I really miss those weeknights under the lights, playing soccer against county rivals back at Daniel Boone High School. I was never a natural at soccer, and it was a sport I really had to work at. Not the most agile, I can remember running hills, doing plyometrics, and just trying to be an asset for my team. I didn't start varsity until my senior year, but it was so rewarding after working hard throughout high school. I finally felt like I was contributing.
At work, it's been very similar. I've always felt self-conscious of my work quality, or not worth the money they're paying me until I heard from coworkers that I was in fact doing a good job. That recognition is exactly what I'm looking for to get settled, but without it, I always feel this need and strong desire for the approval of others.
Even when it comes to clubs and organizations, I've always been driven to give as close to everything as I could give. Burning myself out just to get the feeling that others "needed" me. I wanted to feel that my existence made a difference; that if I left I would be missed, or things wouldn't be as good. And maybe I'm the only one that feels like this, but I think this is a void that we feel inside and constantly try to fill with the recognition of others.
Recently I was really intrigued by the story of Samson. It's told in Judges chapters 13-16. I would highly suggest reading it. It has lions, honey, and three-hundred foxes tied in pairs and lit on fire. How can you not enjoy it.
But in summary, it tells the story of the last judge of Israel who was born to take the lead in God's plan of delivering the Israelites from the Philistines who ruled over them at this time. He was born a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth. He is the only man in the Bible with the power of extraordinary strength, and an angel tells his mother that this strength doesn't fail as long as his hair remains uncut.
Being a Nazirite, Samson is forbidden from particular things. Looking at Judges 6: 1-8 it says in Ben's Shortened Version (BSV),
"That if a man or woman is to make the Nazirite vow, a vow of himself to Yahweh, he will abstain from wine and fermented liquor, cut his or her hair, or go near a corpse." Interestingly though, as a man dedicated from birth to God, we see Samson participate in many "unNazirite-like" actions:
1. He marries a Philistine woman.
2. He goes back to the corpse of the lion he kills when it attacks him.
3. He uses the "fresh" jawbone of a donkey (another corpse) to strike down a thousand Phillistines.
4. He sleeps with a prostitute.
5. He is blinded by women to the point that he gives up his secrets to them, including the secret of his strength that resides in his hair remaining uncut.
In conclusion, the Philistines cut Samson's hair and yet in response we see him say in Judges 16: 20 "'I'll go out as before and shake myself free.' But he did not know that the Lord had left him."
Do we reside in our own abilities to try to accomplish God's will? Do we think that our strengths are our own? Or do we somehow think we can make God feel like he needs us?
Samson's strength remained, despite his countless sins, but it is when he fails to recognize his own need for God, he is left powerless, abandoned by the Lord. Samson's eyes are plucked out as he is captured by the Philistines, leaned up between the two pillars that supported the temple and was harassed. He prayed to God for the last time in verse 28 "Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes."
And God listened, providing Samson with his strength again. With all his might, Samson pushed the two pillars over killing thousands of the Philistines in the temple, fulfilling God's will of helping deliverer Israel from their hands.
I'd like to share the important messages I've drawn from this amazing story:
1. There's a difference between God's "perfect will" and "permissive will." He wants us to do the right things, and live sinless, but because of our brokenness, perfect is not achievable. He still remains with us though as long as we don't think take it upon ourselves and diminish His role in our lives.
2. God will fulfill His will regardless of what we do. That might make us think we can kick up our feet and chill but I think it makes point 3 important.
3. God doesn't need us. He's the perfect storyteller, working through our mistakes to fulfill his plan. Yet, it's amazing how often we resort to idolizing "our own" strengths as if we're contributing, and making God's plan better than it was before we came along.
Our personal relationship with Him is what is important for us. We experience Him by pursuing his perfect will, loving others, taking leaps of faith, and living radically for Him. He loves us, and gives us a great amount of freedom to play a role in his redemptive story just like Samson, which is very uplifting. It's not about us. It isn't about how "needed" we feel. It never was and never will be. It's just about Him, and how He has, and is, and will continue to prevail.
So lets take the pressure off ourselves to contribute and let's enjoy the grace, mercy, and freedom He's poured onto us. Let's serve Him, not to be recognized, or "earn" salvation, but out of our love for Him.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
In the 99 or the 50?
I will always remember the group of students who "occupied" our student union building for what seemed like months in protest of.... maybe Sbarro's or was it Panda Express. Regardless of their success/failure in the HUB, the "occupy" method was a very visible protest of the 99% vs. the 1%, and has been an interesting topic of debate heightening many people to anger over the distribution of national wealth.
I think most of us identify with the 99% in this argument but regardless, my post is not intended to add kindle to the fire by picking sides. Regardless of your stance or opinion on this particular subject, please join me as we zoom out a bit and view this in a different light.
