Searching and Not Finding, but Being Found February 3, 2008

Being that it was a clear, not-so-chilly, early February afternoon I went on a drive around the local park. I was quite aware of my motivation for going: I was looking for something. I was looking for something I knew I could not find there. Glancing at bare trees and a glassy pond littered with goose and duck feathers did next to nothing besides make me wish I had my camera with me. The beauty of nature is merely a creation which points unmistakably to what I was really searching for. Deep down I knew I would probably come away from the park with this conclusion; it was inevitable. But, as with many other things in life, I wanted to take the long way around. No simple, obedient shortcuts for me, of course not. Only by God’s grace am I ever really shown any truth, especially when I approach it with such an unmoving attitude.

There are things in life that people intensely search after only to learn in the end that they are unfindable (at least in that manner). Examples of such things are: peace, love, joy, contentment, purpose, identity, and more. Not matter how well you search for them you will always come up empty-handed. In fact, they usually appear when they are lost or most commonly, given. The truest forms of contentment, love, peace and others can only be found in God who is made accessible by His Son, Jesus Christ. In order for us to know our identity and purpose we must grow in the knowledge of Him, who created us (along with our purposes) in the first place. Experiencing love, peace, and joy will always be the outcome of resting in close communion with God. We cannot find Him (and all of the gifts He holds), rather He finds us.

Any other sensation, no matter how “close” it may come to the authentic thing, is still a fake. Going to the park, traveling abroad, mulling mentally over the dozens of ways life can turn out, and other things may bring you to a place where you think you have found peace, assurance, direction; but don’t be fooled. God orchestrates life in such a way that it cannot be described as anything other than a surprise. If you think you truly know yourself and your direction, think again.

This is what makes the future such a glorious adventure. It is to be thought a mystery, since it is just that.

So I here admit that my searching in anything other than God has been in vain (of course). And my feeble attempts to know my future have proved useless. Yes, I have known this, but this confession will hopefully hold me to my intention to relinquish control of this area of my life once again. May I not think my ways and thoughts above or even remotely close to being equal to His. Thank the Lord that He has been faithful to find me, though I was searching for all the wrong things.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:6-9

“…I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10

Translating Thoughts into Actions January 28, 2008

Life is not theoretical or hypothetical. It simply is. Perhaps it would be more accurate to consider it paradoxical. Well, whatever it is we need to be sure not only to contemplate our lives but to truly live them.

As a lover of words and ideas I must admit that acting on what I have conceptualized is where I most often fail. I can weave thoughts and beliefs together into unique, eclectic designs, but what purpose do those novel concepts serve if they are never realized? Empty, unused ideas; arranged in such a way to give an air of practicality but still have yet to be tried.

I need to bridge the gaping disconnect between what I say I think/believe and what I actually do. The canyon between the two leaves me being nothing more than a hypocrite (perhaps a well-meaning one, but a hypocrite just the same). As my mind is becoming more like Christ’s, my hands and feet need to follow.

Paul says it best, I believe, in Romans 7:14-25 (shared below). It is a long passage, and can be slightly mind-bending at times, but extremely profound and true.

“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me, I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is not longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”

Ridding Myself of Sticky Fingers January 23, 2008

I have a confession to make: I have sticky fingers. No, I do not mean that I swipe tic-tacs or CD’s from Wal-Mart or that my roommates have reason to fear that things may go missing out of their respective purses. I am talking about how I give and take control of my life far too often.

Like any other “good” Christian (whatever that means), if asked whether or not I give complete control of my life to God on a daily basis I would hope that I could respond with an adamant “yes.” And most of the time I would. Without even considering if it were the truth or not. For some odd reason I believe that I have done (and do) a marvelous job at letting God do as He wills in my life, even when I do not think about it. This might be a logical conclusion if I spoke with God at length about it every day. But I now admit that I have not been doing just that. Oh, I’ll talk to Him about knowing Him better, His Word, my sin, people and needs that are around me (and more), but I always leave out the control of my life part. I have no good reason for this. Perhaps my excuse could be that God can take control of my life (and even end it) at any point He so desires. Well that is true, but rather silly and leaves no place for me to have an obedient relationship with Him.

