If you give to the poor, you might be a Marxist

"That's the craziest thing I have ever heard." Yet, that is the impression some people are getting from some comments recently made by Glenn Beck. You know Glenn, the man Time Magazine has called "the hottest thing in poltical rant-ratchet left or right" and he has millions of devoted followers. Glenn is intelligent, atriculate, and entertaining. But, he is not infallible.

Here is a quote taken from one of Glenn's recently aired radio programs:
"I beg you, look for the words 'social justice' or 'economic justice' on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words. Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes!" These words have caused no small stir. They are based upon Beck's limited definition of the term social justice. A term he believes hides an adgenda of Marxism or worse--Nazism!  Making such a statement without clearly defining what you mean is wrecklessly stupid. Or was it all about ratings?? Makes ya wonder.

Beck later attempted to come back and explain himself on his television program. But rather than admitting he had made a bad choice in words and apologizing, he goes into a monlogue to justifiy himself. In my opinion, it was obvious that he could not admit that the statement he made was wrong. And, that encouraging people to leave their churches if those churches practiced social justice was just plain dumb!

There maybe some people out there who are using the term "social justice" to promote a political adgenda. There may be some people out there who have made the term "social justice" a code word for something more insideious. But, by in large, the majority people do not define the term in that sense.

Beck has claimed that social justice is a perversion of the gospel. Now that is crazy! Social justice is at the very heart of the gospel! A loving God moved with comapssion, gave to those who could not help themselves. Jesus said, when we have clothed the naked, fed the poor and tended to the sick and needy, it is as if we have helped Him(cf. matthew 25.34-40). The whole concept of faith being about "You" is false. The gospel and faith is never about you, it is about two things: Loving God and Loving your fellow man. The Apostle James said it this way: "Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world" (cf. James 1.27 Message Bible).

From what I read of Jesus He was the social justice subversive of His day. He associated with social outcasts, lepers, prostitutes, and drunks. Jesus said that the healthy do not need a doctor--the sick do (Matthew 9.12). And, He spent the majority of His time touching, healing and tending to them. I believe He expects that we all do the same.

To insinuate that Christ followers are Marxists or a Nazis because they practice and advocate social justice is insulting. For a person to claim that social justice is a pervesion of the Gospel, illuminates the fact that the accusor has not read the gospel or at least not read it from the proper perspective. To encourage people to leave their churches if the words social justice show up, is just stupid.

According to Glenn Beck's, narrow and conspiracy laden, definition of social justice, if you give to the poor, feed the hungry and tend to the needy, you might be a Marxist. Beck should just admit he was wrong and apologize. If he does, he wil find the "Marxist" leaning bible thumpers willing to extend forgiveness. That being a another form of social justice.

Kill The Beast

It has been calling out my name and mocking me. I swear the thing was shouting obscenities and laughing at me. For nearly six months I have attempted to ignore the taunts. Closing my eyes and putting my fingers in my ears and blubbering nonsense to drown them out. But it was no use. The insults were received. I felt the sting. Now, what was I going to do about it?

I had enough of it Today,I would tackle the beast. I would end the six months of incessant ridicule. I would prove once and for all that I could conquer this mountain! So, when I left home this morning, I brought my running clothes and shoes. Something had to change, and I was the only who could do something about it. And I did.

Yesterday I made a commitment to get myself back into shape. For the past six months I have been dealing with the ramifications from a corrective surgery that reattached my bicep tendon to the muscle and bone. the recovery has been slow and the limitations on using my arm had put a major kink in my exercise regiment. But, enough is enough. I had to do something and start somewhere. Might as well be today! So, I set out to attack the beast head on.

The beast is not some gnarly looking animal. The beast is picturesque. tranquil. even awes inspiring. But, don;t let the beast fool you. The beast is a killer! Many walk away from the beast with tongue dragging and limping. I know, been there and done that. But I had conquered the beast before. And, i was confident that i would today as well.

What is the beast? I should call the beast by it's real name: The Melbourne Cause way! A narrow strip of land comprise of three bridges over the Indian River Lagoon connecting the City of Melbourne, Florida to Indialantic, Florida. The view from atop of the bridge is breath taking. You can literally see for miles in every direction. I love the view. It is the journey to the top of the bridge that is the killer.