Take a deep breath... Okay keep reading...
According to the World Institute of Development Economics at the United Nations University, you would be in the top half in the world wealth distribution as an adult if you had assets of $2200 a year.
$2200 a year........... That's it...... Imagine trying to live off of that. And that's the ceiling of the bottom half of the world's adults. Which means that this money is used to support their dependents as well, like their children.
And... The bottom half of the world combine for just a little more than 1% of the world's total wealth.
We fail to realize that with a median income of close to $50,000 in this nation, most of us are part of the top 10-20% of the world when it comes to wealth. Wealth isn't exactly income. It's the difference between income plus assets minus debts so that's important to note. Our limited perspective makes us seem poor in comparison to millionaires and billionaires, when in fact we are some of the most fortunate in the world.
The reason I bring all this up is because I've been thinking recently, "Why are we this fortunate?"
Why was I raised in a developing country when most of the world isn't? Why will I get to live in the comfort of a home and have food on the table when nearly a billion people in the world are living without enough food on a consistent basis? Why, even if I were lazy, would I be more stable than men and women who gave so much sweat and tears for less?
Is it completely by chance; A flip of a coin or the roll of a die? Is that really how it works?
Is it that God places us in different circumstances and provides us with blessings and challenges that show us our need for Him. If so, that raises more questions, but questions that we in our limited perspective will completely be able to answer.
Minus small differences due to our personal efforts, I can't think of an argument that is centered around us earning our position, or them earning their depravity. Regardless of your belief, doesn't that change our sense of entitlement to money a little bit? Why am I better off than more than half the world?
I'm sure we all agree though that there is a stronger desire for us to hold on to what we have than to use it to benefit others. And not that it's always a conscious thought, but when we look at ourselves, we see the internal battle of the 99% mentality vs. the 50% mentality. Are we pitying ourselves or lending a helping hand to those who are struggling?
This shouldn't feel like guilt is twisting our arms behind our backs to give money. I know I personally struggle with the desire to hold on to my money and feel guilted into donating. We should be thankful that we have the gift of security and the opportunity to help others. And money isn't the only way to help either. Volunteering our time and energy in service is another powerful way to help those in need.
And I don't want to diminish our drive to help those in need here in the United States. There are people in the United States who are a part of the bottom 50% internationally. And the efforts of some of the top 1% here are extremely admirable and should not be forgotten or downplayed.
The facts show that we are very fortunate financially to live where we live. Right now many are asking "Why won't the 1% help out the 99%?" And it's a fair question, but I hope we also ask, "What would happen if the top 50% of this world was constantly looking out for the bottom 50%?"
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
1 Timothy 6:17-19
*http://www.wider.unu.edu/events/past-events/2006-events/en_GB/05-12-2006/
I think most of us identify with the 99% in this argument but regardless, my post is not intended to add kindle to the fire by picking sides. Regardless of your stance or opinion on this particular subject, please join me as we zoom out a bit and view this in a different light.
Take a deep breath... Okay keep reading...
According to the World Institute of Development Economics at the United Nations University, you would be in the top half in the world wealth distribution as an adult if you had assets of $2200 a year.
$2200 a year........... That's it...... Imagine trying to live off of that. And that's the ceiling of the bottom half of the world's adults. Which means that this money is used to support their dependents as well, like their children.
And... The bottom half of the world combine for just a little more than 1% of the world's total wealth.
We fail to realize that with a median income of close to $50,000 in this nation, most of us are part of the top 10-20% of the world when it comes to wealth. Wealth isn't exactly income. It's the difference between income plus assets minus debts so that's important to note. Our limited perspective makes us seem poor in comparison to millionaires and billionaires, when in fact we are some of the most fortunate in the world.
The reason I bring all this up is because I've been thinking recently, "Why are we this fortunate?"
Why was I raised in a developing country when most of the world isn't? Why will I get to live in the comfort of a home and have food on the table when nearly a billion people in the world are living without enough food on a consistent basis? Why, even if I were lazy, would I be more stable than men and women who gave so much sweat and tears for less?
Is it completely by chance; A flip of a coin or the roll of a die? Is that really how it works?
Is it that God places us in different circumstances and provides us with blessings and challenges that show us our need for Him. If so, that raises more questions, but questions that we in our limited perspective will completely be able to answer.
Minus small differences due to our personal efforts, I can't think of an argument that is centered around us earning our position, or them earning their depravity. Regardless of your belief, doesn't that change our sense of entitlement to money a little bit? Why am I better off than more than half the world?
