I have a confession to make: I get uncanny joy out of multiplication squares. You know, the 12 X 12 matrix that allows it's user to systematically write out all of their multiplications from 1 - 12. I also get great delight from beating elementary aged students in timed multiplication squares. I can make it sound mature by saying that I'm helping kids sharpen their much needed multiplication skills, which is critical knowledge for succeeding in school and consequently reaching their potential. But let's get real, I get an ego boost by racing and beating 10 year olds in multiplication squares. I'm not proud of this.
Every Tuesday I am the "grade mom" for our fifth graders at MLKU (tutoring program in the Kimberly Park neighborhood). As part of my duties, I have to make sure that my fifth graders have academic activities during the hour of tutoring time, especially if they do not bring homework. Nine times out of ten, if one of my fifth graders does not bring homework or finishes their work before our time is done, I will ask the student and tutor to work through a multiplication square.
The importance of knowing multiplication was highlighted when I proctored an end of the year test for an elementary school student at Forest Park Elementary. I happened to be in a room with just one student. The student struggled through the math portion and wasn't able to finish within the allotted time largely because she had to use her fingers for all of the problems that dealt with multiplication. It was difficult to watch how much time she wasted as she relied on her fingers. Hence one of the reasons that I heavily promote multiplication squares at MLKU.
My students have mixed emotions about their repeated practice of the m. square (as I affectionately call it). The better mathematicians are eager to show off their skills by breezing through the exercise. Most, however, are willing to participate, but struggle to complete the square in a timely manner many times getting tripped up on their 7s, 8s, and 9s. Two of my students that fall into the latter category are G and D. This past Tuesday I had interesting interactions with these two students and their m. square.
I picked up G and his siblings as usual; he was exceptionally excited to get in the car and go to MLKU. I asked him why he was so excited, and he responded, "I get to work on my multiplication square with Mr. Daniel!" Mr. Daniel, his tutor, had mastered the skill of making math fun. He allowed G and his cousin A to race and encouraged them all the way through. And sure enough when we had completed our arts classes, had dinner, and got ready for tutoring, G was eager to hit the m. square. He spent much of the hour of tutoring time working through one square. While I was thrilled for his enthusiasm, I was saddened by how challenging the square was to him. It reminded me of how important is was to provide supplementary help for students in Winston-Salem. As I was working with G on some of the harder multiplications, another tutor came to me and told me that her student, D, was not willing to work on her square. Knowing D, I decided it was best to take her outside and personally work with her. When I sat down with her, it quickly became obvious that the multiplication square was really difficult for her and she was frustrated by not being able to complete it. In her fifth grade mind and heart, her coping mechanism for not being able to complete the m. square was to shut down. Her self-esteem was shaken. And I understood; I was empathetic and could understand her frustration. So together we worked through each number. She breezed through the first five numbers and I praised her for being so smart. Quickly she went from tears to smiles. As soon as we hit the 6s, she began to struggle. We devised a system where she could use her fingers to get the answers. She used her fingers and would tell me each multiple; I'd write it down. After we had all the multiples of six written into the square, she would read them out loud several times. Finally she would attempt to recite her sixes from memory. When she succeeded, we had a mini party. Slowly we worked through the 6s, the 7s, then the 8s, and still the 9s. We had a easy pass with the 10s and 11s, and slowly and finally wrestled through the 12s. We were done! We had completed the multiplication square. We might as well have completed a triathlon with the amount of energy and emotion we put into the square. D went from being deflated and depressed to being proud and excited. It was a major victory.
It was a roller coaster of a night with the multiplication square at center stage. When I left MLKU, I was grateful for the holistic care we seek to provide our students. We want them to flourish spiritually, but we also want them to flourish academically. For our fifth graders, it's going to be hard for them to do so without knowing their multiplications. It was one more moment that confirmed our slogan for Calvary Community Ministries...
...to see our communities flourish...to see Kimberly Park flourish!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Generous Justice
I really love to read. This wasn't always the case. For many years, I really despised reading. I think part of my past disdain for reading was because of my low ability to comprehend and retain what I read. The other reason is because I equated reading with sitting still and not interacting with people. For those of you who know me well, you know that I don't do well sitting still and being alone. My feelings toward reading changed most markedly when I was in Chicago living with five other teammates - many of whom would get lost in books. As they were working their way through their book, they would share their thoughts about their current reading selection, which would inevitably lead to thought provoking conversation. And then I was hooked: the passing of interesting information and stimulus for thought provoking conversation. That was over six years ago, and now I find myself treasuring a day where I can carve out an hour or two to read. And finishing a book? FUHGEDABOWDIT! There are few activities that bring more satisfaction that finishing a book and then adding it to the library.
Recently I finished a GREAT book! "Which book did you finish?" you may ask.
GENEROUS JUSTICE by Tim Keller
Because of my job, people will frequently ask me how justice is pertinent in Winston-Salem or in America or even in our world. It's hard for many people to put their finger of what justice or injustice looks like in their world. Consequently even if they sense a call to pursue justice, they are unsure of the practical ways to pursue it. Tim Keller helps to answer some of these questions.
Keller has such a gift for conveying profound Biblical truth in simple, easy-to-digest ways. In Keller fashion he starts the book with a very concise definition of "justice." He uses Micah 6:8 to unpack the meaning of justice, "And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Here what Keller says:
“The text says to 'do justice and love mercy,' which seem at first glance to be two different things, but they are not. The term 'mercy' is the Hebrew word chesedh, God's unconditional grace and compassion. The word for 'justice' is the Hebrew term mishpat. In Micah 6:8 mishpat puts the emphasis on the action, chesedh puts it on the attitude [or motive] behind the action. To walk with God, then, we must do justice, out of merciful love.
The word mishpat in its various forms occurs more than two hundred times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Its most basic meaning is to treat people equitably."
Keller goes on to summarize justice as "the punishment of wrongdoing as well as giving people their rights." Because sin has caused goods and power to be inequitably distributed and used to promote some and oppress others, the poor typically feel the brunt of the inequitable distribution and the misuse of resources and power. God, therefore, speaks frequently in scripture of the cause the poor and His defense for the oppressed.
"He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, He lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves those who live justly. The LORD watches over the immigrant and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked." Psalm 146: 7 - 9
If Christians desire to reflect the character of God, we will have an awareness of the reality of the poor and will pursue justice on behalf of the oppressed. This was true for Israel and was seen in the way that God set up the social and ceremonial law. It was also seen in the character of Christ as well as in the teaching of the apostles.
One of the most memorable points Keller makes is when he addresses the motivation behind justice. In answering the question, "why should we do justice?" Keller says that we have two basic Biblical motivations: "joyful awe before the goodness of God's creation and the experience of God's grace in redemption."
