C'est Fantastique, non?

Why can't all music inspired by love and drugs sound like Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique?  I long for days when artists tell a story using harps, bassoons, timpani, and strings.  You can read more about this masterpiece here.  If you don't have an hour to spend on this, I insist that you start at minute 51 and listen to the end for something you may already know.  Also, you really should take a moment to soak up the conductor's method and style of directing.  I'd trade 3 high school band directors for him....

Do I stink?

I often jog around my community.  Since it is suburban, there is a nice balance of development and wilderness.  As such, I enjoy the safety of civilization as well as the splendor of creation while on my excursions.  There is an unfortunate condition, though, which cannot be avoided under these circumstances-- roadkill.  Quite often I will spot some sad creature who met a tremendously violent end.  The range of animals I've seen are as small as a simple mole to a great and majestic buck.  One thing these animals all share in common postmortem is that terrible stench of death.  Did I mention I live in the South?  The warm weather is not a kindness at these times.

Please excuse these macabre images; I want to illustrate something important.  While I am a long way off, the deep breaths required for running invite that odor right into my lungs.  Repulsion and nausea provoke me to scour the terrain for the sight of the offender.  Sometimes the lifeless animal is very close and startles me with disgust.  On some occasions it takes me a seemingly unreasonable amount of time to finally discover the source of that terrible aroma.  Once I have found it, my response is invariable to flee with all my might as my heart pounds powerfully.  The sight and smell of death are fearful; the words of my mind say, "Leah, you were not meant to see death."

None of us were meant to see death.  The story of creation unfolds to reveal God's purpose for man: to enjoy each others' company eternally.  All too soon, the first two people wander into rebellion quite mindless of who they are.  They want to redefine themselves and in doing so, they redefine all of humanity's relationship to God.  The rebellion was classified as sin, and the punishment for sin was death.

Skip ahead a few chapters and a lot of theology.  Christ comes to restore life.  He is the divine resuscitator bringing us back to life from spiritual death.  I have not always understood what spiritual life and death are.  Spiritual death is different than physical death; all our bodies still die.  Though Christ has the power to return individuals to physical life from death; he demonstrates this only several times in the gospels.  This was not his goal; it just is a visible example of what he does spiritually for all who seek him.  His true plan is to transplant the stone cold hearts of men out of their chests before they physically perish and implant a living heart of flesh. This new heart figuratively joins the heart of Christ to the hearts of men.  Jesus is a literal lifeline to God. And though the external will perish, be buried, and waste away; the internal has become eternal once again.

So maybe you can imagine my confusion when I read this passage from 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NIV & emphasis added by me):

 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.  For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.  To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?  Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

I am both alive physically and alive spiritually (because of Jesus).  How is it that I can be the repugnant and nauseating smell of death to some?  This is a powerful explanation for how disturbed unbelievers can be to the message of the gospel.  Like my reaction to the stench of dead animals, I often witness the culture cry out against the mere mention of God, Jesus, or prayer.  My heart aches when I see fellow Christians reject the word of God or other Christians because of how intense "the aroma of the knowledge of [God]" is. 

Too often, I know when I experience rejection in friendships, it is a result of a personal shortcoming.  I confess I am quick to speak and slow to listen.  I am opinionated to the point where I'm sure many have believed that I am simply judgmental.  These are fair assessments, though, I strive in God's enabling Spirit to be more humble and demonstrate the love of God more fully everyday.  I must question, though, if I am becoming "an aroma that brings death".  Indeed the author of the Message translates this passage in this way: "...those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse."  How unbelievably sad it is to know that many will never experience reunion with God because the mention of his name disturbs them so deeply.

Continuing on this passage from 2 Corinthians, the author (Paul) doesn't leave the reader in dread of how they will be received.  There is no explanation of why my faith is stinky to the world; Paul does not desire for us to explore other worldviews and promote that they can offer life like Jesus does when they cannot.  There are not directions on how to mask the odor; Paul does not teach us how to mix the message of the gospel with culturally relevant topics to ease into God's word.  There is no exhortation given to conceal the odor; Paul does not instruct the Christian to keep his faith to himself or only exercise his love of God within the confines of the church.  No, Paul only suggests that when we speak about God, we are actually speaking before God.  We must do so sincerely remembering that we were once captives to death and now are sent by Him to share freedom and life everywhere.

The Faith Fraud

In my Bible study class this morning, we were sharing what we've learned about ourselves through our two years together.  We have studied from the first book of Genesis to the book of Acts so far~ quite a bit of material. According to my Bible, we've covered 936 pages out of 1034.  I listened intently to what these "wonder women" shared and considered what I had gained.

Class review of people, places, and events from creation to Paul's imprisonment

I first came to know the Lord when I was 19 years old.  Then my faith was like a new romance full of such zeal and excitement that I believed easily and hard on the gospel.  I read Luke like one who already knows their beloved is perfect; I didn't need the good doctor's testimony to underscore my faith.  However, my fervor faded as any infatuation inevitably does.  I think many consider this an actual crisis of faith: did I even believe to begin with?  What is it I actually believe anyhow?  At times I was even embarrassed by how shamelessly I boasted of Christ without really even knowing him.

By grace my skepticism and doubts turned into seeking.  I have witnessed a small number of my dearest friends withdraw from Christ entirely when they determined that either their hearts or minds had been deceived by Christianity or the church.  The intellectuals in the bunch just could not come to terms with God's claims in the Bible.  Too much mystery in creation, miracles, prophecy, etc to be firmly grounded.  They chose the wisdom of the world~ what they could see, test, explain.  For the passionate friends, they could not wait or trust in the fidelity of their creator; they sought the love of man.  No longer grieved by loneliness, no longer embittered by waiting for "God's timing", no longer burdened by the standards of a perfect Lord~ these friends were free to enjoy the security and intimacy of romantic love (perhaps the greatest idol for American women).

I share this not passing judgment on my dear friends.  I only comment because I, too, have clung to the tangibles when I could not see God clearly.  I still do to a degree.  After my zealous season passed, I began to go after the head-knowledge I was lacking.  I read stacks of Christian books and did a number of small group studies over the years.  Each one was beneficial to me; I was always happy to learn from others about God.  Yet I still deep down had a nagging feeling that my love for Jesus was not sincere.  So troubled by this thought, I was afraid to even talk about my faith because I was certain others (particularly Christians) would see through me.  Words like "inauthentic", "fraud", "deluded", and "phony" would pop up in my mind in the moments I wanted to talk about Jesus.  How was it that I wasn't getting closer to God when I was making the effort to explore and understand him?

That's where this study comes in.  I didn't know when I started it that I would gain a "big picture" approach to the Bible.  After all, it's 66 books written by 40 different men over the course of more than 1000 years.  How unified could it actually be?  How would the storybook characters from my Sunday school years like Moses and Noah fit into the bizarre Old Testament prophets like Amos and Haggai?  What does any of that have to do with the cross?  I was astonished to learn how reading the entire Old Testament prepared and shaped my understanding of the gospel.  My murky and limited view of the Old Testament was no longer pieces of felt board dramas or assertions that God in that time was different-- an angrier and vengeful God who was inexplicably cruel (have you heard that before?).