Six months ago, I was running this bridge three times a week! But that was six months ago. I had been chomping on the bit to attempt it again. Though, running would not be in the cards today. Today, I would walk the bridge. Leaving front street park in Melbourne and walking to Riverside drive in Indialantic and back. Cresting the top of the bridge twice. The trip is just about three miles. my concern was how much of this I could handle today. Would I just make it to the top and then come back down? Would I make it to the other side of the bridge and have to call it quits? Or could I really walk it all? One way to find out! I parked my car and hopped out.

I made the entire trip to Riverside Drive and back. Sunshine and seventy two degrees. It was a perfect day for a walk. Though coming back I did get a Little winded, still I pressed on. Like I said, the view from atop of the bridge is awesome. I could see all Atlantic ocean from up top. Blue skies, sail boats on the river, and even dolphins swimming below. It was fantastic. And, I felt like a million bucks! Getting back into my car I could not help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I had subdued the beast and had a good time doing it.

I don't know what beast is calling you names. I don't know the circumstances and situations that gave the beast power over you. But this I do know; as long as you never face your beast you will be terrified of it. My beast wasn't really the bridge. It was fear. Fear that would I would never get back on track to walk the bridge let alone be able to run it again. Fear the the injury I had sustained months before would completely limit what I could and could not do. fear that what I had accomplished previously would be lost and never be seen again. I couldn't let that happen. I will not be a prisoner in my own head. What about you? The day to change is today. The time to change is now. Take on your beast!

Hold my feet to the fire!

I have had it! I am appalled, disgusted, just plain aggravated!. Something has got to be done. I do not like where I am and furthermore I do not like where the road that got me here leads. I can see the end, and it is definitely not where I want to end up. Something must change!

Roughly five years ago, I found myself seriously out of shape. I was tipping the scale at 250 pounds. I looked like one of those cartoon characters who had had a safe dropped on his head. It would have only been a matter of time before the health issues would manifest themselves. But, the obesity and the health concerns was not the catalyst to spark a change in my life. It was an announcement.

My son and daughter in law informed my wife and I that they were expecting our first grandchild. I was elated about the news of a baby coming in our lives. The very thought of it was exciting. However, there was a troubling image that kept coming to mind. It was an image from the past that spoke to me about my future if some thing did not change.

The image took place in a small church in South Louisiana. The hearse was parked out front and the casket surrounded by flower arrangements was placed right in front of the pulpit. In the image a small red headed boy of five, all neatly dressed in suit and tie was peering over the edge of the smoke colored casket. He was looking at the body of his best buddy--his grandfather.

That boy was my son and the body in the casket was that of my late father in law. He was a godly man. He had little formal education as he went to work at a young age to help support his family. He worked hard his entire life. Served with the 2ND Armored Division in the Korean conflict and earned a combat infantry badge. He built his home with his own two hand and had the deed to prove that it was his. He was a caring and compassionate man who loved his family and would give the shirt off of his back to help someone in need. My son idolized the man. And, I looked to him as the father I never had. Yet, he would not take care of himself.

He suffered a severe heart attack many years prior and was medically retired from his occupation. His heart was bad and his blood pressure was high. He was given strict orders concerning medication, diet and exercise. he would take the medication, he worked hard, but he would not eat right. Born and raised in the heart of Cajun country his diet consisted of fatty fried foods. He loved it. he often said, "I would rather be dead than not be able to eat what I want." He got what he wanted. And, a five year old boy is out a friend and trying to grasping to understand what had taken place.

That image has burned in my mind for over twenty years. It was that image that propelled me to do something with myself. I did not want my grandson to be peering over the casket at my cold lifeless body because I failed to take care of myself. I finally had a reason worth dying for to get myself health and in shape. I set out on a mission and within two years I was in the best shape of my life--eating correctly and exercising religiously. And, then out of nowhere..or so it seemed...challenges presented themselves. Challenges that if not addressed and remedied they could undermine my success.

