tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71643517911589485852024-02-20T19:52:20.590-08:00Thought's From an Urban MissionaryUrban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-51886394889276107712015-05-08T06:20:00.001-07:002015-05-08T06:20:04.244-07:00Brian & Lorenzo: A Mentor's Encouragement <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many great leaders come to mind when I hear the term “Aspire”. Leader’s such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr, and even President Barack Obama; all of which aspired to stand for something greater than themselves. We all should aspire do something great in our lifetime, and that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be in the limelight to do so. Throughout my life I have always asked God to place me in a position where I am able to give back to my community and, more importantly, positively impact someone’s life. Both of these aspirations came into fruition the moment I joined the Aspire Movement. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have the great honor and pleasure of serving as a mentor to Lorenzo Davis, a 5<sup>th</sup> grader at Restoration Academy. Serving as a mentor has been an incredible experience. I have learned so much about Lorenzo, and I have learned even more about myself. When I first met Lorenzo it was a rather difficult time in his life. He had experienced a loss in his family, and as a result it affected his self-esteem and performance in the classroom. I met with his mother to gather her expectations for Lorenzo and what she hoped that he would gain from me mentoring him. As we talked, the conversation ended with her telling me how much she truly wants him to be successful. Our conversation showed me how much she truly cared about his well-being, and led me to believe that she saw the potential in him to be great and needed me to be the person to pull it out of him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Me and Lorenzo’s first conversation was very straightforward and to the point. I told him how much I truly cared and believed that he could be the best that he could be. However, the thing that stood out the most, in our initial conversation, is when I asked why his grade were so low in a particular class? His answer was a shrug of his shoulders and “I’m not smart enough.” I informed him that he was smart enough and I proceeded to challenge him to change is way of thinking and to never doubt himself. He accepted that challenge and here we are a little over a year after our first meeting, and he seems to be more focus than ever. His performance in school has been exceptional and he has grown a lot more confident in himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a mentor has taught me a lot about patience not only with other people, but also with myself. I have experienced a lot in my life since I became involved in Lorenzo’s life, and seeing how he has risen above adversity has encouraged me to remain steadfast and rooted in my faith in God. Again, I am honored to be a part of the Aspire Movement and look forward to continuing my role as a mentor.</span></div>
Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-67830202202713841662014-08-24T10:58:00.000-07:002014-08-24T10:58:07.364-07:00Addressing our #Hashtag Culture <br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We find ourselves in a current culture where social media gives us the play by play of nearly every viral, news worthy moment. Whether it be an earthquake, a celebrity death, a social justice issue, or anything “trending”, we typically see it first through social media, not by reading about it in a paper or seeing it on local news. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While I am grateful for the advancements in technology, social media and the vast reach it has and use much of it in my day to day, I am also aware of the shallowness it promotes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It used to be people were dedicated & called to a particular issue where they studied, engaged & took full advantage of every resource to address. Now with social media everyone seems to be an expert on everything. The problem is we don’t really know that much, haven’t studied & read enough from the right sources, and instead of offering real solutions and empathy to situations, we tweet some memorable maxim or offer a picture that we feel sums it up. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is no wonder there is little credibility at the outcries of injustice when a media moment popularizes a particular issue and everyone then jumps on board. It is so easy to “second a motion” or jump on the latest thing trending, capitalizing on emotions and energy, but will we become a people who give our whole lives for a particular cause? Will we read and discuss with others who carry different view points in a God honoring, humble way to learn and really become familiar with the bigger picture or we will settle for the #hashtags? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is so easy to jump aboard a cause when it doesn’t involve sacrifice or a real time commitment of energy and resources. Anybody can tweet or #hashtag anything. It is so easy when it is culturally cool or the thing of the moment, but the real grunt work is in the day to day behind the scenes perseverance over years and years to see real change. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am reminded of William Wilberforce whose entire life was encompassed by his passion for the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. he worked tirelessly, endured scrutiny and went against the grain of his own culture. He gave 43 years to a cause and never waivered no matter how hard it got. He was disciplined, learned and had credibility to address the major issues of his day because his life reflected his outcry. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What about us? Will we continue to fall victim to the latest #hashtag and champion only that which is cool and current or will we go against the grain and call sin, sin, no matter the backlash and scrutiny? Will we endure hardship and persecution because we champion a cause through trials and triumphs or will we succumb to the newest flash in the pan, jumping from cause to cause but never developing a biblical framework to properly address anything thoughtfully, truthfully yet lovingly? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I find myself in rebellion to anything trending. It’s not that I don’t care about some of these issues, many are near and dear to my heart. But I long for a consistent witness of faithfulness over time, informed and directed toward a specific cause through a balanced understanding on the real issues at hand. I can’t speak on Obamacare, I never read it...I can’t address Ferguson in great detail, I wasn’t there...I can’t do your icebucket challenge, there are many worthy causes my heart is drawn toward that are personally more important to me & my resources. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So while we keep chasing the trending #hashtag in a shallow misinformed way, we will never see change happen until we put our hands to the plough in the areas God has called us to in a longterm commitment whether they be popular or not. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don’t #hashtag it, dedicate your life to it! </span></span></div>
Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-71795057653189529182014-03-13T06:16:00.003-07:002014-03-13T06:16:44.633-07:00"I haven't been suspended this year"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend I got to spend time with a few of the boys I mentor from the inner city. As usual we talked about everything, from angels to sports, education and health. Out of no where one of my young men made a somewhat random comment.<br />
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"Jason I know I am growing in the Lord because I haven't been suspended this year!"<br />
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My immediate thinking was I wonder how my suburban parents would react to such a comment as "progress". I certainly wouldn't be gauging my own children's success by the fact they hadn't got suspended from school. But when I thought about it more and processed it, I realized this is true growth from a young man whose life is being impacted by the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br />
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He went on to say that when others try to pick fights with him he prays for himself and them. He prays that God would give him self control to not only walk away but also not to lose his temper inside.<br />
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This is utterly amazing from a young man who has never met his father, lives in a community and goes to a school where respect and survival are priority, and has witnessed outbursts of physical violence every single day both in his home and community.<br />
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God said His kingdom is like a mustard seed, a small seed that falls to the ground and dies. When it takes root it grows, not rapidly but slowly. I am privileged to witness the slow growth that is taking place in these young mens lives.<br />
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As they grow I am challenged myself to remember that God does that same slow process in us as we follow Him. Growth doesn't take place overnight and walking with God in faithfulness is more important than running for God in haste.<br />
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We must remember in urban work that our kids we invest in have a different starting point. It's not that they are less than, incapable or slower. It's that they have had to grow up faster, experience more hardship, and suffered oppression and the effects of dysfunction much more. This makes the journey with them much tougher, yet extremely fulfilling as we see visible signs of God's grace in their lives.<br />
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<br />Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-14492076857305877592014-02-16T05:36:00.000-08:002014-02-16T05:36:34.245-08:00Don't Waste the Heart (Part 2) <br />
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<a href="http://static.stuff.co.nz/1384158853/914/9387914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.stuff.co.nz/1384158853/914/9387914.jpg" height="184" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In my last blog I explained some mistakes I have made and some warning signs available to gauge if we are wasting the heart of those entrusted to us. In this blog I want to share a practical process we can implement in our conversation as a way to guide our people in pursuing their God given call to minister. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I need to reiterate this before I begin. These are not simply bullet points, or an ala cart menu where we can pick and choose the ones we tend to highlight. In a society where we gravitate toward isolating principles and choosing our favorite, this is more of a hierarchy if you will, a methodology that flows chronologically. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you see them only as various options you will short circuit the flow of how these function as a whole. I believe this process although directly used in this blog to address urban ministry can be used in so many other facets of life creating a healthy communication stream in all of our relationships including marriage, parenting, business, and many other interpersonal relationships. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1- Listen with humility & patience. If you are like me (and you are) you have a grid or world-view you process through. You also carry certain presuppositions and have developed a unique ability to discern terminology through a ministry philosophy. That is well and good but realize people are not where you are and you must take the time to humble yourself and try to understand their position. They may use words unknowingly that are offensive or hurtful when describing the poor & marginalized. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Be patient and listen intently to them. James reminds us to "be quick to hear, slow to speak". Don’t assume they will use the right terms or articulate their plans adequately. After all you may be the first person they have confided in with this information. Henry Ford once said, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“If there is any one secret of success it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s angle as well as from your own.