Inspiring Risk

     Yesterday was a really productive day at my home (which is why I didn’t post anything). I wasable to do some yard work, clean the garage, and put up some Christmas lights. In addition, my wife made some really tasty turkey noodle soup from the turkey she made for Thanksgiving. If you knew my wife you would be shocked by this last statement. Her cooking is somewhat of an anomaly. That isn’t meant as a jab towards her. She would be the first to acknowledge that she’s no Martha Stewart (pre-prison days). I will say that when she cooks (we’re talking like a couple times a year) it is always super tasty!

     Before you think I’m some kind of jerk for saying all that I want to add that it doesn’t bother me that she doesn’t cook. I knew long before we got married that this wasn’t something she liked to do. It also doesn’t help that she lived with her Nana (her grandmother) when we were dating and her food is hands down my favorite (well….it might be a tie between her Nana and her mom’s). We both take responsibility in trying to literally put food on the table. When people find out that we don’t cook and wonder what we eat every day (especially since we have kids), we often look at each other and laugh because we don’t know either (no, we’re not a top ramen family….although I think it’s delicious).

     Thanksgiving evening we decided that it would be in our best interest that we refrain from joining the masses as they scratched and clawed their way to grab that black Friday deal, and instead decided to watch a movie called Chef. If you haven’t seen this movie I recommend you rent it or possibly even purchase it. I won’t give you all the details, but the movie follows a chef played by Jon Favreau who suddenly quits his job at a prominent Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity. I’m not critic when it comes to movies, but I was really impressed with every aspect of the movie. But I was mostly impressed by how inspirational it was. When the movie ended my wife and were not only hungry by having our taste buds triggered by the delicious food that was made in the film, but we were also inspired.

     Obviously, my wife was inspired to whip up that turkey noodle soup after taking a risk in making a delicious turkey the day prior. It’s in those risks where we meet unknown challenges and figure out ways to overcome them, but it’s also in those risks that we discover new things about our character, our perseverance, and our ability to do something we’ve never done before. My wife would be the first to say that she is no chef. But it doesn’t mean that she can’t be one (and a really good one at that). She obviously made this Thanksgiving a very memorable one for our family. I was so proud of her effort, but I was even more proud of her taking a risk. Risks can often cause us to be fearful. But it’s in the risk where we discover that there is more inside of us that needs to be discovered and released. The interesting thing about that is that God already knows it’s there and He’s made it available for us to discover it if we want to take that risk.

     You may not be as inspired as I was watching this film, but my hope is that whenever you have the feeling of inspiration that you aren’t quick to shut it off or dismiss it. For those that actually read this blog, you know that this started off as an opportunity for me to share what God is doing in my life. This has been one of the risks I’ve taken in my life. I was never a good writer, my English/writing scores were always very low, and my reading comprehension scores were even lower. But I decided to take a risk and see what happened. It’s not a huge risk for me, but it’s a risk nonetheless. If there is any inspiration found in this one little post it’s that I’m not writing for me, but for those who need something a little extra today.

I pray you continue to discover what God has placed in you.

I pray that you would take the risk even though it might be challenging.

And I pray that you know that in those risks that you can be an inspiration to those around you.

Another Post About a Song

     What’s your favorite song of all time? That’s a really difficult question to answer, isn’t it? Because if it’s your favorite song then it must mean that you’ve listened to it so much that you may have grown a little tired of it. I never knew that I could have so much disdain for a song until I had children. Because of this we have implemented a rule that we do not play any children’s songs in our home (it’s more of an unspoken rule). I know what you might be thinking, “we’re depriving our kids,” but I don’t see it that way. I like to think that we’re saving them from impending rage or fury (that’s not meant to be funny).

     Just recently our youngest decided to resurrect the worst song ever written. I won’t even mention it here because I might relapse and find myself curled up on the floor in the fetal position (again). Isn’t it interesting how songs have such an influence on us (good or bad)? Some songs incite anger or disdain and others stir in us this excitement or inspiration.  A song often draws us in with its “catchiness” immediately hooks us. It could be a great beat, a nice tone of voice, a great riff, or a clever way they penned some words. But the best songs often have something really profound to say. Many times it has something to do with a relationship. It often includes themes like love, heartbreak, partying, and then love again.

