There is little in this world from which I derive greater joy than that of the joy of my friends.
This is made more difficult when they live far away, or make themselves far away emotionally.
This is also made more difficult of late, as our lives are slowly and steadily taking on different priorities. It makes getting in touch with them and learning about the real details a little bit difficult.
WWD 10/24
Proverbs 17:17 (NRSV)
17 "A friend loves at all times,
and kinsfolk are born to share adversity."
If you're reading this and I know you at least a little well - there is a 100% chance that I love you.
And as to those of you I don't yet know well:
1 Sam 18:1-3 (NRSV)
"When David* had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul."
To explain that - David meets Jonathan, Saul's son, and then David is kept within the palace, away from all he once knew. In the instant he and Jonathan met, they became friends. So to those I don't yet know well - it's never too late...
I would love to know what I could be praying for. Or just some way to cheer you up. It doesn't have to be detailed, if you don't want - but let me be a prayer warrior for you. Let me share in your adversity.
10.24.2010
10.23.2010
Athens and WWD 10/23
I have never been one for spur of the moment acts. Spontaneous comments and goofiness, sure - but never for the kind of thing that will dictate near-future events.
For example, I am often a bit of a wet blanket when it comes to invitations from friends to hang out when the invitation comes at the ninth hour. One fairly consistent exception to this deals with places that are quite near my house.
However, that was the not the case last night. I am typing this from the living room of a friend, upon their couch (which is also my bed). Earlier in the week, my dear friend Sarah 'no longer Rospond but now' White, was talking to me about possibly being in Athens briefly on Thursday, so I decided for certain that I would be coming up. Then I woke up feeling absolutely dreadful on Thursday, and had forgotten all about that conversation - deciding to postpone my Athens visit. However, I began feeling better around 6. Round about 8PM on Thursday, I got a text message from Sarah, who was currently sitting in the meeting room of CCF, wondering where the heck I was.
This put in a difficult position. On the one hand, I really wanted to see her. On the other, I would have to leave pretty much immediately to catch her for all of a half hour before she left. After waffling for about a minute, I ran downstairs, threw a change of clothes into my bookbag, and got into my car. A journey during which I set a personal best for travel between my home and Athens.
About 2 miles from the perimeter of Athens, or "The Loop," I saw some blue lights cue up behind and thought I was about to be very, very late. Thankfully, the gentleman immediately to my left was the culprit. So, I arrived in Athens - tired, gross, and very much flustered.
But I got to give Sarah a huge hug, and got to hug a bunch of other wonderful people in the meantime.
I'm still in Athens, in case that wasn't obvious. It's been fun - if a bit exhausting.
But I want to get back to the first sentence of this post... I have never been one for spur of the moment acts. I realized as I was driving to Athens that this wasn't entirely true. Perhaps I am not keen on spur of the moment as a whole - but my mind is quick as a whip about some things. It's a contributor to a disgustingly low level of patience.
Here's the thing though... I think the dynamic is switching - I'm more willing to do crazy and sudden things, especially where my friends are concerned. I've driven more places in the dark of night around Gwinnett county in the past month or so than ever before in my life - to hang out with a couple Core Members who are also dear friends, even if they don't know it yet.
And my mind... well, it's grown more patient. I was discussing with various people my summer that has bled on into fall, wherein nothing seems to be going in an ideal fashion. And yet, they all noticed a marked difference in me, one which I've only recently begun acknowledging... they noticed that I wasn't so much bothered by the lack of job, school, and so forth as I was bemused by it. Certainly, there are times where I feel like people's perception of me is perhaps a little bit freeloading or lazy...
But then I think about the ways in which God has tried my patience over this summer, and the ways in which he continues to do so now. Some require no elaboration, because they are personal, others because they involve people with whom the matter is private. But in all... I know that something is around the bend for me... when, how, and what... I've no notion whatsoever. But in the meantime, I am content making spur of the moment trips to be with the people who I care about. I am content getting to know and providing spiritual support for the teens at St. John Neumann...
