, loss or anxiety at all but a more benign path in life. However, if you’re like Kris and me, and I believe you can be, if you can set your eyes on what is pure and lovely and noble and right, whatever is praise-worthy or excellent, you will find a gift at the end of it all that transcends human understanding and effort.In our desperation, we took on uncommon courage.Kris and I are nothing special, and I say this honestly, not to be self-effacing, but in truth. We’re ordinary people. But in our desperation, we embraced uncommon courage. Supported by family and friends, in the face of fear, we faced one day at a time, trying to live the next 5 minutes well.And so, on August 4, 2015, we drove home from Hunterdon Medical Center with a weight in our souls previously unfelt. Silent. She was pregnant...with cancer. Two years later what birthed is a blessing immeasurably more beautiful than we envisioned or thought was required.So, as you face your “cancer”, whatever darkness it may be, know that Jesus is a redeemer, taking the darts of Hell and death and turning them on their ear, producing the opposite of what was intended. There can be life at the end of this dark tunnel if you keep your eyes on the light of Christ. It will change you; it will mold you, you will never be the same. And the awaiting blessings are unspeakable.So, as you face your “cancer”, whatever darkness it may be, know that Jesus is a redeemer, taking the darts of Hell and death and turning them on their ear, producing the opposite of what was intended. There can be life at the end of this dark tunnel if you keep your eyes on the light of Christ. It will change you; it will mold you, you will never be the same. God can do such deep, personal work in you through His amazing love; you will, at times, be in awe even as tears flow uncontrollably. And the awaiting blessings are unspeakable.I leave you with section of Scripture that helped Kris and me through our deepest, darkest days.Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

I just received a new shipment from my favorite caffeine dealer, Birch Coffee in NYC. I wanted to try their Brazilian roast, so breaking out my Chemex, scale, and kettle, I brewed a batch. I’d gotten up early this morning, so I had extra time to take time. With the warm weather, I strolled out to our patio with coffee in hand, sipping carefully the delightful flavor I’ve come to expect from Birch Coffee. Savoring both the cloudless sky and a delightful breeze rustling the edges of the plants surrounding the patio, it was a perfect morning to enjoy café fresca! But, as in most situations when you’re vacationing in your mind but living in reality, it was time to shuffle off to work. Freak Out! We've been conditioned to handle big issues differently than small ones! I’ve been making my way through an insightful book called, Creativity Inc. It’s the story of Pixar by one of its founders, Ed Catmull, full of anecdotal lessons on life and leadership. Being both a fan of Pixar and healthy leading, it’s been a great read. The other night I finished the chapter on change where Ed drills down into the depths of our fears surrounding change. One thing catching my attention was his differentiation on handling small and large problems; he says there isn’t any! Running out of toothpaste isn’t confronted any differently than a crashed computer hard drive storing years of work - but we’ve been conditioned to think there is and so for one we are calm and the other we fuss. Fascinating stuff.With the dawn waning, I gathered my belongings, too many to carry and still maintain proper use of the hands. Making my way out the door and to the truck, I put a few items on the tonneau cover of my pickup as I loaded the cab. About a two blocks away, after a sweeping right-hand turn, I reached for my tumbler of Birch Coffee. It wasn’t there! My mind raced, and I realized I must have left it on the back of the truck! I pulled over, and to my horror, 30 yards behind me, in the middle of the road was the carcass of my coffee - strewn all over the pavement. Lost! Forever lost! What would I do without my Birch?I share this story with you, in light of Ed’s