SCHOOL SPIRIT REVISITED

Originally published one year ago today. Italizied words added.

On this date 11 years ago people died in the high school I was attending. People were also paralyzed and a few survived their wounds. I think about that at least once a year, usually more. Yes, I knew everyone involved including the shooter who was in my first two classes.

In high school there are always the corny cheers about being "proud to be a Pirate, yes I am...".
Well at football games I usually wasn't. We stunk. But 11 years ago tomorrow I was proud to be a Pirate. Some students from the prayer circle which was the target of the shooting made a huge sign and put it on the front of the school which was surrounded by TV vans from CNN, NBC, CBS, etc. The sign read, "Michael, we forgive you." I don't think about that part of the story as much. I wish I did. That is awesome maturity from high school students, unfortunately I was too immature to be a part of that at that point in my life.

Heath High School has since put in a memorial garden, which is nice. But I wonder what happened to that sign.

Another memorable moment from that season of my life was the entire school meeting in the lobby for the prayer circle the next day. Hearing the entire school body sing "Amazing Grace" truly was amazing. For a while every time I heard that song being sung by youths I got chills.

I'M DREAMING OF A HONDURAN CHRISTMAS

As I eluded to in the previous post, Erin and I are going to Honduras over Christmas. We will be there from the 20th of December until the 30th.

I am glad Erin thought to do this. The story is we heard Jessica Wires wanted to go: yada, yada, yada we leave the 20th. We will be staying with a missionary who keeps four orphans and one child of her own. We will be giving love and attention to these children during Christmas. We aren't necessarily there to be Santa Claus, although we will share with them. Our main objective is to show the love of Christ to those children and to encourage the missionary.

I will try to update you on what is going on. Also, I am toying with the idea of making a small documentary of the trip using our digital camera. Either way, I am certain I will have lots of pictures and stories to share. On my Christmas list from you is prayer for a successful trip.

THANKSGIVING

I have been thinking about what I am thankful for this year. I have come to realize that I am not thankful only for God's love and the sacrifice of Jesus, but I am thankful for the life this compels me to live.

In the Old Testament we see examples of the writers of the Psalms being thankful for the law. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path". But wasn't the law restricting and hard to follow? Wasn't it a bunch of difficult rules that were improbable to keep? That is not how the Israelites viewed the law. They saw it as a way to please God. They were glad to know they could be pleasing to God and glad to have the means to do it.

As for me, I am thankful for the life Jesus has called me to live. It is difficult sometimes. It is mentally draining occasionally as I have to try and remove myself from the American mind set I have placed on myself and view the world through a Christian lens. But it gives me purpose, I am not left to wander aimlessly through life, or work for self-gratification that leads to an empty life. It gives me energy and adds substance to my life. It gives me a hunger to help people that is never completely filled. I am thankful for the blood he shared, but I am also thankful for the life he calls us to live. I am thankful for the Christian life as the Israelites were thankful for the law. The Israelites were given a way to glorify God, a meaning to life. The Christian life does the same for me. I am not restricted by living a Christian life, I am freed. For that, I am thankful.

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
--2 Corinthians 5:14-15

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Christian community as depicted in the Epistle to Diognetus:

...a people who are not markedly different from those around them in dress or custom; Christians, though, have a confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners They marry, as do all; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed.

They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life.

They are poor, yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life...

Are we living Christian Community like the 2nd century church did?

CHRISTIAN POLITICS

Christian politics is not voting for the person whose party has convinced the nation they hold the morals of America as their platform. Christian politics is the church as a community and individual Christians being proactive towards the social issues in our nation.

Are those people concerned about gay marriage taking care of their own marriages and joining with the church in supporting those who are struggling with marriage? Gay marriage is not an attack on my family or any other one. In my opinion, divorce is the most dangerous attack on the family, substance abuse, addictions are other risk factors to the family "under attack", not people who struggle with homosexuality getting married. So what are those fighting verbally doing pro-actively with the church for the support of healthy marriage?

Are those people shouting out about murdering infants adopting or fostering? Or even financially supporting organizations that actually do something after babies are born to unwed mothers, or teenagers not ready for motherhood?

Are those people fighting for policies for those under the poverty line taking time to have a meal with those in poverty? Are they joining with their church in an effort to not only financially help, but be a presence of care?

Are prayers going up for people in Iraq? Or only votes cast? Or no thought at all about loving enemies (not to mention innocent citizens)?

The disciples of Christ were never called to make sure a faithful follower was in office. I dare say Jesus did not care who was in office. It was not worth squabbling about. Jesus' challenge to us was to live in a way the world recognize as different.