Instead, I saw the true character of God--merciful, just, and always seeking restoration in his relationship with man.  With that in mind, one can come to a book like Leviticus and see how it's not just a bunch of arbitrary rules and rituals; it was a makeshift way designed by God for man to reunite with God until Christ's coming.  In the book of Judges one can see the salvation of God each time the Israelites come under the oppression of their enemies.  One cannot miss in any book how much God loves individuals; look at the lives of David, Abraham, Daniel, Enoch (of Seth's line--not Cain's), Elijah, and Habakkuk (yes, read his short three chapter book if you've ever had a complaint against God or struggled with faith).  It's not just men that the Lord loves; take in and ponder the lives of Sarah, Naomi, Esther, Abigail, dearest Hannah, Eve, Ruth, Deborah, and even Bathsheba.  If God were not concerned with individual people, the Old Testament could not exist beyond Genesis chapter 1.

All the sudden Jesus makes a lot more sense.  Because my murky view of God wasn't limited to the Old Testament-- I now saw that the Christ I knew was incomplete, even a shadow of who he really is.  I once heard a story about a missionary who gave a man a copy of the New Testament.  This man read it entirely and returned to the missionary to share his thoughts.  The first thing he said to the missionary was, "Where is the first part of the story?"  When I approached the Bible with an attitude that the New Testament is for Christians and the Old Testament is for Jews, I missed the big point~ why Christ had to come at all.  How can I really understand my separation from God when I don't know when our separation happened, what God revealed about himself in spite of our separation, and how he planned our rescue from the moment things went wrong.

This is the long answer for what I've gotten from this Bible study.  I don't have to cringe when someone says that God is wrathful and angry or that God and Jesus have different and contradictory characteristics (personally, I find some of Jesus teachings about those going to heaven and hell much tougher than the assertions of the so-called "angry God of the Old Testament").  Jesus couldn't be the loving, compassionate Savior of the world if God weren't loving and compassionate as well.  There is ample evidence of that before Jesus' name appears in the Bible.  Having studied the word, my foundation for my faith is firm~ I know what I believe and no longer have to feel like I'm a faith fraud.

Spiritual Testimony

As you may have already discovered, I love writing about my faith in God.  I wanted to share a bit about my background so that it may be more clear why I write the way I do.  I grew up in a mainline denomination church, but I didn't become a Christian until college.  I went to college with a goal: let's figure out the whole "God-thing".  I visited a number of campus ministries and churches in the area.  It was not until I joined a small group on the book of Galatians where I discovered what I was looking for.

A recent Georgia Tech grad led the study about a letter written nearly 2000 years ago.  The broad subject of this letter is that faith in Jesus Christ alone can free you from sin.  The first recipients of this letter had been taught by religious authorities that they needed to complete a number of religious rituals in addition to their faith to be saved.  This was a revelation to me~ my impression from all my years in church was that there was a formula on how to behave in order to be good enough to know God.  I wasn't even sure I wanted to know God because religion seemed boring or was an unappealing set of rules.  Either way, I was falling way below the church's standards.

Campus Ministry~ First time visitors are introduced and receive free cookies.  What won't a college kid do for something free?

Shortly after the study, I was invited to commit to a number of Christian service projects.  It was then that I knew I had to make a decision; I accepted Jesus Christ to be my spiritual liberator.  Excited to apply my new faith in Jesus, I eagerly took on every service group.  In this new season of life, I experienced what a gift it is to give and serve.  I spent time cleaning dishes and vacuuming floors at my campus ministry.  On Friday nights I would head to the state penitentiary for women to pray with criminals.  Saturday mornings I was at a community center for the visually impaired learning how to teach and care for a a precious boy who was born with serious nervous system impairments causing his blindness.  I share this not to boast of "how good I am", but rather to describe how these activities did great good in me.  I got a glimpse at how God loves by trying to be like him.

Habitat for Humanity build with some friends

By the end of my college career, I had been on several mission trips domestically and abroad.  It had created a desire to explore the possibility of international missions particularly on college campuses.  It seemed a good fit.  The fall after graduation, my boyfriend (now my husband) and I researched and developed a plan to plant a campus ministry in France.  We spent every spare moment discussing logistics and culture; we couldn't have been more enthusiastic about our vision.  After presenting our plan to our would-be sending agency, we discovered our vision was in stark contrast to theirs.  I started to grapple with what God's plan for my life was. 

In Salamanca, Spain~ free coffee and muffins for students at the library during finals

I would like to comment that my college years didn't revolve solely on my growing Christian faith.  I studied international affairs; my curriculum addressed topics spanning from political ideologies, history, great power relations, economics and globalization, empiricism, science, comparative politics, technology, and language.  I double majored in French and minored in Spanish, and I relished the fact that I could communicate with any native North American.  It was easy and perhaps only natural for me to determine that my career or future would involve both my undergraduate studies and my zeal for God.

All dressed packed up and nowhere to go

Well, my God loves to teach his children.  The lesson I learned during that time was invaluable.  While I had my heart set on mission work, I was interning at the ministry where I found saving faith.  Part of the program involved free courses at a local Bible college.  I discovered that my passion for campus ministry waned as my excitement for studying the word of God waxed.  God taught me that while my own self-interest and preferences led me to desire doing mission work, His purpose for me would not be predictable and certainly would ground me in humility.

Humility indeed.  My internship year ended poorly.  My team of interns, a group of 13, suffered seriously from dysfunction and personality clashes.  I admit I was a source for a good portion of it.  I went on to search for full-time employment anywhere, but months went by where I had few interviews and fewer responses to the dozens of cover letters and resumes I sent out.  As if by divine appointment, part-time jobs started to come my way.  The first job was with a retail store that is based in missions.  Go Fish works with artisans and craftsmen all over the world in developing countries to bring their products to a first world market.  Their purpose is to share the message of the gospel through business both in the stores with customers and with the artists who create the products.

My second job sprung from the first.  As a sales associate, I had ample opportunities to meet and talk with the Go Fish shoppers.  I shared the story of our company with a young family.  As we talked more, I discovered they were looking for a babysitter to watch their daughter while they attended a church small group.  Not only our shared faith, but my background in childcare landed me the position.  It may have been small, but I really delighted in the opportunity to care for their sweet girl.

My third job developed in the most interesting way.  During my season of unemployment, I started to volunteer at a ministry, Good Samaritan, which provided health and dental services to the uninsured.  I would make spreadsheets, answer phones, and pray for patients.  I loved it so much that I started going on days they hadn't even requested me to come.  A few months later a position opened up in the front office.  Thanks to my Spanish language skills (albeit European Spanish), God opened another door and filled my schedule with good work.

God's provisions satisfied me.  I craved to have a career with a Christian organization in an international setting while earning a bit of money.  Now I had jobs in three Christian workplaces with one focused on missions and another where I spoke Spanish as much as I spoke English on any given day.  I laugh now reflecting on any grief I felt at the time over God's answering my "missionary" prayer.

