Happy Holidays Everyone

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Dear readers,

This is a massive holiday week. Schools are on winter break in the Northern Hemisphere and summer break in the Southern Hemisphere. Some adults are on break in all spheres. It is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Years (I know one of those isn't religious). It is, for most of us, a well needed and earned break.

I wish you well this break. May you find rest, joy, peace and love. Whether you be on wintry slopes or sunny beaches, relish the difference in schedule and pace. Relish each other. May your kids not drive you crazy; may siblings even get along (ok, maybe that's too much a miracle to ask!)

I'll be taking a break myself from writing until the new year.

But until then, in the hope of my faith, may Jesus bless you with peace, love and joy.

To all you readers happy holidays. Bless you all.

Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker: A Door's Howl Review (No Specific Spoilers)

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Door's Howl Review: Star Wars Episode IX: Rise of Skywalker

A spoiler alert: I have tried to write this review without any specific spoilers, especially of movie plot lines. However, I do reference generalized thoughts and directorial decisions which may be viewed by some as spoilers. Therefore, move ahead under caution.

Synopsis

It is the last of the Star Wars main story arc movies. Faced with outrage from the Episode VIII poor performance (at least to purists), J.J. Abrams returns as director. The movie is fast paced with typical humor inserted elements for which Abrams is known. It pays homage to past characters, past battles and even revisits planets and scenes from previous movies.

As I said, it is fast paced. The movie is 2h21m, and doesn't let up in action all the way through. At times it feels squeezed and everything is being crammed into a predetermined time limit. It possibly could have benefitted from an extra 20 minutes. We follow the resistance across the galaxy as they fight the First Order and once again we see the two sides of the force at war.

I found the movie choppy and rushed and personally didn't think it was good. On the other hand, my family all loved it and thought it was great. Perhaps this is what happens with a movie arc that is 42 years long. Star Wars is a movie for kids, and the kid within us. It's fantastic, spectacular and amazing, but when you engage your disbelief, it kind of fails. Perhaps my own joy would have increased with a more emphatic audience (no cheers, no celebration, no shock, just...silence...even at the end with a muted smattering of applause led by one of my own children, which never went further than that). Maybe, it is better than I thought. You be your own judge.

There was one phrase, that repeats throughout the movie that seemed to be a prophetic challenge to the ordinary person: there are more of us than they want you to think there are. We are not victims and at the mercy of armies, tyrants and leaders...we have power...together. This was a moment worth cheering for in the movie (but alas...our audience was quiet)! I found this little piece of commentary on our times well done and powerfully displayed. We can always resist evil, and there are more good people than bad...we just need to realize we are not alone.

Perhaps I need to see it again to get a better experience!

As IMDB stated for the plot line: the resistance faces the First Order in the final chapter of the Skywalker Saga.

That sums it up quite well.

I hope you go and enjoy it!

P.S. I am sure Lego will make another small fortune off the figures and models from this movie...there are tons!

Score

Episode IX scores a New Moon.

Scoring System

Wolves are thought to commonly howl at the moon. So, the better the moon, the greater the howl. Description of scoring system below.

Full Moon - best you can get, must watch and must own
New Moon - great movie, worth seeing and buying
Crescent Moon - average to above average, good to watch, but may want to wait for DVD
Sliver Moon - below average, not worth seeing and only get it on DVD when you have nothing better to do, like having a root canal
Moonless Night -not even worth mentioning - avoid at all costs!

Are the polls accurate about Biden?

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Joe Biden continues to lead the national polls. Are these polls accurate?

The impeachment process continues in the House, with a Senate hearing coming. In the meantime, Democratic candidates work to win the nomination for presidency. The national polls all show Biden in the lead (by as much as 8-9%). Can they be trusted? These same polls showed Hillary Clinton winning in 2016. They were wrong.

While these polls are of Democratic voters, are they reliable?

I'm thinking not. This is not a comment on Biden's platform or presidency. It is a comment on the reliability of polls. Polls are, in my opinion, a projection of our intentions as voters. But, intentions don't get votes. Votes are cast by those who show up and vote. So, I don't think I trust these polls or the conclusions you might draw from them for a possible winner in the Democratic Race.