     I was reviewing the Billboard’s Hot 100 songs of this year so far and many of these songs have the common themes I just mentioned. Just take a look at the top 5 this week:

Blank Space (T-Swift)

All About That Bass (Meghan Trainor)

Shake It Off (T-Swift again)

Animals (Maroon 5)

Habits (Tove Lo)

Each of these songs deals with love, heartbreak, partying, or all of the above.  If you ask any teenager or young person what their favorite song is chances are they’ll name one of these songs (unless they listen to country and in that case nobody cares). Is it the catchy beat? Maybe. Is it the excitement of the song? Possibly. Is it the message the artist is communicating? Likely. Is it the profound words the artists have forged deep within the soul in hopes to connect with the listener? Probably not.

     I’m not here to bash these songs or the artists. I actually like most of these songs, but they’re definitely not my favorite (nor will they ever be…..although I do like Maroon 5 a lot but that’s beside the point).  For a song to become a favorite for me it has to have layers. What I mean is that it can’t simply be a song that addresses what happens on the surface of a relationship or in life. I want a song with depth. I want a song that challenges me to think. I want a song that speaks truth even if it hurts. I want a little pain and a little agony. Not because I like those things, but because then I feel like I can trust what they’re saying. One of my favorites is not really a song that I sing a lot, but it’s one found in the Book of Psalms.

“For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.” (Psalm 40:12)

     Doesn’t that make your heart all warm inside (wink face)? No! Absolutely not! At least not for me it doesn’t. I don’t know anyone who’s begging to cover that song. I never hear songs like this sung at karaoke night. No one is requesting to play that kind of song on any radio station. In my years of leading worship, no one has ever asked me to sing the one about where my sins have outnumbered me and have completely overwhelmed me in such a way that I can’t even see.

     Why is that? That’s what I asked myself the other day. Why is it that we often avoid these types of songs? After thinking about it at length I came to the conclusion that one reason might be that it’s too raw. What I mean is that songs like this seem to address the honest state of our hearts and souls and we’re not always comfortable with that. It’s often something we try to avoid altogether because we’ve become really good at pretending, masking, or numbing what’s really going on inside. The psalmist is honest, raw, open, and likely one step closer to freedom. Free from pretense. Free from the bondage of “having it all together.”

     I don’t think best songs need to sound great or have the catchy beat. I don’t think the best songs need to be the most popular. I think the best songs for me are the ones that tell a story. An honest story. One that resonates with humanity at a deeper level than what’s on the surface. It doesn’t have to say all the right words. It doesn’t even need to be catchy. It’s likely that it won’t be anywhere close to that. It just needs to be real. It just needs to be honest. The very best songs remind us that we’re not alone and that there is hope. It’s essentially the gospel story of redemption.
     There are many songs that fit that description, but I’ll leave you with one. I recently discovered this artist who I don’t know all that much about, but there is something about his songs that make me believe him. When he sings I can trust him because his words are honest. They may not always be reality, but at least he’s honest. Which is where I believe true life transformation begins. (Noah Gundersen)

The Power of Words

     Have you ever heard a song and knew exactly where you were when you first heard it? My mom claims to remember where she was when she first heard a the Beatles song, “All My Loving,” February 9, 1964. She was about 12 years old at that time and often sat on the living room floor watching the Ed Sullivan Show. I had to check and see if they had the clip online from that night and found it here. What’s crazy about this particular episode is that their set included, All My Loving, Till There Was You, She Loves You, I Saw Her Standing There, and I Want to Hold Your Hand. It sounds like a greatest hits album. As a matter of fact, most of these songs are on a compilation album called “1”(which is an album dedicated to their number one hits) and can be found here.
     When my mom said she could remember that day, I could see why it’s never left her memory. Not only was it historic, but music and words have a way of nestling deep within our memory. This is usually a really good thing. When someone shares some encouraging words or some sincere flattery, it’s very nice to hear. It makes you feel good inside. Sometimes it will stay with us for the rest of the day affecting our attitude and mood. But there can be a downside to remembering certain words. Especially when they are discouraging, disapproving, or insulting.
     Over my lifetime I can say with confidence that I have been flattered far more than insulted. “Must be nice,” right (Yes, it is!)? In fact I’ve been reflecting quite a bit on the past several years and realized that I’m living in a time where I’ve never been so encouraged by those around me. I leave many conversations feeling grateful and satisfied. It’s a very sweet time of life, but for some reason my mind drifts back in time and I find myself holding onto some hurtful words. Most of the complaints I receive typically roll right off my back. I’m not one to take offense to negative or critical comments. I know my imperfections. I know that I am a work in progress. So, I typically receive those comments and try to figure out how to get better. But every once and while there are comments that have left a negative impact on me because of the details of those comments, the circumstance, and the person who delivered those difficult words.
     What are the most difficult words someone has said to you (true or not)? Whatever they were I’m sure they still hurt a little (or a lot). You can remember exactly where you were when they were said. You can probably remember the environment, the time of day, and maybe even the smell of the room (it’s crazy how our minds work). I find myself dwelling on one particular instance (I won’t share it here) and it leaves me feeling sad. I’m not sad because I believe those words anymore (nor did I ever), but because those words were symbolic of how the relationship ended (I would gladly share the details with anyone who asks). Words have such a powerful impact and influence on the way we see ourselves, the way we interact with others, and how we live our life. Many people are stuck underneath the weight of some words that were said about them (or to them) leaving them in a state of debilitation. I remember someone telling me when I first started preaching and teaching, “For every flattering word you hear after a sermon you must keep in mind that there are people who hated it. They’re just not telling you.” I’m not sure I believe that as a rule, but it’s a good reminder that I can’t please everyone and I know it’s not my job to do so either.
     What I’ve learned through all of this is that it will be very difficult to forget certain words and events I experience in this life (good or bad). They’re stamped in my memory forever. But what’s helped me get through it is knowing that it doesn’t have to influence the way I live my life. It doesn’t have to overwhelm my thoughts. I don’t have to bear the weight of those circumstances, words, or people. I will probably never forget those moments, but I can tell you that I have made really great memories recently that make that time seem a little more distant each day. It’s not about erasing (that’s not my job anyway) or trying to pretend it never happened, but it’s about making new memories that are a part of the bigger picture.
     The Apostle Paul once said, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). There are many good memories/experiences to be made and there is a big picture that we all must keep in sight. God is continuing His work in you and He’s doing the same in me. We will have good and bad memories. But those memories do not determine our lives….they only tell of where we’ve been. I look forward with a great hope to where God is taking me in this season of life. I pray that you can rest in that same hope.