Words of Whiz Dumb 10/23
Hebrews 6:11-12 (NRSV)
"And we want each one of you to show the same diligence, so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, 12so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
I am content with patience for what God has in store for me. Though I admit, in diligence, I might be lacking.
For example, I am often a bit of a wet blanket when it comes to invitations from friends to hang out when the invitation comes at the ninth hour. One fairly consistent exception to this deals with places that are quite near my house.
However, that was the not the case last night. I am typing this from the living room of a friend, upon their couch (which is also my bed). Earlier in the week, my dear friend Sarah 'no longer Rospond but now' White, was talking to me about possibly being in Athens briefly on Thursday, so I decided for certain that I would be coming up. Then I woke up feeling absolutely dreadful on Thursday, and had forgotten all about that conversation - deciding to postpone my Athens visit. However, I began feeling better around 6. Round about 8PM on Thursday, I got a text message from Sarah, who was currently sitting in the meeting room of CCF, wondering where the heck I was.
This put in a difficult position. On the one hand, I really wanted to see her. On the other, I would have to leave pretty much immediately to catch her for all of a half hour before she left. After waffling for about a minute, I ran downstairs, threw a change of clothes into my bookbag, and got into my car. A journey during which I set a personal best for travel between my home and Athens.
About 2 miles from the perimeter of Athens, or "The Loop," I saw some blue lights cue up behind and thought I was about to be very, very late. Thankfully, the gentleman immediately to my left was the culprit. So, I arrived in Athens - tired, gross, and very much flustered.
But I got to give Sarah a huge hug, and got to hug a bunch of other wonderful people in the meantime.
I'm still in Athens, in case that wasn't obvious. It's been fun - if a bit exhausting.
But I want to get back to the first sentence of this post... I have never been one for spur of the moment acts. I realized as I was driving to Athens that this wasn't entirely true. Perhaps I am not keen on spur of the moment as a whole - but my mind is quick as a whip about some things. It's a contributor to a disgustingly low level of patience.
Here's the thing though... I think the dynamic is switching - I'm more willing to do crazy and sudden things, especially where my friends are concerned. I've driven more places in the dark of night around Gwinnett county in the past month or so than ever before in my life - to hang out with a couple Core Members who are also dear friends, even if they don't know it yet.
And my mind... well, it's grown more patient. I was discussing with various people my summer that has bled on into fall, wherein nothing seems to be going in an ideal fashion. And yet, they all noticed a marked difference in me, one which I've only recently begun acknowledging... they noticed that I wasn't so much bothered by the lack of job, school, and so forth as I was bemused by it. Certainly, there are times where I feel like people's perception of me is perhaps a little bit freeloading or lazy...
But then I think about the ways in which God has tried my patience over this summer, and the ways in which he continues to do so now. Some require no elaboration, because they are personal, others because they involve people with whom the matter is private. But in all... I know that something is around the bend for me... when, how, and what... I've no notion whatsoever. But in the meantime, I am content making spur of the moment trips to be with the people who I care about. I am content getting to know and providing spiritual support for the teens at St. John Neumann...
Words of Whiz Dumb 10/23
Hebrews 6:11-12 (NRSV)
"And we want each one of you to show the same diligence, so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, 12so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
I am content with patience for what God has in store for me. Though I admit, in diligence, I might be lacking.
10.19.2010
Confirmation Retreat Weekend
This weekend was great. I have a post with a lot more information worked up... but I think that one'll be just for me.
The short version:
Life Teen confirmation retreat was this weekend...
I apparently know how to treat teens in a such a way they see me as a respectable authority figure instead of a parent-like disciplinarian. This comes as a shock to me, because I was sure I'd be more of the latter than the former (just as I bet most people would be sure I was more of the latter).
Also, I went to reconciliation for the first time in longer than I'd like to admit, and experienced it in a such a way as I never have in the past.
It was a good retreat, despite some rough patches and completely foreign situations. I am thankful to God for that - because it was all Him working through me and the other core members. Hooray!
The short version:
Life Teen confirmation retreat was this weekend...