God's Goodness in Creation:
Genesis 1:27 is one of my favorite verses in scripture. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Three times in one verse we read that man was CREATED by God. This creation event is further clarified by the twice stated fact that we were created in God's image. These two facts together should lead us to the humble recognition of our worth in bearing the image of Creator God and our responsibility to bear the image of Creator God. Keller says, "The Bible teaches that the sacredness of God has in some way been imparted to humanity, so that every human life is sacred and every human being has dignity. When God puts His image upon us, we became beings of infinite, inestimable value...The image of God carries with it the right to not be mistreated or harmed."
God as Creator of all things should lead us to recognize His ownership and our subsequent stewardship. If we believe that the resources we have are a gift from God (James 1:17), then we will not take pride in our belongings or our position or power. We will consider them assets to be used for God's purposes in this world; resources to represent His Kingdom. Quoting Bruce Waltke, Keller writes "the righteous are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community; the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves." Keller concludes that "a lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God's. If you have been assigned the goods of this world by God and you don't share them with others, it isn't just stinginess, it is injustice."
God's Grace in Redemption:
From the Old Testament picture of redemption found in God rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt and delivering them to the Promised Land, we hear God telling His people to remember their redemption and in remembering, be people who lived redemptively. "Circumcise your hearts, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10: 16 - 19) For Israel, they literally were aliens, outcasts in Egypt. They knew what is felt like to feel the effects of injustice. As a result, God commanded them to treat those affected by injustice with compassion. As Americans, especially white, middle to upper class Americans, it's hard to personalize injustice, because we often times are not on the receiving end of injustice. This, coupled with the American dream mentality of being able to pull yourselves up from your bootstraps and work hard to accomplish your dreams sometimes makes it hard for us to empathize with the oppressed. But spiritually speaking we are without excuse. No Christians, regardless of their socioeconomic standing, can deny their spiritual poverty and oppression before God. Keller says it this way,
"'Jesus said, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3), and most scholars over the centuries have understood that God's blessing and salvation come to those who 'acknowledge spiritual bankruptcy.' It means to see that you are deeply in debt before God, and you have no ability to even begin to redeem yourself. God's free generosity to you, at infinite cost to Him, was the only thing that saved you. What if, however, you aren't poor in spirit...We can say that you are "middle-class in spirit." You feel that you've earned a certain standing with God through your hard work. You also may believe that the success and the resources you have are primarily due to your own industry and energy...To the degree that the gospel shapes your self-image, you will identify with those in need. You will see their tattered clothes and think: "All my righteousness is a filthy rag, but in Christ we can be clothes in his robes of righteousness." When you come upon those who are economically poor, you cannot say to them, "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps!" because certainly did not do that spiritually. Jesus intervened for you. And you cannot say, "I won't help you because you got yourself into this mess," since God came to earth, moved into your spiritually poor neighborhood, as it were, and helped you even though your spiritual problems were your own fault. In other words, when Christians who understand the gospel see a poor person, they realize they are looking into a mirror. Their hearts must go out to him or her without an ounce of superiority or indifference."
Keller goes on to share some ways in which to implement justice. I won't detail his thoughts on implementing justice, but I will give some of his concluding thoughts. God created the world to function rightly under God's reign and according to His order. This right functioning is called "shalom" in the Bible and if often translated as peace. At its root, it means "complete reconciliation, a state of the fullest flourishing in every dimension - physical, emotional, social, and spiritual - because all relationships are right, perfect, and filled with joy." Because of sin, we do not experience full shalom. But to do justice is to "live in a way that generates a strong community where human beings can flourish...to go to places where the fabric of shalom has broken down, where the weaker members of societies are falling through the fabric and repair it...Reweaving shalom means to sacrificially thread, lace, and press your time, goods, power, and resources into the lives and needs of others." Ultimately when we see God as beautiful and we delight in Him, we delight to honor Him. We recognize our own spiritual poverty and God's tenderness towards the poor and oppressed (namely ourselves), so we joyfully and sacrificially spend ourselves on behalf of the poor that God's character might be manifested to all.
Generous Justice is a great book. It's a quick read, but contains profound truth. I would encourage you to read it.
Recently I finished a GREAT book! "Which book did you finish?" you may ask.
GENEROUS JUSTICE by Tim Keller
Because of my job, people will frequently ask me how justice is pertinent in Winston-Salem or in America or even in our world. It's hard for many people to put their finger of what justice or injustice looks like in their world. Consequently even if they sense a call to pursue justice, they are unsure of the practical ways to pursue it. Tim Keller helps to answer some of these questions.
Keller has such a gift for conveying profound Biblical truth in simple, easy-to-digest ways. In Keller fashion he starts the book with a very concise definition of "justice." He uses Micah 6:8 to unpack the meaning of justice, "And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Here what Keller says:
“The text says to 'do justice and love mercy,' which seem at first glance to be two different things, but they are not. The term 'mercy' is the Hebrew word chesedh, God's unconditional grace and compassion. The word for 'justice' is the Hebrew term mishpat. In Micah 6:8 mishpat puts the emphasis on the action, chesedh puts it on the attitude [or motive] behind the action. To walk with God, then, we must do justice, out of merciful love.
The word mishpat in its various forms occurs more than two hundred times in the Hebrew Old Testament. Its most basic meaning is to treat people equitably."
Keller goes on to summarize justice as "the punishment of wrongdoing as well as giving people their rights." Because sin has caused goods and power to be inequitably distributed and used to promote some and oppress others, the poor typically feel the brunt of the inequitable distribution and the misuse of resources and power. God, therefore, speaks frequently in scripture of the cause the poor and His defense for the oppressed.
"He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, He lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves those who live justly. The LORD watches over the immigrant and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked." Psalm 146: 7 - 9
If Christians desire to reflect the character of God, we will have an awareness of the reality of the poor and will pursue justice on behalf of the oppressed. This was true for Israel and was seen in the way that God set up the social and ceremonial law. It was also seen in the character of Christ as well as in the teaching of the apostles.
One of the most memorable points Keller makes is when he addresses the motivation behind justice. In answering the question, "why should we do justice?" Keller says that we have two basic Biblical motivations: "joyful awe before the goodness of God's creation and the experience of God's grace in redemption."
God's Goodness in Creation:
Genesis 1:27 is one of my favorite verses in scripture. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Three times in one verse we read that man was CREATED by God. This creation event is further clarified by the twice stated fact that we were created in God's image. These two facts together should lead us to the humble recognition of our worth in bearing the image of Creator God and our responsibility to bear the image of Creator God. Keller says, "The Bible teaches that the sacredness of God has in some way been imparted to humanity, so that every human life is sacred and every human being has dignity. When God puts His image upon us, we became beings of infinite, inestimable value...The image of God carries with it the right to not be mistreated or harmed."
God as Creator of all things should lead us to recognize His ownership and our subsequent stewardship. If we believe that the resources we have are a gift from God (James 1:17), then we will not take pride in our belongings or our position or power. We will consider them assets to be used for God's purposes in this world; resources to represent His Kingdom. Quoting Bruce Waltke, Keller writes "the righteous are willing to disadvantage themselves to advantage the community; the wicked are willing to disadvantage the community to advantage themselves." Keller concludes that "a lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God's. If you have been assigned the goods of this world by God and you don't share them with others, it isn't just stinginess, it is injustice."