Within the space of 13 months, I was hit with three major life challenges: The death of my mother in law, losing my job, and suffering an injury that result in corrective surgery along with months of therapy. I have been reeling emotionally. I stopped exercising and basically have been eating whatever I want. I saw myself in the mirror today 25 lbs heavier than I was a year ago and out of shape. And, guess who happened to be standing beside me? My four year old grandson. I looked at him. I looked at me. And, I remembered an image from a long time ago. Today, things will change.

So my purpose in writing this today is to let you all know (whoever you all maybe) what my game plan is. Starting today it is back to being the exercising/healthy eating zealot I was 13 months ago. It is the first day to set things in order. To change my direction and steer my course to where I want to be rather than allowing my emotions to cause me to drift aimlessly to an undesired destination. I need and solicit your help. I am asking for you to hold my feet to the fire. Can ya do that?

I am who I am.

I recently read a Face book Post of a friend of mine concerning the 2010 census. He stated that when he was asked to specify race he stated other and wrote in American. I can understand where he is coming from. From what I gather he feels Uncle Sam is requesting too much information and that as a people we should be willing to look past color to the bigger picture. His motivation is true and noble. However, I have to take issue with that. And, for Three reasons:
(1) American is not a race--we are a nation compiled of various and numerous ethnicity's and racial heritage. The term can be applied to anyone who was born here or became a naturalized citizen. It is a broad term that can be used by any person from any racial group.
(2) As noble as it sounds not see color when we see people, the fact is we do. We cannot help it. Part of our developmental process is to recognize differences. Ever watch Sesame Street? The song went, "One of these things is not like the other, one of these things is different." We can't help it. We develop to notice differences. And, America is racially diverse! That is the truth.
(3) Respect for Authority--Jesus said "render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22.21). If Caesar, or Uncle Sam, asks for your full cooperation in completing a census form, you should comply. I do not think Jesus would advocate ripping up census forms and encourage us not to comply because we do not like the direction of the government. I cannot tell you what to do, only advise. But, why be the proverbial fly in the ointment? What will it accomplish?

Red, yellow, black, and white--this is how God created us. To say that we should just ignore our race is like trying to hide a elephant in plain sight. It is obvious to everyone. This is not a problem nor should it be a problem. if anything the message of Christ is of greater influence when people of every race can live, work and worship together. The bible refers to believers as "living stones" (1 Peter 2.5)--NOTE: stones not bricks. Bricks are all the same. Stones are not. This illustrates that God knows and recognizes our unique differences. His desire is to bring them all together to form a collective Mosaic. It's beauty made by the hand of God. Celebrate your uniqueness and use it for the greater good.

I will be filling out my 2010 census and I will not have a problem stating that I am just a plain vanilla wrapper. This who God made me. And, I am convinced that he made me this way for a reason. I am an American. Yes. I am. I am also the handiwork of God--his workmanship. Of neither I am not ashamed.

The Pursuit

We spend much our time looking for something we believe that is missing. Endless pursuits to acheive one thing: personal happiness. Running from one realtionship to another in search of the perfect person to complete us. We want to be thinner, taller, leaner, more educated, have pretty teeth, better hair, dress cool, and on and on the list goes. Looking for that one thing that will make life better. Sadly, when we get that one thing, we discover that it does not produce the result we desired and so the pursuit begins again.

I believe that I live in the most consumer driven society in the world. People spend money for the most stupid things. Things that they will never use and will soon disgard. Things that are the rave now, will be tomorrows yard sale fodder. Is there no end to our never ending appetite for more?

So, what is the problem? What is it that causes people to pursue their lusts? Lust has been too narrowly defined to sex. The truth is lust (envy-greed)is the problem with our culture. Lust has one objective: please me. It rarely takes into consideration the ramifications its pursuit and apprehension of the desired goal will bring about. Lust is only interested in one thing: self gratification. It does not think about anything or anyone else but self.

Because of lust, a couple engages in sex and then is surprised that a pregnancy has occured. Well shazam! How do people think people get into this world? You have sex and are shocked when the EPT glows positive?

Lust pushes us to go to the movies every week and to dine at teh best restaurnats. It pushes us to drive the best cars and wear the nicest clothes. Then we are shocked when the house is foreclosed and the bank account is overdrawn. Hello?? You slap it all down on the platic, but eventually the bill has got to be paid. Lust didn't think about that.