I apparently know how to treat teens in a such a way they see me as a respectable authority figure instead of a parent-like disciplinarian. This comes as a shock to me, because I was sure I'd be more of the latter than the former (just as I bet most people would be sure I was more of the latter).
Also, I went to reconciliation for the first time in longer than I'd like to admit, and experienced it in a such a way as I never have in the past.
It was a good retreat, despite some rough patches and completely foreign situations. I am thankful to God for that - because it was all Him working through me and the other core members. Hooray!
10.12.2010
10.10.2010
My legs hurt.
Most-played albums at the moment:
"Easy Wonderful" by Guster
"Flamingo" by Brandon Flowers
"The Lord of the Rings OST" by Howard Shore
Tonight I led an event for Life Teen at my church. One in which I was out of my comfort zone. Outdoor games. Due to the three day weekend, we were putting on a non-teaching night of fun for the kids. I would have preferred standing in front of them and pr/teaching for them. But I think that's just because I'm weird. As it was, I had a lot of fun organizing the event itself... I wasn't responsible for much, if any, of the planning - because I wasn't originally supposed to be leading the night. Regardless - it was enjoyable... and for some strange reason very, very exhausting.
We had Corn Hole, Ladder Ball, Basketball, 4-square, ultimate frisbee, regular frisbee, some card games, and sidewalk chalk. We also had a football hiding in my trunk that we never got out because we didn't want them tackling one another on asphalt... which they would have done eagerly.
But yeah... that's was a benchmark for me... leading an event, confidently, with which I was quite uncomfortable. And for some reason, after that day - my legs really hurt.
In the meantime - the Braves lost game 3 of the NLDS, and I was saddened... but at least the Falcons are 4-1. That's pretty good news. Oh, and Georgia won yesterday... that was good. And Florida lost. And Alabama lost. Both generally good things, if not so great for the SEC's hopes to be in the championship this year.
Also, over the course of the day - I listened to a lot of music. Mostly the first two albums listed above. I like music. I also like being reminded of things that are important to me. These two albums do that both directly and indirectly.
They can be tacked onto a list I made in a previous post. Of course, at the time - I described that list of things as reminding me of something that was bittersweet. And even though it's still something I don't exactly go out of my way to think of - I've decided it isn't bitter.
It just isn't as sweet as I'd like. However, it has become an unavoidable occurrence - so I decided to stop letting it bother me. But really, I think about this every day, without even really realizing at first that my mind has gone there...
So I guess it's more of a surprising and sweet thing.
Or something.
We changed topics somewhere along the line up there - my bad. You'll probably get some sweet Words of Whiz Dumb tomorrow.
And by "you all" I mean... the one or two people who actually read this. *Sigh*
"Easy Wonderful" by Guster
"Flamingo" by Brandon Flowers
"The Lord of the Rings OST" by Howard Shore
Tonight I led an event for Life Teen at my church. One in which I was out of my comfort zone. Outdoor games. Due to the three day weekend, we were putting on a non-teaching night of fun for the kids. I would have preferred standing in front of them and pr/teaching for them. But I think that's just because I'm weird. As it was, I had a lot of fun organizing the event itself... I wasn't responsible for much, if any, of the planning - because I wasn't originally supposed to be leading the night. Regardless - it was enjoyable... and for some strange reason very, very exhausting.
We had Corn Hole, Ladder Ball, Basketball, 4-square, ultimate frisbee, regular frisbee, some card games, and sidewalk chalk. We also had a football hiding in my trunk that we never got out because we didn't want them tackling one another on asphalt... which they would have done eagerly.
But yeah... that's was a benchmark for me... leading an event, confidently, with which I was quite uncomfortable. And for some reason, after that day - my legs really hurt.
In the meantime - the Braves lost game 3 of the NLDS, and I was saddened... but at least the Falcons are 4-1. That's pretty good news. Oh, and Georgia won yesterday... that was good. And Florida lost. And Alabama lost. Both generally good things, if not so great for the SEC's hopes to be in the championship this year.
Also, over the course of the day - I listened to a lot of music. Mostly the first two albums listed above. I like music. I also like being reminded of things that are important to me. These two albums do that both directly and indirectly.