I'm interested in your thoughts. Do you think these polls are reliable?

Is Lamar the Real Deal?

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Just watched a story by Erin Andrews on Fox Sports about Lamar Jackson. It was brilliantly done. Everyone is wondering: is he the real deal? Most people I speak to wonder about when and if he will survive at his current pace. Most people, including me, wonder when he will be injured.

The Fox story on him was inspiring. A powerful selection of clips, great background music and a video take of Lamar sitting while his team mate, Mark Ingram 2nd speaks about him. I had to watch it again. I don't think Lamar said more than 4-5 sentences.

I watched it again. I was wrong...he said 10 sentences. Mark Ingram spoke more about him than he spoke in total. And the one word after incredible that people are using about Lamar is "humble". I hope he stays that way. I hope he continues to succeed and continues to inspire children. Apparently his jersey was the highest sold jersey on Black Friday across the country. We need heroes like that.

And the response about whether Lamar is breaking the trend of quarterbacks and introducing a new age of quarterbacking...both Lamar and Mark speak humbly: the story is still being written.

Well, I think he is the real deal. I'm a fan right now. He's incredible to watch, and his stats are incredible to read.

Injuries sideline all players. I don't wish him injury and I hope he leads the NFL into a new era as the GOAT retires soon.

Cat Litter and Bad Leadership

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I was wondering around a wholesale store today trying to find the cat litter. In fairness, it isn't my regular chore. I usually do the grocery shopping, but not the wholesale shopping. So the aisles were foreign to me. I spent ages wandering from one row to the next trying to find cat litter. The aisle titles gave no hints about cat litter. They didn't reveal hints or suggestions. I was lost.

After at least the fifth time around the store I looked up and saw the aisle titled "Pet Care". I felt...foolish! I had walked past that aisle five times...at least. I was looking for "Cat Litter" and all the time the data was there, but under another heading.

Leaders have a habit of doing that...focusing themselves on what they want, while missing what is there. It's a classic example of the blind spot (in this case literally). I wanted cat litter, and no matter what I saw in some aisles, I went back again and again, trying to wish the boxes into existence. Leaders do this all the time with their plans, visions, goals and strategies. They try to force what isn't there into existence and ignore what is already there that will help.

I remember Bono saying this once, many years ago: why do I keep asking God to bless what I'm doing. Instead, why don't I find what he is already blessing, and do that.

Leaders, more than ever today, our task is to pay attention to what is already there, and work with what exists, rather than forcing what doesn't. Our blind spots wreck our plans. We need people who will point them out to us so we can find what is already clear and start succeeding at what is needed.

Do you have someone who is your blind spot revealer?

Anyone care to share what mine are?

And yes, don't go shopping with me for cat litter!

Impeachment and Our Work Going Forward

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Articles of Impeachment were unveiled today against President Trump.

• Article 1: Abuse of power
• Article 2: Obstruction of congress 

The spin cycles are already working overtime. Each side selects their facts and argues their position. None of this is new to us.

Yet what is the impact on the voter?

I was involved in a brief discussion today about how people are feeling as the impeachment process continues. The discussion was around how stressed people are. I think they are very stressed. Emotions are high; tolerance is low and frustration is growing.  With it a level of vitriol and dehumanization is growing that is causing damage to our personal and national psyche that will take years to address. What is happening to us is damaging us.

I implore you, regardless of your position on parties or issues respect the dignity of yourself, the dignity of others and the dignity of our world to speak with grace, truth and respect. Don't allow the political war to dictate your battles, your weapons or your victims. Choose a better way. At the end of the political year we are about to enter, we will have to look each other in the eye and commit to building our lives and our communities together. Let's not tear it down before we get there and drive a wedge so deep between us that we cannot unite again.

Maybe, this year we could build something stronger, despite our political differences.
Maybe this year we could be better, stronger, smarter.
Maybe this year we could be what we are: free people with the privilege to vote, but the mandate to love.