God's Grace in Redemption:
From the Old Testament picture of redemption found in God rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt and delivering them to the Promised Land, we hear God telling His people to remember their redemption and in remembering, be people who lived redemptively. "Circumcise your hearts, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10: 16 - 19) For Israel, they literally were aliens, outcasts in Egypt. They knew what is felt like to feel the effects of injustice. As a result, God commanded them to treat those affected by injustice with compassion. As Americans, especially white, middle to upper class Americans, it's hard to personalize injustice, because we often times are not on the receiving end of injustice. This, coupled with the American dream mentality of being able to pull yourselves up from your bootstraps and work hard to accomplish your dreams sometimes makes it hard for us to empathize with the oppressed. But spiritually speaking we are without excuse. No Christians, regardless of their socioeconomic standing, can deny their spiritual poverty and oppression before God. Keller says it this way,
"'Jesus said, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3), and most scholars over the centuries have understood that God's blessing and salvation come to those who 'acknowledge spiritual bankruptcy.' It means to see that you are deeply in debt before God, and you have no ability to even begin to redeem yourself. God's free generosity to you, at infinite cost to Him, was the only thing that saved you. What if, however, you aren't poor in spirit...We can say that you are "middle-class in spirit." You feel that you've earned a certain standing with God through your hard work. You also may believe that the success and the resources you have are primarily due to your own industry and energy...To the degree that the gospel shapes your self-image, you will identify with those in need. You will see their tattered clothes and think: "All my righteousness is a filthy rag, but in Christ we can be clothes in his robes of righteousness." When you come upon those who are economically poor, you cannot say to them, "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps!" because certainly did not do that spiritually. Jesus intervened for you. And you cannot say, "I won't help you because you got yourself into this mess," since God came to earth, moved into your spiritually poor neighborhood, as it were, and helped you even though your spiritual problems were your own fault. In other words, when Christians who understand the gospel see a poor person, they realize they are looking into a mirror. Their hearts must go out to him or her without an ounce of superiority or indifference."
Keller goes on to share some ways in which to implement justice. I won't detail his thoughts on implementing justice, but I will give some of his concluding thoughts. God created the world to function rightly under God's reign and according to His order. This right functioning is called "shalom" in the Bible and if often translated as peace. At its root, it means "complete reconciliation, a state of the fullest flourishing in every dimension - physical, emotional, social, and spiritual - because all relationships are right, perfect, and filled with joy." Because of sin, we do not experience full shalom. But to do justice is to "live in a way that generates a strong community where human beings can flourish...to go to places where the fabric of shalom has broken down, where the weaker members of societies are falling through the fabric and repair it...Reweaving shalom means to sacrificially thread, lace, and press your time, goods, power, and resources into the lives and needs of others." Ultimately when we see God as beautiful and we delight in Him, we delight to honor Him. We recognize our own spiritual poverty and God's tenderness towards the poor and oppressed (namely ourselves), so we joyfully and sacrificially spend ourselves on behalf of the poor that God's character might be manifested to all.
Generous Justice is a great book. It's a quick read, but contains profound truth. I would encourage you to read it.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
What's out your "window?"
Several weeks ago I received an email from my sweet friend and "Winston-Salem momma," Flossie Castle. She had forwarded an article to me that her super cool son, Dwight, sent her. It was a post that Dwight's pastor, Joel Brooks, wrote for The Gospel Coalition. While there were several minor points and distinctions with which I disagreed, the overarching argument was strong. Ironically I was most struck by the opening paragraph:
"My office is located in one of the poorer areas in the city of Birmingham, Alabama. Even as I am writing this, outside my window I can see two prostitutes standing across the street outside a hotel and a homeless man pushing a grocery cart full of cans. Confronted with scenes like this on a daily basis has made me think a lot about Jesus’ call to serve the least of these. What should this look like in my life? Over the years, I have far more failures than successes when it comes reaching out to these people."
As soon as I read Joel's introduction, I was hit by internal tension. To give you context, I work for Calvary Baptist Church which is - how can I say this diplomatically - a large, mostly middle to upper class, well resourced church that sits on three different campuses across Forsyth and Davie County. The 19 acre "central" campus houses such amenities as a gym (2 actually), a racquetball court (2 of those too), a dining room (and wouldn't you know, two of those also!), a soccer field, a scout hut, among others. I don't say this for any other reason than to give you context for how I responded to Joel's post. I absolutely adore Calvary, as imperfect as we are. I am deeply grateful for how God has used the church to shape my life and am truly honored to work for and with such a special church family.
With the above mentioned context, let me tell you that my office is located on central campus. When I look out of my window I see what some would consider a picture of heaven. In referencing God's presence being with the exiled Israel, the prophet Zechariah writes in his 8th chapter: "This is what the LORD Almighty says, 'Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.'" These verses come to mind when I look out my window and see the senior aerobics class speed walking around our "campus" - sweat band on head and walking stick in hand. They are serious! At the same time I see children from our day school or church families playing on one of our two playgrounds (I wonder if there's something to having two of everything?). Together these images conjure up the prophetic vision of God's presence with Israel in Jerusalem that Zechariah references.
As I compared my office window view to Joel's view, I couldn't help but think of the "window" out of which Christians (church staff or not) view life. While the physical location of one's office is of lesser important, what is of utmost importance is the degree to which we, as Christians, allow ourselves to view our community and world. It hurts my heart to hear Christians make statements to the effect of, "I just can't go and see poverty and pain, suffering and oppression. It's just too hard for me. Or it makes me feel too bad. Or I'd be too scared to go to that part of town or the world." I would argue that is it our responsibility to gaze upon poverty and pain, suffering and oppression whether it's in East Winston-Salem and the slums of Calcutta. Awareness is the first step to action and if we are choosing to be ignorant of the realities that exist in our city and around the world, then we can do nothing in offering a redemptive hope. It was Christ, after all, who "being in very nature God did not consider equality with God (by implication: the beauty and perfection of heaven) something to which to cling, but opened his hand loosely in order to make himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross." (Philippians 2: 6 - 8) It is that kind of attitude and example that we should try to emulate. Christ intentionally crossed the widest tracks from the glories of heaven to the sin-tainted bleakness of this world in order that he might sacrificially give of himself to offer redemption to creation. Why is it that we are so hesitant to cross the narrow tracks between our neighborhood and one of poverty? This takes me back to frequent hesitations that I hear. "I just can't go and see poverty and pain, suffering and oppression. It's just too hard for me. Or it makes me feel too bad. Or I'd be too scared to go to that part of town or the world." What is driving one's distance from pain and suffering? Is it an unwillingness to be troubled? Will seeing the disparity that exists between you and your neighbor bring a tide of guilt? Is it fear for physical safety? Do we ever stop to think about neighbors who have no choice about where they live? The reality is that because of sin, disparity exists. In Generous Justice, Tim Keller says, "There is an inequitable distribution of both goods and opportunities in this world. Therefore, if you have been assigned goods of this world by God and you don't share them with other, it isn't just stinginess, it is injustice."