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also realize the courage it takes to approach a professional with an idea or a desire to serve. I have learned that while sometimes people have a hard time expressing what it is that they actually want to do, their heart and motivations are in the right place. Become genuinely interested by arousing their passion, intently listening & affirming them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Being in the moment displaying humility and patience before reacting gives the person across from you the confidence to express their heart. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I like to remind myself something at this point. This is the effect I desire from my preaching! </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When people here a message on poverty, or the churches responsibility to the fatherless we want them to have their heart strings pulled. We want them to display an eagerness to get involved and serve. Yet we mistakenly grieve and exasperate them because they “don’t know what we know”. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course they don’t! It is our job to kindle that passion and shepherd their heart, not waste it because their maturity and experience in the area is limited. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2- Encourage first- After listening to someone share their burden for urban ministry my immediate natural default is to correct and deconstruct some of their thinking. I believe this is necessary in shaping people to have a right view of ministry. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But that should not be the next move. The first step after listening is always encouraging. I have learned to point to all the positive things they said during the conversation. Reiterate their burden and thank them for heeding the call of ministry. Thank them for taking the initiation to make contact and explore. Instill more confidence in them that they are indeed following the Lord. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As with children, we all like to be encouraged. One sure fire killer of passion and enthusiasm is discouragement and instant critique. It puts a person on the defensive and crushes their motivation no matter how heart felt and right we may be. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3- Reject Pride- It is so easy to listen to someone talk about an idea and shoot it down immediately based off years of ministry experience. I try to remember that while I have heard countless people share countless ideas, I am listening to an individual who is trying to be faithful to God. Even though their idea maybe something I have heard before, I am listening to a person who has no clue I have already heard what they are telling me from other individuals as well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I also try to remember that I have gatekeeper syndrome many days. I am worn out sometimes emotionally by the history of paternalism and the negative impacts wrong philosophy has had on poor people. It is at this moment I have to remind myself that the person in front of me is just as important as those in the community. They have a heart, a burden, a story, and it is reckless for me to not to extend grace. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While remaining sensitive to those I minister to in the neighborhood, I need that same level of humility to minister to those desiring to help. I need to see their worth and value that they are created in the image of God as well and need to express the same level of encouragement and empowerment. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4- Correct in Love- When I started out in ministry this was always my first step. Why? It's the easiest for us as humans to gravitate towards. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are many things you can learn in seminary, theological tools, practical understanding of inner church workings and many other wonderful truths. But learning to correct in love comes from suffering and experience bathed in prayer and the Word. There have been many times I know that I have been spot on in my critique of someone’s flaws in ministry philosophy and understanding in urban philosophy. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The problem: I have been harsh and unloving in my critique. I treaded on their heart in the process. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don’t get me wrong there is definitely a place for correction but when it is administered it must be done graciously and lovingly recognizing one’s own flaws and faults. We must avoid cynicism and sarcasm which are two evils we often find in correction when done wrongly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A practical step I have taken in the process is simply asking questions, and doing so thoughtfully and graciously as to not come across as rhetorical and sarcastic. When you ask questions and help others come to see things for themselves they are far more willing to learn and take them to heart. Recall the words of Galileo, "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him to find it within himself".</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Share with them your own mistakes in the process. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It isn’t nearly so difficult to listen to a recital of your faults if the person criticizing begins by humbly admitting that he, too, is far from impeccable.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5- Remember God Uses Mistakes- I have written previously on this point so I will not belabor it now. But more often than not when we are motivated by the gospel of grace even when we make mistakes God uses those to shape us and advance His kingdom. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In conclusion don’t exasperate the people willing to help. Listen to them and shepherd carefully. Many times we have turned away the very people God is calling to engage in ministry. Recall often that while God has called you to a position of influence and shepherding He is concerned about shaping you and conforming you into the image of Christ through how you handle and love the people entrusted to your care. </span></span></div>
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Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-11480959504957054402014-02-13T05:04:00.000-08:002014-02-13T05:04:02.517-08:00Dont Waste the Heart (Part 1) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I watched the tears stream down her face as she was trying to process all I shared with her. What did I say or do that caused her to be so hurt? Had I been too harsh with my correction or sharp with my exhortation? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course not, I thought to myself, I was just protecting the very people she was endeavoring to help. I was guarding the core principles of urban ministry and defending the poor. After all it is my responsibility to influence and train the people God has entrusted to me; to protect the dignity of those we minister to; and that means speaking the hard truth that cuts at our pride and superiority. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I felt justified in my response to her because after all I had seen firsthand the harm of paternalism and folks who come into the urban context with a superiority mind-set, a quasi “Savior-complex”. My guards were up, and unfortunately I had landed a sharp uppercut to a very well meaning friend and co-laborer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But as time went on I realized a valuable lesson. I had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I had wasted her heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unaware I had treaded upon her heart in the name “of doing good and being a gatekeeper”. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I had failed to shepherd her heart through patience and encouragement. I had failed to take into account the fears that God was helping her overcome to muster up enough strength to even get involved in urban ministry in the first place. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thankfully I have repented for my actions and watched God do a wonderful work in my own heart through failing as a shepherd. It is through my own pastoral experience of missing it, that I want to share with you some insights we can implement as others approach us regarding urban ministry opportunities. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For pastors our call is one of gentleness as Paul articulated in his letter to the Thessalonians that he “was gentle among them like a nursing mother taking care of her own children”. How often I forget that I will be held accountable for how I love and care for the people God has entrusted to me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before I share some principles for how to interact with urban volunteers specifically I want to shed light on some areas we need to check as warning signs that we are wasting peoples hearts. Then I will write a follow up blog with some practical principles God has taught me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warning #1- We value getting projects done right more than shepherding and rightly leading people. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In speaking with a good friend today about this very subject we discussed how personality tends to shape this danger. If you default to valuing people over projects this may not be an area of concern for you. I happen to be an off the chart “D” & “I” personality which means that when the rubber meets the road I quickly move into getting the project finished right at the expense of trampling upon and using people. Lord help me overcome that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warning #2- We have stopped learning and figured out what works and what doesn’t. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Having read a myriad of books on urban ministry, attending countless urban mission conferences, and being discipled by some of the greatest mentors who have done urban ministry for decades, I often times feel like I know what works and what doesn’t. Having tried various things and watch them fail I feel like I have a great grasp on best practices, theology, methodology and ministry philosophy. Having labored and learned from the best in administration I often feel superior in my understanding of how things work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While all of those things are great and I am an expert in this area I still have a lot to learn about everything! I have had to examine my heart and ask God to give me a teachable spirit so I never fall victim to the trap that someone else may very well be right and I need to rethink some things. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Warning #3- We think there is only one kind of urban worker.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How many times I have sat in front of someone sharing my story only to discourage them and set forth a perception that if “you don’t have my cultural experience of the black community you can’t do urban ministry”. Unintentionally I have portrayed that urban work is only for those who know history, have a host of black friends and grew up as a minority like me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While I cherish my experiences and thank God for them, most white people who desire to get involved in urban ministry will not be from the hood, they won’t have been locked up for selling dope, they won’t have a myriad of black friends, and they won’t grasp black history because God has granted them a different story. What they do possess often times is a willingness to be shepherded and trained. It is my job to carefully deconstruct with humility and patience and not project upon them that they have to know what I know, and be who I am in order to do ministry effectively. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My biggest fear is that we are preaching justice and desiring for others to get involved only to expect them to immediately think & process ministry like veterans. Instead of treading on their heart and discouraging them we need to patiently train them and walk alongside of them in a journey of learning together. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Be careful not to waste the hearts of the very people God has led into ministry with you. </span></span></div>
Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-18440399952371609052013-12-07T06:09:00.000-08:002013-12-07T06:09:29.626-08:00Learning From My Daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think by now most people are aware of the "Elf on the Shelf". It is a doll that mysteriously comes out after Thanksgiving to "watch the children" and report back to Santa. Each night we move the doll around and place him in different spots. Some may think a Christian has no business engaging in this practice with their children as it promotes parallel syncretism.<br />
