Conflict Surrounding Death and Distress

Failed or failing health of a respected patriarch or matriarch seldom arrives without accompanying discord and distrust in the ranks. It seems that greed, ambition and self-protection flow like magma searching for a fissure. Opportunities for personal promotion (whether or not it happens) seem unavoidably attached to pain, suffering and grief.

Without the emotional distress, our cultural conventions continue predictably. With separation and loss the rules and structure that have been predictable (even if not always comfortable) are suddenly renegotiated.

Siblings, whether in families or corporate management circle for position like gunfighters of the Old West. People appear to be posturing for advantage even if they are not actually doing so. Conflict is so predictable that the Hospice Foundation addresses it in their online article: "When Families Disagree: Family Conflict and Decisions" Samira K. Beckwith

The Epistles of James and Peter were written during dangerous and difficult times. Their shared message was a surprising yet predictable restatement of God's expectations:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." Matthew 22:37-40 (The Message).

James and Peter unequivocally announced the need to trust God in difficult circumstances. They  clearly identified and cautioned against the tendency to snap, growl and condemn others when in turmoil. God-demonstrated behaviors: kindness, compassion, generosity and self-less patience are His expectations for our everyday relationships, even in times of death and distress.

The self-absorbed might incorrectly assume His expectations have moderated. However, it still comes down to trusting God in the difficult times as well as in the comfortable times.

Trusting God's judgement produced the peace that sustained Jesus' patient and forgiving spirit during His Passion Week. It will give us the same peace.

Photo By Jules Minos hosted by flickr.com

About the time I think I've accomplished something...

I was teaching class this evening. Sometimes I struggle, but tonight I was really "on" - at least that is what I thought. I asked a question to confirm that the students had "gotten it" but only received blank stares and silence in response.

Thinking that I was merely confronting students' reluctance to answer incorrectly, I waited. The uncomfortable silence usually jars a comment or two from people feeling the mounting pressure of silence, but nothing. Finally one of the students offered up: "I don't have any idea what you are talking about."

Not only was I not on, I wasn't even sputtering. I was not communicating anything usable. It would be nice to think the students were at fault. That would remove any responsibility I might have to improve, but it had to be me.

Humility is a powerful tool that shouldn't be wasted. I'll try to improve.

The Good Samaritan in a whole new light!

Snapped in Buchenwald camp, this deadly photograph was published in the May edition of TIME magazine in 1945, with the description: “Dead men will have indeed died in vain if live men refuse to look at them.”

The picture at the right is disturbing, very disturbing. Initially I was disturbed by the pile of bodies. Then I saw the reaction of those walking by refusing to look, or perhaps not wanting to see.

How insensitive! How callous! How so very much like me! Looking into the faces of the dead and dying is taxing. It is impossible to do so and not be changed, emotionally depleted and driven to our knees. It is easier to go about my business if I try not to see.

The problem is that Jesus expects me to see. More than that He wants me to get close enough to be involved with those dead and dying, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I understand those walking past the "pile" in the picture.

The reason I don't like it is that it reminds me of myself. I don't like that view of myself.I must move beyond my self and become like Jesus.

Lord, create in me a new clean heart, a heart of a servant.

God and a Detached Retina

I had surgery to repair a detached retina in June. I suppose nearly everyone with this kind of thing wonders how much of the vision will return to the eye. I certainly wondered, though I had decided to be satisfied with whatever returned.

During the final followup examination on Friday one of the ladies doing preliminary testing before I saw the surgeon one last time let it slip. She had not seen me during these three months so my chart was new to her. She was really excited when she told me that she had not seen this type of recovery in her 15 years at this job.

Evidently the damage done before the repair was pretty extensive. She told me that my 20/20 recovery was more than just good medical practice, it was a God-type healing. That's what she said: A God-type healing! I thought nearly everyone had this kind of experience but, that is evidently not the case. I would not have noticed had she not told me.

The surgeon was a little less animated. He just proclaimed that God did some marvelous healing, but he (the surgeon) had done some mighty fine surgery! Wow. I thought this was routine.

I wonder how many other times God has "wrought a miracle" in my life and I didn't notice because He has been doing that in my life all along. I 'm thinking that nothing is routine for a child of God, God is busy all of the time.