Interestingly enough, the chapter prior to Zechariah's vision of God's presence with Israel is a condemnation to God's people who - while enjoying God's rest and prosperity - failed to show mercy and pursue justice. "This is what the LORD Almighty says, 'Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'" This rings with a similar judgement found in Isaiah 58 where the religious acts of God's people were discarded by God because of their ignorance and lack of action towards the most vulnerable of society. This ignorance and lack of action showed that the Israelites did not grasp God's compassion and mercy to them in rescuing them from slavery in Egypt to the freedom of the Promised Land. To quote Keller again, "If a person has grasped the meaning of God's grace in his heart, he will do justice (serving the needs and guarding the rights of those around us). Grace should make you just." This was Joel's point in the original article I referenced. In talking about Sodom and Gomorrah, Joel says:
"Almost everyone is familiar with this story of God raining down judgment on these cities because of their wickedness. And most people assume that the sin for which Sodom was judged was sexual immorality. This is certainly how I heard this passage taught when I was younger. But the prophet Ezekiel tells us otherwise. Ezekiel 16:49 says, “This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.” Sodom was judged for pride, living a life of ease, and neglecting the poor and needy—not simply for sexual sin. I don’t know about you, but suddenly this story just became a little uncomfortable for me. Instead of casting judgment on the people of Sodom, I began to identify with them."
And so the question remains, "What's out your window?" What are you allowing yourself to gaze upon and how does that affect the way you live your life? How do you spend your time and use your resources? It's great to gaze upon the beauty of heaven, but the reality is that the fulfillment of God's Kingdom comes when Christ returns. Until then we wrestle with the effects of sin and the resulting disparities and injustice. We have two options. We can pretend like we are in heaven now and isolate ourselves from pain and suffering. OR we can follow the example of Christ, look intently at disparities and injustice, and seek to have a redemptive presence in areas where we can have influence. One day all things will be made new. We are not there yet.
What's out your window?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
All In A Days Work
Fellow bloggers may be able to attest to this phenomenon, but now that I'm blogging I tend to funnel a lot of life through "would this make a good blog post?" In doing that I have seen several themes emerge. So far, with a whopping 8 posts under my belt, I've noticed a lot of my blogging inspiration comes from work. I frequently desire to start my blog with "I LOVE MY JOB." This just leads me to a point of gratitude to a gracious Father who would allow me to work in an area in which I'm so passionate, namely community ministry.
Yesterday was one of those days at work where I couldn't help but think, "Really, seriously, I get paid to do this stuff?? It just all seems too good to be true!"
I work for Calvary Baptist Church as the "Director of Community Ministry." We have a community ministry initiative called "Love Winston-Salem," which is our strategy for community engagement in our city. Through Love Winston-Salem, we focus on two communities - Southside and Kimberly Park. In both of those neighborhoods we work heavily with the elementary schools as they are hubs for our children and seek to provide a critical foundation for their success - namely education. Forest Park Elementary School is our partner in the Southside community. Each month we go to Forest Park and provide parties for students who have excelled in various areas of school life (attendance, character, grades, etc.). Yesterday happened to be one of our days to provide a monthly party, so the usual crew went over with ice cream, sprinkles, chocolate and caramel syrup in hand ready to encourage the students who had been selected for the party.
Apparently yesterday was an abnormal day at Forest Park. A lot of students and staff were sick. Consequently we had a slow trickling of students into the party. The first two students were the most precious boy scouts imaginable - Alex and Andres. They came in proudly wearing their blue uniforms, and when I asked them about scouting, they proceeded to give me a 20 minutes spiel about the wonders of scouting at Forest Park. They made me want to join! As Alex, Andres, and I looked around and noticed that they were the only two out of an expected 60 students, I decided to head to the office to see what was going on. As I passed the gym, I heard loud music exuding from the doors. I looked in and saw about 50 kids at what appeared to be a dance party. Curiosity got the best of me, and I stepped in to see what all this activity was about. I was told that this was the "Gold Paw" Party for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who had earned "C.A.T.S" for the majority of the year. In layman's language, it was for kids who had sustained good behavior.
I couldn't help but laugh as I looked around. It was your typical awkward middle school moment brought to reality a little early for my elementary friends. The boys were on the outside of the room with their arms crossed grinning at the girls who were huddled in the middle of the room dancing. Most of the girls didn't really know how to dance so they were either swaying from side to side or twirling around in circles. Except for one little girl; she knew what she was doing. I thought, "Keep in PG!" My humored trance was broken by the assistant principal asking me for my new last name (I just got married). When I told him "Gaskins," he took it upon himself to jump on stage, grab the mic, and lead the kids in a chant beckoning me to the dance floor. I mean, the kids were really excited; how could I let them down? So I busted a "white girl" move on the dance/gym floor, and kids joined me. It was a great moment in life!
Suddenly I was brought back to reality with the remembrance that I was headed to the office to ask the secretary about kids coming to the character trait party, so I decided to put an abrupt end to my dance moves. It was probably for the best because the girls had decided that the next dance move was going to be holding hands and running around the gym. I wasn't interested. So I removed myself and headed to the office to speak to the secretary. She said she would make an announcement, and I headed back to the cafeteria to rejoin our group.
The kids started trickling in and the all-star volunteer team had in covered. We were in the groove - two people armed with the ice cream scoops, one with the sprinkles, one with the syrups (chocolate in one hand, caramel in the other), others were passing out napkins and still others talking with the students.
All of a sudden I hear what I believe to be the "Cupid Shuffle." Anyone who goes to a reception with a good DJ is going to dance to the "Cupid Shuffle." It's a party dance. And, hey, it's simple, so even the most uncoordinated of dancers [white people] can bust a move with their friends. Again, impulses kicked in, and I was drawn back to the gym. I was shocked to see that the kids had no clue how to dance the "Cupid Shuffle," so I thought it my responsibility to teach them. I jumped into the middle of the dance floor and started into "To the right, to right, to the right to the right to the right. To the left, to the left, to the left to the left to the left. Now kick with it, kick with it, kick with it, kick with it. And walk it on out." The song repeats itself probably 1,000 times, so by the end of the song you're destined to get it. It was so fun to see kids who had no clue how to dance slowly join in and fill with joy as they became part of this dance group. Some were better than others, but most everyone could get the general hang of it.
As I was going through the 57th round of the Cupid Shuffle I looked over and saw a little girl I recognized from one of the sports camps we did at Christmas time. We had invited her to be a part of one of our tutoring programs, MLKU. I had even talked to her mom last week who seemed excited about her coming. As I connected with DaeShanice, I asked her about coming to MLKU. She said she wanted to come, but her mom didn't know where it was located. I assured her that I would call her mom back and clarify the location. DaeShanice had become a Christian at the Sports Camp, and we were excited to disciple her through MLKU. This was a great connection!