In the midst of that busy season, God was already laying the groundwork for the next chapter.  My boyfriend had become my fiance, and we were planning a wedding.  This is where many of you who have read the blog know what happens next.  We wed in May 2009 and a few short months later we moved to France.  As if God's fulfillment of my desires couldn't get more absurd, we ended up moving into a dorm on a college campus.  We had envisioned ourselves in campus ministry in France just a few short years beforehand.  Yet instead of being professional missionaries, my husband arrived as a student taking courses at two different universities, and I became a teacher in two elementary schools.  We said we wanted to share our faith with students, and God gave us students in spades.

France, we love you!

Now I don't need to summarize that year for you; it's already been written in earlier posts.  Since our return, I've commented regularly on finding my purpose.  It seems as though God has provided us with a quiet period in life after many transitional days; that is, as quiet as a season can be with a baby.  In any case, I am soaking up this time with my family and with God to prepare for the days and adventures to come. 

The LORD's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

U.S. Ambassador to Libya

I don't want to scandalize my readers by introducing the subject of politics casually.  With that being said, I am a news junky and have been following the stories of Middle East uprisings in several nations closely.  As many know, Chris Stevens was killed in Libya on the anniversary of 9/11.  He was America's ambassador to their country; an appointed representative who ought not be remembered by the inhumanity of his death.  All life has dignity~ it is God-given.  I wanted to share with you a video released by the embassy about Chris Stevens and what he desired to offer to the people of Libya.

What are the odds?

I am often intrigued by Twitter; the idea of micro-blogging is perfect for those who have concise thoughts they desire to share.  With the ability to share so freely, though, most would observe that Twitter is deluged with banality.  The significance of thoughts or reports fades into a backdrop of excessive sharing.  This is not said to cast a judgment on any of my friends who use the popular social media website.  Rather, I have thought how brilliant the concept of micro-blogging is.  I generally lack the self-control to share a short post, but I marvel at how brevity conveys the meaning of ideas more grandly than wild verbosity (my weakness!).  Think of how we enshrine quotes in our culture.  They are trinkets of wisdom remembered easily.  The greatest quotes speak truth to the heart; not needlessly sentimental~ just profoundly honest.