They can be tacked onto a list I made in a previous post. Of course, at the time - I described that list of things as reminding me of something that was bittersweet. And even though it's still something I don't exactly go out of my way to think of - I've decided it isn't bitter.
It just isn't as sweet as I'd like. However, it has become an unavoidable occurrence - so I decided to stop letting it bother me. But really, I think about this every day, without even really realizing at first that my mind has gone there...
So I guess it's more of a surprising and sweet thing.
Or something.
We changed topics somewhere along the line up there - my bad. You'll probably get some sweet Words of Whiz Dumb tomorrow.
And by "you all" I mean... the one or two people who actually read this. *Sigh*
10.05.2010
Slee would be nice...
My dad has a sleep disorder called "Sleep apnea," which is a highly common cause of snoring. In somewhat more severe cases, it calls for a breathing apparatus to be used while sleep to prevent the afflicted from possibly suffocating in their sleep.
Effectively, there is a piece or tissue or some such naturally occurring nonsense that block the airway during breathing. It only happens when you're sleeping, because the piece of whatever is only able to fall into this position when on one's back, and when breathing is being regulating by your unconscious. It can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night due to the fact that your body says, "Hey, you aren't breathing - fix it."
I have trouble sleeping.
There has been much hinting and suspicion on behalf of my parents that perhaps I have sleep apnea as well. Goodness knows that I snore, though obviously *I've* never heard it. I've wanted to have a sleep study done since around my sophomore or junior year of college - around which time the sleep difficulties became increasingly common and difficult.
Throughout high school - no real problems. But then, college... lot's of them.
You may recall that I posted a blog a blog at around 4:30 last week. That wasn't so bad. I was still up because I'd had a late start to the day and wasn't especially tired yet. I went to sleep around 5, and slept a normal amount of time, getting up around 1. I subsequently tried to return my sleep schedule to something bordering on normal.
I woke up at 8AM on Sunday, and was a bit tired - but functional. I didn't feel tired until around 2, another oddly long stretch of being awake.
That brings us to yesterday. Admittedly, I got my fair share, and then some, of sleep.
Here's the kicker, though, and the reason I find this worthy of devoting an entire blog post. You may have checked the time stamp on this post since it's all about waking and sleeping. It is 7:20 at this precise moment. I'm still awake from yesterday. And this time, it isn't from lack of being tired.
I went to bed a little bit after 2. Still later than I'd like - but I was actually *tired* - so I figured perhaps I'd sleep. Nope. Not even a little. I tossed and turned, tried to change my body temperature and with sweats and shirts, or just a pair of bike shorts. A blanket, no blanket. Fans, no fans. And all sorts of combinations.
I have no idea if I *have* sleep apnea. My guess is no, because usually when I'm able to fall asleep, I sleep pretty well. However, I have no doubt that I have some kind of sleep disorder. See, the common problems (as it was in those college years) is that I have an immense difficulty falling asleep some nights.
Not just a little tossing and turning, or something on my mind, or something wrong with the room, or what have you. Just a genuine inability for my body to shut down and let me rest.
It's awesome!
So yeah... it'd be really great to get a sleep study done, and then get some kind of prescription or something. Though I really hope I don't need something quite like that - I don't want a dependency of that sort...
Effectively, there is a piece or tissue or some such naturally occurring nonsense that block the airway during breathing. It only happens when you're sleeping, because the piece of whatever is only able to fall into this position when on one's back, and when breathing is being regulating by your unconscious. It can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night due to the fact that your body says, "Hey, you aren't breathing - fix it."
I have trouble sleeping.
There has been much hinting and suspicion on behalf of my parents that perhaps I have sleep apnea as well. Goodness knows that I snore, though obviously *I've* never heard it. I've wanted to have a sleep study done since around my sophomore or junior year of college - around which time the sleep difficulties became increasingly common and difficult.
Throughout high school - no real problems. But then, college... lot's of them.
You may recall that I posted a blog a blog at around 4:30 last week. That wasn't so bad. I was still up because I'd had a late start to the day and wasn't especially tired yet. I went to sleep around 5, and slept a normal amount of time, getting up around 1. I subsequently tried to return my sleep schedule to something bordering on normal.
