Open Letter: On Action August 1, 2009

Dear Friends:

How genuine is a love that never shows the beloved those invisible emotions through action?  How honestly is an ideal held when it is only expressed through talk, message board comments, and scholarly essays?  Can one really say they “preach” the Gospel when all they do is fill a room or a listener with words?

Faith, opinions, belief systems, convictions, things that are essential to life are quite meaningless unless acted upon.  James, the brother of Jesus, wrote:

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  (James 2:14-17 ESV, emphasis added.)

Action is what gives abstract concepts life.  When we act otherwise we fool ourselves (and definitely do not fool those around us).  We should not hold ideas and beliefs simply for profile-fillers, conversation starters or even debate-continuers.  If we think we truly believe in something…we must do it.  Not only will those around us begin to listen, respect also often follows.

Authenticity is what binds all humanity together.  We can be nothing besides what we are and what we strive to become.  God has a plan, but we are the ones to make our ideas living, real.  We are measured by our outward actions, not our inward thought processes.

We can change our hair, clothes, weight, and attitude yet still be shells of people who grasp at empty beliefs and opinions.  We are shadows until we translate our thoughts into action.

Now let us throw off what holds us back and act on what we believe.  This may be the most difficult thing in our lives to accomplish, and it may take whole lifetimes, yet without doing this we will not truly live.

Let us never choose to be shadows.

Peace and Love,

~Sky

Blog Revival July 31, 2009

It’s been over a year since the last post was published on this site, and for a long while I considered that the final post.  Ah, but life and thoughts change.  And change, as I have learned, is usually a good thing, as long as you go with it.

Thus, in the interest of welcoming more writing back into my life I have decided to revive this blog.  Things will likely start to look a bit different around here.  New interests have been formed, new books read, new places visited, new experiences faced, and ultimately a busy life lived.

Which brings me to the overarching, newfound theme/thought which I would like to bring to the blog: Living Life.  Living: authenticity, passion, faith, intentionality, peace, abandon, simplicity, action, and love.  That’s right, giving life to deeply rooted, perhaps even archetypal concepts.  Sounds insanely difficult, does it not?  Well what would life be if not a challenge?

Now that the course is plotted (once again) let’s get this journey started, shall we?

***EDIT:  I have since started a different blog, The Muse and Murse, at www.eandkmcg.wordpress.com where I have been doing all of my writing.  I may someday return back to this blog, but for now it is just for memories and reference purposes.***

My Love Story July 14, 2008

The following is the condensed story of how my husband and I met, fell in love and ended up where we are today.

A few months back I got a silly idea to go cruising around one of those online Christian dating sites just to see what it was about.  So I made a profile and started surfing.  Most of the guys I met were odd and not the swiftest of men, but then I had a conversation with this one specific guy and he was a complete gentleman.  This guy’s name was Eric.  We could quickly tell how alike we were and we talked endlessly, first just online and then on the phone for hours.  After a couple of weeks we decided that we wanted to meet in person, so that’s just what we did.  The day of my last intramural soccer game he came and watched me.  Actually, he showed up right as my game was starting so we really didn’t get to even say “Hello” until half-time.  After the game we ate, hung out, talked, and officially started dating.

During this time I graduated from college and any free time Eric and I had we tried to spend it together.  We both knew we were meant to be.  The plan was that I was going to go work at a camp until mid-July and after that at some point we would get engaged and married.  Well, a few days before I was to leave for camp he popped the question and I happily accepted.  We both were aware that I was going to go to camp and tried to face that fact bravely.  The day before I was going to leave him to pack and leave until July we both just broke down.  The choice was left to me to leave the one I loved dearly and put my future life on hold or simply decide to stay.  After many tears, much thought and conversation I decided that rather than break both Eric’s heart and mine for weeks on end that I would call up camp, apologize and cancel.

After that decision, Eric and I started planning our very simple wedding.  We got married at a lake in his hometown, not too far from where we live now.  It was a small, short ceremony which only immediate family, the pastor, the pastor’s wife, and the photographer and her family attended.  It was a perfect day.  After taking a few pictures we went to a nice Italian restaurant in town, ate, and had cake.

There are many astounding things about our story, but the main one I want to share is that God brought Eric and I together.  Not only that, but He did so rather quickly in many people’s minds.  Between the time we met and got married it was less than two months, yet we both have never been more sure of anything and have never been happier.

So now I’m a happily married woman with a new Irish last name that works well with my red hair and pale skin.  My husband is my hero, my best friend, my leader, my love, and more.  Our relationship and marriage is a marvelous gift from God and we want to use it to bring Him glory.