I'm sure we all agree though that there is a stronger desire for us to hold on to what we have than to use it to benefit others. And not that it's always a conscious thought, but when we look at ourselves, we see the internal battle of the 99% mentality vs. the 50% mentality. Are we pitying ourselves or lending a helping hand to those who are struggling?
This shouldn't feel like guilt is twisting our arms behind our backs to give money. I know I personally struggle with the desire to hold on to my money and feel guilted into donating. We should be thankful that we have the gift of security and the opportunity to help others. And money isn't the only way to help either. Volunteering our time and energy in service is another powerful way to help those in need.
And I don't want to diminish our drive to help those in need here in the United States. There are people in the United States who are a part of the bottom 50% internationally. And the efforts of some of the top 1% here are extremely admirable and should not be forgotten or downplayed.
The facts show that we are very fortunate financially to live where we live. Right now many are asking "Why won't the 1% help out the 99%?" And it's a fair question, but I hope we also ask, "What would happen if the top 50% of this world was constantly looking out for the bottom 50%?"
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
1 Timothy 6:17-19
*http://www.wider.unu.edu/events/past-events/2006-events/en_GB/05-12-2006/
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Mr. Charles
Six one-hour driving lessons with Mr. Charles in his black Hyundai Sonata and I had enough. "Look left, right, left. If you're clear, you're moving." He said this word-for-word at every stop sign we came to, which quickly became too many stop signs. His gray hair, black glasses, and excessively boring voice stick with me. I can definitely say I learned from him, but as I said, six lessons were enough.
Taking driving lessons was annoying. For those who have gone through it, you probably had some random instructor critiquing your every turn, stop, acceleration, deceleration, and oh boy.... parallel parking. Yup, you were constantly told to drive like the safest driver on the roads, which ironically makes you the most dangerous by instilling road rage in the other, "not-so-safe" drivers.
And the worst part, was that Mr. Charles' car was equipped with a brake pedal in the passenger seat. And he would reach over and grab the steering wheel at any time. He would pretty much take the role as the driver. And that's frustrating! I don't know about you, but I like to be in control. And I am not a fan of driving with an instructor who does not trust my ability to drive.
But are we the Mr. Charles in our drive with God? Could He be frustrated with us trying to grab the wheel and apply the brakes?
"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall."
Psalm 13: 1-4
It's hard for us to commit to the idea that if we really commit to God, He is the driver and we are just the passenger. How often do we get impatient, pressing the brake pedal, or grabbing the wheel from Him?
Do we feel forgotten? Or that He has left us? Have we been distraught with the struggles of seemingly unanswered prayers or sorrows and struggles that have lasted longer than we desired?
Do we pressure Him to give us immediate answers, or to tell us exactly how we are getting to our destination? These doubts impair our relationship with God and can make the ride less joyful.
How are we trying to grab the wheel? How are we applying the brakes in life? Only through putting full faith in the driver will we be able to take His route to our destination. Easier said than done. And at times it will be scary, as I'm sure it was for Mr. Charles, but God knows what he's doing (unlike some of the student drivers) and He just wants us to believe in Him and let go of our doubts.
"But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord's praise,
for he has been good to me."
Psalm 13: 5-6
Taking driving lessons was annoying. For those who have gone through it, you probably had some random instructor critiquing your every turn, stop, acceleration, deceleration, and oh boy.... parallel parking. Yup, you were constantly told to drive like the safest driver on the roads, which ironically makes you the most dangerous by instilling road rage in the other, "not-so-safe" drivers.
And the worst part, was that Mr. Charles' car was equipped with a brake pedal in the passenger seat. And he would reach over and grab the steering wheel at any time. He would pretty much take the role as the driver. And that's frustrating! I don't know about you, but I like to be in control. And I am not a fan of driving with an instructor who does not trust my ability to drive.
But are we the Mr. Charles in our drive with God? Could He be frustrated with us trying to grab the wheel and apply the brakes?
"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall."
Psalm 13: 1-4
It's hard for us to commit to the idea that if we really commit to God, He is the driver and we are just the passenger. How often do we get impatient, pressing the brake pedal, or grabbing the wheel from Him?
Do we feel forgotten? Or that He has left us? Have we been distraught with the struggles of seemingly unanswered prayers or sorrows and struggles that have lasted longer than we desired?
Do we pressure Him to give us immediate answers, or to tell us exactly how we are getting to our destination? These doubts impair our relationship with God and can make the ride less joyful.
How are we trying to grab the wheel? How are we applying the brakes in life? Only through putting full faith in the driver will we be able to take His route to our destination. Easier said than done. And at times it will be scary, as I'm sure it was for Mr. Charles, but God knows what he's doing (unlike some of the student drivers) and He just wants us to believe in Him and let go of our doubts.