I woke up at 8AM on Sunday, and was a bit tired - but functional. I didn't feel tired until around 2, another oddly long stretch of being awake.
That brings us to yesterday. Admittedly, I got my fair share, and then some, of sleep.
Here's the kicker, though, and the reason I find this worthy of devoting an entire blog post. You may have checked the time stamp on this post since it's all about waking and sleeping. It is 7:20 at this precise moment. I'm still awake from yesterday. And this time, it isn't from lack of being tired.
I went to bed a little bit after 2. Still later than I'd like - but I was actually *tired* - so I figured perhaps I'd sleep. Nope. Not even a little. I tossed and turned, tried to change my body temperature and with sweats and shirts, or just a pair of bike shorts. A blanket, no blanket. Fans, no fans. And all sorts of combinations.
I have no idea if I *have* sleep apnea. My guess is no, because usually when I'm able to fall asleep, I sleep pretty well. However, I have no doubt that I have some kind of sleep disorder. See, the common problems (as it was in those college years) is that I have an immense difficulty falling asleep some nights.
Not just a little tossing and turning, or something on my mind, or something wrong with the room, or what have you. Just a genuine inability for my body to shut down and let me rest.
It's awesome!
So yeah... it'd be really great to get a sleep study done, and then get some kind of prescription or something. Though I really hope I don't need something quite like that - I don't want a dependency of that sort...
10.03.2010
It's long, but it's worth the read. WWD 10/03/10
Today, my mobile music library was expanded to reflect things that I'd recently procured. This is good, because most of the things I have access to in hard copy format, I never listen to... until they get digitized.
This list of music included the new album, "Flamingo," by Brandon Flowers (of the Killers). The first taste of this album that I got was when a video was released for the track "Crossfire." I rather liked the music video and the song, but had not really processed the lyrics as I watched the video.
One particular lyric, in the context of a couple of things today, really stuck out to me. First, we shall present the context.
I woke up much earlier than I have in recent times to go to a CORE Team meeting at our youth minister's home. She asked for those with less than a year's experience on the team to arrive at 9AM - about 6 hours earlier than I'd been waking up the last several days. (Sad, I know.) So, I got there, and sucked down a bunch of wonderful coffee. During the first hour, with the newbies, Linda (the youth minister) discussed strategies for dealing with the personalities in small groups. While none of this information was particularly new to me, it was helpful to hear and have contextualized within the context of teenage ministry.
As the others arrived, we got down (more or less) to the business at hand - discussing the coming weeks. We have a night coming up wherein we are discussing the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are not officially recognized by all Christian denominations, but they are as follows:
Understanding
Wisdom
Counsel (Or Right Judgment)
Fortitude (Or Courage)
Knowledge
Piety (Or Reverence)
Fear of the Lord (Or Wonder and Awe)
Then, we were asked if any CORE would be willing to volunteer to lead the discussion on the various gifts... one person per gift. For some strange reason, I found myself volunteering. Fortitude (Courage) would be the one that stands out to me the most.
After our meeting, I came home and took a nap before I had to get ready for mass. When I arrived at the church, I helped set up chairs, a projector, and some other A/V resources. It felt like old times.
For the first time in a while, I well and truly recognized some of the scripture reading at mass that wasn't from the Gospels. It was the 2 Timothy reading. (Vs. 6-8, 13-14)
"6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us."
Then, Monsignor got up and gave his homily - focusing on the respect life campaign that was being especially promoted that Sunday. However, he did not merely stop at discussions of the gift of life for all - unborn children, death row inmates (that sort of thing) - but he issued a challenge. He related a story about Karol Wojtyla, who at the time was asked to speak at a great gathering of the Religious in the late 1970's by Pope Paul VI.
The piece of information that Monsignor related was when then-Cardinal Wojtyla said something to the effect of, "The Catholic church, and the church at large must become something that is counter-cultural." Effectively saying that it was required of Christians to be courageous, outspoken, and undaunted by fear or critical response.