Swing, Batta, Batta, Batta, Swing!

As a child I played baseball. As a younger father I coached baseball. I understood baseball and enjoyed baseball. My boys played baseball, but I think they preferred football.

In baseball youngsters would try to "rattle"the batter from the opposing team with chatter, hoping to mess up his timing on his swing of the bat. In football I have seen linemen charged with "motion" or "neutral zone infraction" because an adept quarterback altered his snap count.

Timing is important! Too slow and I miss my opportunity, too soon/fast and I negate my effectiveness. Timing seems to rank with other things like skill, technique, planning, and so on. Is it possible that speaking kind, encouraging, and comforting words may be powerful at the right "time," yet unheard or unneeded at the wrong time?

With a baseball bat I can't begin to swing at the right time if I'm not paying attention to the ball. In football a player can't react at the right time if he is not listening for the "time" to go. In "bearing one another's burdens" I can't really help out if I'm not watching out for the pain and struggles of other people.

Being available for the "Greatest Commandments" requires more than the ability to recite them. It demands my availability and my constant attention to others. There doesn't seem to be much time for the cultural priority: "me time."

I will be well served to leave that to the Master (Matthew 6:33). His timing is always spot on.

Considering Left Feet and Beasts of Burden

"Astronaut Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon with his left foot." This was posted as a little-known and who-cares fact on Facebook by a friend. It was in fun and, as advertised, pretty useless as facts go.

As soon as I read it I could envision a fifteen or twenty minute conversation around the table at a coffee shop. You know the table, the one with all the old guys who gather every morning for coffee. We... er, they get together and wax eloquent on topics about which they fancy themselves familiar. Often the boundaries of actual knowledge are "expanded" beyond their real borders. (You know what I mean, don't you?)

Then I transitioned to a vision of a religious discussion taking place on an equally inane and unimportant subject. Have you ever witnessed (surely not participated in) a debate over some subject that may have been "discuss-able" but absolutely insignificant in the whole scheme of things?

Considering the need to focus on the important good news and the need to "get the word out" it seems a terrible distraction to spend more than a whisper of a time considering whether or not Balaam's transportation came equipped with a saddle in Numbers 22. OK, you caught me. Even I have never heard that argument in a bible class setting, but you get the point.

I resolve to spend less time on mental "bubblegum" and more on the significant. Join me in this resolve if you will.

The significance of the shepherd's voice.

 "Hiring a speaker will not replace a shepherd's voice." This quote is from Wayne McDaniel, Phoenix, Arizona, via Ed Fudge's email. It sounds religious, but it is true across the board just because it is true.

Jesus told of tenant farmers who ignored messengers sent by the landowner. You and I have seen co-workers (perhaps even ourselves) relax and slow down at work when the supervisor was gone. Students may still place a "lookout" at the door when the teacher is out of the room. We've all seen it and done it, well at least I have.

Whether we think in terms of leading spiritual growth, educational progress, or encouragement given to those who are watching us we need to remember that our/my voice is important to someone. I need to both "think before I speak" and "stay in touch" with those listening for my voice. My life is still not just about me.

What's important to me is never far below the surface.

Sitting at the hospital yesterday waiting for news on a successful surgical procedure involving a friend, I noticed that most conversation around me seemed important to those having it. I was engaged and busily chatting about significant (?) topics and observations.

Every call from the surgical suites attracted attention and response. When we received our call telling us that all was well we couldn't remember what had been so important moments before. We took turns crying, hugging, saying "thank you Jesus." We had been distracted, but never unfocused. That which was important to me was always central, even if it wasn't obvious to those watching.

I suppose we are like that in the rest of life as well. If serving God and others (see Jesus' comments on the core principles of God's expectations) is what drives my interests and thoughts then my focus never leaves them, I miss few opportunities when they intersect my life.

The "Good Samaritan" was such a man while the other characters in the account were driven by some other priority. If my priority is something else, I may chat and muddle around that which looks religious, but when the "call" comes I'll not remember the religious talk or activity.