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Whatever. That's another discussion for another day.<br />
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What I have learned from this experience is a valuable principle. Each and every day my daughter wakes up the first thing she ponders on when her eyes open it is "where is the elf"?<br />
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She enthusiastically goes about the house looking for the elf and when she finds him she smiles and laughs at his mere presence. The eagerness by which she goes about finding him tickles me and teaches me something of infinite value.<br />
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When I wake up do I possess the same eagerness to go and find God through prayer & the Word? Is it an awe consuming desire to meet with Him as soon as my eyes awaken to the new day?<br />
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Can I confess that more often than not I wake up, go turn on the coffee, ponder the emails, details and objectives of the day before I thank God and search for Him? This is not to say that any of those things are wrong but I default to busyness before communion with my Lord and Savior.<br />
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The difference is clear, while the elf moves about, God never moves. He is right there waiting to draw near to those who draw near to Him. God does not hide Himself from His children, He is right there accessible through His means of grace.<br />
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This whole experience has taught my to critically think through how I can shape my daughter to search for God in the same way she seeks out that elf every morning. As I shepherd and guide her heart I need to careful that I am obedient and searching out God for myself, depending on His Spirit, and living with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving.<br />
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Like my daughter when she finds the elf, I also laugh and get filled with joy when I meet with my Savior who loved me while I was unlovable and desiring of death and punishment. I find peace when I seek the God of the Word who redeemed me from my sins and gave me a new life with a new motivation.<br />
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As my daughter realizes as she matures that the elf doesn't really watch over and report to Santa about her behavior, I hope to train her that there is One far more important watching over her, desiring an intimate relationship with her. One who truly does see the heart of man and extends loving grace to His children not simply for their benefit of getting stuff, but for His own glory to be on display in their lives.<br />
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<br />Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-23647183751787975692013-09-19T05:19:00.001-07:002013-09-19T05:19:42.617-07:00I messed up...so what<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Over a year ago an event happened that changed the course of the summer for the Williams family. While our daughter was attending school a teacher accidentally closed the door on my daughter’s hand and broke her finger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What made it so bad was this was the teacher’s first day on the job! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We were almost as sad for the teacher as we were for our daughter because we could see the pain and anguish she felt from making a mistake. Thankfully our daughter has healed completely and I am sure the teacher learned a valuable lesson as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is a powerful illustration of a principle I have come to know and experience. That mistakes and blunders are life’s greatest learning tools. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The teacher will probably make various mistakes in life but one thing she will not do is close the door without making sure that no children are in the path. Mistakes and blunders have a way of teaching us things that successes rarely do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Working in urban ministry and church ministry has its share of challenges and risks, especially working with the poor. Just having returned from CCDA, an urban ministry conference emphasizing mercy and justice, I was struck by the amount of great men and women of God I met with who made gross mistakes in ministry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">From patronizing to wrong philosophy to moral failure there was a litany of brokenness and mistakes. But it seemed to me as I engaged with them in dialogue they were some of the most humble, most learned folks. They were the risk takers who made things happen. They created programs, they planted churches, they raised up indigenous leaders, yet they all made mistakes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With so many books being written on the right way to do ministry, and the vast amount of material available on urban philosophy and methodology, one would think it is a ministry for perfection and perfect people. Folks are simply scared to say a mumbling word or get involved for fear they will do it wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I happen to know people who quickly offer critique of how many things the ministry I am involved is messing up. While I certainly want to always be humble and teachable, can I confess I don’t really care if I mess up? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I mean who doesn’t make mistakes and mess things up? Doesn’t our God use broken, imperfect people to carry out His plan so that no human may boast in His presence or receive glory from the work He is doing? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Now I am not talking about throwing caution to the wind and not taking into consideration the wisdom of others. I am not talking about being a bull in a china shop and doing whatever you please at the expense of others. But what I am saying is that we will all make mistakes and I don’t think that is the end of the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In order to make an impact you must take certain risks and be willing to repent when things go awry. In fact it is when I have made the biggest errors that I learned the most. It is when I have screwed up royally that the greatest opportunities for repentance present themselves and the deepest relationships have developed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We will all blunder and close the door at the wrong time. People will get hurt. We will alienate others along the way. You cannot appease everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">But what is the alternative? To do nothing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I refuse to stand at the judgment seat of Christ when I am to give account of Matthew 25 and tell Him I was scared to mess up so I never got involved. I will take risks. I will motivate others to jump in without a life vest. And God will always be faithful to work His preordained plan and cause all things to work together for good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In conclusion it is important to listen to others. It is valuable to heed the warnings and learn to do good. But you won’t gain life’s greatest lessons by doing everything perfect. You will fail and when you do be willing to repent and humble yourself. Be willing to forgive and reconcile with those accusers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The alternative is avoiding mistakes by doing nothing at all. One who makes no mistakes never makes anything happen. Some of God’s greatest works have come through imperfect people making grievous errors. He is sovereign and controls the final outcome. Trust in Him and don’t be afraid to fail. Failures are God’s tool to create deeper dependency and trust in Him. They are God’s reminder that we are all imperfect people serving a perfect God. </span></div>
Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-30615047493106892722013-07-29T04:47:00.002-07:002013-07-29T04:51:59.682-07:00Anthony & Jarei <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blog from Anthony about his role as a mentor in the Aspire Movement. Anthony is married, a father of two boys, and he owns and operates his own business. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">"</span>After doing various service projects I heard that there was a mentoring program that partners adult Christians with 4th</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> graders from the Fairfield community to assist in raising a historical low graduation rate and walking alongside them in an intentional way. I love working with children and figured this would be great for me...until I found out that this would be a nine year commitment! I have boys of my own ranging from ages 27 down to 15 years old, and I have been looking forward to the empty nest in three years. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>But I prayed and God answered, so I went about seeking out someone whom had more knowledge and information about the program which led me to Pastor Jason and the rest is history as they say.</i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Jarei was a 4th</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> grader at C. J. Donald Elementary School when I met him. I started off just meeting with him during his lunch period in school where I would join him and just converse to break the ice and get to know a little about him.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>He’s a blast! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It’s so amazing how he lights up at my arrivals for visits, that alone blesses me. I met his mother a few weeks after meeting Jarei. She is very happy to have a mentor for Jarei because his biological father is not in the picture.</i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Our first meeting outside the school environment was a Young Business Leaders dinner. Since then we’ve been to the Indy races, the mall, and the Stacy Williams Company venders’ showcase, and soon we’ll start biking, swimming and doing some work together where will learn a great deal from each other. I haven’t had to help with any homework thank God, Jarei is an “A” student, and I don’t want to ruin that. </i></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It is a blessing that God has allowed me to see, the difference I can make in one life. I am realizing it is not the spectacular and grandiose moments together but rather the consistent, faithful showing up that makes a difference. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Anybody can mentor! It takes a little bit of time but once you get over the initial shock of committing to 9 years and actually meet the child, you desire to be with them for the long haul and watch them develop into the leaders of tomorrow". </i></span></span></div>