You know you're spiritually mature when...(a sort of spiritual direction parody).

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Warning: this is a parody post. Do not take literally.

It has become quite popular these days to name a spiritual activity using a Latin phrase. Of course, these activities are spiritual disciplines that are centuries old, but you know when you're spiritually mature when you can use the latin phrase for the activity.

For example, lectio divina, which means divine reading (or sacred reading) is a method of reading the Bible that leads to insights and contemplation different from study or research. There is also visio divina (divine seeing) where you look at art or pictures and meditate on what God is saying through it. Recently, I was led in audio divina (divine hearing), where you listen to a recording and meditate on it. So, these are simple activities or reading, looking and hearing.

While doing this audio divina exercise, I had this funny thought. It seems like naming an activity with the latin terms endows it with spiritual depth.  What if I named other activities with their latin terms (I did do 5 years of latin in high school, of which I remember almost none of it), I could create a new spiritual direction booklet and lead people to new depths of spiritual maturity.

Here are some ideas:

Somnio Divina: sacred sleeping - close your eyes, breathe deeply and...sleep. The very act makes you mature already.
Cocio Divina: sacred cooking - play with spices, food types and methods to create new foods, then practice...
Sapio Divina: sacred tasting - taste the food for new insights into spiritual activity. This exercise is best done with...
Potio Divina: sacred drinking - drink measured drafts of your selected liquid, savoring the flavor and relishing the new insights. After all these spiritual acts, you will need to do...
Exercitio Divina: sacred exercise - work your body in sweat, learning through pain what God is teaching. Now you are ready for...
Opio Divina: sacred work - do your work well, or just start at the beginning again with Somnio Divina.

They must be deep...they're in Latin.

So, which spiritual activity sounds like your next new one to try?

Quicksand, quagmire and quag: a leadership rant

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Making decisions as leaders is incredibly complex today. 

Personally, I, sometimes, envy those leaders who seem to make decisions so easily. They seem certain, clear in their minds about what is right and wrong, living in a two-tone world of black and white. They lead forward with what some call decisiveness, vision, boldness and power. 

And they are often wrong, and the trail of the bodies behind their decisions are left for others to clean up.

These leaders, aren't clear, certain or decisive. They are apathetic, self-serving and ignorant or unwilling to learn. They don't lead well. At least, not in this new world.

We live in a world where decision making needs to factor in a variety of issues: culture, world-views, facts, impact (global, local, personal and personnel), and outcomes. Some of those issues are easy to determine, others are much harder, and a few are completely hidden from us.

Savvy leaders today take in as much information as they can. Then they empower the right people to make the decision. This is a critical step. Leaders don't make decisions. That is not a philosophy that works today. Leaders empower the right people to make the decision. And sometimes that is the leader, but more often it is the person most impacted by the decision, or most knowledgeable, or most aware. Empowering the right people is essential. Then, together, leader and team step with caution into the future. 

I am often wary of leaders who claim to know how to solve problems and lead with certainty. Even more so of consultants who claim this. I am more open to leaders who claim the "I don't know" space.

In light of these complexities: how would you advice leaders to guide their teams and organizations as they seek to make decisions?

To speak or not to speak, that is the question.

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Politics and the Church have a long history. They have been linked for generations and some of the greatest evils have been perpetuated when religion and politics have mixed together and endorsed each other.

A Pew Research Center article from November 15, 2019 reveals that 2/3 of those surveyed want churches to stay out of politics, while 1/3 want churches to express their view on day-to-day social and political questions. (Pew Research Center Article: Americans Have Positive Views about Religion's Role in Society but Want it Out of Politics)

I have seen or heard of churches (this is beyond just a preacher, but also charities supported, issues addressed, topics promoted or resisted in a church) doing following:

• actively endorse a candidate even handing out mock voting documents to guide people in how to vote for the endorsed candidate
• critique members of their congregation for voting opposite to the expressed view of the preacher
• remain silent on all things political (apolitical)
• actively endorse, or passively support, a specific political worldview
• lose and gain members for being silent or speaking out on political issues

Churches, through their culture, issues they focus on or avoid, posters, displays or promotions in their lobby, newsletter or social media profile, address politics all the time. Even those churches that choose to be apolitical are involved in politics, even unintentionally. I served as a volunteer in a church that chose to be apolitical during the Apartheid years in South Africa. It suffered a terrorist attack for being silent where 11 people were killed and dozens injured. The church was seen as a "soft-white" target, and supportive of Apartheid for failing to speak out about it.