"But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord's praise,
for he has been good to me."
Psalm 13: 5-6
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Lost Lesson of Joe Paterno
The trial opening last week reminded me of how crazy this year was to be at Penn State. The accusations against Jerry Sandusky coming to the public's attention, followed by Joe Paterno's firing, the dreadful riots in downtown State College, and a beautiful candlelight vigil for the victims of sexual abuse all within a week. Then the Nebraska game where both teams prayed together on the field prior to the game and students demonstrated their support of the victims, Joe Paterno's rapidly failing health and passing, and a second candlelight vigil and memorial for a man who did so much for this school, community, and everyone who considered themselves a part of the Penn State family.
So many alumni and students talked about Joe like he was another member of their family. Seeing the flowers and piles of cards and Penn State memorabilia surround his statue at Beaver Stadium demonstrated just how much he was loved and how much he is already missed.
I was never one to consider him like a grandfather. Although my dad and both his brothers were Penn State grads, I didn't really grow up as a huge Penn State fan. I knew Joe Pa was the coach of the football team, but I didn't know what the hype was about.
Then I came to school here, and I heard all the stories of all of the awesome things this man has done. Supporting students financially in their endeavors, donating $4 million for a library, and giving hysterical pep rally speeches about picnics and meatballs. I started to feel like I knew him and I wanted to meet him just once. Just wanted to shake his hand and say, "It's an honor to meet you Coach Paterno."
Unfortunately he passed away before I got the chance to shake his hand during postgame at any of the football games despite all my efforts. But over these two and a half years, I had gained a huge appreciation for who this man really was.
He was a man who wanted to make a positive impact on everyone around him. Someone who was given so much influence and power, and yet lived a very humble life impacting players' lives and investing himself in the Penn State family. A football coach, who knew that there were much more important things than the X's and O's.
He is a prime example of a leader living in service of his followers; his players, the students, alumni, community members, and anyone who was close enough to know what he lived for. I listened to so many students this year praise Joe Pa for everything he did, and yet seemed to miss one of the greatest lessons I think he'd be too modest to speak of himself.
The following at first might sound like I'm diminishing his significance, but in fact I'm raising the significance of what he did as a man.
The lost lesson is that everyone can live a life like this. Sounds simple, straight-forward, and maybe you've considered this, but I feel like so much of this campus, and Penn State family, has missed it in the roller coaster of a year it has been. It's difficult to live like Joe, but possible and he would have wanted each and everyone of us to pursue it.
He was just as human as the rest of us; he ate, drank, slept, faced temptations, had to make difficult decisions, made a lot of good decisions, and made some wrong decisions as well. But most importantly, as the image and face of this university, as a leader, he consistently made the personal decision to completely invest himself in those he was surrounded by.
It takes determination and sacrifice to be different than the norm. Joe had the opportunity to coach in the NFL, but turned it down. Could have kept all his earnings to himself and lived a more lavish lifestyle, but he didn't.
We aren't perfect, and Joe wasn't either. We need to realize that each and every one of us has the opportunity to impact those around us for the better. We have the opportunities to make impacts like Joe did, but we have to make it a priority to take advantage of those opportunities. We need to look to him as a coach for how to live, pushing us from our comfort zone.
Imagine what this campus would be like if the 40,000+ students who knew what Joe Paterno had done here in State College all took to heart what he stood for? Or how about the 500,000+ alumni around the globe?
Let's make sure it's not only the two national championships, 409 wins, and the name on the library that he's remembered for. We need to pass on his desire to live a hard-working, passionate, fun, and selfless life by pursuing it ourselves.
Thanks Joe! We'll miss you! Rest in peace.
So many alumni and students talked about Joe like he was another member of their family. Seeing the flowers and piles of cards and Penn State memorabilia surround his statue at Beaver Stadium demonstrated just how much he was loved and how much he is already missed.
I was never one to consider him like a grandfather. Although my dad and both his brothers were Penn State grads, I didn't really grow up as a huge Penn State fan. I knew Joe Pa was the coach of the football team, but I didn't know what the hype was about.
Then I came to school here, and I heard all the stories of all of the awesome things this man has done. Supporting students financially in their endeavors, donating $4 million for a library, and giving hysterical pep rally speeches about picnics and meatballs. I started to feel like I knew him and I wanted to meet him just once. Just wanted to shake his hand and say, "It's an honor to meet you Coach Paterno."
Unfortunately he passed away before I got the chance to shake his hand during postgame at any of the football games despite all my efforts. But over these two and a half years, I had gained a huge appreciation for who this man really was.
He was a man who wanted to make a positive impact on everyone around him. Someone who was given so much influence and power, and yet lived a very humble life impacting players' lives and investing himself in the Penn State family. A football coach, who knew that there were much more important things than the X's and O's.