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Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-89144203555587935192013-07-22T06:24:00.000-07:002013-07-22T06:28:10.024-07:00Big Wheels, Bodily Training & Being Holy<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.--(1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anybody remember the Big Wheel? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn’t grow up in a time period of 12 volt motorized cars. We didn’t have fancy bikes that shifted gears and certainly we were never required to wear a helmet! I don’t even remember ever being placed in a car seat. In fact my mom said I used to ride in the back of our old station wagon facing the opposite direction!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How’s that for child safety? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I did have growing up was a big wheel. And not just one big wheel but multiple big wheels. It seemed as though I probably owned at least 20 big wheels during my childhood. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From the outset God designed me with the ability to give 100% to my passions. If there is one thing God has placed inside of me it is the desire to go all in on whatever He puts in my heart. Those of you who know me well have certainly experienced this being around me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You see I can’t just do something half way it has to be full throttle with the pedal to the floor. While this has certainly been an asset to my relationship with Christ, others, and his calling on my life in ministry, it can also be a huge weakness for me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently I have taken on training for a triathlon and the desire to become physically fit. Of course like everything else I do, it must be done to the max. Smoothie shakes twice a day, trips to GNC, biking & running, ab workouts and changing my entire diet. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While this is fantastic and many people have commended me on how diligent I have strived to lose weight, I also see the dangers of idolatry creeping in subtly. It is very easy to take good things that God has provided for us and make them the centerpiece of our lives and where we put our hopes and satisfaction. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was reminded today in my devotional time that while training the physical body is important, there is a far more important discipline that is needed and that is the pursuit of holiness. It is so easy for me to get out of balance in life as the pendulum swings and I take on various passions in life. Maybe you too have experienced the subtleties of good things becoming the main thing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When various amoral or good things become our focus we tend to elevate them to a position of prominence and unknowingly judge others based on our own passions. All the sudden I see people who don’t work out and care for their bodies and pass judgment on them. It is so easy to become an accidental pharisee. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In conclusion I am reminded to thank God and give praise to Him. The only reason I go all in is because he has wired me like this. The only reason I began caring about my physical body is because He placed a desire in me. The only reason I am able to see potential dangers that come from His gifts is because He has gracious given me His Holy Spirit. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Working out is fine. Being the best at your job is fine. Having a passion and going full throttle is a good thing! But be careful and keep watch over where your satisfaction and joy comes from. It must be rooted and grounded in the person of Jesus Christ and fixed on the hope of His glorious resurrection. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus is only satisfaction in this life that won’t break or falter due to circumstances. My body may and will eventually break down. I could become physically unable to work out at any given time and if my hopes are in how good my body looks I am in trouble. Your capacity to work or job may be wiped away in a second. Even your family, status, and bank account can disappear in the blink of an eye and if you have been finding your satisfaction in those things you are in for a severe let down. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fix your eyes on Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith. He is the one and only place to put all your hopes, dreams and passion in because His promises are secure and in Him is love, joy and peace in the midst of anything we will go through. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While training my physical body is teaching me serious discipline in my life, my spiritual workouts are what will ultimately sustain me and give me an everlasting joy as I seek to be conformed into the image of God's Son. </span></span></div>
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Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-28293536244373853252013-07-22T04:24:00.000-07:002013-07-22T04:24:07.308-07:00Lizzy & Emily <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeB6W5GzcQfoE7TRRudb9XgDMGZDAUufrAypyHjxCiQusUK4lSrDDpllxc5pqtyvqcoTBKwFzgsFeS6hfzWh9VQDqer_3IWswkrdDFEPpNJtLmVhHN9Je2YYaKm1CKV5mU1gAzNlB8Gk/s1600/IMG_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeB6W5GzcQfoE7TRRudb9XgDMGZDAUufrAypyHjxCiQusUK4lSrDDpllxc5pqtyvqcoTBKwFzgsFeS6hfzWh9VQDqer_3IWswkrdDFEPpNJtLmVhHN9Je2YYaKm1CKV5mU1gAzNlB8Gk/s320/IMG_0252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My husband and I live in Fairfield, the city where ASPIRE is focusing its attention. We moved here in order to bring Christ to an urban community. My husband lived here for a couple years before we got married and was already leading a Bible study with some high school guys, but I was looking for a way I could reach out to some girls. Then I heard about ASPIRE. The model fit in perfectly with my work schedule, so I signed up right away. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have only been involved with ASPIRE for a few months, but I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Lizzy. She’s just finished the fourth grade and is very smart and loves gymnastics. She and some friends have a band, though none of them knows how to play an instrument. And she is a middle child, like I am. It has been great remembering what it’s like to be a kid, and learning how to get on her level. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of my involvement in Lizzy’s life so far has consisted of meeting her for lunch at school about every other week. During Spring Break, I invited Lizzy and her best friend, Kennedy, and Kennedy’s mentor, to come over to my house to bake cookies. Afterwards, we sat on the front porch talking and shared some cookies with the neighbors as they came home from work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a result of meeting Lizzy for lunch regularly, I’ve also come to be recognized by other students who live in the area. On multiple occasions when my husband and I have been out for a walk, a classmate of Lizzy’s has recognized me. Now when they see me in the lunchroom, they too will come talk to me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I look forward to seeing her perform some gymnastics this summer and getting to know her even better when school starts up again. </span></span></div>
Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-52489853721581259222013-07-17T18:19:00.000-07:002013-07-17T18:19:48.042-07:00The Richness of Diversity and Why We Need It<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It has been evident and obvious to me over the last few days that most American’s seem to live in a homogeneous bubble. Just take a peek at all the comments and links splattered all over social media and you will find many speaking emotionally, rarely taking the time to think through a comprehensive grid. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But how can we think through a comprehensive grid when our circles, churches and families are primary monolithic and unbalanced? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have the amazing privilege to be a white man married to an educated black woman. I also happen to have 3 children, 2 of whom are very educated and thoughtful bi-racial teenagers (my other child is bi-racial and smart too, she is just too young to understand yet!). If you look at my facebook “friends” you will see a diverse group made up mostly of minorities. God chose in His infinite wisdom to groom me by placing me in an urban black context during the most impressionable years of my life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This allows me to see events like the Trayvon Martin death through a wider, more comprehensive scope taking into consideration many factors though I am certainly not an expert on race, and am certainly not black so I could NEVER completely carry the burden of what it means to be black in America (Thought my kids would argue I was born the wrong color...lol). But although I may be white, because of my experiences I view life differently and see things from a more robust worldview. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel the pain of blacks who have been racially profiled and put into certain categories all their life. I know what it’s like for my wife when white’s ask her for the “black perspective”, as if she or any other black speaks for the entire race (Why we project that any individual speaks for an entire race is beyond my comprehension and lacks common sense). </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel the pain of whites who have experienced liberal mainstream media taking advantage of every racial opportunity to spin and promote for the purpose of gaining viewers and making a dollar while ignoring many other justice issues. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel the pain of blacks because the systemic racism and segregation that built this country on black labor continues to operate through a white racial framing (most whites have no idea they think through this lens...read “The White Racial Frame” to learn more). </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel the pain of whites because they see gross hypocrisy in outcries of justice when Trayvon Martin’s life is valued but most blacks are silent regarding black on black killings that take place every year by the thousands. I feel the pain that innocent children are aborted (disproportionately black) and for the most part there is no outcry of injustice. It seems to many whites that the only time black life is valued is when it is taken by a non-black person. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel the pain of blacks that experience on going racism in our country and know first hand that white privilege exists. I also feel the pressure blacks face to “prove others wrong” because unfortunately stereotypes exist in which they start out on an unequal playing field. I also feel the pain of the young men I mentor and the challenges they face as black men growing up in the inner city. One of my 11 years old's commented yesterday that “he wished he were white” because he already has internalized racial oppression and carries a low view of himself because from his vantage point, "life for a black man is hard"... </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel the pain of whites who have tried to understand race but live in fear of being rejected and misunderstood when it comes to speaking out about race. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel the pain of blacks who don't understand why more whites simply fail to have compassion toward a family who just lost a precious son. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just feel pain that most of the polarization I have seen is from Bible believing Christians who don’t have a wide enough pallet of friends to see a bigger picture here, on both sides of the spectrum. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is why I believe race is still a huge theological issue that needs to be addressed from our pulpits. Preachers cannot talk about revival and restoration in our country if they are only addressing it to one people group and fail to deal with the sins of the past and the damage that has caused and will continue to cause. America is made up of a diverse group of Christians and we need the “manifold wisdom of God” which Paul speaks of in his letter to the church at Ephesus. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How is that so many pastors can speak to the "ism's of life; materialism, hedonism, sexism...but never address racism as a theological and ethical issue?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel the pain of blacks when whites constantly comment about how good our country used to be. We speak as though our nation has always been God fearing and project this idea that the country was built on Christian principles while ignoring the mass killing of Native Americans and the institution of slavery which happened not only under only the churches watch, but was based on a theology and anthropology contrary to Bible though using Scripture wrongly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Until we re-assess this glorified view of America, neglecting due diligence in our understanding of historical facts from black history, we will never progress because we are not dealing with the past from a broad enough lens in order to move forward in a repentant manner. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While God has been gracious to America I believe it is actually in spite of us, and simply because He is merciful not because we have always been so moral, so upright, so good or so loving. In actuality the church in America has always been divided over race and mixed race congregations are the exception not the norm. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is interesting to me that Jesus told His disciples “they will know you are my disciples by the love you have one for another”. Not your intellectualism, not your piety, not your beliefs, but LOVE. Love is not cynical or sarcastic it is patient and long suffering. Love is not emotional and reactionary but intentional and thoughtful, speaking the truth yet doing so patiently. It considers implications before it speaks and responds. