I'm now off the sofa and way more mobile than when I last mused here. The back does get tired so Lisa's Lateral Life (nod to Hayley D for that one!!) isn't completely over, but the end is in sight. So in celebration of my new mobility the Beloved and I headed to the Newseum. The clue to this mecca's focus is in the name - it's all about the news.
There is a Pulitzer Prize photograph gallery where award-winning images capture and reflect humanity. The vast majority of these photos are taken during war, catastrophe and tragedy. It's not a pretty sight. It was soul marring and spirit invading.
I reeled from one image in particular and I can't even remember where or when it was taken, somewhere in Africa is the best I can do. Anyway, it was of a crouching man, an alleged spy, who had been viciously beaten and set alight. As his body flamed an attacker was plunging a machete into his skull.
I was totally speechless and repulsed; it was a vomit inducing, terror producing, heart-breaking glimpse at man's capability. I had no idea what to do with it. Christ have mercy...
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a time of self-reflection and preparation for Easter. In churches all over the world people will receive the imposition of ashes as an outward reminder that we are but dust and to dust we will return. The man who was beaten, burnt and macheted to death became ashes, but so will his assailant. The poor and the powerful, the broken and the joyful, the unlovely and the loved; are all dust.
After the Newseum I needed to be around beauty to balance the horror. In the National Gallery of Art it was fitting that I found it in an exhibition of Picasso's Drawings. A tortured soul who produced such beauty. When all is stripped away, we humans are all the same. All have this capacity for loving and hurting, torturing and comforting, selfish delight and selfless sacrifice. I guess it's about seeking, by the grace and mercy of God, to live out of our beauty rather than our torture.
Isaiah 61 v3 reminds us that the Lord will bestow on us on "a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair". We may all be but dust but we're preparing for Easter! Out of death will come resurrection and life eternal, the ashes are not the end.
So this Lent, go ahead and give up chocolate and booze, TV and Facebook; but how about each day wearing a garment of praise, pouring out the oil of gladness and trying to bring beauty where there are only ashes. What a headline that would be in the Newseum!
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Healing?
So, I'm laid up. This is my second week of chiropractic treatment for two bulging discs in my lower back - ouchie. Twice a week I ride the Fairfax Bronco to extend and reposition my discs. In-between I'm only allowed to stand or lie down - I'm forbidden to sit for more than 15 minutes. I now envy you sitting people - on the metro, in cars, in coffee shops and restaurants. Typing and writing lying down are my new skills; I must remember to update my CV.
This is an age old back story - years of bending over a field hockey stick, a fall on the stairs in 2000 and a near-death experience car accident in 2008. Dear knows how long these discs have been bulging, putting pressure on my sciatic nerve. Certainly since the accident in '08 I have only been able to sleep on my left side. Now it's early 2012 - how come it has taken me 3 and a bit years to do anything about it?
I blame sensory adaption. Or maybe a pessimistic resignation that I was always going to be that way. It's just how it is.
Yet, if 2012 is the year when I must decrease and He, Jesus, must increase, then all of me is up for grabs to be changed. The bent things will be straightened out; the pain and numbness will be replaced with freedom and sensitivity; the wounded bits that press on the raw nerves in my life will be bound-up and healed. He will make ALL things new.
When we say "increase in me Lord", He takes us at our word. Often the circumstances that come our way after uttering such wild desires take us to the end of ourselves. And it is there He stands and calls us by name to get out of the boat and walk on the water, imploring us to trust that He is faithful and good.
What pain and numbness have you in your life that you've adapted to accept as a done deal? Psalm 147 v3 tells us that God "heals the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds". The healing process isn't pleasant and He's often in no rush, but the end result will be beautiful.
This is an age old back story - years of bending over a field hockey stick, a fall on the stairs in 2000 and a near-death experience car accident in 2008. Dear knows how long these discs have been bulging, putting pressure on my sciatic nerve. Certainly since the accident in '08 I have only been able to sleep on my left side. Now it's early 2012 - how come it has taken me 3 and a bit years to do anything about it?