Well, I thought I would make an effort to write some shorter posts here and there so that I don't dilute ideas with too many personal reflections.  Thank you, Twitter, for the inspiration.

~~~~~~~

I was studying my Bible this morning and came across two passages using the expression "apple of my eye".  What are the odds?  The first was in Proverbs 7:2 which reads, "Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye."  The second is from the post-exilic prophet and priest Zechariah.  The Lord is speaking through an angel about the future of Jerusalem.  Chapter 2 verse 7 through 13 says:

“Come, Zion! Escape, you who live in Daughter Babylon!”  For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—  I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me.

“Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord.  “Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.  The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem.  Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”

Something for me to reflect on today. 

True Family

Have you read the newly released memoir by retired gymnast Dominique Moceanu?  Moceanu stole the hearts of the American public and the world while competing in the 1996 Olympics.  She and her team won Gold for the United States for the first time in history.  Her book is called Off Balance, a clever title relating a necessary skill in her sport to the real dysfunction of her childhood.  Perhaps the most publicized revelation in Moceanu's book is the discovery of a sister she never knew she had.  Jennifer was born when Dominique was 6 years old.  Their parents concealed giving Jennifer up for adoption entirely from their older daughter.  It was not until Dominique's mid-twenties that she and her other sister, Christina, learned of and reunited with Jennifer.

The Devil Went Down to Georgia [source]

My whole world in 1996 seemed to revolve around the Magnificent Seven (as the women's artistic gymnastics team was dubbed by the media).  Living in the suburbs of Atlanta made my excitement all the more real.  My own journey in the gymnastics world had ended the year before; my family came into some tough times and could not commit the time or money to this demanding sport.  Still I remember trying to stay flexible, do my handstands properly, and daydream about tumbling across springy blue carpet.  I would also imagine meeting these Olympians, my heroes.

On one occasion, I actually saw the Magnificent Seven.  My grandparents treated me to tickets for a rhythmic gymnastics event.  I could not tell you any details about the ribbon twirling or juggling or whatever other skills these batch of gymnasts performed that day.  No, my memories of that day only yield the image of the young victors~ Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Jaycie Phelps, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Kerri Strug, and of course Dominique Moceanu.  They made an appearance to support the other competing gymnasts and greet a stadium full of fans.  I wondered if I could get close to them and tell them that I was a gymnast, too.  I was awestruck.  Even though they were teeny tiny athletes, they were giants in my mind.  They were living proof that even a child can be a champion.  That's what they symbolized to me.

Dominique competing in the 1996 Olympics on the beam [source]

Returning to the subject of her book, Dominique's story resonated with me.  It is a cautionary tale about parents deceiving their children.  While the secret sister may seem like the most shocking element, I was astounded to learn how her parents and coaches concealed her achievements and earnings from her.  Rather than living in a dream world I believed the "princess" of gymnastics had, Dominique was in a veritable hell of uncertainty, insecurity, and confusion.  And while it may just be a book that provides a window into one American stage parent story, I began to wonder about how different her life could have been had the adults in her life been honest.  This is a lesson to be considered by all, not just parents.  The truth has the power to bless or crush. Truth really matters.  Since my foundation for truth is Christianity, that's where I'll start.  

The first thing that pops into my mind on the subject of truth is that oft used quote, "The truth will set you free".  This is a direct quote from Jesus; did you know that?  The Bible is commonly believed to hold worldly words of wisdom like "Money is the root of all evil" and "God helps those who help themselves".  Scour the scripture, and you shorn't find either of these quotes word for word (shorn't happens to be my favorite non-word meaning should but won't).  The second expression has no roots in scripture at all, and the money proverb is extracted from its proper biblical context.  The full verse (with emphasis added by me) reads:

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Clearly, money has no intrinsic quality making it good or bad; it's just paper.  It's how we use it that determines whether we make good or bad choices.  I use this as a prelusion for considering "The truth will set you free."  Here is Jesus' full statement in John 8:31-36:

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Since I'm a grammar fanatic and treasure the meaning of words, I want to break this down a little bit.  This is a conditional statement: first something must happen, then another something will follow.  In this case Jesus says to hold to his teachings.  So first I must read about what he taught.  The magical conditional then follows.  It reveals that learning Jesus' teachings lead to knowing truth.  That may sound like I've paraphrased what he just said so it doesn't seem too radical.  Now what may offend or ought to shock some is the claim that Jesus is making here.  His teachings are truth and they are powerful.  How powerful?  I'm glad you asked!  Knowing his teaching grants an individual freedom.

Wait a minute~ now I have a problem.  First, what am I being set free from?  Great question; wish I could claim I came up with it, but some of the Jewish disciples asked Jesus right then.  This is what they asked:

“We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

I hope these guys were talking about only themselves at this point; the Jews had most certainly been slaves a time or two before Christ's coming:  400 years in Egypt (see Exodus), a great period of time under Assyria (found in 2nd Kings), and of course 70 years in Babylon (also 2nd Kings & 2nd Chronicles & Jeremiah & Daniel).  Perhaps they weren't slaves at this point in history, but they certainly were being occupied by Rome. That would probably have been my reply had I been Jesus.  I would have literally thought about national freedom or physical bondage.  Because his message is for individuals, Jesus replied,

“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Alright, just to keep our conditionals straight~ Jesus is saying that learning what he teaches leads to truth which leads to freedom from sin~ that is, spiritual slavery.  Is this how you've ever interpreted the expression "The truth will set you free"?  Does its true meaning surprise you?  Up pops another problem~ how does a man set free the hearts of other men?  That is something I don't believe I can explain to you; it's something you have to experience for yourself.  I will point out a word of encouragement for you.  My final conditional statement~ if you can accept that Jesus' teachings are true and you want to be set free from sin, then you are invited to be a permanent member in Jesus' family.  Seeking truth is not going on a philosophical quest for enlightenment; it's joining a heavenly family who so desires to have you as their son or daughter, as their brother or sister.

As I wrote earlier, the truth has the power to bless or to crush.  I testify that seeking truth in Jesus Christ is a blessing.  He teaches me about God and sets me free continually from sin so that I can be his sister.  I will leave you with a passage that I pray will help you believe that God is the source of truth.  Here's what the gospel writer John said about Jesus:

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.  He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.  Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.  For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.  The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.  Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life... [John 3:31-36]

Reluctant to Write

Greetings dear reader,

I confess I had intended to write more.  There have been many days where I crave to share my thoughts and process the things I'm learning with you.  As soon as I sit down, I begin to shuffle through my initial thoughts and then get bogged down with my purpose.  Why do I write?  At first this blog was dedicated to be a journal and newsletter of sorts about Kyle and my experience in France.  At times I ventured into reflections, but I primarily recorded our day to day life with the hopes of incorporating a bit wit and excellent vocabulary for your entertainment.  Upon our return home to the states, it was clear I had lost my purpose in writing.  It's better to journal my thoughts in a handwritten diary, and no amount of clever writing could make my trips to the grocery store feel as significant as my chronicles from Europe.  Yet I still enjoy writing so much.  I sought a better motivation.

You've seen me dabble with faith and ideas before if you've been a consistent reader.  My passion for the word of God often inspires me; I frequently get carried away in blog plot brainstorms on Sunday mornings sitting in the pew at my church.  I'm also influenced greatly by whatever I'm reading or listening to on the radio or online.  I believe that with the correct motivation, prayerful effort, and the proper research, I could share with you the things that really light me up.  The difficulty is that my passions are perhaps tremendously counter-cultural.  I know as soon as I use certain language, you may tune out or determine I'm extreme.  I propose and promise to use the most gracious language I can muster to share my convictions. 