enlightenment for a practical reason:I want you to live well!All of us can think of times when we’ve lost it - when we went temper-tantrum crazy over issues in life. I know I can list a few personal moments in the past months. But at this crossroad, where I envisioned some people just flipping out over lost, gourmet coffee, recalling Ed’s crashed hard drive and the near loss of Toy Story 2, I chuckled.What if, in every situation, no matter how big, we realized that the complexity of the problem shouldn’t dictate the magnitude of our reaction?After several years of personal reflection and “flipping out” I believe our responses are indicators of our maturity and faith. If, as a Christian, I truly believe the Bible when it says that God knows our circumstances better than we know the hairs on our own heads (See Matthew 5 through 8, the Sermon on the Mount) and he cares about us far more than we could ever imagine, then crazy, wigged out, freak-outs over spilled coffee, lost car keys, broken windows, dirty laundry and even unkempt children’s rooms should seem just as juvenile as a crazy, wig out over being audited by the IRS.Wailing and thrashing about doesn't help!I’m not trying to trivialize circumstances, some of the horrors facing people are too dark even to discuss. I received an email from a friend Monday outlining the sheer maliciousness he and his family are experiencing; things that make angels cringe. There’s evil in this world, and it smacks us hard bringing us to our knees. How we respond to these assaults can be a real litmus test for seeing the depth of our trust in an almighty and eternal God. If I’d thrown myself onto the pavement, along with my coffee, what would I be saying for how much I trust God? And when Hell growls, like with my friend, when we’re confronting evil so dark our blood curdles, wailing and thrashing about doesn’t help.Do we only trust God only when the toothpaste depletes? Or, is he big enough to handle both the Crest and our terminally ill spouse, cancer-struck child, or when we’re passed over for a promotion, or we’re the recipient of a racial slur or insult? How can we move beyond the adolescent reactions of emotional flailing to deeper, more spiritually mature responses? Here are nine suggestions I want you to consider.1. Learn the truth about God and how he cares for his people, Romans 8:28-29 is indispensable. (God works all things to the good for those who love him.)2. Lock into memory some of the promises God has for us when we go through difficult trials. One that helps me is in Isaiah 26:3-4. (God keeps me in peace when I trust in him.)3. Realize that our hoped-for outcomes aren’t always God’s. His purposes and ways are often vastly different but always better than ours. Isaiah 55:8-9 (for your ways are not my ways, my thoughts are higher than yours, says the LORD.)4. Choose to live in his truths, not our emotions, and expectations. Psalm 25:5 (guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.)5. Embrace difficulties and unseen endings as the seeds of new beginnings. Hebrews 12:2 (For the joy set before Jesus, He endured the cross, scorning its shame)6. Realize the best way we grow is through pain. God never wastes it; you shouldn’t either. James chapter 1 is a great reference. (trials produce perseverance and maturity.)7. Understand, in your righteous suffering, there are many, many more who are doing the same - for the same righteous reasons. 1 Peter 5:9 reminds me of this.8. Realize how we respond can make all the difference between making a small issue into a gargantuan catastrophe.9. Strive to be solution minded, looking for ways to adapt and overcome issues - we’ve figured it out how to do it with toothpaste!I hope this has either helped you pin down a few tactics for better problem engagement or has stirred your thinking in ways you haven’t considered. Life is short and problems are plentiful - whether toothpaste, hard drives or cancer. How will you handle the next one, in light of a loving God and your faith?Well, it’s getting late and I have to get up extra early tomorrow. I have my dented, scratched coffee tumbler all ready to go. Tomorrow I’m riding my motorcycle!