He is a prime example of a leader living in service of his followers; his players, the students, alumni, community members, and anyone who was close enough to know what he lived for. I listened to so many students this year praise Joe Pa for everything he did, and yet seemed to miss one of the greatest lessons I think he'd be too modest to speak of himself.
The following at first might sound like I'm diminishing his significance, but in fact I'm raising the significance of what he did as a man.
The lost lesson is that everyone can live a life like this. Sounds simple, straight-forward, and maybe you've considered this, but I feel like so much of this campus, and Penn State family, has missed it in the roller coaster of a year it has been. It's difficult to live like Joe, but possible and he would have wanted each and everyone of us to pursue it.
He was just as human as the rest of us; he ate, drank, slept, faced temptations, had to make difficult decisions, made a lot of good decisions, and made some wrong decisions as well. But most importantly, as the image and face of this university, as a leader, he consistently made the personal decision to completely invest himself in those he was surrounded by.
It takes determination and sacrifice to be different than the norm. Joe had the opportunity to coach in the NFL, but turned it down. Could have kept all his earnings to himself and lived a more lavish lifestyle, but he didn't.
We aren't perfect, and Joe wasn't either. We need to realize that each and every one of us has the opportunity to impact those around us for the better. We have the opportunities to make impacts like Joe did, but we have to make it a priority to take advantage of those opportunities. We need to look to him as a coach for how to live, pushing us from our comfort zone.
Imagine what this campus would be like if the 40,000+ students who knew what Joe Paterno had done here in State College all took to heart what he stood for? Or how about the 500,000+ alumni around the globe?
Let's make sure it's not only the two national championships, 409 wins, and the name on the library that he's remembered for. We need to pass on his desire to live a hard-working, passionate, fun, and selfless life by pursuing it ourselves.
Thanks Joe! We'll miss you! Rest in peace.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Rule of Five
I was grabbing breakfast with a very very good friend of mine and he asked me, "Have you ever heard of the 'Rule of Five'?" Initially I thought of the Japanese lean manufacturing process started by Toyota that consisted of asking the question "Why?" five times. Here's an example:
Why did you go to the movies last night?
Because I wanted to hang out with my friends.
Why did you want to hang out with your friends?
Because they are cool and fun to be with.
Why are they cool and fun to be with?
Because they have pet pandas and play kazoos.
Why do they have pet pandas and play kazoos?
Because they're in a kazoo band that features pandas on guitar and piano every now and then.
Why are they in a kazoo band that features pandas on guitar and piano every now and then.
I don't know.
All this to prove that this process is intended to find the root of a question. Sorry for wasting 10 seconds of your life with pandas and kazoos because that unfortunately wasn't what my friend was talking about.
The Rule of Five is that you are the average of the five people you are closest to. Think about that for a second... You are essentially a mix of the people you interact with most. It makes sense, but sometimes we overlook some of the simplest, least complex things in life.
Another way to look at it is to consider a way you creatively express yourself. Photography, painting, dance, sports, writing or even work. I personally love drumming. And as I was drumming on my steering wheel while driving I realized that there's no such thing as pure creation or imagination when it comes to making up parts and just playing. Everything I play is either from something I heard, read from a piece of music, or was a combination of two or more previous things I already knew. We cannot create something from nothing.
And isn't that how nature works? Everything is a byproduct of something else. 2+2=4, seed + water + sunlight = tree, and a Labrador + a Poodle = a Labradoodle. It never fails.
So think about what people you are imitating. You're not just yourself, living a completely different lifestyle than those around you. It's important to reflect and think about who you really are, because it's in moments where you are stressed and unable to think that the true self comes out. Your true self being a mix of those closest to you.
So... Who's in your five?
Monday, June 11, 2012
The Relationship of J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter
I was a ginormous Harry Potter fan growing up. Waiting in line for each book, I highly anticipated each successive story to the series. I wasn't much of a reader, but when a new Potter book came out, my next two days were devoted to reading, eating, and maybe a couple hours of sleeping. I think I pulled more all-nighters reading Harry Potter than I have my entire college experience. Anyway....
I feel like the story of "the boy who lived" is perfect for illustrating an interesting thought that I considered a little over a year ago.
J.K. Rowling knows everything about Harry Potter because she created him, right? Every strength, weakness, and hair on his head creation of her imagination. But does Harry know J.K. Rowling?
To Harry, J.K. Rowling doesn't exist at all, or if she did, he would know nothing about her. The only way for Harry to know J.K. Rowling would be for her to write herself into the story.