With that preface behind us, I had a friend share an article from the New York Times written by a young wife and mom in my area.  She entitled her piece An Agnostic's Guide to Marriage (though in the email I received, it was called An Agnostic's Fear of Unbelief).  My friend commented on the writer's spiritual confusion.  While discarding Christianity entirely for herself, she expresses a desire for her family to enjoy the benefits of faith.

[source]

 Here's the background:  Though she was not a Christian, the writer of the article discovered her soon-to-be husband held a reserved faith when they were planning their wedding ceremony.  She was removing the mention of God at every turn in the Order of Worship and was taken aback when her husband requested to preserve the recitation of The Lord's Prayer.  They never talked about Christianity before their engagement, and his faith seemingly didn't contribute greatly in shaping their marriage.  Here is how she described his faith (italics added by me):

As I peeled back the layers of his faith over the next few months, I discovered something else: my husband’s unobtrusive belief in a higher power was surprisingly attractive. He believed that an omniscient being watches over us, that when we died we would be together again in an otherworldly place, and that praying for people was an important part of caring for them.

 He didn’t go to church, he didn’t read from the Bible every night (I had actually never seen him with one in hand), and he didn’t feel the need to force his opinions on anyone else. He was Christian-lite: just enough for me to respect it, and more important, to live with it.

One day, to the dismay of our author, her husband confesses he no longer believes in God (he actually confesses an uncertainty of ever believing).  Many Christians would not be stunned that this man lost faith or doubted the existence of it to begin with.  Jesus himself discusses in the Parable of the Sower that faith in him is like a seed.  It is perfectly designed to grow and flourish so long as it is nourished in the proper environment.  The analogy is simple enough for a child to understand; without good soil, water, sunlight, and protection from other creatures, a plant simply cannot thrive.  The husband in this article appears to have had limited fellowship with God through prayer and chose not to know God more deeply through time in the Word (i.e. the Bible).  Nor did he have the support of other Christians because he was not involved in a church.  Like the plant that withered in the scorching sun, his faith decayed because it had no roots.

I felt so sad at reading this, but my grief for this family went deeper the more I read.  Her characterization of Christianity must be what many perceive.  She says (emphasis added by me):

Christians and religious zealots might say that deep down I was searching for a sense of peace that only the Lord can provide. Maybe, but I doubt it. I know myself enough to know that I can’t fuse my intellectual knowledge with a blind faith in a supreme deity. It just won’t ever happen.

What she would have witnessed by her husband must have looked like blind faith~ like a child who grows into adulthood holding on to his conviction that the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Santa Claus are indeed real.  Our author admits it would be great if only it were true.  From her perspective, naivety prevented her husband from accepting agnosticism sooner.  Conversely, anyone who holds fast to the belief in God as an adult must only be perceived as a zealot; from a worldly perspective, believers appear to cast off reason to preserve a fantasy.  If God were like Santa Claus, she would be right to hold that opinion of Christians.

The author's doubts about her beliefs or lack thereof betray her agnostic resolve.  Twice she alludes to hell.  What if hell is real?  What if there is something after death?  Do I get a choice to go to heaven after my last breath?  There is humor in her language about gaining access to heaven; she likens it to telling a bouncer at a club that her husband is inside thus she warrants the right to enter to be reunited with him (calling this her "safety net").  It's the first time I've ever heard of someone relying on the so-called blessed assurance of another. 

The arrival of a baby boy revealed another area of her doubts.  She proposed finding a church to attend, "just to give [their son] some kind of spiritual base... An education of sorts about Christianity so he can have knowledge with which to agree or disagree."  Obviously this couple "disagrees" with Christianity.  Yet in presupposing their is inherent value in Christianity for some, she (most likely unintentionally) acknowledges there is truth in Christian teachings.  I'm trying to carefully select my words here~ bear with me.  A serious and thoughtful adult doesn't have opinions about religion.  It's not like cilantro where some have aversions to it while it's great for others.  It's either true or it's not.  If it's not true, it's as pitiable to believe in God as it is the Tooth Fairy. (For additional reading on this, see 1 Corinthians 15; verse 19 says, "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.")

I admit, I respect and totally relate to her motivations.  Spirituality and moral living make the church an attractive environment for parents who want to do the best for their children~ Christian or not.  I know this to be true very personally.  My parents joined a church when I was five years old, had my sisters and me baptized, and brought us regularly to church activities like Sunday school and choir.  Yet my father was an avowed atheist and my mother, well, I'm not sure what she was.  Maybe a well-intentioned feminist.  I enjoyed my church life as a child, but anything I may have learned there was not reinforced at home.  I certainly did not initially bear the fruit of their expectations from my church exposure; I was wild as a teenager dabbling in dangerous pastimes.

Family portrait for the church directory (no dad in sight) ~ I'm the one on the right in case you were curious.

It's all well and good to desire to raise your child with good values (trust me, it's a subject I pray about and hope I live out everyday with my son).  As our author says, "being kind to one another and not lying and not killing people and not committing adultery," are good values.  But logically we must accept we can't even uphold these simple values relying on all our best efforts.  Most days don't go by where we are kind to others in the way we hope or even expect to be treated.  No church or Christians can independently teach anyone how to be moral.  Paul says that trying to live by this moral code is a curse (Galatians 3:10).  The only only only only only way to even dream of living up to these good values or knowing what comes after death or gaining access to heaven is found in Jesus Christ alone.

In the part of the article that brought me to tears, our author is posed this question by her husband:  "Do you believe that Jesus died on a cross for your sins?"  Her response: “Well, no.”  I grapple to understand~ does she not believe he actually lived, taught, loved, was unjustly condemned, and executed?  Is it a matter of not having been exposed to historical evidence to accept this actually occurred?  Or does she believe he did all those things, but it doesn't amount to anything for her personally?  I guess if God may not exist, what does it matter what Jesus did 2000 years ago.

I admit I am limited in my empathy in one particular area:  I cannot fathom how anyone this smart can wonder at life, rearing children, marriage, faith, death, and even a great divine someone somewhere, and just as quickly squelch that curiosity because it would mean investigating Christianity.  It seems intellectually dishonest. I wish I could tell her that there is evidence for God in science, history, nature, culture, art, and literature.

And if she exhausted all the information testifying to who God is, there are always the accounts of a Nazarene man who was God incarnate; a living, feeling, breathing person who had the mind and heart of God.  Jesus not only died on the cross for our sins, he also woke up from death.  He lived a second time, and this life didn't result in a second death.  It's because of this that we don't have to wake in a panic "contemplating the finality of death".  Faith is not a virtual teddy bear to  distract us from our fears.  It's also not trying to be good or live by the rules to try to garner the grace of a distant king who also happens to be the landlord of eternity.  God is more real and good and just and smart and kind than I can express properly.  My zeal is showing, but I can't stop just yet.  Hypothetically, if my husband or my son had to choose between having a relationship with me or with God, my deepest desire would be for them to pick God.  Not because I'm self-loathing or because I don't love them beyond words, but because God is able to love them with incomparable love.  Sometimes I feel like I could burst when trying to share who He is; smarter people than I have filled the pages of books on Him. 

Here are my final thoughts prompted by this article.  Is "Christian-lite" what the world really wants?  Is Christian exuberance like mine rendered meaningless because it is chalked up as feeling the need to force my opinions on others?  I hope not.  Non-Christians take heed.  Because there is no negotiating at the gate with heaven's gatekeeper.  Jesus is sitting by God's right hand interceding on behalf of those who belong to him; in the club/bouncer scenario, he's our guy on the inside who can either put our name on the list (biblically known as the book of life) and invite us in or leave us on the outside.  And unfortunately, holding a good set of morals doesn't qualify us for entry.  It's not just murderers or thieves or any other type of villain excluded from heaven.  As Zephaniah warned the people in Jerusalem, it's not enough to believe in another religion or to have claimed follow God as some time in the past or be complacent in our unbelief ("to neither seek the Lord nor inquire of him" in Zephaniah's words).  All God wants is the inquiry.  Jesus promises you this in return:

 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

