Grace

Grace... it is a word that we use so freely and frequently within the community of Christ. We can define it, like with the acrostic;
God's
Righteousness
At
Christ's
Expense.
Or we can simply speak of unconditional love (whatever that truly is).
Yet we who are finite, how is it that we can begin to understand yet apply such an infinite concept?

Over the past few days I have had to struggle with this concept. Of course as a Lutheran, what runs in my mind is the tyranny of legalism, and the temptation of "cheap grace" as per the words of D. Bonhoeffer. I am shocked to think that maybe I choose the law over God's grace, and yet I am alarmed that the easy out of forgiveness without repentance would make for what Luther would call a religion that is worth nothing.

At the center of my diliberation is how to exercise my pastoral office. I realize that there is no right choice, and that in the end no matter what I choose, there will be pain, sadness, and disappointment. There is no easy grace for me in my decision.

As I wrestled with a response, I was reminded by another of the story of the prodigal son (Luke chapter 15). In that case, however, the son was repentant... the son was willing to come back under the authority of his father... the son was willing to submit. While Grace was offered by the father, and it was offered before the son even had a chance to say a word, nonetheless this was born out of the desire of both parties to be in a loving relationship with each other.

Grace becomes cheap if it offers the "prize" without reform of one's direction in life. Grace is not grace if it allows us to continue in our harmful patterns without challenging the validity of a path of individual identity apart from our subservience to God's will. Grace may be unconditional, but if it does not bring a change in the condition of those to whom it is offered, then one must wonder what was the point?

I know for myself that if measured I fail, and fail often. I am far from perfect as a pastor, husband, father, and instrument of God's grace. Somehow, however, this seems to be the first step into the midst of God's grace. For as long as I am unwilling to admit of my sin/brokeness/ rebellion, I may desire grace, but I really don't cling to grace. I simply am using grace as a means of salving my conscious as I continue in the way I would choose for myself.

In the end, I have chosen not to offer a panacea that would ease the pain of the moment, but not address the disease. I have chosen rightly or wrongly to opt for the costly grace of the cross... a grace that leads us into death so that we might experience life as God intended. I have chosen not to allow what others may want or believe they are entitled to because we are suppose to show grace, because I believe that grace calls us to hold up the mirror before ourselves, and confess how sin twists God's good intentions. I can never be sure I have chosen correctly, but in all humility I pause and trust in God's grace for me, a sinner of God's redeeming.

Anything to Say?

My wife tells me frequently that I should write a book. My response is, "What?"

I'm not the type that can imagine typing away at an opus masterpiece. Yet I'm reminded that all great journeys begin with but one small step. So perhaps this little blog is my first step toward something more profound. Or maybe its just meanderings of a middle aged pastor. Do I have anything to say?

Speaking of the profound, I am always amazed at how lacking in profundity we are. We settle too easily for sound bites and simple answers rather than doing the hard work of learning through listening.

I have had a variety of people tell me what the Bible says about one thing or another. When I asked them how they came to their conclusion, all too frequently they will quote to me one bible verse, or some vague generalities that they hope will mask their lacking of understanding. When did we as followers of Christ decide that "written word" takes precedence over the incarnate word Christ? Wasn't Jesus always confronting their understanding of the written word?

It's like me sitting down to this computer and pounding out a few words and claiming some special knowledge that is beyond what others might say. This is plain crazy, and yet time and time again, I have people who have only the rudimentary biblical skills telling me what the bible truly says. Now, please don't get me wrong, I believe that one doesn't have to go to college in order to get an education. Nor do I believe one needs to attend seminary to understand or discern the meaning of scriptures, but it sure does help to some extent. If we don't have a very strong understanding, doesn't it make sense to study under one who might have greater knowledge or expertise? Yet, all too often our piety or pride gets in the way of such a sensible choice.

Like I say in the title, I really don't have much to say... especially if I want to keep up the appearances of being fairly intelligent. So I will end with a joke,,, it's better to keep your mouth shut and have people assume you to be stupid than open it and prove people right.

Peace.