So now we are looking at the imaginary world that Harry lives in from an external perspective instead of the internal perspective all the books are narrated from. A perspective where he is still participating in his story, but doesn't know his own author, Ms. Rowling.
We live in our own world, with our own story, very similar to Harry. We go through our personal plot-line that follows our own pursuit of happiness and self-discovery through countless little adventures: school, our careers, relationships with friends and families, hobbies, and the random journeys we venture. Yet, is it possible that we cannot see outside the bubble that we live in, like Harry?
Could it be a story within a story? And no I'm not transitioning to Inception here.
What if the J.K. Rowling of our story came and lived with us so we could know her?
Unlike J.K. Rowling, our author has written Himself into our story so we can know Him. He humbled Himself to live as a man amongst us and died for our sins so that we could know Him.
It sounds crazy, and growing up, I always had doubts. It didn't make sense in the context of everything we have going on here. I thought it was all about how good of a person I was here. But think about this.... We have a limited perspective on life outside ourselves. We struggle with understanding so many things here on earth, let alone the things unseen. So how can our views be objective and true without an external perspective?
As I said earlier, I pondered this thought a year ago, and I've changed a lot since then because of it. I changed because I realized that Jesus is God's way of writing Himself into our story.
I noticed my own weaknesses and inability to live a perfect life. I am unfit to be in His presence when I leave this world. I couldn't save myself. Only through the sacrifice of His perfect son am I able to be rescued from the death I deserve. He sent Jesus to die undeservingly for us so that for those who believe in Him will have eternal life with Him.
And if this is true, it completely changes everything. If Harry knew that his world, his story, was just a source of entertainment for millions of people in our world he would probably act differently. Maybe he would crack a few Hufflepuff jokes. So what does it mean for us?
He wants us to know Him!
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
- Revelation 3:20
For the first time, I realized what the story is all about. He wants us to know Him, and I'm so glad I opened the door to let Him in. He's been knocking for a long time.
I feel like the story of "the boy who lived" is perfect for illustrating an interesting thought that I considered a little over a year ago.
J.K. Rowling knows everything about Harry Potter because she created him, right? Every strength, weakness, and hair on his head creation of her imagination. But does Harry know J.K. Rowling?
To Harry, J.K. Rowling doesn't exist at all, or if she did, he would know nothing about her. The only way for Harry to know J.K. Rowling would be for her to write herself into the story.
So now we are looking at the imaginary world that Harry lives in from an external perspective instead of the internal perspective all the books are narrated from. A perspective where he is still participating in his story, but doesn't know his own author, Ms. Rowling.
We live in our own world, with our own story, very similar to Harry. We go through our personal plot-line that follows our own pursuit of happiness and self-discovery through countless little adventures: school, our careers, relationships with friends and families, hobbies, and the random journeys we venture. Yet, is it possible that we cannot see outside the bubble that we live in, like Harry?
Could it be a story within a story? And no I'm not transitioning to Inception here.
What if the J.K. Rowling of our story came and lived with us so we could know her?
Unlike J.K. Rowling, our author has written Himself into our story so we can know Him. He humbled Himself to live as a man amongst us and died for our sins so that we could know Him.
It sounds crazy, and growing up, I always had doubts. It didn't make sense in the context of everything we have going on here. I thought it was all about how good of a person I was here. But think about this.... We have a limited perspective on life outside ourselves. We struggle with understanding so many things here on earth, let alone the things unseen. So how can our views be objective and true without an external perspective?
As I said earlier, I pondered this thought a year ago, and I've changed a lot since then because of it. I changed because I realized that Jesus is God's way of writing Himself into our story.
I noticed my own weaknesses and inability to live a perfect life. I am unfit to be in His presence when I leave this world. I couldn't save myself. Only through the sacrifice of His perfect son am I able to be rescued from the death I deserve. He sent Jesus to die undeservingly for us so that for those who believe in Him will have eternal life with Him.
And if this is true, it completely changes everything. If Harry knew that his world, his story, was just a source of entertainment for millions of people in our world he would probably act differently. Maybe he would crack a few Hufflepuff jokes. So what does it mean for us?
He wants us to know Him!
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
- Revelation 3:20
For the first time, I realized what the story is all about. He wants us to know Him, and I'm so glad I opened the door to let Him in. He's been knocking for a long time.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Are you a Devon Miles?
Ahhhh yes.... Devon Miles. Nick Cannon's character in the movie "Drumline". I'm guessing many of you have seen the movie but for those of you who have not, I'll quickly summarize it.
Devon is a drummer from Harlem who is recruited to join Atlanta A&T's drumline. He was a talented drummer at his high school and enters college with the anticipation of being a "star" in their band. Long story short, the movie primarily focuses on him finding his place within the line.