Cardinal Wojtyla would later become Pope John Paul II (a piece of information I somehow knew despite Monsignor never mentioning it).
The challenge he issued was that we begin a revolution - no matter our other affiliations, we must revolutionize the world. Treat the less fortunate with respect, give a voice to those who cannot speak, re-evaluate the way we punish others... and so forth and so on.
I was moved.
But not for the last time that night. Linda made a point of saying that respecting life isn't merely about hot button political issues, but also about your own lives... a nice segue into an otherwise hard night.
Two men spoke. And I use that word emphatically - "Spoke." For reasons which will soon become clear.
On April 11th, 1997, Eric Krug got into a car after a night of celebrating his 21st birthday with friends. The driver was not sober. Their ride home ended with a collision into the trees on Oglethrope's campus. Eric's friend Lee died at the hospital several hours after slamming head-first into the dashboard. The driver walked away with minor injuries. Eric spent the next several months in a low intensity coma from which the doctors said he would never recover. They were wrong. In a manner of speaking. Eric's right arm was detached at the elbow during the wreck. It was re-attached, but with permanent, last damage. Eric's brain suffered a great deal of trauma. For months which turned into years, he was trapped in his own body, unable to communicate or move without a wheelchair. Now, he is able to use a walker, and communicate by being a pretty fast speller. Eric is aware and able to get around on a walker now. He was supposed to stay in his coma and waste away to nothing. He can communicate by spelling what he wants to say. It may not be quick, but it is effective. He's a big clown - full of jokes and little sarcastic comments, even about his own situation.
He dictated his story at some point, and now his mother shares his words.
The most moving part of his talk was the video they showed, wherein Eric was able, after intense physical therapy, to walk his sister (with his walker) down the aisle at her wedding.
I have never seen a happier human being in my life.
But now we must switch gears. On that joyful day, another man was watching Eric's sister walk down the aisle. Chris Sandy. Her husband.
On April 11th, 2000 (3 years to the day after Eric's accident), Chris Sandy got into a car after a night of drinking to drive to another party with his friend. On a familiar shortcut, Chris reached speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour on a 35 mile per hour road. He decided to go around a van, and slammed into a car that was turning left in his path. The car was ripped into two pieces, and both passengers were killed - one on impact, the other after several hours in the hospital. Chris spent the next year awaiting trial, struggling with the guilt of his actions. On the day of his trial, in front of the family of the victims, he was sentenced to no fewer than 10 years in prison with 20 years of probation, and was immediately taken to jail. He got out on parole after 3,117 days... roughly 8 and a half years. He'll still have to serve probation until the conclusion of a 30 year period. He lives with his guilt everyday, but uses his experiences to inform others about the dangers they face.
In conjunction with Eric, they tell a pretty strong story about the consequences of substance abuse on oneself and the people in one's life.
So now we get back to that lyric from the song "Crossfire."
"And were caught up in the crossfire
Of heaven and hall
And we're searchin' for shelter."
In the context of 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
"6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us."
And the context of the gifts of the Holy Spirit - especially courage.
And the context of respecting life.
And the context of Karol Wojtyla challenge to Christians to become "Counter-cultural"
And the context of men who have made, and face their mistakes like Eric and Chris.
So again:
"And were caught up in the crossfire
Of heaven and hall
And we're searchin' for shelter."
...but God did not give us a spirit of cowardice...
So... your Words of Whiz Dumb for October 3rd, 2010.
We are caught in a crossfire, but we were not made to be cowards. Let's *be* revolutionaries.
This list of music included the new album, "Flamingo," by Brandon Flowers (of the Killers). The first taste of this album that I got was when a video was released for the track "Crossfire." I rather liked the music video and the song, but had not really processed the lyrics as I watched the video.
One particular lyric, in the context of a couple of things today, really stuck out to me. First, we shall present the context.