People of the Fence

A few weeks ago, my wife began to put together a song titled "People of the Fence." It is an allegory about the relationship between God and we the church.

The song tells how God has a path for us and alongside he put up a fence, a simple fence, to keep us from loosing our way. The problem is that we see the fence and begin to believe it is our job to fix the fence or make it better so that no harm might come our way. Instead of journeying down the path toward the One who loves us best, we spend our time building bigger walls and mending fences.

Now I must admit I've done my fair share of wall building and the like in the name of God. I have built my walls of theological superiority and intellectual curiosity to stand against the tides of secularism on one hand, and fundamentalism on the other. I have worked hard at developing my skills, and I can look back to remember how I far too frequently won the day.

Yet is that what God desires we spend our time doing? We fight for prayer in the schools but vote against giving them the tax base they need to do their job. We protest the failure to post the 10 commandments in some obscure court room and yet we lie and cheat on our taxes. We go to our Bible-believing churches on Sunday, only to exit condemning those sinners who did not gather alongside us. We have done well at building walls but wasn't Jesus about building bridges?

Over the past few weeks, I have experienced what it is like when people construct a theological wall declaring me to be the outsider. Many who argue for the truth of the whole Bible have chosen to disassociate from our fellowship. Yet did they come and have a conversation or allow us to bid them farewell? No. They are right and we are wrong, and so I suppose there is no need for further conversation.

As a Lutheran Christian I was taught that the Incarnate Word (Jesus) is the lens through which we read the written Word (Bible). If that is so, then we read the bible always through the promise of God's salvation and his desire for inclusion. As we see in the Book of Acts, this witness of Jesus caused Peter and others in the early church to rethink scripture, tradition, and identity. In Acts 11 we see Peter defending his eating with the Pagans because of the Spirit not the Scriptures. Thank goodness for this stand, because without it we all would still be pagans.

I for one believe that the Gospel is intended to liberate and free. I hope that in that spirit we will realize that we are free to leave our fences and join Jesus in his mission to build bridges as we continue on this journey with and to God. The bible is worthy of our reflection, study, and discussion, but it is not God. It is God's choice to reveal himself through the Bible thus providing us a roadmap for the journey ahead. More importantly, however, he has given us Jesus & the Holy Spirit to be more than a map, but a living presence, a guide, to direct our journey. Thank goodness.

Peace.

Seattle in Fall

We have been in the Emerald City for the past 48 hours getting ready to celebrate a wedding. While Seattle is known for its rain, we have been blessed with sunshine and beautiful sunsets across the Sound. How did we get so lucky?

People like to speak about luck all the time. It was a lucky catch. He was lucky to get the job. People even discount luck by saying, "Luck had nothing to do with it." How did such a word get into our vocabulary?

I believe this word is a part of our language because we desire something that will enable us to make sense of things when they seem to make no sense. Since there are times when skill is not enough, we attribute it to good fortune. The realist among us would decry the use of fortune to explain events, but their rationality lacks credibility as well. There is something else at work in this world and we don't know how to describe it except to call it "luck."

Now we who are religious might say that this is the work of the Spirit. We who are sensitive to spiritual matters might say that there is an experience that goes beyond what are mind can wrap itself around and comprehend. If we open ourselves to this other reality it takes us beyond luck to an awareness that we are not in control of all things, and that this world is not the stable ecosystem that we attempt to make it out to be.

How do we deal with some of the bad and good luck as people of faith? Do we simply agree with some authors of the Bible who would say that such things are the result of previous actions and the reward for our faithfulness or lack thereof? Or do we agree with other writers in Scripture who would remind us that the rain falls upon the just and unjust alike? I would go with the latter, and rather than trying to make sense out of everything in this world, simply choose to work for good and not bad. I would accept that there are things that happen that I cannot explain and simply trust that God is working for good despite my lack of understanding. I will choose to trust. How about you?

Peace.

Getting Our Hands Dirty

I would love a clean and orderly life. I would like to believe that everything could clean up with a little effort. I would like to think that the laws of thermodynamics don't apply to me or to the world in which I live. I would like to believe, but it just doesn't work that way.