In the midst of this challenge is also the call of the church to be prophetic in the culture it exists. Does this mean in politics too?

This makes me wonder what you think. Should a church engage in addressing political concepts and events? Should a church speak about this or not? 

What do you think?

Death, doubt and the role of guts

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The congregation I pastor has experienced several deaths lately. Not of congregation members, but rather of love ones close to congregation members. Each one, whether expected or not, brings grief and confusion. Each one brings questions and the need for care, love and support. But there is more.

As a pastor, familiar with death, these moments bring me...

...anger.

Just this past weekend I prayed with our people for a young boy's mom to get well.
Twenty four hours later she was dead. Yes, it leaves me angry.

Yes, there is shepherding, care, listening and companionship. Those are the pastoral tools and skills that people need at this time. But, beyond the work of the pastor there is this deep anger...anger that death is even in the equation.

I think Jesus understands my anger. He felt it too.

In John 11:33 and 11:38 Jesus is recorded as feeling a specific emotion around death. The NIV translates it as "deeply moved". The Message paraphrase describes a deep anger welling up within Jesus. The word in Greek is commonly translated as "indignant", and the root word means "to snort with anger". It means to be moved from deep within, to be moved in your guts so to speak. Translators struggle to give Jesus this emotion and so change it to "deeply moved" or "compassionate". I think he is angry.

He is angry at the presence of death and the sorrow and grief it brings with it. I feel this too. I wish God had answered our prayer for that young boy's mom differently. I wish the other loved ones had not passed away. I wish death wasn't needed to transition to what is next for us. Jesus was angry at the pain and loss death left behind, especially because he knows of a better existence without pain and loss.

It is tough to manage this anger because there is no direction to send it. You can't be angry at the dead person or those left behind. You can't be angry at death (it's too abstract a concept to be angry at for me). You can't be angry at God, because it's not his desire or plan for us. But you know what, I find God is willing to be the recipient of our anger because he gets it. He knows, he feels it and he's willing to bear that burden with us. So, yes be angry at God.

People can often misunderstand this anger as lack of faith or doubt. It is none of those things. It is simply frustration at our current context of living and a deep desire for what is next.

For those suffering the grief of recent lost ones, I pray for you regularly. I grief with you. And God bears my anger and in his time, brings consolation and understanding.

I leave you with the ancient word of hope, Maranatha!

Because death sucks, and losing loved ones sucks and feeling that distance and gap sucks, but maranatha so we can experience reunion and eternity together. Maranatha.

Thank You Readers

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On this Thanksgiving week I want to say a thank you to you.

To those who have read, followed, commented or expressed an interest in my blog. Thank you for the kind words, encouraging words and supportive words. I have enjoyed the interactions and the opportunity to express thoughts in a different forum that welcomes dialogue.

Thank you for your support and I pray that this weekend is filled with love, laughter and gratitude for you.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Leadership and Power

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In a recent conversation I referenced what I called "an old adage about people and power". Well, as I tried to share this adage, I realized I wasn't thinking of an adage, but rather an observed phenomenon. Sigh, the brain goes fast in your older years!

Here is the observed phenomenon: if you want to see a person's real character, give them power.

And we certainly see that in our leaders today. From local club leaders, coaches, selectors to national leaders and global influencers, we see their character in their use of power. Some serve with humility, others shine with success. But then, there are those who lord it over their subordinates, and still others who steal the light of others.

Power is an addictive drug. One to be wary of and treated with great respect.

There is one truth, among others, that I notice in the world about power.