The song came to an end and it was time for the whole party to conclude. I headed back to the cafeteria and was escorted by several dozen of my newest best friends, including Alex and Andres who had headed to the gym after they finished their ice cream. I felt very full! It was a great afternoon. It was all in a days work. :)
And thus is the Christian life. God is calling people from every nation, tribe, and tongue - from every community in Winston-Salem - to join His great celebration. He is beckoning through His Spirit that all would come. He has ordained His Church to be His instrument in reaching neighbor and nation with the gospel.
"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. Then the angel of LORD said to me, "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding CELEBRATION of the Lamb!" Rev. 19: 6 - 9
Yesterday was one of those days at work where I couldn't help but think, "Really, seriously, I get paid to do this stuff?? It just all seems too good to be true!"
I work for Calvary Baptist Church as the "Director of Community Ministry." We have a community ministry initiative called "Love Winston-Salem," which is our strategy for community engagement in our city. Through Love Winston-Salem, we focus on two communities - Southside and Kimberly Park. In both of those neighborhoods we work heavily with the elementary schools as they are hubs for our children and seek to provide a critical foundation for their success - namely education. Forest Park Elementary School is our partner in the Southside community. Each month we go to Forest Park and provide parties for students who have excelled in various areas of school life (attendance, character, grades, etc.). Yesterday happened to be one of our days to provide a monthly party, so the usual crew went over with ice cream, sprinkles, chocolate and caramel syrup in hand ready to encourage the students who had been selected for the party.
Apparently yesterday was an abnormal day at Forest Park. A lot of students and staff were sick. Consequently we had a slow trickling of students into the party. The first two students were the most precious boy scouts imaginable - Alex and Andres. They came in proudly wearing their blue uniforms, and when I asked them about scouting, they proceeded to give me a 20 minutes spiel about the wonders of scouting at Forest Park. They made me want to join! As Alex, Andres, and I looked around and noticed that they were the only two out of an expected 60 students, I decided to head to the office to see what was going on. As I passed the gym, I heard loud music exuding from the doors. I looked in and saw about 50 kids at what appeared to be a dance party. Curiosity got the best of me, and I stepped in to see what all this activity was about. I was told that this was the "Gold Paw" Party for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who had earned "C.A.T.S" for the majority of the year. In layman's language, it was for kids who had sustained good behavior.
I couldn't help but laugh as I looked around. It was your typical awkward middle school moment brought to reality a little early for my elementary friends. The boys were on the outside of the room with their arms crossed grinning at the girls who were huddled in the middle of the room dancing. Most of the girls didn't really know how to dance so they were either swaying from side to side or twirling around in circles. Except for one little girl; she knew what she was doing. I thought, "Keep in PG!" My humored trance was broken by the assistant principal asking me for my new last name (I just got married). When I told him "Gaskins," he took it upon himself to jump on stage, grab the mic, and lead the kids in a chant beckoning me to the dance floor. I mean, the kids were really excited; how could I let them down? So I busted a "white girl" move on the dance/gym floor, and kids joined me. It was a great moment in life!
Suddenly I was brought back to reality with the remembrance that I was headed to the office to ask the secretary about kids coming to the character trait party, so I decided to put an abrupt end to my dance moves. It was probably for the best because the girls had decided that the next dance move was going to be holding hands and running around the gym. I wasn't interested. So I removed myself and headed to the office to speak to the secretary. She said she would make an announcement, and I headed back to the cafeteria to rejoin our group.
The kids started trickling in and the all-star volunteer team had in covered. We were in the groove - two people armed with the ice cream scoops, one with the sprinkles, one with the syrups (chocolate in one hand, caramel in the other), others were passing out napkins and still others talking with the students.
All of a sudden I hear what I believe to be the "Cupid Shuffle." Anyone who goes to a reception with a good DJ is going to dance to the "Cupid Shuffle." It's a party dance. And, hey, it's simple, so even the most uncoordinated of dancers [white people] can bust a move with their friends. Again, impulses kicked in, and I was drawn back to the gym. I was shocked to see that the kids had no clue how to dance the "Cupid Shuffle," so I thought it my responsibility to teach them. I jumped into the middle of the dance floor and started into "To the right, to right, to the right to the right to the right. To the left, to the left, to the left to the left to the left. Now kick with it, kick with it, kick with it, kick with it. And walk it on out." The song repeats itself probably 1,000 times, so by the end of the song you're destined to get it. It was so fun to see kids who had no clue how to dance slowly join in and fill with joy as they became part of this dance group. Some were better than others, but most everyone could get the general hang of it.
As I was going through the 57th round of the Cupid Shuffle I looked over and saw a little girl I recognized from one of the sports camps we did at Christmas time. We had invited her to be a part of one of our tutoring programs, MLKU. I had even talked to her mom last week who seemed excited about her coming. As I connected with DaeShanice, I asked her about coming to MLKU. She said she wanted to come, but her mom didn't know where it was located. I assured her that I would call her mom back and clarify the location. DaeShanice had become a Christian at the Sports Camp, and we were excited to disciple her through MLKU. This was a great connection!
The song came to an end and it was time for the whole party to conclude. I headed back to the cafeteria and was escorted by several dozen of my newest best friends, including Alex and Andres who had headed to the gym after they finished their ice cream. I felt very full! It was a great afternoon. It was all in a days work. :)
And thus is the Christian life. God is calling people from every nation, tribe, and tongue - from every community in Winston-Salem - to join His great celebration. He is beckoning through His Spirit that all would come. He has ordained His Church to be His instrument in reaching neighbor and nation with the gospel.
"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. Then the angel of LORD said to me, "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding CELEBRATION of the Lamb!" Rev. 19: 6 - 9
Monday, February 7, 2011
Creative Corridors Coalition: Aesthetics in our Community
I love my "job!" I have the honor of being paid to represent Calvary Baptist Church in our community (Forsyth and Davie County). I have the honor of learning about the strengths of our community and understanding the deficits or "opportunities of involvement" as I should say. I have the honor of meeting many people from various backgrounds; this is refreshing to an extrovert. I have the honor of making our church aware of the realities of our city and how we can be involved in the flourishing of our city. I love it. I absolutely love it.
This afternoon I was refreshed by a meeting I attended. It may seem like an unconventional meeting for someone on church staff. Maybe not. The meeting I attended was the first of several community meetings for the Creative Corridors Coalition. The Creative Corridors Coalition (CCC) is a nonprofit organization created to provide a voice and a process for residents of Winston Salem and Forsyth County to influence the design and implementation of roadway infrastructure projects in and around the downtown area. It is the collaboration of a number of various and influential organizations who want to use the inevitable renovations of various corridors (Businuess 40, MLK Drive, etc.) as a means to create artistic expressions that represent the spirit of Winston-Salem. The desire is to incorporate the artistic flavor that permeates our city into architectural designs. After all, we are "The City of the Arts."
Pretty spiritual meeting, huh?!