The world is a messy place. If we try to stay above the fray, keep ourselves clean and holy we miss the point. All too often we use our belief systems to avoid the ugly garbage that crowds our world. All too often we hope that by saying the right prayer or doing the right deed we can avoid the pain that stigmatizes this world. All too often we look for God to lift us out of the mire so that we might experience a glory apart from this life. Yet the gospel of Jesus is all about a God who will not defer, but instead goes to great lengths to enter into the mire. In doing so he does not irradicate the ugliness of this world, but somehow gives us courage to see the holy in the midst.

Over the last few weeks my church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has chosen to enter into the mess with foolish courage rather than simply pretending that it is too holy for such things. I realize by going there that we have upset many and caused doubts to arise. I realize that the easier path would have been to do nothing and avert our eyes. Yet, by trusting in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit and getting our hands stained, I believe the ELCA has clearly acknowledged that it will not be a dead religion seeking to maintain itself pristine and pure. This choice to step into the mess, knowing that there are no easy answers has meant that the church is now openly acknowledging the stain of sin in its midst and the ongoing redeeming activity of Christ that restores us. Being unsure of where one begins and the other ends, we live in this mystery of grace bounded only by our love in Christ.

Luther as he was dying was quoted as having said, "we are all beggars." Yes, it is true. If we pretend we have the answers, or imagine that we can maintain our holiness we have mistaken our abilities for God's nobility. We are beggars, beggars with dirty hands as we interact with and engage in a messy world. While I do find myself wishing for an orderly life, nonetheless I for one am learning to be okay with such an image, and I hope others will as well.

Peace.

Labor

With this being Labor Day weekend, it has given me a chance to do some reflecting upon the nature of our work and our labor. I believe the two are distinctively different.

In our culture we understand our work as that for which we get paid. It is our employment, our paycheck, and a means to an end. Our work allows us to take care of the necessities as well as the well intentioned extravagance. Our work is valued for its resulting reward rather than being celebrated as a God given gift.

Labor, however, like the image from the maternity ward, is about sharing in creation. Just as the birth of a child is a work in progress, a dream for the future, an act of faith; so is our labor in the world. Labor is a result of our partnership with God in the creative process. It has value in of itself regardless of the remuneration we receive or the products we can purchase as a result. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, thereby judging ourselves and others, we simply act out of our passion for life and a desire to bless as we have been blessed.

Just think about it... is there something wrong with a culture that values paychecks over passion? Is there something missing when we focus upon marketability over ability? Are we missing the point when we imagine the purpose of our school is to provide for a good job rather than for a good education? Are our houses just an investment or are we investing in our homes (family)? In a world where everything has a price-tag attached to it (including you and me), is it any wonder that the MasterCard commercial became priceless?

When our labor is aligned with God's labor in this world, it is at that point that we begin to experience what is called a "calling." It is in this sense of vocation that we find our true voice for God's purposes. As we well know there are many who work hard but never experience joy. Yet as our labor is aligned with God's plan, a creative tsunami erupts within and without us, and the tension of work becomes less important as we focus upon the journey with Christ.

it is my prayer that this labor weekend will be a chance for all us of to step back and reflect. More significantly, let us remember that it is not by our own efforts that we are saved, but by the work of the Holy Spirit within us that invites us to abide with him. May you find rest, peace, and promise in this short time away.

Homosexuality & the ELCA

Last week the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA voted by 56-44% to adopt a document that allows for local congregations to choose as their pastor a gay person who is engaged in a committed monogamous relationship. Since that time, it would seem as if all "hell" has broken loose. This is unfortunate.

While I understand there are those who believe this is an issue of scriptural authority and thus argue that the ELCA has chosen to ignore scripture in its attempt to be cultural relevant. I would disagree. Having read the documents, and having studied some of the issue, what i see is a church that takes the scriptures so seriously that we are not going to allow our prejudice to blind us. Quite honestly, there are scholars who disagree about the passages in question. Quite honestly, there is a serious question of biblical hermeneutics that leads to a division of the house. Over the centuries the church has had to struggle with issues of inclusively or exclusivity, universality or uniqueness, and law or gospel. Ultimately for me, I see God's movement in history toward inclusion of those who were once considered to be outside the pale of God's grace. I believe this to be God's movement in my life.