A New Way to Be Human

“We miss the incarnation when we view Jesus only through His death on the cross instead of through His life in the neighborhood.” – Hugh Halter (Flesh, 2014)

     The only church I knew growing up was one that had a replica of Jesus on a cross. I couldn’t tell you why He was there. I could only tell you then that I didn’t care all that much. It wasn’t until later in my life that I understood the symbolism. It was then that I realized that the image of Jesus on a cross wasn’t the entire story. I remember thinking that the real story was that Christ died and rose again. I mean isn’t that the promise that we hold onto?
     There was a time in my life where the emphasis of Jesus’ resurrection was pretty much the only thing that was taught in the studies I was attending. Everything boiled down to heaven, everlasting life, and the rapture. It was like Tim LaHaye had cornered the market in every Christian circle I ran with. I didn’t know any better. I just trusted what others in the faith were reading and believing because I was still new to it all.
     I don’t want to cast a negative light on all of my past. There were many great things that came from those years that I’m so grateful for. There are also some great friends that I made who are literally family to me (yes, literally). The truth was that I learned over time that faith in Jesus Christ wasn’t only about things yet to come, but it was also about the here and now. That’s when I started to explore the idea of the incarnation of Christ.
     Incarnate means the embodiment, personification, or the manifestation of something. In other words, it means to become flesh or human. The study of the incarnation of Christ is much wider than the measly scope of this blog (that’s obvious), so I wont bother getting in too deeply with it. All I want to say about it is for most of my Christian life I’ve spent more time talking about Jesus as God, and less time exploring Jesus as a man. The bible teaches that He’s both, but for some reason the circles I was in never really focused on that part.
     In his book, Flesh: Bringing the Incarnation Down to Earth, Hugh Halter says, “We miss the incarnation when we view Jesus only through His death on the cross instead of through His life in the neighborhood.” His point in saying this was that although Jesus death on the cross was huge and even game changing, it wasn’t the only reason He became human. Halter claims that “Jesus also came to live a life, to model a new way to be human (Switchfoot anyone?), and to show us how to live in our own flesh.”
     I appreciate Halter’s view. It’s something I’ve been trying to put into words for years. I’m so thankful for the cross. I’m so thankful for what God has done by becoming flesh and paying the ultimate sacrifice that no one else could pay. But I’m also grateful for the fact that He lived here on earth in the form of a human, to teach us a new way to live this life.
     The musician, Jon Foreman, once wrote, “And where is our inspiration? When all the heroes are gone. Hey kids, could we be the ones?”
     I believe that Jesus became flesh for all the reasons I mentioned above, but I also believe that He became flesh so that I might be human like He was. He is my inspiration. He is my hero. And I believe He’s calling me to follow His lead. To follow His lead in my marriage, as I raise my kids, in my job, and in my neighborhood. I don’t know about you, but I think we could be the ones that help people see the beauty of who He really is: God in the flesh.