I blame sensory adaption. Or maybe a pessimistic resignation that I was always going to be that way. It's just how it is.
Yet, if 2012 is the year when I must decrease and He, Jesus, must increase, then all of me is up for grabs to be changed. The bent things will be straightened out; the pain and numbness will be replaced with freedom and sensitivity; the wounded bits that press on the raw nerves in my life will be bound-up and healed. He will make ALL things new.
When we say "increase in me Lord", He takes us at our word. Often the circumstances that come our way after uttering such wild desires take us to the end of ourselves. And it is there He stands and calls us by name to get out of the boat and walk on the water, imploring us to trust that He is faithful and good.
What pain and numbness have you in your life that you've adapted to accept as a done deal? Psalm 147 v3 tells us that God "heals the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds". The healing process isn't pleasant and He's often in no rush, but the end result will be beautiful.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Suped-up
So, how are the New Year's Resolutions going? Sometimes nothing more than a to-do list for the first week of January, New Year's Resolutions are easy to make and easy to break. I looked back over my blog and last year I had 'intentions' rather than resolutions. I intended to embrace every opportunity that came my way in 2011 and be kind to people as a precursor to love.
So, for 2012, I'm not changing my intentions, they're just going to be suped up.
There'll be no 'keeping-this-for-a-special-occasion'. With freedom I will wallow in spa bath oils in our huge jacuzzi tub; post-detox the best wine will be served on a Wednesday night; all the UK chocolate will be nibbled with pleasure on daily, sometimes hourly, basis; and those beautiful cards will be sent just to say Hello! There will be no hoarding in 2012. There'll be no waiting till tomorrow to show compassion, share an encouraging word or tell anyone I love them - especially the Beloved. Every opportunity will be grasped with abandon and decorated with fabulous jewellery!
I'm still going to seek to be kind, but this year, I must decrease and He, Jesus, must increase. Then love becomes my currency of choice. Oh, that 2012 would be the year that my sought after accolade of 'indiscriminate lover' would be reached.
We all know we get one stab at life, it's not just a run-through. So let's fly 2012 like we stole it - with squealing delight and loving abandon.
So, for 2012, I'm not changing my intentions, they're just going to be suped up.
There'll be no 'keeping-this-for-a-special-occasion'. With freedom I will wallow in spa bath oils in our huge jacuzzi tub; post-detox the best wine will be served on a Wednesday night; all the UK chocolate will be nibbled with pleasure on daily, sometimes hourly, basis; and those beautiful cards will be sent just to say Hello! There will be no hoarding in 2012. There'll be no waiting till tomorrow to show compassion, share an encouraging word or tell anyone I love them - especially the Beloved. Every opportunity will be grasped with abandon and decorated with fabulous jewellery!
I'm still going to seek to be kind, but this year, I must decrease and He, Jesus, must increase. Then love becomes my currency of choice. Oh, that 2012 would be the year that my sought after accolade of 'indiscriminate lover' would be reached.
We all know we get one stab at life, it's not just a run-through. So let's fly 2012 like we stole it - with squealing delight and loving abandon.
Friday, 30 December 2011
12 Days?
So, was it all you expected? Did the reindeer fly the big guy in with the right present? Did you eat before, during and after the Queen (insert culturally appropriate highlight of Christmas Day)? Were you overly familiar with the sherry and port? I'm not going to ask about the family ... this isn't Jerry Springer.
I actually think that Christmas gets a bit of a raw deal. It must be really annoying to have all these people waiting for you to come, longing for you to hurry up ... then in a measly 24 hours you're over. A 'has been' for another year. Valentines gifts are already in the shops and it'll not be long till Lent - Ash Wednesday is on 22nd February, Easter is early this year you know.