“All because two people fell in love…”

Differences in Life, Unity in Death April 21, 2008

I have often heard it said that there are some hills that are worth dying on.  I understand what is meant by this phrase, but it got me to thinking about a few questions…  How useful is it, though, if we are all martyrs on separate hills?  What does that say of the body of Christ, the community of believers?  Is it maybe the dying itself that unifies us?  Are the differences in passion and conviction simply signs of our personal, unique journeys?

Community.  It is one of those terms that creates an immediate desire for it but at the same time seems almost too abstract to ever come close to attaining.  Can community be when we gather together in love and instead of pointing out that we are at times dying on different hills rather focusing on the fact that we are all dying to Christ?  I’d like to think so.  May our strength and unity be found in our giving up our lives to the One who created us, the One who lived and died for us, the One who continues to teach and sustain us.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let each of use please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.  For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”  For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Romans 15:1-7 

So let us each die on our hills; living out our different passions, callings, and lives.  May the world around us be changed for the better by our faithful, obedient abandon.  Yet we must also remember our unity remains in the death of our Lord and our dying to Him.  We are all equal members, heirs, and (perhaps most appropriately, in the spirit of His example) servants to His kingdom, which we are to live out on earth.  As Jesus said…

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.“
Matthew 4:17 (emphasis added)

Pray then like this:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation but deliver use from evil.
Matthew 6:9-13 (emphasis added)

Why I Eat Funny April 16, 2008

There are probably just as many reasons for becoming a vegetarian as there are vegetarians themselves.  Perhaps this is why once someone finds out that you are vegetarian you are immediately questioned as to the reasoning behind your decision.  Not that it’s troublesome, mind you, it just always seems to happen that way.  So, here I will share various reasons to be a vegetarian and how much I think that bears weight on my own decision.

Animal Rights.  This is the first one that comes to mind, usually.  It might even be the most popular.  The animals that are used to make food are often badly mistreated and slaughtered (probably in ways that we really don’t want to know or hear about).  Becoming a vegetarian for this reason is a way of “sticking it to the man” of the companies and businesses that mistreat the animals and refusing to support the way the animals are poorly treated.  I think this is really a pretty good reason, but I must admit it is probably down at fiveish on my list.  (Yes, that’s right, my “Reasons for Being a Vegetarian” list; arranged in order of importance, of course.)

Health Benefits.  This was a main reason I began thinking about becoming vegetarian.  (Health nut, I know.)  There are many not-so-good-for-you things that get pumped into the meat we eventually consume.  Also, some meat just isn’t that great for you anyway.  Your risk of getting certain types of diseases is greatly increased if you eat meat (heart disease being an obvious one).  A diet that is high in fruits and vegetables is just plain good for you.

Environmental Concerns.  A well-known utilitarian ethicist and philosopher, Peter Singer, describes this rather well in his book, Animal Liberation:  ”Those who claim to care about the well-being of human beings and the preservation of our environment should become vegetarians for that reason alone. They would thereby increase the amount of grain available to feed people elsewhere, reduce pollution, save water and energy, and cease contributing to the clearing of forests. When nonvegetarians say that “human problems come first” I cannot help wondering what exactly it is that they are doing for human beings that compels them to continue to support the wasteful, ruthless exploitation of farm animals.”  Now, I’m an admitted tree hugger, so this is a very appealing reason.  I sensed that there could be a connection between the two issues, but I was not even aware of its true existence until later.  I guess this reason may rank slightly above animal rights on my list, but maybe only directly above.

Religion/Convictions.  For some this is an open and shut case.  Buddhists and Hindus are all over being vegetarian, as are many other major religions.  Well, I’m Christian.  I am not commanded to be a vegetarian.  In fact, I’m told that eating meat is acceptable.  But, there are some interesting items in Scripture that are connected with vegetarianism.  That is a whole blog for some other time, but for now if you are curious there is this essay/talk by Matt Krick of Mars Hill church.  He does an excellent job at examining the scriptures that relate to how we should care for the planet (and mentions vegetarianism a few times).  Though my religion does not directly instruct me on if I should be vegetarian or not, it does allow for me to have unique convictions, and that is what I believe this is a case of.  God calls each of His children to follow Him in different ways; I think that vegetarianism or other diet choices can be simply that to some believers.  (P.S.-Many Christian monastic communities [you know, nuns and monks] have a tradition of being vegetarian at least a few days a week if not their entire lives.)