I grew up with two older brothers, so name calling and sibling mockery were plentiful. Being called a pansy wasn’t a positive moniker. In fact, it still isn’t. Taunting phrases of “you’re chicken”, “scaredy-cat” or “you’re a pansy” while hesitating during a daunting challenge - like jumping into the deep end of a pool - are debilitating when you’re young! I hadn’t experienced a humorous side to the “pansy taunt” - unless directing it towards others - until Monty Python and the Holy Grail graced our TV screen.One Saturday morning, flipping through the 13 channels afforded us, we stopped abruptly at the opening credits of a King Arthur-themed moving scrolling through. Unaware of this cult-status film, we watched in awe as medieval knights scoured the English countryside galloping in fields while clapping coconuts together. Insults fill the movie. But the best “ya pansy” sneer is in the Black Knight scene.King Arthur, gathering knights for his round table, watches as the Black Knight handily defeats his opponent. However, Arthur soon finds this formidable candidate far from accommodating. You can watch the gruesome clip, click here if you like.Pansies hold a mixed remembrance for me.So, fast forward to today. Whenever my wife and I buy Spring flowers, I have to admit; I veer away from Pansies. I find the name odd. Robust hardiness doesn’t immediately come to mind. What does is the childhood mocking and, yes, Monty Python. Pansies hold a mixed remembrance for me. Yeah, they’re beautiful and full of color, but every time I see them I think, in an English-Monty-Python-sort-of-accent, “ya pansy!”The other week, as I was getting into my truck, something caught my attention along the edge of our driveway. Bright yellow, an odd color for an area filled with lawn cabbage and weeds, the petals from a volunteer Pansy were like a lighthouse to a ship. The delicate, juvenile plant reached skyward between a miserable weed patch and a very hard place - the asphalt of our drive. I was quite impressed with the tenacity of such a delicate - and what now seemed to be an inappropriately named flower. A petite, yellow pansy voluntarily sprouted along my driveway this Spring. Catching my eye, it taught me more than I expected from a flower. I don’t know how it got there; I certainly wouldn’t have chosen to plant a flower wedged between grass and blacktop.As I do with a lot of things I wander across, like this ill-rooted pansy, I took a photo and let the entire concept ruminate. Last week a thought came to me as I dealt with a particularly difficult situation at work.Bloom where you’re planted.The saying goes, “Bloom where you’re planted”, and this Pansy certainly fulfilled that mandate. Although not even close to ideal, the yellow petals created an amazingly attractive contrast against the black of the pavement, and among the weeds. And then I thought of this: can we do the same?There are a lot of times in life when we want to escape the arduous, surrounding atmosphere. And when I bristle at the chaffing, the childhood taunt of, “You’re a pansy” comes to my mind. I just want life to relent a bit! Do I just need to suck this up and accept where I am and bloom? But how can I blossom when I’m between a rock and a hard place? I have to admit, I’ve fought those times - quite a bit.I ran into a good friend last week who shared the sentiment. Telling of the stress of her job, she rolled her eyes and shook her head with a sigh. My thoughts drifted to the Pansy.But what if those strenuous times are specifically designed for our growth?Sometimes we become surrounded by difficulties. Some so harsh growth seems elusive or inconceivable. But what if those strenuous times are specifically designed for our betterment? What if calamity is what’s needed for us to purify and refine in ways that peace-filled, fertilized soil can’t afford us?As I pondered this small, determined plant, I realize it’s entirely possible to be all I’m designed to be in the midst of a not-so-pleasant placement. Did the Pansy think to itself, “Hey, don’t be a you, suck it up, bloom where you’re planted!” I don’t know. But I do know this, it took root and flowered. It did the best it could, given the circumstances. And, it was gorgeous! It caught my eye, and for a considerable time my attention and contemplation. That single, petite plant has made me meditate on deep things of life - far more than any thriving rose bush has.Maybe we can do the same! Maybe hard, burdensome, laborious times, places and situations are specifically engineered for our growth? And what about others? Perhaps the beauty and grace we could display in those times, places and situations would serve as bright beacons of hope and encouragement for others. Perhaps, “blooming where you’re planted” when jammed between two hard places can catch the attention of others; serving as an example of perseverance and excellence.Maybe being a pansy isn’t such a bad thing after all!*I am not advocating for staying in abusive relationships. If you find yourself in a harmful relationship, whether personal or professional, seek counsel immediately.