We make all this fuss about Christmas and let be all over in a day, totally forgetting about the 12 days of Christmas, 26th December - 6th January. As one who enjoys merry-making - I think we should all embrace the full experience of Christmas - in as far as our employment allow us!!
Now the famous song (the tune of which has undoubtedly is floating around in your head since the start of the last paragraph) was first published in London in 1780, in a book called "Mirth without Mischief". It is a tall tale of increasingly extravagant presents from one's true love. I wonder what it would be like to see the 12 days of Christmas as a chance to consider, in ever-increasing magnitude, the extravagance of God's love for us as revealed in Emmanuel.
Perhaps it could sound something like this...
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Saviour who is Christ the King
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, mercy and grace
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, forgiveness for sin
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, hope not despair
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a golden royal crown
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, joyfulness and gladness
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a friend in my messes
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a wounded willing healer
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, royal family status
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, lots of brothers and sisters
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, heaven's storehouse for provision
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, life in its fullness
So, let's not rush through Christmas ... rather let us ponder like Mary, marvel like the Shepherds, adore like the Wise Men and worship like the Heavenly Host; he who is the Word made flesh.
I actually think that Christmas gets a bit of a raw deal. It must be really annoying to have all these people waiting for you to come, longing for you to hurry up ... then in a measly 24 hours you're over. A 'has been' for another year. Valentines gifts are already in the shops and it'll not be long till Lent - Ash Wednesday is on 22nd February, Easter is early this year you know.
We make all this fuss about Christmas and let be all over in a day, totally forgetting about the 12 days of Christmas, 26th December - 6th January. As one who enjoys merry-making - I think we should all embrace the full experience of Christmas - in as far as our employment allow us!!
Now the famous song (the tune of which has undoubtedly is floating around in your head since the start of the last paragraph) was first published in London in 1780, in a book called "Mirth without Mischief". It is a tall tale of increasingly extravagant presents from one's true love. I wonder what it would be like to see the 12 days of Christmas as a chance to consider, in ever-increasing magnitude, the extravagance of God's love for us as revealed in Emmanuel.
Perhaps it could sound something like this...
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Saviour who is Christ the King
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, mercy and grace
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, forgiveness for sin
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, hope not despair
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a golden royal crown
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, joyfulness and gladness
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a friend in my messes
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a wounded willing healer
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, royal family status
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, lots of brothers and sisters
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, heaven's storehouse for provision
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, life in its fullness
So, let's not rush through Christmas ... rather let us ponder like Mary, marvel like the Shepherds, adore like the Wise Men and worship like the Heavenly Host; he who is the Word made flesh.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Waiting
Frazer, the tree, is dressed to the nines, the poinsettia create a carpet of velvety leafs in the lounge, and cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves scent the backdrop for cheesy warbling by Buble and The Pogues. Yep, it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's Advent. The season of waiting.
It's funny how we all have a heightened sense of expectation in the run up to Christmas. We're getting ready to see family and all the unique dynamics that can bring! We're hopeful that we give and get just the right presents. The food mountain stacks up just in case we have one hour without eating over the holidays.
Each day we indulge in the thrill of opening the Advent Calender - which is more about the morsel of chocolate than the knowledge that we're one day closer to Christmas. I don't know about you, but I'm so easily distracted - waiting for this, hoping for that, desiring the other...
It's a challenge to keep perspective and to keep the main thing, the main thing.
I have family and friends to buy presents for. I've a home, clothes on my back and more than ample food on the table. I am blessed to feel love, acceptance and belonging because I'm me not because of what I do, what I've achieved, how much money I have, who I know. What else could I want?
Globally, 2011 has not been an easy year. Social revolution, continued and newly started wars, economic devastation in the wake of affluent extravagance; this year ends with so many without safety, shelter, health, food, belonging, love. In the 'rich' West more people will be availing of charitable donations of food than before and homeless shelters bulge at the seams.