On a side note, I want to use this post to clarify, being in an actual drumline is nothing like the movie depicts it to be.
1. We don't challenge each other by dancing and swinging sticks around.
2. We don't refer to ourselves as the heartbeat of the band. And...
3. We don't sing our parts in the rain.
But back to the actual point of my post, I think Devon has traits that we can relate to and the plot-line has some good things we can learn from.
Before Devon even arrives at campus, he has a sense of entitlement to leadership. He knows nothing about how things are run, anyone within the line, or even how well he drums in comparison to those around him. This forms a power struggle within the drumline between Devon and the current captain Sean before he is even officially a member of the band.
One of the defining moments, is when Sean goes down the line playing on each of their drums and Devon outplays him. Devon smirks as he tries to demonstrate his superiority to Sean. Then the band director, Dr. Lee, steps in and has Devon add simple steps forward while playing. He can't do it and Dr. Lee shows Devon that he isn't everything he thinks he is. "You must learn to follow before you can lead." he says.
Deep advice for a movie that's made up of drumming, a cheesy love story, and..... uh yeah, that's it.
I know in the past I've thought highly of my own abilities like Devon. I've thought that I could do things better if I were in charge or just given an opportunity to lead.
Ever joined a group and quickly jumped to the conclusion that you know it better than those who are there, or could lead better? Have you ever let your own pride get in the way of respecting leaders and your authority? Are you a Devon Miles?
It is important for us to submit to our leaders. If we are looking to be humble leaders in the future, the first step comes with being humble followers. If you can not submit yourself to those above you, how do you think you will be able to earn the respect of your followers in the future?
I don't want to make this a "one-size-fits-all" type of advice because personal judgement is needed in scenarios as well. The last thing I want you to do is do illegal activities because someone told you to, and then you say, "Well Ben told me I should always listen to leaders."
This is more of a heart issue, not a command to action. Lies are fed to us to resist authority and by individuals all the time. We're told it's all about "numero uno" and that's just not true.
And the best way to work on that heart issue is to evaluate if you are being a Devon Miles in your relationship with God. Full submission to leaders here comes as a result of letting God take the wheel and lead your life.
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."
-Hebrews 12:17
Devon is a drummer from Harlem who is recruited to join Atlanta A&T's drumline. He was a talented drummer at his high school and enters college with the anticipation of being a "star" in their band. Long story short, the movie primarily focuses on him finding his place within the line.
On a side note, I want to use this post to clarify, being in an actual drumline is nothing like the movie depicts it to be.
1. We don't challenge each other by dancing and swinging sticks around.
2. We don't refer to ourselves as the heartbeat of the band. And...
3. We don't sing our parts in the rain.
But back to the actual point of my post, I think Devon has traits that we can relate to and the plot-line has some good things we can learn from.
Before Devon even arrives at campus, he has a sense of entitlement to leadership. He knows nothing about how things are run, anyone within the line, or even how well he drums in comparison to those around him. This forms a power struggle within the drumline between Devon and the current captain Sean before he is even officially a member of the band.
One of the defining moments, is when Sean goes down the line playing on each of their drums and Devon outplays him. Devon smirks as he tries to demonstrate his superiority to Sean. Then the band director, Dr. Lee, steps in and has Devon add simple steps forward while playing. He can't do it and Dr. Lee shows Devon that he isn't everything he thinks he is. "You must learn to follow before you can lead." he says.
Deep advice for a movie that's made up of drumming, a cheesy love story, and..... uh yeah, that's it.
I know in the past I've thought highly of my own abilities like Devon. I've thought that I could do things better if I were in charge or just given an opportunity to lead.
Ever joined a group and quickly jumped to the conclusion that you know it better than those who are there, or could lead better? Have you ever let your own pride get in the way of respecting leaders and your authority? Are you a Devon Miles?
It is important for us to submit to our leaders. If we are looking to be humble leaders in the future, the first step comes with being humble followers. If you can not submit yourself to those above you, how do you think you will be able to earn the respect of your followers in the future?
I don't want to make this a "one-size-fits-all" type of advice because personal judgement is needed in scenarios as well. The last thing I want you to do is do illegal activities because someone told you to, and then you say, "Well Ben told me I should always listen to leaders."
This is more of a heart issue, not a command to action. Lies are fed to us to resist authority and by individuals all the time. We're told it's all about "numero uno" and that's just not true.
And the best way to work on that heart issue is to evaluate if you are being a Devon Miles in your relationship with God. Full submission to leaders here comes as a result of letting God take the wheel and lead your life.
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."