Power seeps away.

Every leader loses power eventually. Wise leaders plan for this seepage and prepare others to take up the mantle in their departure. Unwise leaders try to hold on to their power, often in tyrannical ways and diminish their legacy, their organization and their followers in their wake.

If you are a leader: share the power, plan for its loss, and pass it on sooner rather than later.
If you want power: beware the addictive drug, reach for it tentatively and bring others with you to stop it from controlling you.
If you are a under the leadership of one with power: you are not powerless, hold them accountable, give them honest feedback and look for those who lead with power well.

Half Empty or Half Full

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So, the latest poll in the impeachment process is out.

The poll asks the following question: Based on what you have read or heard, do you believe that President Trump should be impeached and removed from office, or don't you feel that way?

The results are exactly as they were when this same poll was taken in October - 50% of those asked responded that President Trump should be impeached and removed from office. It is slightly up from when the poll was initiated in June (42%). The same link for the poll results above shows comparison polls about President Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

No one is surprised at the lack of movement and everyone is doing their best to portray the result one way or the other. This is part of the reason why I think many (some, few - not sure of the right metric here) people don't seem phased by the impeachment process: they don't think it will make a difference in the end. Maybe it will, but I tend to agree with them. This is a dance with the result already decided.

So, is this result a glass half empty or half full for you. I am honestly interested in your view. What does this poll mean to you? Is 50% a good sign or bad sign?

Sneakers, Songs and Souls

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This past Sunday Faith Community held a combined service of the two campuses. It was a joyful occasion of sneakers, songs and souls. In the midst of the celebration, I was overwhelmed with the generosity and sacrifice of our volunteers.

Volunteers in a church always blow me away. They don't have to be there, they seldom gain anything from the work they do and are often criticized for what they do. Someone always finds a way to complain about something, but forget the complaints. That's not what this post is about today. This post is about the volunteers who gave of themselves, served beyond what was expected, even at their own expense.

I'm amazed at a single dad, with a broken down car, who ubered to the service to fulfill his commitment.
I'm amazed at a woman, with a wedding a few weeks away, who woke up sick, but took some medication and came anyway.
I'm amazed by the single mom who collected sneakers all morning, while other volunteers cared for her kids.
I'm amazed by the dual working couple who served for 7 hours, walked almost 20,000 steps to make the services warm and welcoming.
I'm amazed by the married dad, who worked as a project manager for weeks, and then served all morning, while his incredible wife coordinated children, support and rides.
I'm amazed by musicians, technicians, and light personnel who rehearsed, coordinated, set up, led worship, broke down all with smiles, focus and a desire to honor God.
I'm amazed by a school bus driver, who despite the staggering personal loss of her mom, coordinated food, coffee, drinks, snacks and hospitality for others.
I'm amazed at the dozens of people who got on their hands and knees to get face to face with children, so children would feel loved and cared.
I'm amazed at the group of men and women who braved the rain, early morning set up, break down and rain again to create a space for people to express their faith.
I'm amazed at the leaders who encouraged, supported and inspired these volunteers with their example and service.
I'm amazed at the many people who gave sneakers to make a difference in the life of children in need in the Framingham Public Schools.

Yes, I am amazed by these volunteers. The world might harp on the bad, and the proud and the takers, but this past weekend I was privileged to see volunteers give sneakers, hear volunteers sing songs and experience volunteers filling the souls of those they served with joy, love and peace.

And isn't that what faith is really about? I think so.

I would like to invite you to experience this for yourself. Faith Community is where these volunteers serve and you can experience what I did every Sunday: 146 E Main Street in Hopkinton at 9am and 10:30am or 301 Brook Street in Framingham (Walsh Middle School) at 10am.

I look forward to seeing you!

A window to my past: Stranger Things Thoughts

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So, I'm late to the Stranger Things party and only just getting into season 2 (second episode, so no spoilers please!).

But as I watch this complex, well written, wonderfully interesting show with too many jump scares and not enough real scares, it reminds me of my teenage years. It feels surreal to look into a time when I was a teenager and things from my past.  Things like movies I remember, events of my teens and the clothing (oh my word we were weird - stove pipe jeans anyone)!