Our church meets in a homeless shelter for men. I was watching a couple of the men praying the other night and God showed me my own life and heart. I lack no good thing. But these two precious men have no home, little money, fractured families, few friends. Knowing a little of the stories of men in the shelter, it is but for the grace of God go I.
Yet, you'd think all I have was by my own acquisition and keeping it was thanks solely to my own stewardship - so I get to judge who is worthy, deserving of my charity. That's a great untruth. We're all supposed to be in this adventure called life together. We're not lone rangers, we're made for each other.
What would happen if one who has much were to give gladly to one who has little, no strings or conditions attached? What would that do to the economics of safety, shelter, health, food, belonging, and love?
Advent is a waiting for Christmas - the great gift comes, Emmanuel, God with us. Christ sets himself aside and becomes a man. He holds nothing back. Those of us who seek to follow of Jesus are called to do the same. We must set ourselves aside, enter into the life of the other, and hold nothing back.
Our waiting will soon be over. Christmas will come and with it the celebration of life dramatically changed by the arrival of the Christ-child. Let's not leave the aching, weeping world waiting for another year to see Jesus.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's Advent. The season of waiting.
It's funny how we all have a heightened sense of expectation in the run up to Christmas. We're getting ready to see family and all the unique dynamics that can bring! We're hopeful that we give and get just the right presents. The food mountain stacks up just in case we have one hour without eating over the holidays.
Each day we indulge in the thrill of opening the Advent Calender - which is more about the morsel of chocolate than the knowledge that we're one day closer to Christmas. I don't know about you, but I'm so easily distracted - waiting for this, hoping for that, desiring the other...
It's a challenge to keep perspective and to keep the main thing, the main thing.
I have family and friends to buy presents for. I've a home, clothes on my back and more than ample food on the table. I am blessed to feel love, acceptance and belonging because I'm me not because of what I do, what I've achieved, how much money I have, who I know. What else could I want?
Globally, 2011 has not been an easy year. Social revolution, continued and newly started wars, economic devastation in the wake of affluent extravagance; this year ends with so many without safety, shelter, health, food, belonging, love. In the 'rich' West more people will be availing of charitable donations of food than before and homeless shelters bulge at the seams.
Our church meets in a homeless shelter for men. I was watching a couple of the men praying the other night and God showed me my own life and heart. I lack no good thing. But these two precious men have no home, little money, fractured families, few friends. Knowing a little of the stories of men in the shelter, it is but for the grace of God go I.
Yet, you'd think all I have was by my own acquisition and keeping it was thanks solely to my own stewardship - so I get to judge who is worthy, deserving of my charity. That's a great untruth. We're all supposed to be in this adventure called life together. We're not lone rangers, we're made for each other.
What would happen if one who has much were to give gladly to one who has little, no strings or conditions attached? What would that do to the economics of safety, shelter, health, food, belonging, and love?
Advent is a waiting for Christmas - the great gift comes, Emmanuel, God with us. Christ sets himself aside and becomes a man. He holds nothing back. Those of us who seek to follow of Jesus are called to do the same. We must set ourselves aside, enter into the life of the other, and hold nothing back.
Our waiting will soon be over. Christmas will come and with it the celebration of life dramatically changed by the arrival of the Christ-child. Let's not leave the aching, weeping world waiting for another year to see Jesus.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Thankfulness
It's been a year! Can you believe it? Yesterday was the one year anniversary of moving to the good old US of A. It brought a palpable sense of relief that we'd survived 365 days and been through everything once.
The year was that perfect mix of joy and pain. Leaving our family and friends, our lovely home, our delightful community brought feelings of loss which verged on the debilitating. But the Lord is faithful in turning our mourning into dancing! Laughter has followed us here.
The year was the ideal blend of old and new. Repeatedly we've seen God use experiences from the past ten years as preparation for this new context. Wisdom appears to be no respecter of circumstances - it'll hide in all things; it's just up to us to seek it.