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Revival and change will not happen until love is seen and experienced across ethnic and socio-economic lines and until then we will remain polarized and divided, mocked by the world around us, not because of the offense of the gospel, but because of the hypocrisy they see. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We need a new movement. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A movement where we are needy and dependent on one another’s gifts and experiences. Where white churches take on the cares and concerns of poor blacks in a dignifying way, realizing how much history has played a part and seeking to learn from them about suffering and the injustice and oppression they have faced and continue to face. And black churches need forgiveness and a willingness to be vulnerable and patient when explaining hurts and frustrations, realizing that whites unknowingly operate out of a framework that requires deconstruction on many levels. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Until we realize that race is an issue that must be tackled we will remain stagnant in our country and divided. Sure conversions will still take place and God will accomplish His purpose, but we will all miss out on the richness that diversity brings in how we understand Scripture and see the world we live in. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So in conclusion I don’t have an opinion of the Trayvon Martin case because I wasn’t there. I am not an attorney, I don’t know the law, and I don’t know facts because the whole case was propagated from the very outset. While many have jumped to conclusions and chosen a side, I feel pain for all those involved. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel pain for the Martin's on the loss of their son. I feel compassion toward the issues that many blacks in America. I am always ready to listen and learn and repent where I am wrong and seek forgiveness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just know that this case has exposed a deep need in our country for racial reconciliation and that is something that only the gospel can bring about. Only the gospel brings broken sinners together unifying them at the cross of Christ where we are equally broken before a holy God and in need of a new record (Christ sinless perfection), a new life (guided by the Holy Spirit), a new family (made up of every tongue, tribe, and nation), and a new found repentance which promotes continuous vulnerability and love one for another. A love that will be willing to suffer rejection and misunderstanding but remain faithful to God’s call for the restoration of all things. </span></span></div>
Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-2359204667339384752013-07-15T06:29:00.000-07:002013-07-15T06:29:14.425-07:00Khari & Joseph <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the next few months I will chronicle stories from mentors regarding their involvement in the Aspire Movement. Most of these blogs are written by the mentors and will serve as a way for you to see inside our program and explore how these mutual relationships provide inspiration and hope. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joseph is one of our pioneering mentors who has now been matched with Khari for 2 years. They have contributed to each others growth and development and Joseph has earned the right to speak into Khari's life. Joseph is also quick to note that Khari speaks into his life and is never short for words of admonition and encouragement as well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Joseph's own words...</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Six months after taking Khari to his first Auburn football game I found myself heading back down 280 from Birmingham on a different excursion. Not to a football game, but for a few other first time experiences. A few I had anticipated and some I didn't. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I picked Khari up at his house in West Birmingham to take him fishing for the first time. He was extremely excited because we had been talking about going for some time. Not being a great fisherman myself, I knew just enough to point him in the general direction. Thankfully the place where we fished was a fully stocked pond and large mouth bass came easily. <br /><br />We also had our first golf cart driving experience at the pond, which proved to be more difficult than catching fish. After a miscommunication, poor driving instructions from me, and a "panic break", (as Khari calls it when you slam the gas and you intend to slam the brakes) we became one with the pond finding ourselves chest high in the drink while finding the golf cart fully submersed. This was definitely not a first experience I had planned for. <br /><br />Thankfully we were able to retrieve the golf cart and restore it to its original working condition. We also restored our nerves eventually as well and were able to calm down a bit. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Accidents happen, especially when you try new things. We were able to discuss that trying new things and failing is a part of life. Without trying new things there are no new experiences. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No growth is possible. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through the Aspire Movement I've been able to experience many new and sometimes uncomfortable things. I think I am beginning to scratch the surface in understanding that these are a part of our journey and we are blessed by trying new things. Praise God for new experiences".</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Joseph </span></span></span></i><br />
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<br />Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-34186831453360505762013-07-03T08:37:00.000-07:002014-07-26T02:28:54.486-07:00The transforming nature of mentoring <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After college like many athletes I stopped working out with the consistency I did during my basketball playing years. Eating too much, working a desk job and neglecting my body became the norm. I managed to put on 100 pounds and got up to 310 pounds at one point last year. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As many of you know I mentor at risk inner city youth. One of my young men is grossly overweight and participates in limited physical activity. He is only 11 years old and wears a 50S jacket. I wanted to share with him the importance of working out and staying in shape but who was I to speak into his life dealing with my own lack of discipline and activity? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God began to convict me as I worked on my annual plan for growth and development. The plan focuses on 4 different phases, one of them being the physical body. As I looked through my goals from the previous year I realized how lethargic I had become in setting goals that were not very challenging. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When I thought about my mentee and my own lack of discipline toward remaining physically healthy I started developing a deep motivation to challenge myself in this area. It started so simple, skipping those cinnamon crunch bagels every morning from Panera, eating smaller portions and drinking water instead of soda. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before long I developed a passion to walk and start jogging again. I was losing weight at a furious clip and became convinced that indeed I could lose 90 pounds this year. My students picture became my motivation. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago I was challenged again by one of the mentors in our program. He wanted to compete in a triathlon to raise money for <a href="http://aspiremovement.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><b>the Aspire Movement</b></span></a>. Then he put me on the spot and asked me if I would participate as well. Realizing that God had been readying me for this challenge all year I embraced it and began working even harder than ever. In September, Lord willing, I will compete in my first ever triathlon to raise money for our program. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I sit and think about these students and the challenges they face on a regular basis I realize that disciplining my body is not so bad. I realize that in order to be a godly role model I must show forth the discipline of Christ in all areas of my life not simply spiritually. After all my spirit resides in this mortal flesh that if not taken care of can break down and fail to function. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is through mentoring that I am learning that teaching is best through imitation. My student now comes to the pool with me and is learning to swim. He too is starting small. God is teaching us both simply through our ever growing relationship where we care about each others entire being. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I want him to be a godly man and husband one day. I want him to value education and his health. My desire is to see him become a leader of men and follower of Christ in every facet of his being. And through the relationship I am learning the importance of being these things myself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Won't you consider donating to our ministry as we seek to recruit more mentors? Won't you give into a ministry that is not only changing urban youth but people like me as well? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">*Update* - Today I embark on a 101 mile bike ride. Now you know why I ride. It's not just for me but for change. We have been featured in Birmingham magazine so go check out that link as well! <a href="http://www.al.com/bhammag/index.ssf/2014/05/on_a_roll_the_cycling_communit.html" target="_blank">Birmingham Magazine Article</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Clink the link to participate in our fund raiser so more children will have mentors and inspirational experiences they wouldn't otherwise have. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.aspiremovement.org/support-the-movement.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Learn more and donate</b></span></a></div>
Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-16127363791436298952013-06-09T16:56:00.000-07:002013-06-09T17:00:25.129-07:00Realities of Urban Work<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This past week I had the privilege of taking a few of the young men I mentor to Kids Across America summer kamp for a week of sports, adventures and learning about Jesus Christ. They were truly blessed by the counselors and staff that poured into them encouragement and love. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of our young men stated his desire to not only go back to kamp next year, but to continue to go until he is old enough to become a counselor and kaleo himself. He was deeply impacted by the week and has a vision for his future. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When I dropped him off at his home after returning from kamp he paused in front of his house and tears came to his eyes. He looked at me and told me he wished he could come live with me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As I carried his bags into his house I was reminded of the serious challenges he faces on a daily basis and the nagging influence of a ghetto nihilistic culture in which he finds himself. There were beer cans spread throughout the home, cigarette butts and nothing seemed to be in order. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The environment was toxic and my spirit cringed as I took in the scene. His mother’s live in boyfriend was in the back using the computer to produce music. This was supposed to be his present after returning home from kamp but I doubt he will even get the chance to use it for educational growth. More recently his mom intercepted a gift card we had given him for clothes for kamp. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The situations we face in urban ministry are downright overwhelming and the injustices these kids experience on a daily basis mar and hinder their growth and development. I found myself in utter despair on the way home but remembered something. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">HOPE. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hope that what we are doing through our mentoring program and church plant are going to make a difference not only in his life and many other children, but the lives of the parents as they see something different from their children. Hope that the gospel can breakthrough even in the most difficult of circumstances. Hope that he will not be a statistic or get a girl pregnant before marriage. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">All we can do is seek justice and offer hope through the gospel. We cannot produce or manufacture results. We simply sow and show the gospel through our lives, both actions and words. We continually point them to Christ as the One who suffered unbelievable poverty so we can be unbelievably rich. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is my hope that Christ will break into his entire family but the harsh reality is that urban work is not for the faint in heart. One must constantly believe and trust that Jesus can and will change the hearts of men. I hold dear this verse in my heart at all times and I commend it to every worker. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor in Him is not in vain”. </span></span></div>
Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-25519087765252386702013-03-30T11:23:00.002-07:002013-03-30T11:30:17.393-07:00Generations Apart (Part 1) <br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Recently I was attending a conference and one of my favorite pastors made a remark that really hit me and awakened me to the challenges that lie ahead for my generation. No, I am not talking about the state of America and the current ethical and moral crisis we find ourselves in. I am not talking about the hot button social issues like abortion, same sex union or anything outside the church that is displaying the depravity of humans. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am talking about the younger generation and older generation displaying their generational arrogance within the confines of the church. T<span class="Apple-style-span">hese are men and women who both love Jesus, His church, and ministering the lost. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I believe post-modernity has created a disconnect between generations and how we view the way things should be done within the church. Younger folks who lacked mature role models growing up tend to distance themselves from older generations and accountability. I know this because I was certainly one of them for many years. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">But the older generation has its hang ups as well in failing to make adjustments and contextualizing to a new generation with a limited attention span. In this post I would like to simply point out the needed responses of both generations. I will speak directly into some issues we are wrestling about in my next one. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">First, I believe the younger generation needs to take a long look at the amount of “artificial experience” we are receiving. While there is more information readily available to young people through technology and other avenues exposure doesn’t necessarily make experience. I see a lot of entitlement from my generation as we make demands and assert ourselves. I believe this is because we have learned so much information in a severely shortened time span. Exposure to more sermons, theological views and vast arrays of media certainly can assist the younger generation and help them acquire an expansive amount of knowledge. But it cannot and will not replace the experience of the older generation and the emphasis on learned and applied wisdom. That takes time and years of God shaping and my generation needs that! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Secondly my generation needs to be weary of disconnecting from those who have gone before them, upon whose shoulders we stand. I have seen this detachment take place as my generation breaks away claiming that “they just don’t get our current culture”. Pulling away from older, more experienced men and the inability to show honor leaves my generation trying to navigate issues that we are ill equipped to handle alone. Again we may be right about cultural issues and bring less historical baggage but we tend to lack brokenness and perseverance that older men have to offer us. Whether or not an older pastor is in step and current with the challenges we face, he may have served God faithfully for decades and we can draw strength from his walk. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Thirdly the younger generation struggles with resentment toward anything that resembles traditions or Christendom (i.e...liturgy, Holy Week calendar, hymns). The younger people get hurt because the older generation fails to listen to them and they have seen those in authority let them down. We have also experienced the emptiness of vain repetition and seem to throw the baby out with the bath water. Turning away completely from anything that resembles tradition to make way for new and exciting forms of ministry may be good yet lack depth and substance. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">But I have a word for my older generation as well. One of my principal concerns in the responses from them toward the younger generation is that they seem to be widening the gap instead of narrowing it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">The older generation tends to struggle with inflexibility. They tend to equate anything new as wrong and assume age and wisdom are the same thing. Many times their experiences have left them cynical and wounded. While they mark out the younger generation as too experiential and preferential of style yet they too hold fast to their own stylistic preferences as though they don't have their own preferences. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Secondly the older generation displays its arrogance through insecurity. I have heard from older pastors that they have to fi<span class="Apple-style-span">ght against feeling jealous of the younger generation pastor and the perceived threats to their ministry from the younger generation as they age. </span>They see themselves and their generation as losing control, they see younger men as more gifted and they subtly feel threatened. The spirit of competition this can engender also drives the younger generation away because they feel more controlled than discipled and encouraged. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; color: white; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">What needs to happen is what I saw taking place at this conference today. We need more open dialogue and conversation between young and old. The young need to respect the wisdom and experience of the older men and the older men need to realize that the young people tend to have a better pulse on the challenges we face contextualizing to a growing post-modern generation. While younger folks would do well to embrace and honor their elders' insight, older folks would do well in being flexible and listening to what we have to say. </span></div>
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Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-46027565835286610812012-12-02T11:53:00.000-08:002012-12-02T11:53:31.847-08:00Understanding the Scope of Racial Oppression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Racial Oppression is a beast. For most whites in America this is a topic that they know very little about. When people think about racial oppression or racism Western whites tend to only think in terms of individuals. This is what I call "individualized racial oppression" which is defined as personal prejudice and discrimination, where certain beliefs and assumptions about the abilities, motives, and intentions of others is made according to their race. Discrimination means differential actions towards others according to their race.<br />
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This is most typically the way in which we define racism. Personal meditated racial oppression can be both intentional and unintentional; both omission and commission. It manifests itself as lack of respect (in poor or no service; failure to communicate options), suspicion (shoplifting vigilance; everyday avoidance, not limited to but including street crossing, purse clutching, locking doors, standing when there is an available seat next to minority), devaluation (surprise at competency, stifling aspirations) , scapegoating, and dehumanizing (police brutality, sterilization abuse, hate crimes).<br />
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Now when I discuss this issue with most whites their response is along the effects of why are we still bringing this up. Sure my parents and grandparents may have been racists but our next generation sees life differently. And to this I am grateful that many have moved beyond this individualized form of racial oppression. Thank God in America we have moved far beyond where we used to be as a country and this kind of racial oppression is not as socially acceptable as it once was (not to say it doesn't exist because I know it still does especially in older generations). But while I commend many for moving beyond the individualized racial oppression we have much more to overcome because this is just one form of racial oppression.<br />
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It is extremely hard for whites to recognize two other forms of racial oppression which is what I want to discuss. Institutionalized Racial Oppression and Internalized Racial Oppression which stems from the former. One of the reasons these two are so difficult to teach is because for the most part they go unnoticed by the majority culture. There is not a particular antagonist who we can point to and oppose because these issue lie deep below the surface. <br />
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Institutionalized Racial Oppression is defined as people having different access to goods, services, and opportunities of society by race. It is normative, often legalized and manifests itself as inherited disadvantage. Again it is structural having been codified in our institutions of custom, practice, and law, so there is no single identifiable perpetrator. It is often evident as inaction in the face of need. It also operates in both material conditions and access to power. <br />
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The material conditions affect quality education, sound and safe housing, gainful employment, appropriate medical facilities, and clean environment. The access to power includes differential access to historical information (for example my wife was tracing her family tree but had to stop because no information is available pre-civil war because blacks were not given birth certificates) resources (including wealth and organizational infrastructure), voice (including voting rights, the ability to shape the country's decisions in which they live in...as well as control in the media) <br />
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The impacts are great. The association between the socioeconomic status and race in the US has its origins in discrete historical events but yet persists due to contemporary structures that perpetuate those historical prejudices. Race and socioeconomic status are directly correlated and upheld by systems. In the current historical curriculum taught in most affluent public schools little information is written on slavery, segregation, forced integration, blockbusting or the entire Civil Rights era. This means that for the most part people remain completely ignorant to the past challenges and structural limitations that urban people of color face. <br />
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For example just take a look at the statistics on how much typically that whites leave to their children in trust funds and inheritances, then look at blacks who for generations were not allowed to own property, invest in the predominately white systems, and how few business loans were given to people of color a few decades ago. All of this has created systems placing blacks far behind whites in the ability to create capital through networking and business creation. <br />
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What stems from poor schools, poor social structures and systemic racial oppression is a horrible mindset for many urban poor blacks. This mindset is what I call Internalized Racism Oppression which is defined as acceptance by members of the stigmatized races of negative messages about their own abilities and intrinsic worth. It is characterized by their not believing in others who look like them, and not believing in themselves. For example in our life on life mentoring program one parent was shocked that a person of color was going to be mentoring their child. They asked me specifically for a white mentor believing that a person of color had nothing to offer their child in the way of encouragement, networking and skill. <br />