As a believer, I consider aesthetics to be of great importance. In the created world we inhabit, we have the opportunity to reflect our nature as image bearers of the The Creator. We can create. Listen to my friend and co-worker, Matt Capps, as he communicates the Christian's relationship to beauty through an excerpt of an article entitled "Theosthetics: Thoughts From The Intersection of Aesthetics and Worship." Matt writes, "Being created in the image of God specifically gives us as human beings the capacity to acknowledge and appreciate beauty. I doubt that we will hear an account of a golden retriever climbing to the highest point in the land in order to take in the beauty of God’s vast creation. Humans are the only beings to whom God gave this capacity. But along with this capacity comes a great responsibility. Just as believers have defended the Christian notions of truth and goodness, we should also labor to show the one true God as the source of all that is beautiful. This universal concept of Beauty must be grounded in that which is absolutely beautiful, God himself. In moving beyond mere apprehension, we must acknowledge that being created in God’s image also entails another important mandate involving creative ability."
In the Spirit of the Lord spoken through the prophet, Jeremiah, my desire is to seek the "shalom" of Winston-Salem; to seek it's prosperity (Jeremiah 29). I want my city to thrive including in the arts. I want Winston-Salem to overflow with aesthetic beauty as an expression of God's presence and common grace to all Winston-Salem neighbors. Consequently, I want to place myself in any area where I might have influence towards this end. I want to express it not only in my home, on my property, within my church, and community, but also in the larger city. I reckon the Creative Corridors Coalition is a great place to pursue the beauty of our larger city.
I couldn't help but think as I sat in the initial meeting today, "I hope there are a lot of Christians in this room. I hope that Christians are at the forefront of this effort - if not by nature of the organization, then in the mass of our numbers from the motivation of hearts desiring to reflect the beauty of God in our city.
If you're a Winston-Salem neighbor, you can join the coalition too! click here.
This afternoon I was refreshed by a meeting I attended. It may seem like an unconventional meeting for someone on church staff. Maybe not. The meeting I attended was the first of several community meetings for the Creative Corridors Coalition. The Creative Corridors Coalition (CCC) is a nonprofit organization created to provide a voice and a process for residents of Winston Salem and Forsyth County to influence the design and implementation of roadway infrastructure projects in and around the downtown area. It is the collaboration of a number of various and influential organizations who want to use the inevitable renovations of various corridors (Businuess 40, MLK Drive, etc.) as a means to create artistic expressions that represent the spirit of Winston-Salem. The desire is to incorporate the artistic flavor that permeates our city into architectural designs. After all, we are "The City of the Arts."
Pretty spiritual meeting, huh?!
As a believer, I consider aesthetics to be of great importance. In the created world we inhabit, we have the opportunity to reflect our nature as image bearers of the The Creator. We can create. Listen to my friend and co-worker, Matt Capps, as he communicates the Christian's relationship to beauty through an excerpt of an article entitled "Theosthetics: Thoughts From The Intersection of Aesthetics and Worship." Matt writes, "Being created in the image of God specifically gives us as human beings the capacity to acknowledge and appreciate beauty. I doubt that we will hear an account of a golden retriever climbing to the highest point in the land in order to take in the beauty of God’s vast creation. Humans are the only beings to whom God gave this capacity. But along with this capacity comes a great responsibility. Just as believers have defended the Christian notions of truth and goodness, we should also labor to show the one true God as the source of all that is beautiful. This universal concept of Beauty must be grounded in that which is absolutely beautiful, God himself. In moving beyond mere apprehension, we must acknowledge that being created in God’s image also entails another important mandate involving creative ability."
In the Spirit of the Lord spoken through the prophet, Jeremiah, my desire is to seek the "shalom" of Winston-Salem; to seek it's prosperity (Jeremiah 29). I want my city to thrive including in the arts. I want Winston-Salem to overflow with aesthetic beauty as an expression of God's presence and common grace to all Winston-Salem neighbors. Consequently, I want to place myself in any area where I might have influence towards this end. I want to express it not only in my home, on my property, within my church, and community, but also in the larger city. I reckon the Creative Corridors Coalition is a great place to pursue the beauty of our larger city.
I couldn't help but think as I sat in the initial meeting today, "I hope there are a lot of Christians in this room. I hope that Christians are at the forefront of this effort - if not by nature of the organization, then in the mass of our numbers from the motivation of hearts desiring to reflect the beauty of God in our city.
If you're a Winston-Salem neighbor, you can join the coalition too! click here.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Overwhelmed!
If we are honest with ourselves and others, there are seasons where each of us feels overwhelmed. For some they are longer and more intense than others, but we all get overwhelmed. Right now I am overwhelmed.
Blogging can sometimes seem slightly narcissistic to me, but my prayer is not to wave the flag of "Alexandra Gaskins," but share thoughts and scripture that hopefully will challenge and encourage the spirit of others. Still it seems a little foreign to air emotions on the world wide web. With that said, here I go. HA!
Valentine's Day will forever be bitter sweet. Valentine's Day 2009 was the day my beloved father went to be with the LORD. I'll spare you the details, but the speed and manner in which he died made it a shocking and painful experience. Not to mention the physical loss of his presence. Oh what a sweet day that reunion will be! In God's grace, the year of his death was the last year of my singleness. God brought Ron into my life that same year (and by "brought Ron into my life," I mean we started dating; we had been friends for some time prior). I consider this a great blessing! Still, with Valentine's Day approaching, the emotional battle wages. OVERWHELMING!
I've been praying about going back to school. I'm very excited about the possibility of pursuing some kind of Master's Degree that concentrates on community and economic development. Calvary Baptist Church, my church family as well as my employer, is laying out a "20:20 vision" that is guiding our next decade. Mercy Ministry is one of the values that we hope to hold high. This is extremely exciting to me, especially as much of my role on staff revolves around mercy ministry. This stated direction, coupled with the book I just read and several community players I've met recently, has contributed to my desire to be better equipped in the area of mercy ministry, hence the desire for my Masters. As I mentioned, I'm PUMPED about this opportunity, still the process of finding the right school/program, figuring out funding, scheduling, the thought of balancing school with marriage, work, rest, etc. OVERWHELMING!
I've noticed in life, at least for me, that typically there are "underlying issues" brewing that are unearthed by "presenting issues." Marriage provides great grounds of proof for this hypothesis. Your spouse can say or do something relatively harmless, but because of an underlying issue, you burst into tears or become angry or become a hermit or whatever your visceral reaction may be. Can I get an AMEN??
For me the two reasons stated above are the underlying issues that caused me to feel consciously overwhelmed today. The presenting issue: I hosted a party today that I had been eagerly anticipating for over a month. It was a "Change Purse" party intended to raise awareness and funds for victims of human trafficking. The party was officially for Change Purse, but was also intended to get the word out about SOS. I sent out an evite and had a great response. About 15 people where supposed to come. When only 3 people (not including Angela Moran of Change Purse and 4 of the fabulous SOS girls) showed up I had to fight back discouragement. Bottom line, people didn't come to my party, and I was pouting internally. I'd like to believe that normally I wouldn't have been so shaken by the small crowd, but as I mentioned earlier, the presenting problem hit nerves with some of my deeper underlying issues. OVERWHELMED!