What I look like or talk about doesn't really tell my story does it? Watch what I gravitate toward, what seems to always get my attention when everything else if going on. That may tell you... more importantly tell me what I really consider important.

"All politics is local, and mostly ridiculous." What do you think?

 "All politics is local, and mostly ridiculous." -Travis Fain, a writer for the Winston-Salem Journal in North Carolina and his Lucid Idiocy political blog.

Well I guess his assertion that "all politics is local" would be correct. By definition and practice it comes down to he getting along and working together as people. If people are working on a common project,  whether connected by geography or ideals, their collective productivity and progress can be viewed as local.

The part about being "mostly ridiculous" appears to be more of an observation than a statement of fact. Given our human bent toward "having it my way" I'd say he is spot on here as well.

What do you think about this? Take a moment and let me know in the comment section whether you are reading this on facebook or on the original post on Being Still.

The Greatest Single Cause of Atheism is... Me?

Brennan Manning wrote:

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

Wow, how profound! With this I agree in principle. You folks really need to step it up and get in line! You've got to get serious about this self-denial and following Jesus business!

Wait, me... what about me? Well, nobody is perfect. Sometimes I miss the target, but nobody gets it right all the time, now do they. I'm just as good as... OK, you're right.

The reality is that often when you and I pass over evidence that we are still human we are defending "lifestyle" not just getting caught up in the moment like Peter at Jesus' trial. My lifestyle, who I like to be. That is the foundation of Manning's statement. My chosen lifestyle, not my momentary humanity is what testifies to the world that God exists and I really, really trust Him.

I grade out better if I choose the moments that testify about my spiritual maturity. Manning (and God?) look at my lifestyle! I don't grade out so well there. I need to step it up. I need to get serious about self-denial. Do you?

My "Truth" vs "Truth"

I spent the day yesterday watching and hearing the sights and sounds of 9-11-2001. I wanted to remember that day, not so much the events but the emotions I experienced. What a dark day!

As I rolled around the Internet I was also surprised by the presence of those digitally shouting that the events were a ruse, perpetrated by Americans themselves. I'll not go into the reasons I reject that conclusion, but it certainly reminded me how easily we are distracted or derailed from truth.

Peter referred to those "who have tasted" the blessing of God and later decided to discard it as impotent or insignificant in the face of their present trials. Paul mentioned in Romans 6 "or have you forgotten" when reminding them that faith followers can't choose to deliberately ignore and disappoint God.

I suspect that Peter's and Paul's audiences had convinced themselves because they wanted to reach their errant conclusions. I would not be surprised to find an already established dis-trust of the United States government in those suggesting Americans themselves perpetrated the tragedies ten years ago Sunday.

But before I shake my fist at those and say in disdain, "Shame, Shame, Shame!" I must remember that I, also, have convinced myself (on more than one occasion) that something was truth, mainly because I wanted to think it was. That confession is not very flattering, but it is truth.

I'm not through re-living 9-11 yet, but I hope I am through trying to shape "truth" to meet my own agenda. I'd rather be "more noble" like those folks Paul encounter from Berea.

Where Was I?

Jackson County, Tennessee, Courthouse

I sat in a court room yesterday, arriving in time to get a front-row seat at the arraignment of a man for homicide. As I sat with a friend I overheard whispered conversations from others seated behind us... and around us. They all seemed so familiar with being on probation, in jail, getting "caught", not being "caught," and all things related. The way some people become comfortable with that kind of turmoil is something I accept, but not something I understand.

Back to the murder suspect and his situation. There is much that will come out over the next few months or even years, but one thing seems certain: events have been building to this for some time. The taking of this particular life may or may not have been coincidence, but anger, malice, broken relationships, and twisted thinking all played a role. This dynamic has been underway for a while.

The One who may have made a difference along the way, derailing the evil, pain, and loss may not have been introduced. Was that my job? Did I have an opportunity to impact some of the people in this misery back before it came to this? Was I not paying attention, or perhaps I was paying attention to my own agenda and not noticing others I had the opportunity to touch?

Maybe it wasn't me, but you who wasn't seeing what should have been seen. I don't feel any better thinking it was you. Even if it was you this time, it has been me at other times. When you and I step out of the "servant of God" role just for a little while it can make a huge difference.