So many find themsleves swirling around the bowl. Wondering how did this happen? Why is this happening? It is time to come to the realization that you want out of it. You do not want to continue in this cycle of endless stupidity. It has only one end result--Your demise. The complete and utter destruction of your soul. That intangible immortal, eternal part of you that was created for so much more than this lust driven culture. It is time to stop thinking about self and gratifying lust. It is time to live life as it was meant to be lived.

So, what can you do to break the stupidity cycle?
1. Understand that you cannot change the world--but you can change yourself. This is key to impacting culture. If everyone would just assume personal responsibility.

2. Think about the long term implications rather than the short term gratification. Consider all of the possibilities of your actions. Just don;t react to your impulses and go with the flow. That river leads to nowhere.

3. Understand that your actions impact and influence others. the chain smoker feels that he/she isn't hurting anyone. It is their perosnal right! What about the affects of second hand smoke? What about the results of cancer? Doctors are now involed, technicans in the labs, medical transmportation, pharmacists, and family members coming to the hospital to visit and deal with the affects of smoking. Then if the smoker does, the funeral home is involved, grave diggers, grieving loved ones. Your actions will affect someone else. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself". Think of the bigger picture.

The world is not perfect and neither are the people in it. God does not expect perfection from us, He expects us to be people. People with warts and short comings. Will we ever get it together? Who knows. The key is to keep striving for the best. So, make that your priority everyday--to be the best me that I can be. And if we all can do that, then maybe, just maybe, we can make the world a better place.

Dig It Up!