Others believe this is a question of tradition, and that the ELCA has broken with the long-standing traditions of the Christian faith. Yes, I would agree this is a momentous event and its importance should not be diminished. Yet if we look at the tradition of the Lutheran "tribe," one can only appreciate that this is a movement of God's people that will not allow the church to be held captive by custom and tradition. This is a church that was founded by a heretic who stood before the throne of Christendom and yet was unwilling to compromise simply because he stood alone. Armed with a sense of the Holy Spirit, Luther's response to tradition and authority was to boldly expand the churches understanding of God's grace. Today we give thanks for the heretics of yesterday for they serve as our heroes today. Here too, I stand.

Another concern is that we are breaking with our ecumenical partners around the world. Yes, different ecclesiastical orders see this differently. Yet, there already is division within the Body of Christ as to who is prepared and fit for ordained ministry. Some deny that married clergy can serve. Others would say that divorced clergy or that women cannot serve. Despite these differences, we nonetheless can work together as we agree on the one essential of Christ's saving action at the cross. This may make life together messier, but then that is the nature of relationships as we seek to be graced by the different gifts of one another.

Finally we get to the pastoral issues. What will we teach and how will we live in community together when we disagree on such matters. I am not too concerned as to what we will preach, as again I believe that we have disagreed about many passages in the Bible in the past (as well as our theological reflections) and yet we are able to commune one with another. I would suggest that this is a time for us to remember our sacramental identity. In baptism we believe God calls and chooses us. We believe that the Holy Spirit is released among us. Whatever we believe about the nature of one's sexuality we are united in the promise of our baptism. The same is true in the promise of the Eucharist. This is not an action dependent upon our worth, for we know our anthropology, but this is God's work uniting his people around the great command Jesus gave his disciples, "Love one another as I have loved you." As God has loved us, it is founded in such love that the church will bind itself together.

I understand that people are hurting and disappointed. Of course there are others who are truly rejoicing. For some it feels as if that which we believed was true has been taken away from them. Others feel that the walls of legalism have finally been battered down by God's grace. Regardless of how you read this issue, I for one believe this is a time for us to cast off all idols and trust in the Holy Spirit working through the church as a Body as we share in a bond of love found in Christ. Let us focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Let us know that the journey of faith is not for the faint of heart, but trusting that God will not allow us to make this journey alone.

Peace.

Keys

I am aware that I always have keys in my pockets. The only time I am confident I will not is when I am in bed. Maybe that is why we are able to dream when we sleep because we are no longer about locking things up.

We keep keys around to lock and unlock things. They give us a sense of security and safety. They provide us a sense of importance. The more keys we have, the more impressive our responsibilities.

Keys, however, get in the way. If you don't have the right key, you cannot get in. You may simply want to drop something off for a friend, but now you are stymied because you don't have a key.

We use keys all too often to lock ourselves away. Those in prison are not the only ones locked up. How often do we lock up our hearts so that we will not get hurt, or we lock up our thoughts because we don't want to be challenged by a new way of thinking.

Jesus gave us the keys to the kingdom. His image is of something new, something to explore, something we haven't experienced yet. He is unlocking the door to a future that is open to us.

Too bad, we often refuse to step into that future because we are locked behind dogma, traditions, or just our fears. Too bad we trust more in what we have stored inside our vaults rather than trusting in the generosity of this God who is not bound by time or space. Perhaps now is the time to allow the Holy Spirit to unlock our hearts and minds so that we might be in one accord with this Jesus new creation, and that we might be able to love as generously as he shows love for us.

Keys can be used to keep us trapped or allow us to experience true freedom. Jesus said that the truth shall set us free. Receive this key and step out in faith.

Peace,
Pal

Fatherhood

Yesterday my son left to find his fame and fortune. With High School diploma in hand, and the determination to move on with his life, he returned to his roots in Northern California. As we waved goodbye watching him pull out of the driveway, neither he nor us his parents had any idea about how this will all turn out.