Paul never tried to make the laws of the land to where he would not be flogged and put in jail for preaching Jesus resurrected. I am sure he would have found the "morality" of the government of that day to be convenient. But, he was more concerned with the lives of Christians and those in need. As we can see in his letters he had enough issues to worry about in the way of unity rather than political loyalties.

Why allow something like loyalty to a political party damage Christian relationships?

Voting is not Christian politics. Living out the social issues you want to see changed or preserved is Christian politics. Being a city on a hill, the salt of the earth is Christian politics.

There is no such thing as a "Christian Nation", not the US, not Nazi Germany (who also claimed Christian Nation). There is a Christian community, though (by the way, it reaches outside of our country). And it has nothing to do with elections and it is where we should act.

ZAMBIA STORY

Yesterday Erin and I were give the opportunity to tell people at church about how Zambia impacted us. It is impossible to communicate that, but we did tell them some of our favorite stories. We both told two stories. I will tell you one of the stories I told yesterday.
The story comes from an interaction I had with a man while working in the optometry clinic. The man was standing in line and started saying something to me. I couldn't understand what he was saying so I asked the interpreter what he was saying and the interpreter looked at me and said, "he is speaking in English". So I listened closer and heard him say our people are so grateful you have come here to serve us. He then went in to see Judy (the eye doctor) and got his glasses prescription and brought it to me. I retrieved his glasses and brought them to him. He tried them on, had an amazing reaction proving that he had not been able to see well at all. He then said I can see Jesus in you people, Christ is dead but today he is alive in you people. Although I don't know that man's name, I will never forget him.

I AM RACIST

You will never relate with someone you fear or do not understand.
-Dr. Everett Huffard

This quote, coupled with my Multicultural Counseling course has forced me really think about how racist I am. There is no need for me to ignore the feelings I have of other races. As much as I know I should not fear or discriminate other races, I do. I feel like Paul in Romans. I do what I don't want to, I don't do what I should. I can talk the talk with the best of them when it comes to showing respect for minorities and making a concentrated effort to helping the poor in Memphis. However, what is it that I do for them? Wait until I graduate, like I tell myself? What barrier will I allow to be built after that? I am starting to act rather than just talk. It is a process I am struggling with. It must be a concentrated effort with me because it is out of my comfort zone.
Racism is more than the KKK and Neo-Natzis. In fact, in a recent documentary we watched in class a black man said he was more affected by racism displayed by people who are ignorant to the fact they are racist. I want to challenge you to examine yourself when it comes to the treatment of other races.

FROM THE ZAMBIA BLOG

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

BLESSINGS

I often hear, "I am reminded that I am so blessed" in reference to an experience in a developing country. That comment has started to bother me. It has been a little while now that something about that graded on my nerves as I heard it. Finally, I was able to process it out with Joe today.
"I am blessed"= air conditioner, unlimited amount of food, TV, and a nice house. When we say we are blessed we are basing our blessings on material things. That is a shame. Granted, we would be ignorant not to recognize that we have more and our more makes things easier a lot of times. However, looking only at material blessings ignores what truly enrich our lives.
As Joe mentioned, slowing down our lives like is often done here can create positive relationships. I have been able to build relationships with people here because of the slowed down lifestyle. That is hard for us to recognize as a blessing.

Also, as one of the missionaries mentioned the people are more likely to feel dependent on God because they do not have 401 (k) plans and as structured life styles. This environment provides a context to develop a trust in God we are unable to develop.

I suppose what I am trying to say is spiritual blessings are what should be placed as most important in our lives. Measuring how we are blessed because we have more material things removes us from recognizing what is truly important in life.

CARDBOARD TESTIMONIES

Dr. Oster showed this video in chapel. I liked it so I thought I would share.

LEAVING FOR ZAMBIA

Hey friends and family, I am leaving for Zambia this minute (assuming the plane takes off in time). I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve in a place that is outside my comfort zone. I appreciate prayers as I am traveling and while I am there. The travel is going to be gruesome, as I have never traveled overseas before. I hope to update anyone who is interested in the happenings of the trip on the Zambia Mission Blog. I am hoping my Cubs will still be in first place after my 27 day absence from watching them.
Also, Erin and I will be apart for 10 days. That is the longest we have been apart since we have been married. That will be difficult. Prayers for that are welcomed.
I am excited about my chance to experience another culture and broaden my horizons. I want it to be more than that though. I want to help these people and be a servant first.