The year was an engaging concoction of light and dark. We've been at the raw end of humanity and seen God's transformative grace turn the impossible into the possible.
We are truly thankful.
We have cheerleaders that call back and forth across the Atlantic; we have new (and some not so new!) friends here who hold up our arms and our needs and our dreams; we have food on the table and a cute room over our heads, clothes on our backs and feet fitted with holy and unholey shoes.
Thank-you for advocating for us; pestering the Lord for us; and for loving us as only you can.
We're only who we are because of you.
The year was that perfect mix of joy and pain. Leaving our family and friends, our lovely home, our delightful community brought feelings of loss which verged on the debilitating. But the Lord is faithful in turning our mourning into dancing! Laughter has followed us here.
The year was the ideal blend of old and new. Repeatedly we've seen God use experiences from the past ten years as preparation for this new context. Wisdom appears to be no respecter of circumstances - it'll hide in all things; it's just up to us to seek it.
The year was an engaging concoction of light and dark. We've been at the raw end of humanity and seen God's transformative grace turn the impossible into the possible.
We are truly thankful.
We have cheerleaders that call back and forth across the Atlantic; we have new (and some not so new!) friends here who hold up our arms and our needs and our dreams; we have food on the table and a cute room over our heads, clothes on our backs and feet fitted with holy and unholey shoes.
Thank-you for advocating for us; pestering the Lord for us; and for loving us as only you can.
We're only who we are because of you.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Saints
The Americans really know how to decorate for the season. Halloween brought 6 foot spiders on fake webs crawling over windows and smiling, carved pumpkins revealing a sinister light on doorsteps. About 4 blocks down our street is what is now known as the Demon House. Severed heads drip from the drain pipes, an empty coffin gawps a hellish orange glow and devilish faces with pursuing eyes repulse or delight passers - depending on their tendencies. I don't find all that terribly helpful to my spirit, mind or body.
Robert E. Webber in "Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year" suggests that:
'A good antidote to the underworld themes of Halloween is to return to the
real meaning of All Saints' Day - a celebration of the life and witness of God's
people who model a relationship with God for us.' (p175)
I'm inspired to chase after God by those with the determined persistence of Jacob. I'm called to believe in His faithfulness by the existence of the children of Abraham and Sarah. I'm assured of His attention to detail when people testify that like Ruth they 'happen' to find themselves in the kinsman redeemer's field. I delight in His intimacy when people declare, like Zephaniah, that He rejoices over them with singing.
Today I celebrate the saints who still walk the earth and those that are with Jesus. The men and women of faith who've prayed, taught, corrected and wooed me dancing into the family of God. My spirit testifies to the example of you all.
I wonder whose spirit will testify that I modeled for them a relationship with God?
So, on this All Saints Day, celebrate and give thanks for those who have pointed to the Father, been Jesus' hands and feet, and been conduits of the Holy Spirit. And consider why people will celebrate your life and witness.
Robert E. Webber in "Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year" suggests that:
'A good antidote to the underworld themes of Halloween is to return to the
real meaning of All Saints' Day - a celebration of the life and witness of God's
people who model a relationship with God for us.' (p175)
I'm inspired to chase after God by those with the determined persistence of Jacob. I'm called to believe in His faithfulness by the existence of the children of Abraham and Sarah. I'm assured of His attention to detail when people testify that like Ruth they 'happen' to find themselves in the kinsman redeemer's field. I delight in His intimacy when people declare, like Zephaniah, that He rejoices over them with singing.
Today I celebrate the saints who still walk the earth and those that are with Jesus. The men and women of faith who've prayed, taught, corrected and wooed me dancing into the family of God. My spirit testifies to the example of you all.
I wonder whose spirit will testify that I modeled for them a relationship with God?
So, on this All Saints Day, celebrate and give thanks for those who have pointed to the Father, been Jesus' hands and feet, and been conduits of the Holy Spirit. And consider why people will celebrate your life and witness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)