Before he left, the two of us, father and son, took one last road trip together down to Rocky Point, Mexico. As we drove across the desert we listened to his country western CD telling us stories of heartache, loss, and the battle for right. It felt like we should be engaged in deep and weighty conversation, but this was two guys who were feeling more than our words could capture. Every once in awhile we would interrupt the music with inane chatter or gross humor, but only rarely did we let ourselves get to the places where our feelings were raw like an oyster in the half shell.

Nevertheless, two days gives you plenty of time to talk, and so we did begin to tell the stories that had shaped our lives together. We laughed about the silly things, and smiled about the stupid things. We reminded ourselves of the petty fights that seemed so important and now just make us laugh. We celebrating those moments when as father and son we stood together to face the titans of this world. And remembering the lessons passed onto me by my father when I was leaving home, I too tried to impress upon my son some of those timeless truths that would guide him as he begins to take control of the wheel of his ship of state.

Most important of all, while the words were uttered as well, it was simply a time spent together that said, "I love you." I love you enough to spend time with you. I love you enough to let you go and grow apart from me. I love you enough that should you ever need to return the door is open. My heart will never be closed to you.

As I reflect upon my son's choice, it makes me reflect upon what is happening in my church, my denomination, the ELCA. This week it will meet and discuss the issue of ordination of openly gay people. Obviously this is a hot button topic. In our church, however, like many other denominations, people of faith honestly disagree regarding their understanding of Scripture, tradition, and scientific knowledge. What is being proposed is rather than casting out one side or another, that being bonded in the love of Christ we simply agree to disagree at this time. Much in the same way we agree to disagree and yet remain in fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ from other tribes of the Christian body. As one who constantly says I am a Lutheran today because they let me in and didn't ask me to check in my brain once I got in, I have no problem with what is being proposed.

Yet how does this connect to my son's departure? Somehow, I picture our Father in heaven letting us go to find our "fame and fortune" in the world. Not always will we act in the way he would choose for us, but nonetheless he gives us the freedom to test our wings. Somehow, I see a parallel between my son's new adventure and what we in our particular church tribe are experiencing as we enter into this discussion over this taboo issue. And as we pull out of the driveway I have this sense that while we have no idea where it will lead, we nonetheless are willing to do so simply trusting that our heavenly Father will never abandon us or close the door on us. I trust that our love for God and love for others will prove to be a stronger bond than any differences we might have.

Despite every Father's attempt to "lay down the law" it seems that in the end grace prevails. May my son find grace; may my church find grace, may the world find grace, and finally may I, most needy of all, once again find God's grace which has been there all along.

Peace,
Pal

Haiti

Tonight we tell about our experience in Haiti. A country on the brink of helplessness or hopefulness. We get to make the difference by whether we choose not to act or choose to get involved. This is a place that you will want to get involved. Go to the link for hopeinhaiti.org. You will be glad you did. That's all for now. Peace.

Da BEACH

I just spent the good portion of a week with a group of Middle School youth at the Beach. We call it Beach Camp. It's really an excuse to have time with them and to give them time to bond as a group. It's so simple and yet the results are amazing.

The funny thing is that we plan for devotional time in the morning and at night, and we do a pretty good job of making it interactive and fun, but even though God is evident in those moments, he doesn't limit himself to the times we make room for God.

It's at the beach when God comes out in all his shinning glory. Whether it be kids jumping through the waves, or volleyball players digging for a return, or just the simple act of burying your pastor in the sand. God appears when we least expect it. We don't even have to say something profound and ruin it. All we need to do is laugh and smile, slap someone on their sunburned back, and experience God's dream for human community. There is a sense of contentment or shalom that we feel even if we cannot describe with words.

All too often we want to keep God in the church, or at least in a Mission Trip sponsored by the church. All too often we in the church want to tell the world come to us and we will show you God. The truth is that God is out there and we in the church need only to get outside our walls to experience God delight. As some, more lately, have said, we in the church do not have a monopoly on God, rather it is our job to go out there and find what God is doing in the world and lend a helping hand.