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It involves accepting limitations to one's full humanity, death of aspirations and dreams, self-determining capabilities, one's allowable range of self expression. It also manifests itself in embracing another culture as superior (use products for hair straightening, bleaching of skin, self-devaluation (use of nicknames, rejection of historical ancestry and culture (assimilationalist- the only way to be successful is to act white and completely embrace the majority culture). <br />
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The impact is a resignation to ghetto nihilism, helplessness and hopelessness (dropping out of school, failing to vote, engage in risky practices-selling drugs, using drugs, sexual promiscuity). <br />
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So there is the problem but what are the solutions? This blog doesn't afford me the time to share the various solutions but I will give just one: Genesis 1:26-27. People of color as well as whites need to go to back to the beginning of creation where God made man in his image and likeness. Every single human being is fearful and wonderfully made by a Creator who shows no partiality even though for centuries His church did. Pastors and churches need to convey a message of gospel hope that when Jesus came and died for the sins of world part of his cosmic plan was to reconcile all people groups to Himself. Understanding your position before God as a hopeless sinner in desperate need for a Savior and Redeemer levels the playing field. It causes the wealthy to boast in their humiliation and the poor to exalt in their position that they are indeed equal in God's eyes. As men and women are humbled they seek to serve the kingdom as a reconciler conscious of the gross sins that were committed and offer repentance where it is needed and forgiveness where it is needed. <br />
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In the end the thorns and thistles of racial oppression has put a definite negative mark on the people of God but through the cross we can shed our superiority and inferiority complexes and come to a Savior who makes all things new. Lord I pray that we would all, both black and white, rich and poor, become instruments of reconciliation sensitive to the need but aware of our own prejudices and flaws. It is only through humbling oneself and learning from the past that we can effectively move forward. <br />
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Grace and Peace, <br />
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JW <br />
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Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-79819813142609943502012-09-06T21:11:00.001-07:002012-09-06T21:11:43.707-07:00Raw & Uncut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my teenage years I sold and abused drugs, so much so that my All-American basketball status was overshadowed by conversations of "I know him he deals crack cocaine". What I learned during those times of street hustlin was an important principle that can be applied to the gospel. Let me explain. The typical street dealer almost never has a pure product of what we call "raw and uncut". Typically by the time the drugs hit the street level they have been cut by different additives to multiply the amount and increase profit. You simply do not sell raw and uncut to your clientele if you wish to make a larger profit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had much success in always finding the purest form of cocaine I could find and I would add very little cut to keep the drugs potent and powerful so my folks would come back to me. While others in the game were watering down their product mine was considered the raw and uncut. What the junkies knew was "the purer the dope the greater the high". </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In so many ways that is the gospel. It is most effective when administered raw and uncut. The purer the gospel we proclaim the greater the high. When I say "high" I don't mean ecstatic experiences but rather a deep sense of knowing your infinitely lost but yet infinitely loved. There are a few additives I see people using to "cut" the gospel. What are those cutting agents you ask? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1- Relativism, or antinomianism. Simply put making the gospel of Jesus Christ about a ticket to get out of hell free. This form of the gospel says no matter what you do Jesus loves you and is well pleased regardless of what your life looks like because after all we are all sinners and no one can add up to God's standard. It downplays how we pursue holiness and surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2- Legalism- The second is equally deadly. This view intermingles works with faith and is a response to human pride and arrogance that we can somehow make ourselves right with God through our righteous deeds. This view is sometimes the most subtle to invade our hearts. We tend to react to licentiousness or antinomianism by adding works as a prerequisite for salvation. Even well meaning Christians who see an apathetic response to the obedience laid forth in Scripture can find themselves crossing this line unknowingly, placing emphasis on works for salvation. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both of these views distort the gospel of grace. The raw and uncut gospel is that Jesus saves sinners. It is His incarnation, atonement, substitutionary death and resurrection that secures our right standing with God received by faith and repentance. It is the gospel that takes me deep into my heart to see I don't add up to God's standard and holiness. It doesn't leave me there but rather causes me to go deep into seeing God's grace and mercy, love and patience for sinners. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Working with the poor I often encounter Christians who are adding to the gospel. They see the lethargy of Western Christians, the materialism and isolation and react by adding justice and good deeds to the gospel. I understand why we do this because human pride wants to elevate our own experience and standing with God by what we do. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The raw and uncut Gospel is the good news...good news is something has already taken place, and that good news is that Jesus saves sinners by grace through faith and that faith never remains alone if it true faith in surrendering to the Lordship of Christ. The more we preach to ourselves and others the uncut gospel the deeper with go into our sins but the more we see grace. That grace, that love Christ has for us then compels us and motivates to love others, do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. You don't have to add works to make the gospel message more powerful. When rightly understood the gospel produces deeds of love and mercy. It has to happen if we are indeed in Christ but we must not make those deeds of love and mercy part of the gospel. It is the effect of the gospel taking root in us in it's raw and uncut form. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 2:8-10 sums it all up for we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, but faith never remains alone...it produces the righteousness and compassion of Christ in us that changes who we are and propels us to walk in good works that the Lord has foreordained for His people. </span>Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-35245194255779597642012-09-02T21:08:00.000-07:002012-09-03T19:46:13.390-07:00Can Gospel Rap Redeem Hip Hop? <br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Disclaimer:</b></span> This blog may be premature as I am still working through this issue. In many ways I have more questions than answers but I want to begin this discussion because I feel it is an important one to have. In no way do I wish to condemn the brilliant work I am seeing from current gospel rap artists. That is not my intent. I simply have a bunch of questions brewing in my mind regarding hip hop. Those of you who know me personally realize my testimony and background as one who used to drink in hip hop. One who used to sell dope in the hood, carry guns, abuse women, smoke weed everyday, sag my pants, and walk around with a F-U mentality. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I love listening to Lecrae, Derek Minor and most of the solid gospel rappers. I love what they are doing, the concerts and the message they put forth. I buy their albums and vibe with their work. Let me repeat...I LOVE them! So please don’t see this as a diss. I simply have questions that I believe we need to critique and address if we want to impact urban youth. I work in urban ministry and find myself around urban youth who have been drenched in hip hop culture just like I was. So the following is simply questions I have as to the effectiveness of the current gospel rap music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hip Hop... What is it? How do we define it? How do kids in the hood see hip hop? Can you be hip hop and value education? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut3-geBpoOad6cBIs2lX8sraJ87oVUghIhAnWfuP5zCrpiBi0_75C9lKP9iUlSnfoOhVCyxCDOaxyuV3jHtpmD1W3vVPB5WomI6EId7hiltKwB40a5o63qXXLuFGhdVKmStyRme2LBL8/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut3-geBpoOad6cBIs2lX8sraJ87oVUghIhAnWfuP5zCrpiBi0_75C9lKP9iUlSnfoOhVCyxCDOaxyuV3jHtpmD1W3vVPB5WomI6EId7hiltKwB40a5o63qXXLuFGhdVKmStyRme2LBL8/s1600/images.jpeg" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For most folks in the hood hip hop is a culture not simply music. Most modern hip hop artists condemn education and promote a self-centered, materialistic lifestyle. The young fan of hip hop introduced to gospel rap finds it incompatible with real hip hop as he sees it. Hip hop music is simply not what it started out to be. It is now a culture that is pervading kids nationally. It used to be you could clearly discern between hip hop and gangsta rap, hip hop and R&B. You could clearly see distinction between Keith Sweat and Tupac. But now the R&B guys are tatted up and speaking the same things the thugs are talking about, so much so you can’t find an album that doesnt have a collaboration of those different artists. Everybody wants to be hard now, even most of the R&B dudes. Hip hop culture, not just the music has taken over the inner cities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The young men I have spoken with disdain gospel rap as real hip hop because to them hip hop carries with it a thugged out mentality. In their eyes you cannot be educated, stay in school, care about others and still claim to be hip hop. Hip hop as they see it through their lens is gangsta, it is popping bottles, it is being hard and carrying heat. It is driving nice cars, buying out the bar, and living life as a modern day god in society, being idolized by others and influencing culture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">On the other side people from the burbs and middle class think holy hip hop (thats the term they use) is breaking down barriers in the hood and promoting Christianity but is it really working? Are kids in the hood responding to this new form of rap? Or do they simply find it incompatible with true hip hop as they see it? Why do most African American churches resist gospel rap as a form of evangelism and deem the hip hop culture (not people, culture) unredeemable? I don't think most suburban pastors who endorse gospel rap and use the word hip hop in association with it understand that hip hop is it's own religion. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/H-95U0FZVz8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">KRS-one defined hip hop as a religion, a way of life which is antithetical to the reality of the gospel which calls us to self-denial and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The gospel doesn’t call us to blend in a culture that is promoting death and narcissism. No indeed the gospel calls us to abandon ourselves and put on Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With that said I am certainly not denouncing gospel rap. I am simply coming to ask some hard questions. Most suburban pastors hoping to see racial reconciliation who admire young theologically sound rappers fail to address these concerns because they have never lived in the hood nor realized the impact hip hop culture has on urban youth. They don’t understand nor recognize what urban youth are saying about gospel rap and hip hop. They (Suburban pastors) think its a great tool to bridge the gap between urban youth and the gospel but who are the majority of people buying the albums and going to the concerts? Primarily not urban youth, rather suburban kids, or old heads like myself who already know Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Having lived the hip hop culture for over 15 years I have experienced the destructive nature of it. It influenced me to sell dope, sleep with women, and chase the boastful pride of life (all came from my filthy heart yet fueled by hip hop music & culture). I needed deliverance through a Savior who would take me out of that culture not teach me how to do it in a way that glorified God (2 Cor. 5:17). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Is Gospel Rap making a difference in our inner cities or is it simply a cool form of rap that myself and many others love to listen to? Can gospel rap provide an alternative to the hip hop music that is currently engulfing urban culture? I hope so. I personally think it is amazing how talented these artists are and how deep theologically they think through certain issues. So if they are speaking the truth why are so many black churches against it? I believe this is so because they find it incompatible as well to divorce a death culture from Christianized version of it. They simply cannot assimilate solid theology over the very same kind of music that has contributed to ghetto nihilism. I am not saying they are right but they certainly have a point especially when you understand that hip hop is a religion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I believe Gospel Rap is never going to be fully endorsed because it is, in the opinion of many, mimicking a cultural movement that has devastated urban America. The term hip hop cannot be associated with what gospel rappers are doing but can we truly make a distinction? Thoughts? Feedback? </span><br />