Living Intentionally.  Of course, I have saved the strangest, most important (to me) reason for last.  I see being vegetarian as a way for me to be more aware of not only what I am consuming, but also the somewhat uncomfortable realities of the world.  Every time I eat and deny myself certain things I am reminded of those who have no choice in what they eat or how they have no choice in the fact that they do not eat at all.  It’s a reminder that brings me a bit closer (even if just in thought) to the large majority of the world which is less “well-off” than me.  The only thing I can liken it to is a fast that is a permanent part of one’s lifestyle.  This is not a guilt thing, it is just one small way that I can perhaps become less concerned about my own desires and focus a bit more on those in need.

For those of you who are keeping track, or are perhaps just curious, I’ve included my list of reasons below, in order of importance.  (The list itself was made in a tongue-in-cheek tone, but it does truly reflect what I think and believe.)

1. Living Intentionally
2. Religion/Convictions
3. Health Benefits
4. Environmental Concerns
5. Animal Rights

For me, reasons one and two are very much intertwined, almost to the point of being inseparable.

P.S. – One thing that really got me to thinking about this was a simple blog on Relevant Magazine online, found here.

P.P.S. – Do I one day want to become a vegan?  Maybe, maybe not, we’ll see where God and the journey of life takes me.

“Jesus for President” Review April 7, 2008

Simply stated, Jesus for President is all about “provoking the Christian political imagination.”  Such a phrase strikes fire or fear into even the most apathetic of believing hearts.  Juxtaposing the concepts of Christianity and politics is a very ancient, complex and difficult task, yet that is exactly the aim of authors Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw. 

To say that Jesus for President is a thought-provoking read is far too gentle a description.  The terms perspective-shattering and concept-restructuring seem far more appropriate.  Even a few times as I was reading the words “provocative” and “extreme” flashed across my mind.  As with any book based on the Christian faith, there are sentences and passages that plainly serve to reaffirm the reader’s beliefs; however, even these parts of the text have unique historical and cultural insights.  The book includes fresh takes on familiar stories of the Israelites and Jesus that shed light on overt political themes found in the Scriptures. 

The concept of “politics” is taken in a different sense than it is so often utilized in our bipartisan, American culture.  We often associate politics with governmental parties, candidate nominations, speeches, interest groups, or perhaps even belief systems.  The authors confess in the introduction: “So while we will insist that the Christian faith be political, we also want to redefine what political means or looks like.  We hope to redefine it simply as how we relate to the world.”

Finding and fleshing out what the Bible has to say about how the body of Christ (the Church) is to relate to the world is the main theme beautifully conveyed in Jesus for President.  The book is divided up into four sections. The first is titled “Before There Were Kings and Presidents” and examines the beginnings of humankind and the nation of Israel.  Despite God’s evident favor and guidance, the Israelites insisted that they desired an earthly king to rule over them.  This section shows that struggle and the sad consequences that came from their dangerous desires. 

“A New Kind of Commander-in-Chief” is the title of the second section that closely looks at the teachings and life of Jesus Christ.  By sharing contextual and meaningful details, Claiborne and Haw illustrate exactly how political Jesus was asking his followers to be, or rather (much more importantly), how he was asking his followers to be political.  Examining Jesus’ relationship and reaction to the powerful Roman Empire provides a great glimpse at how strikingly different he was building the kingdom of God.

The third section, “When the Empire Got Baptized” delves into the shaky, unholy wedding of religion and government, the Empire and the Kingdom of God.  The authors take the reader on a historical journey: starting way back with the early Church, Constantine and the beginning of Christendom all the way up to the present day and the connection between the American church and the American state.  Here is where the most challenging ideas emerge (just in case the reader was not hit hard enough with the earth-moving words of Jesus) in the book.  Some reasoning or theology within this section may seem like a stretch to certain readers, but at the very least the concepts presented are well worth thoughtful consideration.

“A Peculiar Party” is the final section of the book.  Here are the stories of people who have lived out and are living the Christian political imagination.  Out-of-the-box thinking and unorthodox action are shown to be necessary in order for the body of Christ to maintain dissimilarity to the world and Empire.  This section of the book follows this line of thinking: the stranger the call for peace the greater likelihood it will be heard.

Jesus for President is a book that will surely challenge every reader to examine how Jesus calls for his followers to be political, or rather how to live out life.  It imparts both deep, theological reasoning and viable steps for the Church to live out its politics in the face of the Empire.

The Beauty of an Iowa Sunset March 24, 2008

Life’s Introduction March 23, 2008

-Preface-

It was May of 2007. Knowing that our lives were drastically changing and dealing with the conflicting emotions of excitement and loss, I felt pressed to write. In a spare moment one evening, I wrote this short story. It was the state of my heart and mind then, and it continues to be such.