(Matthew 7: 7-11~ Italics are my addition; the exclamation point is Jesus')

[article source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/02/fashion/an-agnostics-guide-to-marriage.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1346443262-LIqakrd3tKYID2xw1xwEuA]

A postscript for/about my mother:  My mother came to faith many years ago and has been transformed into a completely different person.  Her relationship and faithfulness to God has been a testament to me (and I'm sure many others).  Also, Mom (if you read this), please don't unfriend me because I linked an article on the New York Times on my blog.  I don't intend to make it a habit.

Playground Justice

As a child, you could say I had an overdeveloped sense of justice.  I was intentional about finishing my classwork at school very quickly.  While my peers completed their work, I designated myself to be a rule- enforcing deputy of sorts.  I would observe if my classmates took short cuts in their exercises, if their eyes wandered to the work of their neighbors, and how well they cared for their textbooks and other school issued materials.  I had opinions on how everything ought to be done and rarely was satisfied with the efforts of those around me.  I thought I had all the answers, and my age hadn't even crossed into the double digits!

On one occasion, I took on the class bully.  A towheaded boy who was lean except for a little round belly, Chris was known for his rebellious behavior.  He back talked teachers and lunch monitors, took recess more seriously than any lesson in grammar, and had a reputation for picking fights.  Chris was not afraid to do what he wanted whenever he wanted.  One afternoon, my class was lining up to go inside from the playground.  I noticed Chris had cut in line; this was an unforgivable offense and I was swift to correct him.  I grabbed his shoulder from behind, and righteously declared, "You can't cut! Go to the back of the line!"  Before I knew it, he had grabbed my right hand and began to swing me around in a circle.  He released me just as quickly as he grabbed me, and my bare knees and hands skidded across the blacktop.  I had underestimated Chris's knowledge of physical science; apparently, he had learned a lesson on centripetal force from the WWF.

To add insult to injury (literally, as I had been bloodied by my opponent), I was sent to the principal's office as the instigator of the fight.  I was no different than my rule breaking foe in the eyes of the law.  I attempted to appeal to the principal's reason; I was an honorable citizen upholding the law of the land when no one else would.  She didn't see it that way, and my mom was called in for a parent-teacher conference to discuss my disobedience.  I was punished and felt a tremendous amount of chagrin (well, as much as a 3rd grader can feel...).

Ah, but the story didn't end there.  As dorky and obnoxious as a must have been, somehow I managed to become a favorite pupil to my 3rd grade teacher.  Knowing my character, as well as Chris's, Mrs. Reidy came to my rescue.  She sang my praises to my mother and suggested that I needn't be punished so harshly since it was my first major offense.  With that, my mom canceled my sentence to be grounded, and I repented from being an elementary despot (like a tiny Tracy Flick).

Thank goodness my little and big sister survived my unwarranted tyranny.

 A couple of entries ago, I shared with you how my passion for politics trumped my pursuit of God.  Now that I'm older, wiser, and so much more mature (giggle now, if you must), I could tell my worldview was missing one major element: GRACE.  Without my relationship with God, I fear I may have spent the better part of my life as an adherent to tough justice and unforgiveness.

I was recently listening to the Bible Study Hour with Dr. James Boice.  He taught on the parable of the unmerciful servant (here's a link to Dr. Boice's message).  This story is about a man who won’t forgive a small debt, even after his own huge debt has been forgiven.  I found similarities with this parable in my own childhood story.  My third grade teacher showed me mercy even after I had been quick to judge my fellow classmate.  As an adult, I must confront this nasty knack to be critical and seek to show grace to others.  Just as the master said, "Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?", I can hear God asking me, "Leah, shouldn't you have mercy on your husband, neighbor, child, friend, cashier, family member, fellow drivers, etc just as I had on you?"  When I reflect on all the things in my life that God has forgiven, how can I not look compassionately on those around me?  It's thanks to God that my eyes were opened.

I want to leave you with a verse from a great Biblical book on justice.  Micah wrote:

And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? 

(Micah 6:8)

Old Testament Politics

For the past year and a half I have been doing an excellent Bible study called the Amazing Collection.  Here's a little video about it:


As I was saying, I am doing this study that spends a week on every book of the Bible.  I've learned so much working my way through the Old Testament (I'm halfway through the minor prophets right now).  I've noticed particularly in the historical books how pertinent government is.  In Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, God instructs Israel (through Moses) on law, justice, military, census taking, nationalism, and leadership.  Joshua and Judges center on God ordained conquest, division of property, and national defense.  In Ruth you'll find social subjects like godly marriage and caring for immigrants and widows.  1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings hold a record of God's kingship being supplanted by man, civil war, revolutions, assassinations, state sponsored violence against religious leaders, and a separatist movement that divides one kingdom into two.  These books ultimately end with foreign invasion, occupation, subjugation, deportation, and destruction in Israel's homeland.  All of that is in the Bible!  If the history of Israel doesn't have political implications, I don't know what does.

I know I've simplified some themes in the historical books of the Old Testament (and truly there is so much more to them that I couldn't begin to describe).  I just wanted share with you what I've discovered~ Politics matter to God.  Don't worry; I'm not going to write a personal position paper and try to convince you how my view is a good Christian outlook.  Instead I wanted to highlight a few things in scripture that show me the character of God.

1)  God can intervene and overcome the will of the head of a nation.  He is more powerful than the most powerful man on earth (whoever it may be).

• God completely upends Pharaoh's persistence in keeping Israel in bondage.  Pharaoh's stubborn attitude was no match for the 10 plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.  This can be found in Exodus.
• In his pride, Nebuchadnezzar is transformed by God from the ruler of the greatest empire of the age, Babylon, to a wild animal.  He is restored to normal life and his place of authority after he acknowledges God as the most high.  This is in the book of Daniel.
• Most impressive may be Cyrus king of Persia who permits the temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem.  A later Persian king, Artaxerxes, dispatches his personal official, Nehemiah, to oversee the rebuilding of the wall around the temple.  It certainly wasn't in their national interest to do so.  These events were recorded in 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.  There is even prophecy about Cyrus rebuilding the temple in the book of Isaiah. 

(There are more examples, I just chose these to illustrate non-Jewish leaders' interactions with God.  Other good ones are Xerxes/Ahasurerus in the book of Esther and King Belshazzar in the book of Daniel)

2)  God calls only some to spiritual leadership and some to political leadership, but he rarely if ever calls the same person to fulfill both roles.  

• Moses and Aaron are great examples of a political leader and a spiritually leader (respectively).  Moses was raised as Egyptian royalty; his experience uniquely qualified him to lead Israel into becoming an orderly nation under God.  Conversely Aaron was selected and charged with priestly duties ranging from sacrifice and offerings, care for the tabernacle, and spiritual training for his family to continue serving the Lord and the people.  Their experiences are recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
• Samuel and Saul similarly represent spiritual and political leaders.  Samuel literally was brought up in the temple to be a priest.  Under God's instruction, he anointed the kings of Israel.  Though ordained to select a king, his primary responsibility was serving God.  King Saul had dominion over the nation of Israel by divine appointment.  He made the error of assuming spiritual authority that was not rightly his.   Saul was not supposed to make the burnt offering and fellowship offering before battle with the Philistines.  The result of his venture in unsanctioned spiritual leadership?  Saul's kingdom would not endure, and God replaced him with a new ruler, a man after his own heart, through whom God will establish an eternal kingdom (spoiler alert~ this refers to David & Jesus).  This can all be read in 1 Samuel.

3)  Obedience to God is apparently essential for the well-being of a nation.  Conversely there are consequences for the people if they are disobedient to God.  

• On a corporate level, the liberated Israelites cursed God when they became discouraged.  After fleeing Egypt, receiving the law at Mt. Sinai, and surviving on the provisions of God in the wilderness, the Israelites were on the precipice of entering the promised land.  Twelve men were commissioned to scout out the land being occupied by others; they found the Canaanites to be frightfully big.  Instead of believing God would provide a way, the people despaired.  God did not permit them to take the land.  They wandered aimlessly for 40 years until all in the unbelieving generation died.  This is found in Numbers.