I woke up much earlier than I have in recent times to go to a CORE Team meeting at our youth minister's home. She asked for those with less than a year's experience on the team to arrive at 9AM - about 6 hours earlier than I'd been waking up the last several days. (Sad, I know.) So, I got there, and sucked down a bunch of wonderful coffee. During the first hour, with the newbies, Linda (the youth minister) discussed strategies for dealing with the personalities in small groups. While none of this information was particularly new to me, it was helpful to hear and have contextualized within the context of teenage ministry.
As the others arrived, we got down (more or less) to the business at hand - discussing the coming weeks. We have a night coming up wherein we are discussing the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are not officially recognized by all Christian denominations, but they are as follows:
Understanding
Wisdom
Counsel (Or Right Judgment)
Fortitude (Or Courage)
Knowledge
Piety (Or Reverence)
Fear of the Lord (Or Wonder and Awe)
Then, we were asked if any CORE would be willing to volunteer to lead the discussion on the various gifts... one person per gift. For some strange reason, I found myself volunteering. Fortitude (Courage) would be the one that stands out to me the most.
After our meeting, I came home and took a nap before I had to get ready for mass. When I arrived at the church, I helped set up chairs, a projector, and some other A/V resources. It felt like old times.
For the first time in a while, I well and truly recognized some of the scripture reading at mass that wasn't from the Gospels. It was the 2 Timothy reading. (Vs. 6-8, 13-14)
"6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us."
Then, Monsignor got up and gave his homily - focusing on the respect life campaign that was being especially promoted that Sunday. However, he did not merely stop at discussions of the gift of life for all - unborn children, death row inmates (that sort of thing) - but he issued a challenge. He related a story about Karol Wojtyla, who at the time was asked to speak at a great gathering of the Religious in the late 1970's by Pope Paul VI.
The piece of information that Monsignor related was when then-Cardinal Wojtyla said something to the effect of, "The Catholic church, and the church at large must become something that is counter-cultural." Effectively saying that it was required of Christians to be courageous, outspoken, and undaunted by fear or critical response.
Cardinal Wojtyla would later become Pope John Paul II (a piece of information I somehow knew despite Monsignor never mentioning it).
The challenge he issued was that we begin a revolution - no matter our other affiliations, we must revolutionize the world. Treat the less fortunate with respect, give a voice to those who cannot speak, re-evaluate the way we punish others... and so forth and so on.
I was moved.
But not for the last time that night. Linda made a point of saying that respecting life isn't merely about hot button political issues, but also about your own lives... a nice segue into an otherwise hard night.
Two men spoke. And I use that word emphatically - "Spoke." For reasons which will soon become clear.
On April 11th, 1997, Eric Krug got into a car after a night of celebrating his 21st birthday with friends. The driver was not sober. Their ride home ended with a collision into the trees on Oglethrope's campus. Eric's friend Lee died at the hospital several hours after slamming head-first into the dashboard. The driver walked away with minor injuries. Eric spent the next several months in a low intensity coma from which the doctors said he would never recover. They were wrong. In a manner of speaking. Eric's right arm was detached at the elbow during the wreck. It was re-attached, but with permanent, last damage. Eric's brain suffered a great deal of trauma. For months which turned into years, he was trapped in his own body, unable to communicate or move without a wheelchair. Now, he is able to use a walker, and communicate by being a pretty fast speller. Eric is aware and able to get around on a walker now. He was supposed to stay in his coma and waste away to nothing. He can communicate by spelling what he wants to say. It may not be quick, but it is effective. He's a big clown - full of jokes and little sarcastic comments, even about his own situation.
He dictated his story at some point, and now his mother shares his words.
The most moving part of his talk was the video they showed, wherein Eric was able, after intense physical therapy, to walk his sister (with his walker) down the aisle at her wedding.
I have never seen a happier human being in my life.
But now we must switch gears. On that joyful day, another man was watching Eric's sister walk down the aisle. Chris Sandy. Her husband.