But I have to tell you that more than any of the reasons for feeling overwhelmed that I mentioned previously, I was most overwhelmed by God's goodness and encouraged by His Body at the closing of my party. Let me explain...
Angela Moran and her best friend, Heather Reardon, are both stay at home moms who love purses. As they became aware of the massive injustice that is human trafficking, they wanted to do something. They started Change Purse. In essence they collect used purses and have parties where they sell the purses while sharing about the issue and how people can be involved. The money they collect through the purse parties are then funneled to Hope House, which is on the frontlines of compassionately caring for domestic human trafficking victims in Jesus name. WOW!
Morgan (14), McCall (12), Brianna (14), and Meliegha (13) enthusiastically represent SOS. In essence, these four girls along with several other friends, founded an organization that raises awareness - especially among teens - about the horrors of human trafficking, especially focusing on the international dynamics of this crisis. It is amazing to hear these girls spit out statistics of the endemic and share what groups are at work in bringing relief. What's even more amazing is that they see themselves as active players in bringing about justice in this area. How does a handful of teenagers make a difference in this massive issue? Similar to Angela, they host events that raise awareness and funds; the funds are given directly to organizations that are on the frontlines. Faith-based organizations like Project Rescue are among their partners. I overheard the girls talking with Angela before the party started that their goal is to use each of their remaining three years in high school to raise $30,000 per year, so that by the time they graduate high school they can cover the complete cost of building a Project Rescue home. Their desire to not only raise the funds, but perhaps even be a part of building the facility. As in, hammer the nails. WOW!
I was completely overwhelmed by the presence of these Christian sisters today. Jesus was so visible in them. The Holy Spirit spoke directly through them. I was struck in several ways:
1. It makes sense to use your interests - purses included - to be about God's work. What are your interests, and how are you using then for God's work?
2. God has purposely placed you in "spheres of influence" that can we used to raise awareness and pool resources for God's work. Who is in your spheres of influence, and how are you engaging those spheres?
3. Your season of life is insignificant in encouraging or discouraging your involvement in God's work. Stay at home mom or school age student or whatever season you are in, be encouraged there is a purpose for you. Do you know what it is, and are you pursuing it?
4. When God's people take seriously their call to be about their Father's business, the world can be a different place. I was overwhelmed by the thought of every Christian functioning as these ladies function. The possibility for permeating our city, our country, our world with hope is limitless. The world would be a different place. I couldn't help but think of how many Christians are wasting their lives being self-centered and myopic. Oh that we would see our lives as vehicles for God promotion not self-promotion!
What a glorious day it will be when all things are made new. Right now we see evidence of brokenness all around us. My heart was tightly gripped by the horrors of human trafficking. This world is not as it should be; far from it! But until all is renewed, let us be about our Father's business!
This is a sweet OVERWHELMING!
Blogging can sometimes seem slightly narcissistic to me, but my prayer is not to wave the flag of "Alexandra Gaskins," but share thoughts and scripture that hopefully will challenge and encourage the spirit of others. Still it seems a little foreign to air emotions on the world wide web. With that said, here I go. HA!
Valentine's Day will forever be bitter sweet. Valentine's Day 2009 was the day my beloved father went to be with the LORD. I'll spare you the details, but the speed and manner in which he died made it a shocking and painful experience. Not to mention the physical loss of his presence. Oh what a sweet day that reunion will be! In God's grace, the year of his death was the last year of my singleness. God brought Ron into my life that same year (and by "brought Ron into my life," I mean we started dating; we had been friends for some time prior). I consider this a great blessing! Still, with Valentine's Day approaching, the emotional battle wages. OVERWHELMING!
I've been praying about going back to school. I'm very excited about the possibility of pursuing some kind of Master's Degree that concentrates on community and economic development. Calvary Baptist Church, my church family as well as my employer, is laying out a "20:20 vision" that is guiding our next decade. Mercy Ministry is one of the values that we hope to hold high. This is extremely exciting to me, especially as much of my role on staff revolves around mercy ministry. This stated direction, coupled with the book I just read and several community players I've met recently, has contributed to my desire to be better equipped in the area of mercy ministry, hence the desire for my Masters. As I mentioned, I'm PUMPED about this opportunity, still the process of finding the right school/program, figuring out funding, scheduling, the thought of balancing school with marriage, work, rest, etc. OVERWHELMING!
I've noticed in life, at least for me, that typically there are "underlying issues" brewing that are unearthed by "presenting issues." Marriage provides great grounds of proof for this hypothesis. Your spouse can say or do something relatively harmless, but because of an underlying issue, you burst into tears or become angry or become a hermit or whatever your visceral reaction may be. Can I get an AMEN??
For me the two reasons stated above are the underlying issues that caused me to feel consciously overwhelmed today. The presenting issue: I hosted a party today that I had been eagerly anticipating for over a month. It was a "Change Purse" party intended to raise awareness and funds for victims of human trafficking. The party was officially for Change Purse, but was also intended to get the word out about SOS. I sent out an evite and had a great response. About 15 people where supposed to come. When only 3 people (not including Angela Moran of Change Purse and 4 of the fabulous SOS girls) showed up I had to fight back discouragement. Bottom line, people didn't come to my party, and I was pouting internally. I'd like to believe that normally I wouldn't have been so shaken by the small crowd, but as I mentioned earlier, the presenting problem hit nerves with some of my deeper underlying issues. OVERWHELMED!
But I have to tell you that more than any of the reasons for feeling overwhelmed that I mentioned previously, I was most overwhelmed by God's goodness and encouraged by His Body at the closing of my party. Let me explain...
Angela Moran and her best friend, Heather Reardon, are both stay at home moms who love purses. As they became aware of the massive injustice that is human trafficking, they wanted to do something. They started Change Purse. In essence they collect used purses and have parties where they sell the purses while sharing about the issue and how people can be involved. The money they collect through the purse parties are then funneled to Hope House, which is on the frontlines of compassionately caring for domestic human trafficking victims in Jesus name. WOW!
Morgan (14), McCall (12), Brianna (14), and Meliegha (13) enthusiastically represent SOS. In essence, these four girls along with several other friends, founded an organization that raises awareness - especially among teens - about the horrors of human trafficking, especially focusing on the international dynamics of this crisis. It is amazing to hear these girls spit out statistics of the endemic and share what groups are at work in bringing relief. What's even more amazing is that they see themselves as active players in bringing about justice in this area. How does a handful of teenagers make a difference in this massive issue? Similar to Angela, they host events that raise awareness and funds; the funds are given directly to organizations that are on the frontlines. Faith-based organizations like Project Rescue are among their partners. I overheard the girls talking with Angela before the party started that their goal is to use each of their remaining three years in high school to raise $30,000 per year, so that by the time they graduate high school they can cover the complete cost of building a Project Rescue home. Their desire to not only raise the funds, but perhaps even be a part of building the facility. As in, hammer the nails. WOW!