Wouldn't it be nice if all the church was known for is the people who are willing to lend a helping hand? Wouldn't it be nice if we were a little more accessible to others, rather than so busy running our programs or debating our theological points of view? Wouldn't it be nice if we just went to the beach and experience creation, humanity, sin and grace all under the glorious beams of God's love.

Peace,
Pal

Tomorrow

Today my son completed High School. Joy, excitement, relief and pride all mixed into one. Today we celebrate, but what will tomorrow bring?

I know we should take life one day at a time. I'm aware that all too often we skip over today because we cannot wait for tomorrow. I know life is meant to be lived in the present and not lost in some future dream.

Yet, while today we celebrate his graduation, I am still left with the nagging question, "Now what?" For 18 years our goal has been to get to this day, but now it has arrived what's next on the horizon? How does one become the parent of an adult who is still but a child?

I remember back when we brought him home from the hospital; I was feeling anxious wondering how they could entrust someone so small to me. Didn't they know how little experience I had in such affairs? I was overwhelmed by my sense of inadequacy.

Now, having survived 18 years guiding (or being guided) my son, that feeling has returned. Where is the manual? How do we help our son make a successful launch out on his own? Is there some magic formula to this, or do we like all others have to stumble and struggle as we take it "one step at a time?"

At least when he was a baby infant, we were big enough to enforce our will and share our grace. Now, however, it seems as if we are lucky to share a few words with him before he is out the door. While we thought the stakes were great for him at the age of one, now when he needs us most, we are kept at arms length away. Now that he is 18 we are no longer the ones who will be able to catch him when he falls. Yet who will catch him?

Such is the path of love. Just when we want to hold on tightest, we are asked to let go. We are asked to trust that where our love cannot go, that nonetheless that there is a God to watch over him. We are asked to trust not just in today, but God's promise of tomorrow.

Reflections on New Orleans & 37,000 Youth

I just returned from New Orleans, our Lutheran National Youth Gathering. 37,000 of us hiking around downtown from hotels to the Convention Center, and from the Convention Center to the Superdome. It meant a lot of walking, a lot of waiting in lines for food or just about anything, and a lot of time just chillin'. And yet...

The theme of the gathering was JESUS, JUSTICE, & JAZZ. We joked the first day that the theme should be patience, persistence, and prayer. The goals were worthy. Let's come to New Orleans and make a difference in a city that the nation forgot. Let's give a hand up and instill within our youth a sense of service. Each night we heard inspirational speakers that repeated one theme over and over again; no matter who we are, we can make a difference. Each day 1/3 of the assembly was sent out into New Orleans to bring about positive change and each night we heard about people who are changing the world. Each day we had an opportunity to educate ourselves about the needs of our world and the resources of our faith, either through workshops or interactive activities, and each night we were able to scream and shout as popular music groups got us excited about being followers of Jesus. It was a grand and great vision.

As so many were in attendance, you can imagine the implementation of this was spotty at times. With 37,000 youth in attendance, justice issues could easily lose out to the "just us" sort of things. It was easier to seek out the jazz of the French Quarter and become a typical tourist rather than turning New Orleans upside down with the "rifts" of the gospel.

Having returned, I still wonder about what I conservatively would guess is the $5-6 million price tag for this event. I wonder whether such a vast sum could better have been used to develop grass roots ministry in the synods as they work with congregations in their communities. Looking back I am disappointed by the limited opportunities for service, and the minimal impact of the educational pieces. Yet looking back, I can say when Mayor Ray Nagel thanked us the last night, and when Bishop Hanson read the letter of appreciation from President Obama, it did make me feel proud to be a part of such an audacious act of hope. When I remember the people driving by and thanking us as we walked up and down the boulevards of the city, I can say that we did make a difference. Not only was it our service, but the sense we got from the folks that they were simply glad that we had not forgotten them. Like in Haiti, perhaps our greatest ministry was one of accompaniment.

It's good to be home now, but may we remember that all the earth is the Lord's and we are merely caretakers of these home we call earth. Peace.