_________________________________________________________________

She lay awake knowing that it was the last night all of them would be sleeping in the same suite. Tears almost came, but she was not that sad. It was more of a slight ache. “Growing pains” her foot; it was not just that. She was never going to be in the same place again with her friends like this. Sighing and turning over once more did nothing to stop the ache or help her get to sleep any faster.

She wondered to herself how they ever got to be as close as they had become. Yet she did not stop there, she then wondered how far apart their lives would take them and how intimate they would be in the years following. Confessing that she was nowhere near omnipotent, she gave it up and went on to other thoughts.

In the end, she decided to focus on the moments they had shared together, the good times. Those brought her to a swift, happy sleep.

§

Days and even weeks passed, and all four of them went their separate ways, intent on strikingly different summers and futures. They were so very different but somehow they shared so much, even down to the tone of laughter from time to time.

Abigail went back home to work at the pool and take a summer course at the nearby community college. Stephanie went home for a short time and promptly left the country to be a missionary for six months halfway around the world. Charlotte and Kara stayed put in town and moved into their new house. Charlotte started her internship, her job and got engaged in rapid succession. Kara settled into their new abode and waited for her summer classes to start.

As for their futures, Charlotte would marry John (the ring made that official), and Stephanie would surely marry Chad. Charlotte intended to write for a magazine of some sort and hopefully someday get her own book published. Stephanie planned on teaching ESL and ministering in some capacity either in the States or overseas. Abigail wanted to teach abroad for a bit and then return to teach math in the States. Kara did not have the foggiest idea as to her future; teaching, writing, traveling, she remained open to it all.

All four of them were entering into adulthood, independence and the dreams that they had first imagined as small girls. Their whole lives were ahead of them, or at least that is what they had been told by those who evidently had their lives behind them or were somewhere in the middle.

So their lives thus far served as a type of introduction in the story that continued only in the future. Being only as far as the introduction is both a scary and hopeful place to be. One is unsure as to the contents of the pages that follow, yet crosses one’s fingers for the best, since the title, table of contents and preface seemed to lean towards the bright side of things.

Yet past this introduction, what good would it do to share the intricate details of their lives? With their intentions being as they are, they remain utterly aware that their lives will unfold differently than they expect. Since, after all, life is already much different than what they had first thought. God is in control, and to them nothing else is of much consequence. Life is to be lived and cherished. If one particular circumstance is so extraordinary that it must be retold, then it is perhaps shared with the world through the art of writing.

Maybe that will come later, but for now we revel in the introduction. We turn to the next page and make a firm crease so it stays down, and then we do as the characters of the story are doing: we live.

God’s Contradictions February 22, 2008

As I trudged across the bitter cold campus today, while getting hit with miniature ice pellets, I made a serious attempt to see beauty in what was around me.  Mostly I just wanted to walk in the silence, take in the moment, and be open to whatever God wanted to show me.  Right as I started along the crosswalk I heard thunder and I could not help but stop and breathe a little slower.  If I had not needed to get to class I might have just stood there in the falling ice listening to the melodious noise coming from the sky.  All I could think of was the beauty of it and how it reminded me so much of God and His attributes.

Snow, ice, sleet coupled with thunder, and later even lightening.  Soft and dangerous.  Chilly and electric.  God is both loving and just.  Merciful and jealous.  This somewhat reminds me of Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia series, in that he is described as not being safe but being good.  The more I get lost in the pursuit of knowledge of God I cannot help but notice how to my human mind He seems to have contradicting attributes.  If there is any being that can actually have such “contradictions” it is definitely (or is it more correct in this case to say ‘indefinitely’) God.  

Reflecting back on my education, specifically philosophy, I remember how I was told that even God is bound by logic.  This always greatly disturbed me.  If God is indeed bound by logic that just seems to put Him in an itty-bitty, not-so-powerful, non-unique box.  May I never strip God of the mystery, glory, and perfection that He is much more than due.  I do not even want my narrow conceptualization of Him to become an idol in comparison to the Truth that He is.  

We shall never grasp Him, even remotely.  Yet our lives are to be lived in heightened pursuit of knowing, loving, and following Him.  We cannot attain, but we must continue on our journeys to grow.  Why?  A multiplicity of reasons, but perhaps one of the most important is that He deserves such devoted worship of our entire lives and infinitely more.

Who ever said that polka-dots were manmade? February 13, 2008

God’s creativity never ceases to surprise me.