I was completely overwhelmed by the presence of these Christian sisters today. Jesus was so visible in them. The Holy Spirit spoke directly through them. I was struck in several ways:
1. It makes sense to use your interests - purses included - to be about God's work. What are your interests, and how are you using then for God's work?
2. God has purposely placed you in "spheres of influence" that can we used to raise awareness and pool resources for God's work. Who is in your spheres of influence, and how are you engaging those spheres?
3. Your season of life is insignificant in encouraging or discouraging your involvement in God's work. Stay at home mom or school age student or whatever season you are in, be encouraged there is a purpose for you. Do you know what it is, and are you pursuing it?
4. When God's people take seriously their call to be about their Father's business, the world can be a different place. I was overwhelmed by the thought of every Christian functioning as these ladies function. The possibility for permeating our city, our country, our world with hope is limitless. The world would be a different place. I couldn't help but think of how many Christians are wasting their lives being self-centered and myopic. Oh that we would see our lives as vehicles for God promotion not self-promotion!
What a glorious day it will be when all things are made new. Right now we see evidence of brokenness all around us. My heart was tightly gripped by the horrors of human trafficking. This world is not as it should be; far from it! But until all is renewed, let us be about our Father's business!
This is a sweet OVERWHELMING!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
The Kings Speech and THE KING OF KINGS
This afternoon my sweet husband took me to see a movie I've wanted to see for some time now, The King's Speech. It was every bit as good as I hoped and more. The movie is the true story of Prince Albert (Bertie), Duke of York, second son of King George V. As second successor to the throne, Prince Albert never intended to occupy the throne; that was the duty of his older brother, David. Still as a royal he was expected to make official speeches, a terrifying thought for someone who stuttered from early childhood. His stuttering - at least from his perspective - was the result of abuse received by a nanny as well as tormenting from his brothers. Though he had tried speech therapy to no avail, his wife found an unconventional therapist by the name of Lionel Logue who was able to convince Prince Albert that he could make progress in conquering his stammer. When Prince Albert's father died, his brother, David, became King, but later abdicated the throne in order to marry a twice divorced American woman, Wallace Simpson. Because the King of England is also the head of the Church of England, it was not permissible to marry a divorced woman. With this reality, Prince Albert became the assuming King of England as King George the VI. In assuming the throne, King George needed Logue's help in his coronation ceremony as well as the most significant "Declaration of War" when England declared war against Hitler's Germany. The movie ended with a powerful scene of King George VI, with just 40 minutes to practice his speech techniques with Logue, nailing his speech and securing the affection of His nation.
I'm not much a movie buff, but I do believe this movie was brilliantly scripted and marvelously acted. With British culture and accent abounding, I was reminded of my father and was filled with deep sentiment. It was a beautiful movie. When I left, I immediately called my mom, because she had previously seen the movie and had raved about it. We compared our thoughts and, being a wise theologian, she noted that Moses also had a stammer, and God used him in a mighty way.
When Moses enters the Biblical scene God is unveiling His plan to redeem a people to Himself. He had birthed what would be the nation of Israel through Abraham and, once established in number, God planned to use Moses to rescue His people from slavery in Egypt under Pharoah and lead them into the Promised Land - all this a beautiful picture of our liberation from slavery in sin to freedom found in Christ. Moses is chillin' in Midian tending sheep when God calls to him from a burning bush and declares that He is sending Moses to Pharaoh to bring His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Among Moses' many excuses, his last excuse follows: "O God, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." God's response: "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind. Is it not I, the LORD. Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:10 - 12)
Several thoughts. We all have our deficits. Right now I'm dealing with a chronic respiratory issue that has flared up and has slowed me down considerably. I also tend to stutter in times of nervousness. I am currently dealing with issues of self-control particularly as it pertains to emotions. These and many other vices remind me daily that God, the Kings of Kings, is the only one who is perfect. Like King George VI and Moses, I am humbled that he would use such an imperfect creature as myself for His divine purposes however insignificant my life may seem compared to English and Biblical nobility. Again I am reminded of God's words in II Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." But oh what a joy it will be when Christ returns and His redemptive purposes will be accomplished. It will be done. All things will be made new including a stammering tongue. The tongue that once stuttered will eloquently proclaim along with the heavenly hosts and every nation, tribe, and tongue, "Holy, Holy, Holy! You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being."
Two side notes:
1. The Kings Speech is rated R mostly because of the expletives used by Bertie and Lionel in therapy. While I believe the movie is brilliant, I wanted you to be aware that there is language in the movie.
2. This post reminds me of a newsletter I sent while living on the Westside of Chicago and witnessing God work through many impaired peoples, myself included. I am going to find that newsletter and share it in connection to this post.
I'm not much a movie buff, but I do believe this movie was brilliantly scripted and marvelously acted. With British culture and accent abounding, I was reminded of my father and was filled with deep sentiment. It was a beautiful movie. When I left, I immediately called my mom, because she had previously seen the movie and had raved about it. We compared our thoughts and, being a wise theologian, she noted that Moses also had a stammer, and God used him in a mighty way.
When Moses enters the Biblical scene God is unveiling His plan to redeem a people to Himself. He had birthed what would be the nation of Israel through Abraham and, once established in number, God planned to use Moses to rescue His people from slavery in Egypt under Pharoah and lead them into the Promised Land - all this a beautiful picture of our liberation from slavery in sin to freedom found in Christ. Moses is chillin' in Midian tending sheep when God calls to him from a burning bush and declares that He is sending Moses to Pharaoh to bring His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Among Moses' many excuses, his last excuse follows: "O God, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." God's response: "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind. Is it not I, the LORD. Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:10 - 12)
Several thoughts. We all have our deficits. Right now I'm dealing with a chronic respiratory issue that has flared up and has slowed me down considerably. I also tend to stutter in times of nervousness. I am currently dealing with issues of self-control particularly as it pertains to emotions. These and many other vices remind me daily that God, the Kings of Kings, is the only one who is perfect. Like King George VI and Moses, I am humbled that he would use such an imperfect creature as myself for His divine purposes however insignificant my life may seem compared to English and Biblical nobility. Again I am reminded of God's words in II Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." But oh what a joy it will be when Christ returns and His redemptive purposes will be accomplished. It will be done. All things will be made new including a stammering tongue. The tongue that once stuttered will eloquently proclaim along with the heavenly hosts and every nation, tribe, and tongue, "Holy, Holy, Holy! You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being."
Two side notes:
1. The Kings Speech is rated R mostly because of the expletives used by Bertie and Lionel in therapy. While I believe the movie is brilliant, I wanted you to be aware that there is language in the movie.
2. This post reminds me of a newsletter I sent while living on the Westside of Chicago and witnessing God work through many impaired peoples, myself included. I am going to find that newsletter and share it in connection to this post.
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