MAUNDY THURSDAY: ALSO GOOD

Maundy or Holy Thursday is today. This day in easter week gets less attention, I think. Although, I must confess that I haven't paid attention to any part of Easter week before last year. There were some pretty important events that happened on this day leading up to Good Friday and ultimately Easter. This day commemorates the Last Supper between Jesus and the Apostles, the washing of the Apostles feet, Jesus' mental struggles in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Judas. They are all very important aspects of the last week of Jesus' life and ultimately very important to us as Christians.
The instructions of remembering Jesus through a meal is something that is done by Christians today. Jesus' servant leadership of washing feet sets the bar high for His followers as we strive to be the people we were created to be.
The scene of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane gives us a glance of how human and divine Jesus was while on earth. His human nature wanted to be protected from the sacrifice he must make for us. However, his devotion to God the Father gives us the example of following God's will, even when it hurts.
The most tragic event of this day is the betrayal of Jesus. Judas Iscariot's love of money should be a warning to us that earthly temptation is out there and can cause us to turn our back of Jesus. If an Apostle, a man who was with Jesus daily can be seduced, so can we. Tragically, Judas could not forgive himself and ended his life after realizing the wrong he had committed.
I think Holy Thursday is a day worth spending some time meditating on. It is a huge part of the narrative of God.

W, X, Y, AND ZAMBIA

Erin and I are going to Zambia this summer. We are very excited. Sycamore View Church of Christ (the church we attend) supports mission work in Zambia and take a trip every summer. This mission trip we are going on will be of the medical sort, so I have been searching around Wikipedia on how to perform major surgery. I am sure there will be more bloggage about this event in the future. For those of you who are not familiar with the location of Zambia-which would include me if Sycamore View was not involved-there is a circle drawn around the country on the map above.

More Than A Feeling

Andrew Peterson has some really good songs. In one of his songs there is a lyric that makes alot of sense and convicts me. It goes "love is not a feeling in your chest, it is getting down to wash someone's feet." What is love if it is stagnant? Love isn't just a feeling or a thought. If you love then you are taking action.
If love is taking action then I am bad at loving the poor. I am good at thinking about how I want to be good in the helping profession. I am good at thinking about what I should be doing for the poor. I have the heart and compassion for the poor. But I am bad at loving though. I bought a man on Poplar Street lunch one day last year. I felt like I was really doing something. If I really loved the poor and didn't just want to make myself feel good I could have ate with him at least. When I reflect on financial ways I could be helping the poor I get sick.
I don't want to answer to God about how little I did for the poor. I want to be able to freely give as I have freely received. That giving should be of my time and of my money. I pray that I will not only have the desire to help but I will be willing to take action.

Bland Nights

Bland Nights are far from bland. I want to take this blog space to show appreciation to Dr. Dave and Nancy Bland, possibly the most kind people I know. Every first and third Sunday night you can depend on a Bland Night. A typical Bland Night consists of the group making announcements and prayer requests then Dr. Bland offers up a prayer for the requests, our fellowship, and the wonderful food that Nancy has graciously prepared for a number of people. There is always more than enough food and deserts. There is even a Bland pouring a drink for you. Bland Nights are heavily anticipated in the Lewis home. Bland Nights are one of the top five things for me in Memphis. The Blands have been a great example to me of what hospitality, fellowship, and servanthood looks like.
I will really miss Bland Nights when I leave Memphis.

More Than a Dreamer

"Early mourning, April 4th
Shots rang out in the Memphis sky
'Free at Last' they took your life
They could not take your pride" - U2 "Pride"

After a trip to one of the top Memphis must see tourist spots -the National Civil Rights Museum-the life and death of one of the most important Americans is on my mind.
I am ashamed that a country that prides itself on freedom and the pursuit of happiness treated minorities with such a blind eye to the freedom in the constitution and supposed unfailing democracy. The lack of Christianity was also disappointing to say the least.
It was good to observe throughout the tour people willing to stand up for what is right. Martin Luther King, Jr. being one of the most impressive. He dedicated his life as a preacher of the gospel to sound out against the oppression and unfair treatment of minorities.
Not only should he be observed as a great leader against discrimination, Christians should respect him for the way he rebelled against the societal norms to live like a Christian ought to live.
He defied the societal norms and truly did not conform to this world. His fight against discrimination is a great Christian example of standing up for what is right in a world that is wrong.
His "I have a dream" speech is one of the most inspiring speeches I have ever read or heard. If you have not experienced it click here: I Have a Dream

MLK Jr. was definitely more than a dreamer. He was a great leader and more importantly, a great Christian.