Growing up I had a modest collection of play, plastic dinosaurs. They were my favorite childhood toys! But unlike the dinos of today, mine where drab colors of solid gray, blue and green. No technicolor Triceratops in my collection! My favorite was the long-necked, long-tailed Brontosaurus, the Thunder Lizard. I imagined him as tall as The Empire State Building, massive and tremendous reaching over the tops of every tree, yet gentle. You can only imagine my dismay when I learned Brontosaurus was a supposed mistake! How deflating! Had all my dino dreams been fantastical myths? What’s a 7-year-old to do?But one thing that hasn’t changed, at least to my knowledge, is the terrifying ferocity habitually depicting Tyrannosaurus Rex, King Tyrant Lizard. With a name like that and the ability to outrun a human, a bone-chilling reputation is certainly in order. But with such fierce, serrated teeth, crushing bone with a bite force of 12,000 pounds, what the heck is with those tiny little appendages for arms? I bet he got bullied a lot!It’s like being a T-Rex. BIG head, little tiny arms!Eggs over easy, bacon and crisp hash browns were set before us as the waitress poured another mug of piping hot coffee. The years of separation energized our conversation. Talking through breakfast, we had years of catching up to do. Our similar passions emerged, and a sense of fellowship wafted over the table along with the smell of bacon. Midway through the meal, we began to talk practical theology. We both work in contexts demanding a tangible transfer of valuable theological doctrine into practical, human assistance. We critiqued the failure of some who got lost in the translation from theology to praxis. Somewhere between a hash brown bite and a slurp of coffee, I blurted out, “It’s like being a T-Rex. BIG head, little tiny arms!” as I pulled my elbows into my torso, flailing my hands as wildly as I could. We both laughed, shrugged it off with a smile and then, in the next breath moaned in unison as it struck both of us as being horrifyingly accurate.I’ve been thinking about this conversation for weeks now, haunted by the probability of it all in my own life. How big is my head compared to my arms? Am I bloated with theology, information, doctrine, knowledge and opinion while my arms - my compassionate reach towards others - have atrophied? Am I more concerned with winning arguments than influencing people? If you’re a T-Rex you’re unaware of the silliness of your puny arms, you just roar louder to overcome the deficiency.We cannot, as people who claim to follow Jesus, be so bloated with theological study, concepts, and doctrine that our heads swell out of proportion to our arms. I know a few people whom I would categorize as such. Always looking to correct and debate, but rarely serving others.You can be just as guilty of irrelevant pomposity being atheistic as you can a Jesus freak.And if you’re not a Christian, the same applies to you, too! Whatever “religion” you follow, how does your head compare to your arms? You can be just as guilty of irrelevant pomposity being atheistic as you can a Jesus freak. Are you terrifying to be around, able to crush others with the teeth of your doctrinal prowess while your arms flail uselessly at your side? You know, people notice these things.Ideally, a person filled with Christian theology should have amazingly long arms. God does! The Bible says God, being all-knowing and all-powerful, reaches out while we are in our greatest need. His arms span time and space. But generally, we are head strong and arm short.Since my friend and I sat there for that infinitesimal moment in eternity, pondering what I’d just blurted out, I wonder, “How long are my arms?” How far do I reach beyond myself towards others? Am I unaware that my knowledge, training, and education are more about me than about others? Am I terrifying to be around? So, to bring some form of intentional understanding, I put together a few questions I’m going to ask myself periodically. A sort of litmus test for T-Rex-itus.1. Does my theology fuel my serving or do I use it to devour others?2. How gracious am I when speaking to someone with whom I disagree?3. What makes me happier, winning a theological argument or lifting up the lost and hurting?4. Do I always need to be right, pedantically?5. How many friends and acquaintances do I have who know my theological position, disagree with me, yet choose to call me their friend? Jesus was a friend of sinners!Jesus calls us to speak to the truth in love. You have to have both.And, so that we know, the inverse of this can be also true. Serving others in the Name of Jesus in all humanistic tenderness without theological underpinnings to set people free from the true quagmire of sin, can be just as damning. You can’t be biblically literate and still believe people become angels when they die or everyone goes to heaven. Jesus calls us to speak to the truth in love. You have to have both.God, in all his infinite knowledge and power, demonstrated for us just how long His arms are by sending His Son to die in our place, giving the opportunity for repentance and restoration. Shouldn’t our arms be long, too? We all leave an imprint, the impression others have of us. This photo was taken on a trip with some friends to a beaver pond in NJ. Bear tracks are given size with the gentle placement of a hand.