I have enjoyed Stranger Things and my oldest son and I watch it together. It's a great bonding time as we explore the Upside Down world, try to make sense of the monsters and who really is the bad guy in the show. And mostly, I enjoy every now and then just getting my own jump scare on my oldest, which requires a lot of laughter and rewinding to watch what we missed.

Some of those surreal times were the arcade scenes in episode 1 and 2. Who remembers Dig Dug and Centipede. I hated Centipede, but loved Dig Dug. I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to play Dragon's Lair, but agreed with the sentiment that it was a money sink hole. I must say, I don't remember the cartoon princess though.

Anyway, that's a window into my past as I watch Stranger Things. 

What do you think about Stranger Things and do you have any recommendations for what to watch next?

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

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I posted this on Facebook earlier, but it is worth repeating.

Melissa Linehan is a powerhouse of humility, love, compassion, care, hard work and grace. She recently received an award, chronicled in an American Way article. She is also glass ceiling breaker: Melissa "...is the first female general manager of sales in Pernod’s history" (American Way article).

And here's the point, you can be too. Don't wait, don't get permission, do it even in fear, break the ceiling stopping you. The world needs you to put your best foot forward. We need you to. So please read this article about Melissa, but then with courage, step out and make a difference.

https://americanway.com/en/features/2019/10/secret-scotch-society

P.S. I hope so many women break the glass ceilings above them that it no longer exists.

Telling the Big Man

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I was asked by a friend to "tell the big man" they wanted protection.

I promised I would, if they would.

But here's a little secret for you: I don't know how prayer works.

I know what prayer is.
I know God asks us to pray...
...responds to our prayers,
...helps us pray,
...prays for us (still the most amazing thing I have learned about prayer)
...and listens to our prayers.

But how it actually works: that I don't know.

I don't know why it is that miraculous things happen when we pray. I don't know why it is that we seem to find our hearts more settled, our souls more peaceful and our bodies more rested when we pray. I don't know why it happens, or why, more often than not, when we pray, God does amazing things to answer our prayers.

But actually it doesn't matter.

I don't know how my phone works, or how the apps that I use work, but they do.
And like my phone or those apps, they work when I use them.

Prayer works when we do it. We don't need to know how it works, just that it does, and that we can all pray.

So, how might I pray for you?

I will, if you will too!

New Amsterdam: simplistic answers or profound simplicity

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I am currently watching New Amsterdam. Spoiler alerts follow.

I love it.

The show captured me in the first season with a new medical director who arrives at a massive hospital called New Amsterdam. On his first day he fires the entire billing department, cardiac department and provides increases of interns and attendants. His catch phrase is "How can I help?" He is harassed by board members, but as the hero of the show, begins to gain popularity and influence. He is also hiding cancer from everyone. All that happens in episode 1 of season 1 and about 5 minutes into the episode.

The show deals with a variety of issues: adoption, foster care, psychiatry, gender issues, addiction, relationships, lying, racism, family values, multiculturalism, religion and grief to name a few.

For example:
When faced with the problem of the rise of African-American heart disease and the problems of health care for African-Americans that has grown out of systemic racism of the past, the show offers an intriguing solution: have hypertension diagnosed and prescription medication prescribed by people African American men trust - their barbers. Medical help provided with the oversight of the doctor involved. The hospital board chair is obviously furious and accuses the medical director of "decentralizing and de-professionalizing health care".

Another example:
Season 2 focuses on grief and how to deal with the love of a lost one. They delve into illusion, denial, anger, bargaining, anxiety, withdrawal and a host of other issues. This story line is a story arc of the second season, so I don't know how it resolves yet. But it is fascinating and intriguing.

I find myself pondering the problems and the solutions the show poses. Are the solutions fictional nonsense and simplistic answers OR are they profound in their simplicity and reveal a lack of courage on our part to really fix the problems we face.