On April 11th, 2000 (3 years to the day after Eric's accident), Chris Sandy got into a car after a night of drinking to drive to another party with his friend. On a familiar shortcut, Chris reached speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour on a 35 mile per hour road. He decided to go around a van, and slammed into a car that was turning left in his path. The car was ripped into two pieces, and both passengers were killed - one on impact, the other after several hours in the hospital. Chris spent the next year awaiting trial, struggling with the guilt of his actions. On the day of his trial, in front of the family of the victims, he was sentenced to no fewer than 10 years in prison with 20 years of probation, and was immediately taken to jail. He got out on parole after 3,117 days... roughly 8 and a half years. He'll still have to serve probation until the conclusion of a 30 year period. He lives with his guilt everyday, but uses his experiences to inform others about the dangers they face.
In conjunction with Eric, they tell a pretty strong story about the consequences of substance abuse on oneself and the people in one's life.
So now we get back to that lyric from the song "Crossfire."
"And were caught up in the crossfire
Of heaven and hall
And we're searchin' for shelter."
In the context of 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
"6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us."
And the context of the gifts of the Holy Spirit - especially courage.
And the context of respecting life.
And the context of Karol Wojtyla challenge to Christians to become "Counter-cultural"
And the context of men who have made, and face their mistakes like Eric and Chris.
So again:
"And were caught up in the crossfire
Of heaven and hall
And we're searchin' for shelter."
...but God did not give us a spirit of cowardice...
So... your Words of Whiz Dumb for October 3rd, 2010.
We are caught in a crossfire, but we were not made to be cowards. Let's *be* revolutionaries.
10.01.2010
WWD 10/1/10
This evening... well, last night technically... I had the chance to catch up with a friend I'd not spoken with in several months.
Much to my surprise and chagrin, I found myself dominating the conversation about things I had much preferred stay from my mind. Nothing bad, just... patience-trying.
Anyway... the points of discussion (all of them, not just the particulars) have been rattling around in my head non-stop since our conversation concluded.
Hence, I am still awake at roughly 4:45 in the morning.
For the record, it is my sincere intent to have these "Words of Whiz Dumb" be largely faith or scripture-based.
Though admittedly, they will often reflect some aspect of my life.
I don't know who read this. I know of a short list of followers which I can count on two hands, with fingers to spare.
But to anyone who happens upon this silly little exercise in sorting out my life a little bit, I say simply:
Take these nuggets for what they are: A sincere, bare, and honest look into my life.
For this morning, I have no sweeping analysis or insight into scripture... just a verse and a couple of observations...
Your Words of Whiz Dumb for October 1st, 2010:
Hebrews 10:36
"For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. "
[Endurance for my purposes (and as it translated in other versions) is also about patience.]
Twofold observations:
You need patience to do the will of God.
When you do the will of God, you will be rewarded.
This summer, in a number of ways - God is teaching me to be patient.
But I'm not there yet. I've fooled myself into thinking that I am, at times. While I am learning patience in some matters - I am not applying it to the things that take real patience... which is to say - patience and endurance in the face of temptation. So... that needs to change.
Much to my surprise and chagrin, I found myself dominating the conversation about things I had much preferred stay from my mind. Nothing bad, just... patience-trying.
Anyway... the points of discussion (all of them, not just the particulars) have been rattling around in my head non-stop since our conversation concluded.
Hence, I am still awake at roughly 4:45 in the morning.
For the record, it is my sincere intent to have these "Words of Whiz Dumb" be largely faith or scripture-based.
Though admittedly, they will often reflect some aspect of my life.
I don't know who read this. I know of a short list of followers which I can count on two hands, with fingers to spare.
But to anyone who happens upon this silly little exercise in sorting out my life a little bit, I say simply:
Take these nuggets for what they are: A sincere, bare, and honest look into my life.
For this morning, I have no sweeping analysis or insight into scripture... just a verse and a couple of observations...
Your Words of Whiz Dumb for October 1st, 2010:
Hebrews 10:36
"For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. "
[Endurance for my purposes (and as it translated in other versions) is also about patience.]
Twofold observations:
You need patience to do the will of God.
When you do the will of God, you will be rewarded.
This summer, in a number of ways - God is teaching me to be patient.
But I'm not there yet. I've fooled myself into thinking that I am, at times. While I am learning patience in some matters - I am not applying it to the things that take real patience... which is to say - patience and endurance in the face of temptation. So... that needs to change.
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