-Hebrews 12:17
Monday, June 4, 2012
Go Big or Go Home
On Memorial Day weekend, I was playing a dice game, called Dinger, with my extended family. We were sitting around the table taking turns trying
to get to the winning score of 10,000 points. On each roll, you can take what
you’ve accumulated or you can roll again with the risk of losing everything you’ve
earned on that turn.
Nothing was at stake except
bragging rights for literally 30 seconds before the next game started. But it
was fun, and competitive, nonetheless.
Many at the table were conservative and afraid to risk the
1000 or so points they had rolled for the chance to double or quadruple that amount.
They liked the safe feeling of a comfortable amount of points and more often
than not, packed up the dice and settled for the small amount. My
uncle Dave took a different approach, following his simple strategy, “Go big or go home!”
He said, “Who is going to remember the game when someone won
by taking 500 points every round? No one. They will remember the game that is won by the crazy player rolling for the huge win.”
He’s right. Think about the most memorable moments in your
life… Were they not when you either pushed yourself to do something out of the
ordinary or beyond your comfort zone? Or maybe, they were simply events that
allowed you to go against the grain of the repetitive and safe everyday life. That time you gave a helping hand when no one else would or serving those in need and then getting to see the smile that is brought to their face.
Let’s assume those events make up 1% of our lives. How do you live with the remaining 99%?
-Are you safe and conservative, afraid to go after that
dream that seems to be a little risky?
-Timid to pursue a passion that could bring real change to
the world because of the possibility of failure?
-Slow to take that
extra step out of your way to check in on a friend or help a stranger out?
I know I’ve been hesitant. I miss opportunities to be there
for friends. I don’t always go out of my way to help out a stranger. As far as
career decisions, I wanted to go to college and major in engineering because I
was pretty confident it would provide a comfortable lifestyle. I could work hard for a little
bit, and then I would be able to rest on that short effort; like the 1000 point
roll. I didn’t want to risk anything?
But what am I risking
by giving my energy, time, strengths, and
possessions to help others? Nothing. There’s nothing to lose but everything to
gain. Now I wonder how I can continue to roll the dice. How can I go forward in
life and make a difference not for myself, but for those around me? No matter
where we are at, everyday, there is a way to roll those dice again; a way to
take a step of faith to improve life for someone else.
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
-Phillippians 2:3
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
-Phillippians 2:3
Welcome!
“With great power comes great responsibility.” This may be one of the most cliché quotes due to its excessive overuse, but it remains to be a true statement.
Lately, I’ve been considering what God is calling us to do in this life and have changed Uncle Ben’s quote around slightly. “With great blessings comes great responsibility.” We live in a culture that is thriving and blessed compared to billions of others here on earth when it comes to possessions and opportunities.
How are we to use these gifts? I’ve been blessed to have a college education. I have a family that is pretty much completely healthy. I do not have to worry about having food or water on the table. I have a roof over my head every night. And, I’ve only worked and earned money for not even 4 summers so far. Not even a full year of work when you add it up, and yet I’ve been blessed, undeservingly so, with all of these luxuries…. Hmmmmmm…
There are people in this world without many of things and yet day-to-day, we (including myself) often take them for granted. So what are we called to do? With great blessings, we are called to bless others.
Through our education, energy, time, and even money, we have an immense opportunity to take on the needs of the world. And with every opportunity, it takes a leader to step up and make it a reality.
My hope is to tackle the issue of defining what a leader in this world should look like. I honestly believe that the best leaders are those who humble themselves and serve others first and foremost. After all, the greatest leader to ever walk this earth was humble enough to die on a cross for us and it was through this selfless act that He became the definition of the perfect leader.
Lately, I’ve been considering what God is calling us to do in this life and have changed Uncle Ben’s quote around slightly. “With great blessings comes great responsibility.” We live in a culture that is thriving and blessed compared to billions of others here on earth when it comes to possessions and opportunities.
How are we to use these gifts? I’ve been blessed to have a college education. I have a family that is pretty much completely healthy. I do not have to worry about having food or water on the table. I have a roof over my head every night. And, I’ve only worked and earned money for not even 4 summers so far. Not even a full year of work when you add it up, and yet I’ve been blessed, undeservingly so, with all of these luxuries…. Hmmmmmm…
There are people in this world without many of things and yet day-to-day, we (including myself) often take them for granted. So what are we called to do? With great blessings, we are called to bless others.
Through our education, energy, time, and even money, we have an immense opportunity to take on the needs of the world. And with every opportunity, it takes a leader to step up and make it a reality.
My hope is to tackle the issue of defining what a leader in this world should look like. I honestly believe that the best leaders are those who humble themselves and serve others first and foremost. After all, the greatest leader to ever walk this earth was humble enough to die on a cross for us and it was through this selfless act that He became the definition of the perfect leader.
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