I personally believe it's the latter. We are afraid to try as people. We are afraid to attempt solutions out of fear for what might go wrong, or what might not work. We are afraid. I find the show pushes me to face that fear and to at least try something. Try to make a difference. Try to find a solution. Try to contribute.

And before any of you Star Wars fans send me meme's from Yoda, when I say try, I mean do.

What problems face you these days? Are you afraid to try something? Why not try it and see what happens? Maybe it will be simplistic nonsense, but maybe, just maybe, it will be a profound solution that changes your world, or those you are trying to help.

The One Eyed Man

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"In a world of blind people, the one eyed man is king"

But what is the blind person in a seeing world?

A few days ago I used 5th grade music as an analogy for politics. Today, I had the joy of watching the Ashland 7th, 8th and High School bands perform. Each band showed improvement, progression and variation from the other and from their own previous versions. Attending these concerts is a cultural mystery to me because I did not grow up in  a musical household and I myself am not musical at all. Even the shower asked me to stop singing!

I am amazed at the Arts in American schools, even though they are increasingly underfunded and limited in ability. It is the strength of a culture to develop artists, musicians, and creatives despite what The Book of Lord Shang says. The Arts is critical to our culture!

And here's where the blind man analogy comes out. I am the blind man in a world of seeing people or more correctly, I am the deaf man in a hearing world (figuratively). I love music, of all types. But, I neither sing nor play. I do have a guitar gathering dust that I occasionally pick at, but I am not musically gifted.

However, my family, both immediate and extended, are quite gifted.

• My wife sings and plays harp and piano (most often at weddings, but she has led worship and assortments of bands excellently in the past)
• My youngest plays the piano and is learning the trombone and is about to enter the musical world of band next year (and he can't wait!)
• My eldest plays piano and french horn, a member of the school band and Wind Ensemble that has won silver at the MICCA Festival.
• One sister in law was on a championship winning marching band.
• The other one sings like an angel.
• Both brothers in law are strong singers with one being on numerous choirs and ensembles.
• One nephew sings in plays regularly and will probably win a Tony or Oscar at some point. I just hope he remembers me!
• The other is already musically famous and wrote a piece for the radio show, On Point, which they heard and raved about. You can see the thread here about what the radio show thought: https://twitter.com/onpointradio/status/1137057715698581505?lang=en

All that to say I am proud of their musical prowess and blessed by what they do. I sit at a buffet of musical delicacies and am allowed to eat to my hearts content. But often, in the midst of those banquets, I wonder what they hear. I'm the deaf man, so I wonder, "Am I hearing what they hear? And if not, what do they hear? What am I missing?"

I enjoy music in an entirely different way than they do, an ignorant way.

So, what's my point? 

I don't really have one, other than to show off the gifts of my family, tell you I'm proud of them and try to persuade you that the Arts is important. Fund it.

Oh, and maybe to ask: how might I hear music better?

The Real Peach in the Impeachment Hearings

Photo by Sara Cervera on Unsplash

Tomorrow the impeachment hearings on President Trump begin.

Each side has for some time been preparing their defense. Media is frothing at the mouth in anticipation. Most of us will be tracking the headlines and details from our prospective areas in the days to come.

But it all makes me wonder: with people having already decided their conclusions and rebuttals, what is the real impact of the impeachment process.

Well, for one thing, our government has ground to a halt. Congress isn't passing any bills, or it's so weighed down that movement is less noticeable than paint drying. For another, the two party system is stretching wider and wider apart and we the voters, are the ones standing with one foot on the boat and the other on the dock as we slowly contemplate when we will fall into the lake of political disaster. Law and the focus on justice seems to have been replaced by a Shibboleth test around loyalty to the president.

So, tonight as I listen to my 5th grader practice his band music and work hard to find the right notes, the sound reminds me of our political system. We can recognize the tune, understand the notes, even feel proud at how good it seems, but we all know it's far from perfect. It's not the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In fairness to my 5th grader, we don't expect it to be. And when we go to the school concerts, we go to support their work and effort because we know it is children learning to play.