Are you surprised? You shouldn't be. Appalled? Disgusted? Horrified? You should be. But surprised, not so much. Sarin gas, as hideous and demonic a toxin that it is, only scratches the surface of the depth of evil mankind can dredge from the bowels of his depravity.The ongoing horrors in Syria are not new, to any extent. We’d like to think that by 2017 we would’ve repented from the events of Viet Nam, World War 2 and beyond, but we haven’t. Not even close. No, we habitually conjure decrepit spirits of pain, torture, and blasphemy. Every. Single. Day. Why? Because we’re evil, to the core. I’m not saying; they’re evil, I’m saying we’re all evil!No, no, we’re good people!Oh, did that last line surprise you? Offend you? “Who, me? I’m not evil, maybe a little bad, but evil? No way! I’m a good person.” Are you? By what measure are you evaluating your good life? Often, to make ourselves feel better, we compare our thoughts and actions to someone more heinous than ourselves. Adolf Hitler comes to mind. And we let ourselves off with, at worst, a warning. No, no, we’re good people! A sign I came across on a trip to Nantucket last summer. Warning others of evil is a noble task. But are we aware of the evil within? But, darkness is darkness. When we compare ourselves to the blight in others, we set up a slanted standard. Even the darkest gray is lighter than pitch black. So when I brush off my impatience, crude language, or demeaning my spouse because it's "not as bad" as dealing drugs or abusing puppies, I present myself as a holy axiom. Righteous in my eyes but unrighteous before another better than myself. Even the slightest darkness is in need of the light of Christ. And in God's continuum, the lightest gray is gloomy Hell.But we’ve created a cognitive elixir, taking away all of our guilt. Comparison. Have you considered this: Do people who are better than me, consider me evil?  Ah, how the tables have turned! What actions or statements must a person make before we slap on the wicked label? Is it refusing to let a black man into your home to install your DirectTV? Or maybe it's a teenager slapping an innocent elderly man on a commuter train? Or is it driving a truck through a Bastille Day crowd? Perhaps it's deploying Sarin gas? Maybe it’s as easy as not being kind? But it’s certainly not you, right? And here in lies my point - comparison; it dilutes.Does the image of the crucified Christ bother you?When you look deeply into your heart, if you dare, concluding, “I'm not so bad." you can be assured you are now your standard. However, if when gazing into the depths of your heart you are disturbed by your secret thoughts, then you are on the cusp of all possibilities and rescue. It's not until we come to the sober realization that even our best efforts fall short of perfection, positioning ourselves for redemption by comprehending our great need, even in light of Hitler, Pol Pot, Ceausescu and perhaps Satan himself, that we can ever respond to the goodness of God. On the eve of Good Friday, does the image of the crucified Christ bother you in the sense that it was necessary because of the depth of darkness in your soul? Do you realize that, compared to Christ, we are evil? There is no good thing in us (don’t confuse that with doing good things).From Jesus’ perspective, all of us fall short of worthiness; auto-entrance into the Kingdom of God eludes us. There's not one living soul that has the clout to buy a ticket into the presence of God. Why, because we are evil. We are morally depraved, harmful, injurious, wicked, dark. Yes, we know how to give good things to our children, but that doesn’t take away our status before a holy and perfect God.Evil isn't just about doing horrible things, always, all the time. No, sometimes Hell smiles. Evil can be the most subtle of pleasant whispers engaging an unfathomable darkness. If this is true, we must always check ourselves, against the glaringly revealing light of the Gospel. This is why the Psalmist says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24.So. Now. Where do you stand? Are you still content in not being as bad as your thieving or lying neighbor? Or, are you grasping just how dark the evil can be in you? It’s in this convicted condition that we can fling ourselves onto the cross of Christ, having his punishment be our own and in hope, stand in righteousness before a holy God because of the good work of Jesus - taking his life as our own.Only the cross of Jesus confronts evil with lasting victory.Only the cross of Jesus confronts evil with lasting victory. Only the cross rescues us from the delusion that we are good; diluting the false tonic of comparison. I hope this Easter you take the time to contemplate your life, holding it up to the light of the Gospel of Jesus, not so you can be condemned, but being released from the evil within.