You and I may no longer be able to impact this death, but we may be able to introduce Jesus and derail future tragedies like this.

The question still haunts me though: If it was me, where was I? What was I doing instead?

Now In My Heart, Soon In My Life

There are three children whom I have never met, but whom I love. It seems strange that it can actually be true, but it is. I look at their picture several times a day. I pray for them and their smooth transition often. I imagine getting to know them and earning their trust, perhaps their love and, should I dare say their admiration?

But is it possible to love them without having seen them or hold them? Is it possible to be willing to devote my time, resources and heart to children I've never even met? They are after all, only one picture removed from make-believe.

I realized the other day, while I was wrinkling my forehead over something to do with an acquaintance (a real person I can touch and feel) that If I say I love God yet at the same time do not love my brother standing right in front of me, I'm at least confused. It is not possible to love God (whom I can't see) if I do not love my brother (whom I CAN see).

I guess that I really need to clear up my "heart condition" over all these other people if I really want to be able to love these children, don't I? Have you ever been in this predicament?

Grandchildren, Camping and God

A Walk at Big South Fork

Several months ago Cindy and I decided to get another travel trailer. Although we have camped in tents off of motorcycles as well as travel trailers and motorhomes, we were back to tents and motorcycles. They can be fun and exciting, but travel trailers, motels and the like make it much easier to have our young grandchildren come along with us.

Earlier this year we had such a trip and found more joy watching a grandson enjoy the trip than we might have experienced if we had just taken off on our own. It is funny how that works out, isn’t it? Planning our lives around the best interests of others doesn’t sound fulfilling, but it does work out that way.

I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. Jesus said that was what God has planned for those led by Him. Remember the business about the “Greatest Commandment” in Matthew 22, Mark 12, and Luke 10? You know that business about “my life should be all about God and all about others,” that’s the part I’m writing about.

Not only does that mindset focus on others, it actually brings me fulfillment and the joy and peace that comes with it. I know it doesn’t seem like it would, but it does. I suppose that is why it is described as “peace that passeth understanding.”

How often have I cheated myself out of that peace and joy because I was trying to find it  using my own chosen path? Not smart... Not successful... Not His way, the only way it actually works.

Was Hitler Right About More Than He Thought?

I came across this English translation of a 1933 interview with Adolf Hitler in Dave Burchett’s book When Bad Christians Happen to Good People: Where We Have Failed and How to Reverse the Damage. Revised 2011 edition, p.115. The footnote given in the book is listed below. I found it interesting... and disturbing!

“The Catholic Church is already something great. Good God, people, this is an institution, and it has already had a two-thousand-year existence. We must learn from it. It is instilled with wisdom and human understanding. They know their people! They know what people are about. But their time is up! The priests themselves know this. They are smart enough; they realize this and do not engage in a fight. If they should, I will certainly not make martyrs out of them. We will brand them as simple criminals. I will rip the mask of respectability from their faces. And if that is not enough, I will make them laughable and contemptuous. I will have movies written. We will show the history of the priests on film. The people can be amazed at the whole mess of nonsense, selfishness, stupidity and fraud. How they stole money from the peasantry. How they tried to outdo the Jews. How they committed incest.  We will make it so exciting that everyone will want to see it. The people will stand in lines outside the theaters. And if the hair of the pious citizens should stand on their necks, so much the better. The youth will understand it The youth and the people. I will gladly give up the others. I guarantee... if I want I could destroy the church in a few years. It is all so hollow and the whole belief system is fragile and untruthful through and through. When pushed with a little force it will collapse. With their demonstrated desire for profit and good living, we will easily get them. On that point we can be of one accord. I give them a couple of year’s reprieve. Why do we need to argue? They will swallow everything in order to maintain their material position. It won’t come to a fight.”

Dokumente zur Kirchenpolitik des 3 Reiches, Band 1, Das Jahr 1933, trans. David Crabtree, professor at Gutenburg College, Eugene, Oregon. Published in Context, April 1998.

The description and motive of those Hitler was targeting sound too much like many of us who fancy ourselves as “believers” in God. It is so much easier to see on “them” isn’t it?