But our current political system charges us the price of hearing the Boston Orchestra, has all the pomp and ceremony of a professional production and then launches into a cacophony of 5th grade chaos. And that's why I think it's the American voter who is the real peach in the impeachment hearings. We're the suckers paying the price for something less than we need.

So let's fix it.

Let's vote for something and someone better. Let's vote for people who will work towards a better future for the country and the world, because as the world goes, so we go.

Let's get back to a political system that hums with the musical electricity of tight execution, perfectly mouthed notes and a crescendo that brings the world to a standing ovation because of its profundity and beauty. Let's have a system that leads in the world, instead of being the laughing stock.

Who's with me?

Wine, Bread, Flesh, and Blood

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

This past weekend our church celebrated communion. For us, communion is a monthly reflection on what Jesus did for all humanity. We remind ourselves through symbol of the love of God, the sacrifice of Jesus and the comfort and hope God gives us through those symbols. They are symbols of faith that encourage us, guide us and comfort us. The grow our faith.

What symbols grow your faith?

And as you consider the symbols that grow your faith, won't you say a prayer for the family in our community who buries their child today...they need hope, comfort and love more than ever.

In Honor of Children Taken Too Soon

Photo by Mat Reding on Unsplash

God, it's happened again, and I must admit, I'm angry.

Yet another family in our church lost a child today. There are too many who have died since I've been here, too, too many. 

One is too many, but it keeps happening. Please stop it Lord.

Little children, older children, dying before their parents. It is a parent's nightmare, to outlive their child. I know you know what it feels like God, but that just makes it even tougher. You know the pain of this, so why would you allow it to happen?

I know about sin, and brokenness, and suffering, and that maybe it was better for them to go than to stay, but that doesn't console. Burying children as a pastor is one of the hardest parts of the job. Living as a parent after the death of a child is harder still. 

My heart breaks for them, my soul throws prayers on their behalf and my spirit is angry, God. Angry that you would allow this to happen. Lord forgive me for my anger, and comfort them in their loss. Honor these parents and love them deeply in their grief.

To all the parents I know who have lost a child: my heart is with you. 

You are courageous beyond measure to endure each day since that heartbreak.
You are inspiring.
You are faithful. 
You are incredible.
You are worthy for you have suffered greatly.

If you know of someone who has lost a child, say a prayer for them tonight, call them and make sure they know they are remembered, if the grief is too new, offer some tangible help. Love them!

If you have children, forget about the rules and the chores, love and hold your children tonight. They grow too quickly, they leave too soon and can be taken too quickly.

I am reminded of Psalm 22, a psalm for those in the midst of grief. A psalm Jesus spoke from the cross. Here are some selected verses that may give voice to the grief you feel.

1 God, my God!

Why would you abandon me now?

2 Why do you remain distant,

refusing to answer my tearful cries in the day

and my desperate cries for your help in the night?

I can’t stop sobbing.

Where are you, my God?

...

11 So don’t leave me now; stay close to me!

For trouble is all around me and there’s no one else to help me.

...

14 Now I’m completely exhausted; I’m spent.

Every joint of my body has been pulled apart.

My courage has vanished and

my inward parts have melted away.

15 I’m so thirsty and parched—dry as a bone.

My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.

And now you’ve left me in the dust for dead.

...

19 Lord, my God, please don’t stay far away.

For you are my only might and strength.

Won’t you come quickly to my rescue?

20 Give me back my life.

Save me from this violent death.

Save my precious one and only

from the power of these demons!

21 Save me from all the power of the enemy,

from this roaring lion raging against me

and the power of his dark horde.

...

24 For he has not despised my cries of deep despair.

He’s my first responder to my sufferings,

and he didn’t look the other way when I was in pain.

He was there all the time, listening to the song of the afflicted.

...

26 I will invite the poor and broken,

and they will come and eat until satisfied.

Bring Yahweh praise and you will find him.

Your hearts will overflow with life forever!

...

The Passion Translation® Copyright © 2017 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. 

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In Honor of Children Taken Too Soon.