Getting Ready for New Orleans

After 8 days in Haiti it is hard to come back to the US. In Haiti things were chaotic, and yet simple. While the infrastructure was failing, nonetheless the people we were around were real clear about how they wanted their lives structured. We witnessed people who were able to rise above the problems of the moment and see the possibilities of tomorrow.

Since coming back, it seems that all I have encountered are the problems of today while people are unable or unwilling to see the possibilities that await us. Now of course this is too black and white, but I find the craziness of the external climate of Haiti much easier to navigate than the internal climate of people who are simply used to getting everything there way (thanks Burger King!). We in the USA seem to have allowed ourselves to make problems for ourselves because we don't face the same kind of problems others in the world do on a daily basis.

Tomorrow we head to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. The theme is Jesus, Justice, and Jazz. How easy it will be for the youth (35,000 in attendance) to make this into one big celebration of youthful vitality, but we can only hope that this will be a chance for them to show just what they are made of. As I participate I am hopeful for opportunities to witness an event that is something more than a 4 day carnival, but the beginning of a campaign that will involve their heart, hands, and the Holy Spirit. Let us trust that God will do something great in our midst and at the same time that New Orleans will be changed by our presence.

Peace,
Pal

In Haiti

I've been in Haiti a few days now. At first all I saw was the poverty. Poverty on a scale I had never witnessed anywhere else in the world. At first I saw a people who could not complete what they had started as everywhere we went, homes were topped with re-bar as people intended to add on. At first all I saw was the failure of a culture, as the iconic statue outside the government palace depicting a slave calling on a conch shell for the freedom of his people, was deprieved of his machete because it was made of brass and brass is worth money. At first I saw failure and I wondered how anyone of us could make a difference.
After a few days here, I now see hope. No, the poverty has not disappeared, but I see people struggling to claim a future even amidst a system that tries to beat them down. Now I see hope, as people are unwilling to stop building, but have plans for something bigger. Now I see hope, as I see the smiles of children that are just like the smiles of my children as they find joy in the moment and imagine what God could make of them. Now I see hope as I see the people who are investing themselves in a new generation that will not give in, but get going. What a difference a few days make.
As an example of this hope allow me to tell the story of Maya. Born out of wedlock. Abandoned by his father at birth. Abandoned by his mother at 4. Taken in by his grandmother who dies within 18 months. Now taken by a aunt who promises an education, but turns him into a slave in Port au Prince. Forced to sleep on a cardboard bed. Awake before dawn to get water, and the last up taking care of chores. No school, just chores, demands, and beatings. This is spare the rod...sorry there was no sparring the rod. Finally after getting the wrong rice and being beaten for it, life on the street is better than her home. For two years he survives. He survives adults who attempt to take advantage of him, other kids who try to rob him, and just the pain of homelessness in a strange place.
To move ahead, allow me to say that he finds help through a man of God. A man of God who takes kids who don't have shoes out of the detention center into his home for boys where all our family. Maya is now a father, a homeowner with a tremendous view, a provider and leader, and a man of profound faith. Maya's life is a reminder that we cannot give up hope. Maya's story is why we need to be in Haiti as we see the amazing things God is doing.

Peace

Waiting

Last night I arrived at Sky Harbor to find out that our plane had a mechanical and there was no way to get to the East Coast, and no way to connect with our group going to Port Au Prince. Frustration to say the least.

How easily I am frustrated when the world doesn't work the way it is suppose to...or at least how I imagine it is suppose to. I like to think of myself as the kind of person who can get things done. I like to think that I am able to bend the universe to my will. And typically, because I am a white male, well educated, fairly affluent, and an American, this is more true than not. Except last night.

But then we are going to a country where people are subject to the whims of the world, nature, politics, and economic issues over which they have no control. We are going to a people who more often than not do not get what they want, in fact they just hope to get by. They have no illusion that they are in control.

Perhaps I have something important to learn from this trip. No it's not just about helping those less fortunate. It's not just about having my heart opened to the terrible conditions that so many in this world live with daily. It's not about even making some noise and getting others to help. Maybe I will learn something about those issues surrounding will and willingness. Maybe I will be able to appreciate the reality that the world does not revolve around me. Maybe I will have my heart opened to a healthy humility that will serve me well as I grow older and become less in control (bodily functions included).