If you find yourself in a prickly spot, struggling in life with your dreams being elusive, listen carefully for the next few minutes. And, if things are going well, you’ll want to keep reading, too, because today’s message is meant to spur everyone on towards victory! Snow contrasts against bricks in late winter. I enjoy camping. Not car camping with the vehicle parked next to the tent. And not RV camping – sorry, that’s not camping. You can’t have a 50-inch flat screen and call it camping. No, I savor an honest hike into the woods to find a splendid spot for setting up my hammock. And the time of year is important, too. Not too hot, not too buggy. Usually right around February to May is my favorite time in the Northeast, with a strong leaning towards February.A few years ago eight of us trekked into the woods to enjoy some frozen nature. Being mid-winter, bugs were nonexistent as was the need for tarps to stave off rain. And with 8 to 10 inches of snow and ice on the ground, most of the firewood was absent, too, at least from sight. If this weekend, with the promise of negative temps, were going to be anywhere near successful, being persistent would be necessary.People aren’t widgets spewing out of a factory.If you ask most people, they’ll agree that life isn’t easy. Perspective plays a huge role in this opinion since one's bad day is another’s great success. Mindset and circumstances – attitude playing a huge role in this equation – can make all the difference. And when life is complicated and thorny, it can get the better of us. I spend a lot of time with people sharing all sorts of morally deflating struggles. For some, persistence looks like getting out of bed in the morning. I know that feeling! For others, it means making risk-filled career changes. It varies because people aren’t widgets spewing out of a factory. Humans are beings, complicated, filled with emotions, passions, fears, and wonderments. But despite all of the variables, when we’re persistent – when we exercise what I call “stick-to-it-tiveness” – there can be some very warming rewards.Traipsing through the snow to prepare camp we had a rough go, weighed down with gear, blazing a trail in crusty, give-way-when-you-step snow. In the chilly 20s, freshly fallen flakes made a beautiful earthen blanket. After some planning, setting tents, and preparing dinner we needed wood…hmmm. There wasn’t a twig visible. The blow downs were simply smooth lumps and silky bumps under the frosty, white carpet. Camping was going to be a challenge!With the rest of the team arriving, the first task was gathering wood. With nothing visible other than snow, their eyes seemed to scream, “Where?” After some old-fashioned chiding and a little instruction, the dead trees useful for fire magically appeared beneath their hiding places. Had the team simply given up, the warmth of a fire in subzero weather would’ve been a haunting nightmare. Throughout the weekend the fire burned, warming bodies and keeping spirits high.As I reflect on those days, there were a lot of things requiring persistence. Erecting tents with broken poles. Trying to establish a working kitchen was anything but fun, third time is always a charm. Setting up my hammock for the first time in 2 years with my mantra of, “I should’ve watched the video”, became a running joke between my good friend, Cord, and myself. And, in the morning, after a night of single digits, getting the pump on the camp stove working was an exercise in improvisation. Then, of course, there was the gathering of firewood, again!Persistence is something that all of us must develop, and the sooner, the better. There are some who have minimal stick-to-it-tiveness and give up quickly. I know several men and woman who are relentless. They push even harder in the face of difficulty, and I admire them for it. Some personality types are naturally more persistent, but for the most part, I think it’s an acquired behavior.Persistence can pay off in many ways, even spiritually. We are urged to model the “persistent widow” in Luke 18. The parable is told encouraging people to pray and not give up. In Jeremiah 29, in seeking the LORD, we are instructed to do so persistently. And finally, in the epic, Sermon on the Mount, Jesus beckons us to search for life, with persistence.I can’t stress enough the value of persistence and the dividends it pays. What stories of stick-to-it-tiveness do you have? What successes have you reaped because you just wouldn’t give up? What do you wish you'd stuck with longer? And if at first, you can’t think of a story, well, be persistent!You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:13