So, in light of this revelation I had yesterday I spent a long time finally talking to Him about who had control of my life. And that’s right: all that time I thought I had given it to Him I really hadn’t. I was still grasping at it, manipulating things to work in the easiest, nicest way for yours truly. Well, I’m done with that. Everyday, no, every moment it comes to mind I want to be sure that God is the One who is in control, directing my path. I want to be faithful and obedient to Him, not myself or others.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” -Psalm 32:8-11

“Once” Deserves More Than One Look January 6, 2008

Once is a rather unique film in that the camera movements are best described as subtle documentary-style, yet it is not a documentary. Romanticism is a gentle undercurrent in the manner of storytelling that is used, but to label it as a romance or a chick-flick would be markedly off-target. “Naturalistic,” yes, that is the genre that it resides in. It’s also a musical, in that songs make up a large part of the movie since the plot revolves around two musicians. Most of the action is just the songs being performed within the context of the plot, but the greatness of the songs far outshine even the strikingly realistic cinematography and acting. The fact that the soundtrack and one of the songs have been nominated for two Grammys speaks for itself.

Overall it is a simple, stripped peek into the lives of two people; people who remain nameless throughout the entire movie nonetheless. Originating from Ireland and starring Glen Hansard (an Irishman guitarist and lead singer of the notable band The Frames) and Marketa Irglova (a Czech singer and pianist), it only makes sense that the acting and tone of the film is authentic and beautifully gritty. Choosing musicians (rather than just actors) to play musicians may have been the special ingredient that makes this movie feel so real. Only musicians (and in this case, ones that did indeed write the music) could portray such a connection to the songs within the film. Also, the magneticism of the two main characters is evidently another branch from what takes place in real life since even now the two perform together on tour and are in a relationship.

The theme of the movie is how someone can so greatly affect another person’s life for the better. Even being together and learning from one another for a short time has unforeseen and dramatic repercussions. That connection between people is a special gift to be cherished, and it is not necessarily limited to romantic relationships. Life is most definitely enriched through such a connection and it sticks with you for the remainder of your time on earth (if not longer).

Now the language of the movie is definitely an issue, and for those who cannot handle such things I do not recommend this film. Indeed, a specific bad word is very prevalent and cannot be ignored (though there are conversations or parts of conversations that pass without the use of it).

But if the language can be overlooked, I believe that most people will find a good, inspirational film that radiates with the authenticity and power of human relationship.

And in addition to the all of the great aforementioned aspects, Once also allows the viewer to experience the Irish accent at its best and to take a glance at some lovely Irish city and country scenery. Now that’s appealing.

To the musicians and makers of this movie I only have one word: “Tanks.”

Beautiful, Failing Humanity December 21, 2007

When God created humanity I have a feeling that He was quite aware of how intensely beautiful and powerful it was and is. I’m not referring to only mankind before sin entered the picture, no, I mean what God already knew man would turn out to be like after the Fall. Humanity (even in sin), He knew ahead of time, would be one of the main things in the World that could turn us back to Him. This seems backwards initially, so allow me to clarify.

We often speak plainly about humanity’s brokenness and emptiness, especially in relation to our need for God. The tendency here is to belittle mankind; which should not be done because just as we praise Him for creating the flowers, sunsets, and mountains we should praise Him for creating us as we are. The beauty of humanity is found in its weakness. Intently examining ourselves we quickly come to the conclusion that we are simply people we are practically nothing unless filled by the One who created us.

We limp, bleed, trip, lie, cheat, fail, quit and a million and one other things that reveal what we really are: merely human. It is most likely pride that possesses us to wear our masks and play our part to all of those around us that we are somehow superior, somehow more perfect…somehow less human than they. Yes, this is our goal; to become stronger, to throw off our vulnerability by becoming in our minds, superhuman, but in the end we just become inhuman. Now that’s not an attractive prospect. We think we will get further in life if we sacrifice authenticity for our imagined superhuman front.