• Moses' distrust of God had serious personal ramifications.  As a leader, he had a responsibility to model godly behavior in front of Israel.  When the people needed water, he struck a rock out of frustration to bring it forth.  Because he dishonored God by his behavior, Moses received the same punishment as his people~ he would die before he could enter the promised land (although he was permitted to see it).  This is also in the book of Numbers.

(I only included examples of disobedience because the rewards of obedience are a bit more of a challenge to convey accurately.  I am fearful of promoting some false prosperity gospel by talking about rewards in tangible means.  On a different note, the entire book of Judges illustrates the relationship between godliness and the health of a nation very well.)

4)  The morality of the leaders of the nation matters; if they set a poor example, the people are led astray.  

• Once Israel was divided into two nations, the Northern Kingdom (still called Israel) had a series of terrible kings.  'Terrible' means they instituted idol worship, allowed prostitutes in the temples, sacrificed their children to false gods, murdered, and lived absolutely depraved lives.  In a long list of Israel's wicked kings, only one (Jehoahaz) had any real redemptive qualities.  Even though he sought the favor of the Lord, it wasn't enough to turn the people back from their evil ways.  Israel was ultimately conquered by the Assyrians.
• Meanwhile the Southern Kingdom (called Judah), kings were more likely to stay steadfast in their faith.  Why?  The capitol, Jerusalem, was home to the temple.  Thus it was the center for godly worship and home to the Levitical priesthood.  They had nearly as many faithful kings as bad kings.  As such, they endured as a sovereign nation for a longer period of time.  Even though Judah was conquered by Babylon, after 70 years they were permitted to return to their home and rebuild their capitol.
• The king of Nineveh in the book of Jonah has a nearly inexplicable change of heart.  Jonah foretells the destruction of the Assyrians if they don't relent from their inhumane cruelty and submit to the God of Israel.  Miraculously and instantaneously, the king repents and compels the people to follow his lead.  The Lord delivers them from destruction because of their obedience.

5)  God's leaders aren't always selected through man's ideal ways. 

• Firstborns are not always heirs to the throne:  Arguably the first "head of state" in the Bible is Joseph.  He was given all authority over Egypt by Pharaoh in the book of Genesis.   His oldest brother, Reuben, may have felt some chagrin at Joseph's prominence.  In 1 Samuel we also learn David is the youngest among his brothers, and yet he is God's appointed king over Israel.
• The most prominent families aren't always deemed the best for the job:  King Saul came from humble beginnings.  Before his fall from grace, he had been chosen to govern God's people despite being a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and from the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.  His successor, David, was a shepherd; not exactly a big shot.  Both accounts are in 1 Samuel.
• God can raise a leader up out of a scandalous background:  Remember the saucy story of David and Bathsheba?  He had an affair with a married woman, tried to cover it up, and when he couldn't, he sent her husband to a certain death situation in battle.  The baby that David and Bathsheba conceived wasn't allowed to live because of David's sin.  However, did you ever here of a guy named Solomon?  He, too, is the offspring of David and Bathsheba.  He was the last king over a united Israel, presided over the longest period of peace in its history, and built God's temple in Jerusalem.  You can read about Bathsheba in 2 Samuel, and there's lots more on Solomon in 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles (not to mention the books he authored~ Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs).

(In the book of Esther there is another Joseph-type.  Mordecai, a Jew, is elevated to the most powerful position in the Persian kingdom.  Similarly, Daniel was a very influential leader in Babylon.  As for zeros to heros, Jesus is the most obvious Biblical king who started in a very lowly state.  He was born in a manger and spent a good bit of his childhood in Egypt away from his homeland.  Jesus also is the perfect illustration of a questionable background.  The immaculate conception could crudely be characterized as an unwed teen pregnancy.  Yet that miraculous event spurred the greatest miracle of all~ salvation for all who believe in Jesus.  Another scandalous event in Jesus, Solomon, and David's background happened with Judah, their ancestor and namesake of their tribe.  I won't share the nitty gritty details of the story, but he had a sleazy trist with his daughter-in-law Tamar which resulted in the birth of a child.  You can read about it in Genesis.)

To conclude, thanks for reading my reflections and interpretations on politics in the Old Testament.  I admit (as I have before) that I am no Bible scholar so you may find my examples to support my observations limited.  I freely invite you to share your thoughts and ask any questions.  If you would like the specific references on any of my examples,  I'd be happy to send them your way.  Again, thank you for visiting my blog; it's not the type of entry I'm used to posting and appreciate that you joining me out on my limb.

My list of Old Testament pre-exilic kings.  My sophisticated symbols for identifying good and evil kings are smileys and frownies (respectively).  Manasseh had two sad faces next to his name because he was super bad in Kings.  His stats should be updated to two frowns and one smile because he has a great redemption story in 2 Chronicles.  Totally didn't see that one coming!

Faith & Politics

Every time I've sat down to write lately, I have composed way too much for one post.  It's as if everything I'm either reading, hearing, or talking about revolves around  such a large topic that when I try to simplify what I'm thinking, I just limit the fullness of my thoughts.  It started with the book I'm reading, God and Government, by Charles Colson.  It's all about how Christians should approach their civic duties and provides a wide range of historical events as examples of Christian dos and don'ts.  In church on Sunday my pastor preached a wonderful sermon  centered very nearly on the same topic (you can enjoy Dr. Youssef's sermon entitled "Seek the Peace of the City" here).  Even on my book blog (on which I haven't posted since the babe's birth), I had a comment out of the blue concerning my take on a highly politically charged subject as a Christian.  I just cannot seem to escape one question:  How politically active should Christians be? 

I will admit that in the past I had stronger convictions about my  politics than about my faith.  I was unaware of it, but it's clear to me now that I probably couldn't have avoided it.  I came to faith in college, and in spite of my hunger for learning God's word, I was an international affairs student with stacks of books to read each semester full of ideology and worldly principles.  I spent the majority of my time with a coffee in hand and my nose in a book on diplomacy, just war theory, ethics, etc.  I also majored in French and minored in Spanish.  When I wasn't studying political theory, I had French novels and Spanish plays consuming any fun reading time.  It didn't leave much time or brainpower for exploring the Bible.  Although I loved my education, I feel a tinge of missed opportunity because I didn't devote myself to my faith with the same vigor I committed myself to school.  I say this particularly because my political education is rather meaningless without the acknowledgment of God as the one true sovereign king.

As I begin to explore this subject, I hope to share some of what I learn with you.  I am no scholar on the Bible or political theory.  I have a passionate interest in both.  It is a very important time in our nation's history to consider what actions need to be taken or words need to be spoken in order to uphold liberty and justice for all.  I hope to do this without sinning against any person and in a manner that honors my God.   Please feel free to share with me your thoughts on this matter. 

Touristy Leah~ Center of Washington, D.C. Summer 2009

Hey DJ

As most of you have probably heard Silverchair (the band) recently broke up.  I know, I know.  I took it pretty hard, too.

Alright, so maybe none of you heard about that.  It wasn't very monumental; Silverchair's last album came out while I was still in college.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was a newly released book the last time their tour brought them through Atlanta... They were known to take long hiatuses between albums sometimes even forming other bands for a season (I Can't Believe It's Not Rock, Tambalane, and The Dissociatives).  Even though it had been years since they were last in the studio, I always held out hope for a sixth album.  Alas, they moved on and so should I.

Oh, Leah, let not your heart be troubled.  Silverchair front man Daniel Johns is so full of music that there is no way he'd retire entirely.  I came across The Ship Song Project that features him and a number of other Aussie artists (and maybe a kiwi).



It gets pretty nice when that opera singer comes in.  This song is fun, but it wasn't enough to quell my sense of loss over Silverchair.

I was informed by my little sister that Daniel Johns composed the score for the film My Mind's Own Melody.  The movie may be no favorite of mine; from what I gather it is The Wizard of Oz meets an industrial dystopia a la George Orwell or Ayn Rand.  The hero works a thankless job and has a loveless marriage in a colorless world.  A work-related injury puts him into a coma.  When he awakes, he discovers a whole new world full of color and music.  It doesn't scream originality to me, but whatever.  It may not even be the greatest concept for creating an album~ didn't Pink Floyd do that or was it just an accident with Dark Side of the Moon?  I know with some certainty that the Mars Volta's De-Loused in the Comatorium centers on coma-induced visions.