Where did the car you drive originate? Most would reply, that their car was built in Detroit, Japan or Germany. That in a sense is true. Workers in an auto assembly plant assembled the car piece by piece. But where did it originate before that? A prototype was developed and tested. Designs were created detailing feature on the car from the anti-lock braking system to the cup-holders. But where did the car originate before that? The visible and tangible car you drive began in the invisible and intangible. It began in the thoughts and souls of a person…perhaps even in the soul of a toddler.
Let’s look at the lives of two toddlers: Johnny and Bobby. One day, Johnny is playing on the floor with some Lego blocks. Instead of just placing them together in a random order, this day Johnny pauses. Suddenly, something sparks in his imagination. He begins to create. He first saw it in his mind and his hands work feverishly in attempt to bring the idea into reality. The result of his labor is a crude car constructed from Lego blocks.
Johnny was amazed at what he had accomplished. He laughs and claps his hands. He is so impressed with his work that he seeks out his parents to show them. And, he finds that they were just as excited as he was about his work.
What occurred was more than Johnny just building a car from blocks. It was the releasing of something miraculous. Two of the most powerful forces in the universe were unleashed: talent and desire. Johnny felt something on the inside of him. It was something that made him feel happy and alive. He found something that he wanted to do. And the more he did it, the more he wanted to do it. So, from kindergarten to college Johnny worked at bringing that desire into being. With the encouragement of parents and peers, Johnny pushed forward. Johnny realized that there was a car inside of him that need to become a reality.
The visible world always originates in the invisible. Everything we see began there. Everything we behold, every gadget we use all began in the human soul. And, through desire and discipline those dreams became realities. This is how the world was originally created. The visible creation was brought into existence by the invisible God. God dreamed it, saw it, spoke it and it was. And, God breathed that same creative force into mankind.
Johnny went on to win prestigious awards. He designed some of the finest automobiles in the world. But, if the truth be told, there are other cars just as great as or greater than Johnny’s. There are cars that are engineering marvels. Car that are revolutionary in fuel economy and passenger safety. Sleek, luxurious, and beautiful to behold. They only problem is: they don’t exist in our visible and tangible world. No one is able to drive them or even see them. The reason is these cars were never built. They are stuck in the invisible world of another child named Bobby.
Bobby’s initial experience was very similar to Johnny’s. However, the reaction Bobby received from his father was a bit different. Instead of being praised for his creative genius, he was scolded for making a mess with his toys. The Lego car was dismantled piece by piece. The pieces that were the parts of an amazing creation were coldly tossed into a container. Bobby cried and was sent off to bed.
Later Bobby expressed a desire to draw and design. Bobby’s father response was squelching. He told Bobby that such a pursuit was a waste of time and that Bobby should learn a trade like him, Then Bobby, could get a good job at the factor with him. Bobby was not encouraged to peruse his dream or even achieve academically. Status quo was ok. Bobby’s father reasoned that his son would be working at the factory anyway, why study to be something he will never be? Bobby’s father was right. Bobby ended up working in the same factory as his father. The same factor where Johnny’s dream car came rolling down the assembly line. Yet, inside Bobby, there is still a great car waiting to come out? Will it ever see the light of day?
We can say that Johnny had it better and we would be right. But, someone who realizes their dreams could either come from the home of Johnny or Bobby. If Bobby were to realize his dream, he would have had to make a change somewhere. He would have to learn that the power to give his dream life comes from the inside. What lies deep inside of us is where real life is. It is up to each of us to listen to it, look for it, dig it up and put it into practice.
The reality of life we see and live on the outside is one that emerges from the inside, from our hearts, minds and souls. It is our internal life that creates our external one. So, to find our lives we must find what lies below the surface of our skin. We must look at, listen to, discover and be mindful of our internal life—of such things as our talents, feelings, desires and dreams.
Buried Treasure—
Everyone of us have had experiences that make our internal life seem unavailable to us. These experiences come from our interaction with family, friends, teachers, and even church as well as any number of influences. We can find ourselves living out of touch with the very center of life itself. It is possible just to float through life being completely unaware of who you are and what you want. The issues of life can cause us to bury our hearts and souls. To enjoy the benefits of life, to realize the full intent of its design you must dig them up. You must dig them up and reinvest back into life to make the invisible visible.
This means you must face your fears and obstacles. Find out what was it that caused you to bury your treasure. Was it a father like Bobby’s? Were the reasons economic? Did bad relationships cause you to bury your treasure? You will find that there is no shortage of things in life that can influence you to bury your heart and soul.
Those who succeed in life cannot ignore their hearts, minds, and souls. “Above all else guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life (Proverbs 4.23) Success and failure both come from what is going on inside of a person.
Not Everything Buried is Treasure—
There are some things that are buried in us that must be dealt with. Here are two things you can do with negative things buried in your life.
1. Get rid of the pain or sickness you are carrying around. These are negative influences and they can affect you. If you walk around with unresolved issues of the heart, your goals will be negatively affected.
2. Face the sickness--Each time your face one of these sicknesses something bigger and better will emerge.
Sow—
We will need to make a decision about the things we dig up. If it is negative toss it. If it is good, sow it. Sowing is a risk. But, it is suitable risk. Sometimes it may feel painful and awkward, but we must focus on what the end result will be. There is very little growth and reward in life without taking risks. In Jesus parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-29), the one who buried his talent did so to avoid the risk of loss, failure, and disapproval. The very thing he sought to avoid is what he received.
“The Wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception” Proverbs 14.18
Do you want to grow? Do you want to realize your dreams? Growth is when you take new things that you dig up and discover, and integrate them with the rest of who you already are.
“He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.” Proverbs 28.19
9 Things you can do to digging up your dreams—
1. Listen to what bugs you. It might be a message.
2. Don’t let negative feelings just sit there. Do something about them
3. Don’t let long term wishes and dreams be ignored. Find out what they mean.
4. Listen to your symptoms. They may be telling you there is something to dig up.
5. Pay attention to your fantasies. They may be telling you that something is missing and it needs to be resolved in proper way.
6. Face the fears and obstacles that have cause you to bury your treasure.
7. Don’t mistake envy for desire. You may want someone else’s life because you have lost touch with your own.
8. Do everything in the context of your values and your community of people who are committed to guarding your heart.
9. Ask God to help you find your heart, mind, soul and the treasure he placed there for you.
Conclusion—
Grasp your dreams. Reach for them. Take appropriate risks. It is a sin to die with unused potential. Die with failure before you die with unused potential. Potential is something to be realized, not guarded and protected. Dig up your talents, your dreams and desires. Invest them. And, you will find that it is true—Life comes from the inside out.