Ah, but is not authenticity and truthful humanity one of the most alluring things that a person can possess? When someone honestly tells of their shortcomings it usually feels like an immediate, rather intimate bond is formed with that individual. (Or perhaps that’s just me.) We are drawn to that person, we know he or she is real because we identify with it. The shortcomings, the failures, and such can maintain their revolting, ugly natures but the admission of them cannot be described as much less than beautiful. Someone ripping off their facade and allowing others to stare into nothing other than their stark humanity is not only brave, but inspirational and moving enough to cause tears.

This humanity, and the magnetism it is characterized by, is meant to drive us ultimately to our Creator. Indeed, after such an encounter with someone, when it is as if you glanced into their soul, it is blindingly obvious that a higher, much more powerful Being had to create it. This puts a slightly different perspective on that verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9b, “…for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Humanity’s weaknesses perfect God’s power. Hmm, to those who search for logic in all things (and even for the rest of us) this is rather difficult to grasp, but at the same time it has a ring of encouragement to it. So just remember, failures are the windows into the beauty of humanity that drives us to God and perfect His power. Taking that to heart seems to take the sting out of failure, no matter how slight.

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Modern Hippies December 18, 2007

Admittedly, I concoct many theories as I travel through life. Most of them are supported by evidence that would usually be considered common knowledge. I’m not saying I have such innovative ideas that they are going to bring me any closer to winning the Nobel Peace Prize, but perhaps they are at least intriguing to those around me. Mostly they’re just for kicks, yet I like to think that they have a hint of “truthiness” to them.

One such theory is labeled the “Modern Hippie” theory.

Relax, it’s not a whole concept centered around the many things that people cringe about when they think of historical hippies. It focuses more on the positive outcomes of the hippie era and how the present generation seems to mirror those outcomes.

Now let’s first review, what good things came about during the time of the hippie (1960’s)? Increased global awareness is an obvious one. People stopped just considering their own household or neighborhood as the only place of importance in the world and turned their attention elsewhere (specifically toward the ‘conflict’ in Vietnam). Friends and family were being drafted to fight in a place that no one knew much about.

Another positive thing was increased attention to needed societal change. Social and ethical issues (particularly racism and violence) which were originally unacceptable for anyone to speak about became the topics of heated conversation and debate. Sit-ins, protests, and marches were commonplace and were ultimately the seeds of change that we are reaping the benefits of at present. Revolutions of ideas were caused through actions.

Environmentalism seems to also have originated in the 1960’s. Tree hugging was not a popular past time until hippies made it such. They recognized that humans have a tight, dependent relationship with nature. Such thinking was not the norm until then, and in reality it hasn’t soaked into the psyche of this nation until oh….2007?

Now that it is evident that hippies have in fact done the world some good, let’s look at the current generation: those of us who are living through the age of the Internet. Barring a plethora of technological advances, what positive things has this generation, even this decade brought about?

Really I don’t think we have much to brag about when it comes to novelty. As technology has expanded (yes, I said to not bring up technology, I know…but I’m mentioning it in passing, settle down) our global awareness has expanded as well. We know the political climate and can chat instantly with anyone across the world. We also have troops fighting wars in foreign nations so we keep close tabs on those goings on too.

Social and ethical issues are at the forefront of discussions now more than ever it seems. Poverty, AIDS, and terrorism are just a few major issues that practically everyone has a serious stance and concern. Campaigns are springing up everywhere to combat the world’s ills: One, (red), Make Trade Fair, Save Darfur, etc.

Also, if you are not an environmentalist in some form or fashion by this point you are evidently living under a rock. Global warming, ever heard of it? If not, you need to go have a chat with Al Gore, or one of his buddies. Or just take into account how we trash the lovely planet we call home; now that’s just not very respectful. Tree hugging is definitely cool once again.

So to put it simply, this era, this generation, is just following the footsteps of the hippies before it. Now that’s not something to be ashamed of. We are the modern hippies: we care about things outside of ourselves and we even have the technology to put our beliefs on issues into action (and to maintain daily personal cleanliness). And just like those before us, after our calls for change the world will not be the same.