I'm glad to say that just because the theme may be cliche, this original score is not.  The good folks at TEDtalks put this video together on the filmmaker's collaborative process with Daniel Johns.



Less jibber jabber about the story and more impromptu DJ compositions!  While most of the music is original, this Silverchair fan was delighted when he wove in melodies from their fourth album Diorama.  Daniel Johns is one of Rolling Stone's 25 Most Underrated Guitarists, and he may also be undervalued as a pianist and songwriter. 

I am a dork, but I just couldn't resist sharing.

Southern Lifting

My mom had stacks of Southern Living magazine in a worn basket by our fireplace in the house where I grew up.  Something about the covers from the 80s and 90s made it appear drab and boring; I was more into Disney Adventure & Hot Dog! magazines for kids (be careful if you Google that one...).  Perhaps moving to France made me sentimental for the good ole South.  I'm not one to always appreciate what I have until it's gone.  As soon as I made my way back below the Mason Dixon line, I am pretty sure I became a Southern Living subscriber.

I love it because it highlights the best food and rustic lifestyles of Southerners.  Each state has its own flavor and each town has its own twist on that identity.  I am a (seer)sucker for a dozen different ways to do deviled eggs for entertaining and tours of elegant homesteads with lush gardens.  I especially dig the information on where to go when sightseeing on a budget and style features with classy southerly ladies clad in pearls.  Something about this publication makes the tradition of homemaking so refined.  My rewards system for doing chores typically revolved around candy indulgences; sweets have all but been replaced by time perusing my monthly Southern Living.  I would say it took the guilt out of my "guilty pleasures"... or so it was until today.

Do SL editors ever publish their periodical without one picture of a hydrangea?  It's in the running for most southern plant along with the magnolias, azaleas, dogwoods, and the flora powerhouse combo of Spanish moss and live oaks.  After so many photographs of these heavenly hydrangeas neatly hedging homes, I hoped to have some of these fresh cut flowers for my own.  Wouldn't you know that our landscapers had planted some throughout our apartment complex last month?  I have been eying these for weeks and devising a plan to get a bundle without detracting from the work these gentlemen have done.

Baby B and I took a stroll to our local library today to check out some dvds on sign language.  On our walk home, my mind plotted how to best make my move on the hydrangeas as I envisioned a pom-pom arrangement in a mason jar.  Baby B stood guard while I found an under-appreciated bundle of blossoms in the back of the bush.  Surely no one will miss what they've never seen.  With one quick snip, they were mine.  We took the path through the woods back to the apartment; I hoped not to arouse suspicion and chose a route where we'd be alone. Once home, B and I celebrated our floral laurels with a round of water for everyone.

I feel like Martha Stewart for all the wrong reasons...

... but these are irresistibly divine!

Let me apologize to the following folks for my lack of self-control~ to the fine people who make Southern Living who can't intend for their readers to pinch posies, to baby B who witnessed his mother do something he shorn't do, to the management of our apartment complex who commissioned the beautiful landscaping, to the landscapers who planted flowerbeds around the property beautifully, and to my mom who only had the best intentions when she gave me the gift of my SL subscription.  I'm sorry.  I think it's high time I enjoyed a peppermint patty in place of my magazine when I complete tomorrow's tasks....

Whale of a Tale

I'm a in Bible study class where we read a book of the Bible a week.  We're half way through a study on the minor prophets and focused on Jonah this past class.  Jonah by far is the most recognizable among the minor prophets~ whether you grew up in church or not, you're likely familiar with the tale of the man who survived three days in the belly of a great fish.  His story is one of the shortest books in the Bible.  In my childhood, my choir performed a whole play about Jonah.  Every now and again when I'm wishing I could remember something pressing like if I locked the front door when I left the house or the PIN number for my library card, I wonder why words of the songs of my youth stick with me so easily...

Jonah, Jonah, Jonah,

The LORD wants you to go

To a land of shame and woe

To Nineveh in Assyria

And let those people know

How to walk in the way of the LORD.

(Source)

My enthusiasm for old Jonah has grown since I was a kid.  When you've heard a story so many times sometimes you think you've learned everything you're ever going to learn.  Fortunately for me, Jonah was redeemed from my poor Sunday school education that would have him permanently reduced to fish bait.  In my limited understanding of the Bible, Moses' greatest life event was hearing a burning bush talk; Jesus was a serene man who hugged children and lambs; and Solomon rescued a baby from a kidnapper posing as its mom.  Goodness, I'm glad there is more to God and his word than that.

I like to consider the book of Jonah to be part three of the Old Testament missionary trilogy.  What is this triple threat?  I'm glad you asked...


Part I~ Amos, a country farmer from Tekoa, Judah, goes north to the big city of Bethel in Israel to preach the coming judgment from God for their waywardness.  He's best known for his 5 visions illustrating the judgment: a locust swarm, fire, a plumb line, overripe summer fruit, and God standing beside the altar.

Part II~ Obadiah... very little is known about him including when he wrote.  He's from Judah and is most likely the first writing prophet.  He warned the neighboring nation of Edom that their pride would lead to conflict and ultimately their destruction.  Fun fact~ Obadiah was a descendent of Jacob making him an Israelite.  His message was to Edom, the descendents of Esau who was Jacob's twin brother.

Part III~ Jonah was called by God to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria and call the people to repent because their wicked ways would bring calamity.  Jonah attempted to flea to Tarshish because the Assyrians were renowned for their cruelty and violence (speaking of fish, they used to pierce their conquered foes in their faces with large hooks to drag them into exile... bleh). 

Because these books are in order in the Old Testament, it helps me keep them straight in my memory (now about that libary PIN....).  Alright, you may be like me and believe everything in the Bible actually happened.   There are many Jonah skeptics even among Christians who think this account is a fable or some sort of fiction.  Though it may require a bit of faith to believe it is bona fide history, I have a couple of pieces of evidence that support it being true.  We know the Ninevites had a major change of heart after Jonah ministered to them.  They had been terribly violent conquerors. A generation after Jonah's visit, the Assyrians conquered Israel.  History reveals that at this time they were a gentler imperial force most likely as a result of their submission to God.

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James Bartley is our modern day Jonah.  In 1891 he survived 15 hours inside the body of a sperm whale.  It's a fraction of the time Jonah was inside his fish, but it proves it's possible.  Bartley's skin was bleached out by the whale's belly fluids.  Some have hypothesized that this is why Jonah's ministry was so effective.  The truth is, he only preached 3 days, and one singular verse encompasses his entire message (Jonah 3:4).  It obviously wasn't his dedication to the people or a flair for oration that captured the Ninevites' attention.  This foreigner's odd appearance supported by the testimony of his death defying tale on the high seas likely made him the center of attention as he made his way through the Assyrian capital.

If these don't sufficiently authenticate Jonah for you, I have one final thought to share.  For me it is the most compelling of them all.  Jesus himself spoke of Jonah as a real man.  Matthew 12:38-41 says:

Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here..."

If Jesus was convinced Jonah was real than I don't need any other proof.  Jesus' support for the authenticity of the book of Jonah made me reflect on a larger subject.  Jonah is one of many stories in the Old Testament that gets the tall tale treatment.   David slayed an enormous Philistine with a rock.  Moses and Joshua parted large bodies of water through which the Israelites passed unharmed.  Noah and his family were the only human survivors of a worldwide extinction event.  Jonah was no Paul Bunyan and neither were David, Moses, Joshua or Noah.  All of these people were real and all of these stories are true.

As I am writing this, I am struck by something rather funny.   We modern folks hold the entirety of God's word with every sign and wonder included so that we may believe, and yet it all seems so fantastic (literal fantastic means imaginative or fanciful; remote from reality).  Particularly in regards to the Old Testament, I hear people say:  It's too far out there; it must all be an allegory or myth or parable.  This or that was meant to be symbolic.  In contrast we have this passage I just quoted from Matthew; the Pharisees demanded some supernatural sign from Jesus to prove he was the son of God.  What a funny thing that no one is ever satisfied with what God has revealed to them.

What conclusions can I draw when thinking about truth in the Old Testament?  The Old Testament isn't intended to just make our Bibles heavier when we're toting them to and fro.  It also isn't meant to be distilled into children's stories or shelved because the New Testament seems more relevant to our lives.  Rereading Jonah reminds me to take God's word seriously and believe that what his messengers~ whether king, prophet, judge, disciple, or the incarnate God~ say is true.