We are trained to be the titans of our universe, but maybe the real titans are the ones who know they are unable to change the world, and yet they get up each day and offer themselves in this slog called life. And in doing so they do ignite a spark, a spirit that is the hope not yet seen.

Peace!

Tomorrow

The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar or so sings Little Orphan Annie. Yet the promise of tomorrow carries no guarantees does it? Despite Annie's optimism, it doesn't mean that the world is getting better every day.

Tonight my son's transmission went south on him. He is depressed to say the least. He lives for the opportunity to drive, and he is looking at a big bill, maybe bigger than he can afford. Yet, he is fortunate that he lives in a family that will offer him support and encouragement. How many are out there who have to make it on their own? How many are living with a fear of tomorrow because today has stolen their hope? How many aren't worried about whether a car will run, but whether they will run out of all hope?

I wish I had an easy answer to the failures of the world. To be honest we cannot manufacture hope or create optimism, because eventually despite our Annie sized hearts we will come face to face with the limits of our abilities.

Yet, this is not an "all hope is lost" diatribe. Ultimately, hope is born out of faith, and faith is the stuff of which we cannot see (Hebrews 11.1). As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5, our current suffering does not need to lead to despair. Rather than working forward from what is, we are asked to work backwards from what has been promised. Living from this perspective, no matter our current disappointments, we can imagine that there will be a day when the tide will turn.

I don't know what is going to happen to my son's transmission, and I don't know how our current difficulties are going to be resolved, but I do know that many of my current problems are of little consequence when I compare them against the hope that would be our guide. I hope we can look beyond what is, to see what is coming just beyond the horizon.

Peace,

Pal

Hating Haiti?

In just a few days I will be heading off to Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. I have seen extreme poverty before in the dumps of Tijuanna, Mexico, but I imagine the pervasiveness of poverty in Haiti will be something that will simply smack me in the face.

I think it is time for me to get smacked in the face. It is so comfortable and comforting to imagine that being the church is simply about getting people into worship and having them support a program or two. The image that Jesus, Paul, and the martyrs give us, however, is a church on the move identifying with those who are the least among us. I cannot imagine how we have allowed ourselves to build huge sanctuaries without the same commitment to being a people of sanctuary for those on the margins. I guess I like dealing with people who are like me about petty issues rather than having to roll up my sleeves and plug up my noise as we wade into the midst of the squalor of poverty.

My biggest fear is that I will go, my heart will be touched, and I will be so exposed that I will either blow people away or be so blown away myself that I just shut down. I hope and pray that I will be able to see and to tell, so that others may have their hearts revived by the troubles of God's children in places like Haiti.

Peace,

Pal

Post Independence Day Musings:

As we celebrate our independence, wouldn't it be nice if we found some way to celebrate our interdependence. I mean we would not be a nation today without the support of the French during our war for independence. We would not have survived those early years without certain alliances with other European nations. The poet once said that, "No man is an island." Well, no nation is an island either. In these days of famine, terrorisim, and global ecological crisis, we would do well to realize in the famous words of Ben Franklin; "We all need to hang together or we will certainly hang separately."

How do we along with the other nations of this world deal with a nation like North Korea? How do we along with places like China look seriously at climate change. This is not a time for rugged individualism, but a chance to realize that only through cooperation with those who are different from us, can we make a livable world worthy of all of us.

I for one recognize that there are dangerous people and dangerous nations out there. We need to strengthen the organizations that can begin to address the issues behind such choices as well as provide a suffecient deterrent to those who wish to act "unwisely."

It is at times like this that I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln's response to his war minister toward the end of the American Civil War when urged to destroy the south. Lincoln responded by saying, "Do we not destroy our enemies by making them our friends." In the bitter battle between brothers Lincoln was able to lead this country into reconcilliation. How might we reconcile the various world views that are in conflict today?

I don't hae the answer, obviously, but it is time to begin asking the right questions rather than just pretending we know what is right.

Peace,
Pal