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<br />Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-60507978582379030912012-07-05T22:48:00.003-07:002012-07-05T22:48:51.320-07:00Discipling Urban Youth<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we talk about discipleship in the evangelical circles today it typically is limited to spiritual matters. Most times when people discuss discipleship it involves small groups, personal spiritual disciplines, prayer, scripture memorization and accountability. All of these are good things, great things in fact. But we typically stop short of teaching a fully orbed gospel of the kingdom which permeates every aspect of life including the physical realm. Why? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Well first of all I would argue that we see discipleship as only post-conversion. We have missed that a form of discipleship takes place before people actually become Christians. This is especially true among urban youth. Discipleship is definitely teaching believers to mature and grow in grace and usefullness for service. But it is also pre-conversion in that it deals with core cultural concerns relating to urban issues that an urban youth has. Carl Ellis defines discipleship as, "When you engage someone with the person of Jesus Christ through practical encounters and conversation". </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bring this up because many times urban youth do not connect with our methods of evangelism. Before we can bring these men to a point of making a decision for Christ, they need to see how the gospel of the kingdom addresses their core issues. We also need to be aware that urban youth suffer from broken value systems. That means discipleship involves far more than simply teaching them the Bible and memorizing Scripture. We need to connect the Bible in a way that teaches achiever values and breaks down subsistence values. Sometimes it is not simply a moral or character flaw that is holding them back, it is the fact that they have adopted faulty values that lead to nihilism and despair. </span>Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-63904379293152456052012-04-11T20:00:00.000-07:002012-04-11T20:00:45.202-07:00One Size Doesn't Fit All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://5thfingerblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/onesize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://5thfingerblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/onesize.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I hate those hats that say one size fits all. I mean who are they kidding as if me and Barry Bonds can wear the same hat. Well I believe the same is true for urban ministry. While there are a myriad of models out there to observe and learn from I think every city and context is different.<br />
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When working in urban ministry there are a myriad of people to glean from. Legends like Dr. John Perkins, Bob Lupton, Mo Leverett and Randy Nabors just to name a few. I have had the privilege to spend time with these men and all have great insight into best practices of urban ministry. But like with everything else everybody has blind spots. We all carry our baggage and presuppositions to how effective ministry should be done. While I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for the wisdom these men possess I also see the need to charter my own course, implementing and practicing what fits into my context.<br />
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You cannot simple visit a ministry or a city and think that same model will work for your city. I have experienced this with our recent mentoring program we have launched. No two places are alike and there is a great need for heavenly wisdom in what we attempt to do for Christ. The more I labor in his kingdom the more I am convinced I need to charter my own course, God's course for what ministry looks like in my context. It's not that I devalue anything I have learned and observed from others because I have received priceless insight I wouldn't trade for anything. It's that I think we become more dependent on models and methods from others than we do insight from the Holy Spirit.<br />
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Trying to impose what others have done takes away your own personal discovery of crying out to God for wisdom and humility. I have noticed lately that when I pray and search the Scriptures for myself I tend to teach others and inspire them from a deeper resevoir than simply reteaching what someone else has come up with through their personal discovery and time with the Lord.<br />
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All that to say "DO YOU". Learn your community, learn your people and their desires. Take time to listen both to the community you minister to and those whose resources you wish to tap into. Be careful of the swinging pendulum that makes people scared to death of taking initiative or saying the wrong thing, and don't take your ball and go home when people don't necessarily agree with your philosophy. Practice discernment and seek wisdom. Ultimately if the Holy Spirit is not in it there is no power in what we are doing. Spend more time praying and less time strategizing.<br />
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JWUrban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-74725647407821406592012-01-29T19:51:00.000-08:002012-01-29T19:58:51.740-08:00Rethinking the term "Incarnational Ministry"I have been convicted lately after doing a thorough exegesis of John 1:14 that the term "incarnational ministry" is actually theologically inaccurate. Now before you get your panties wadded up in a bunch let me please qualify and explain. By no means am I downplaying the huge impact of those who move into the inner city, or go live in a foreign missions field to live out the gospel. I have a great deal of respect for Dr. John Perkins and many others who see the need to relocate and move to the communities they desire to reach. I am concerned not about the practice and methodology of this kind of ministry, rather the enormous theological implications of what the incarnation is. So let's be really clear up front I am in no way attacking anyone who relocates and ministers in the inner city the live giving message of Jesus Christ.<br />
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While certain aspects of "incarnational ministry" are commendable, the very notion that we can do "incarnational ministry" is false. At the center of the gospel is the incarnation of Jesus Christ which is a unique and unrepeatable event. The incarnation is not a model or on-going process of ministry by which the Bible speaks it is one-time event that forever changed the course of human history. I want to share with you both practical and theological problems with the notion that we can do "incarnational ministry".<br />
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The practical<br />
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While again I commend those who move into the community they wish to serve the idea that you have "incarnated" is a falsehood. For one I see a great many who make the move and feel as though they take on the suffering of the community, but in certain areas keeping their kids either in home school, or private institutes. The reality is those who feel they have incarnated can choose to leave the community anytime they wish. They can pursue avenues and opportunities foreign to those who are indigenous. I was told of a missionary family who went to live in Africa, to "incarnate" so to speak, and when their baby came down with a serious health condition they fled back to the states for treatment. While they desired to live on the level of the villagers and endure discomfort, stress and health problems, they could never fully incarnate with the people.<br />
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In so many ways it would be like saying when Jesus experienced persecution he decided to just go back to being with the father. I don't think those who practice "incarnational ministry" can ever truly become incarnational. They always have options not available to others. They have resources and social capital not accessable to those they minister to. They have educational experience and networks that quite frankly indigenous people do not possess. They already see life through a different scope and can never truly change their thinking and presuppositions to conform to those who they minister to.<br />
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The Theological<br />
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The term "incarnational ministry" also does violence to the Scriptures. They say to the indigenous people follow me as I follow Jesus but this practice does harm to our call to follow Jesus, not individuals. We should point people to follow the one who incarnated not us. Unfortunately not all but some who do "incarnational ministry" become proud and haughty as if they are Jesus themselves. The incarnation is a single event of the Word becoming flesh and we can no way repeat that. As a matter of fact the Bible never uses the idea of "incarnation" as a model for ministry. While it is certainly important to embody the gospel, engage in relational ministry and bear witness to Christ our work is NEVER incarnational for we are NOT Jesus we simply represent Him. We are not equivalent to Jesus but rather subordinate to Him.<br />
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In John's gospel he displays the uniquiness of the incarnation; it can never be repeated again. Again I am so thankful for those who minister in word in deed and don't wish to downplay or change what they are doing. I simply don't approve of the term incarnational ministry. There is no way we can as fallen sinners repeat the incarnation through our ministry. While God sends the Son who then sends us this no way implies that we are to attampt to incarnate because that is humanly impossible. We must see the diety and humanity of Jesus Christ as once for all and it is Him that we proclaim in our ministry. We are not those who bring about redemption (which is a core concept of incarnation-Jesus qualified to pay for our sins) God alone is through His Son. We simply can't imitate what Jesus has done we can only proclaim and live it out but that is not incarnational.<br />
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My hope is not to offend you it is to make you think deeply about what the incarnation provided for us as believers. You must always see the incarnation in connection with the perfect life, crucifixion and ressurection of Jesus. We can't take out one part of that chain and use it as a ministry model. Let me be clear how much I value those who practice what they call "incarnational ministry". I am grateful for them and hope they see this is not to divide or belittle the efforts and methods by which they do ministry. I myself have been called to urban ministry and know the importance of living life among the people you wish to minister to. I will just no longer call it "incarnational"...Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-74752290835869458372012-01-15T03:58:00.000-08:002012-01-15T03:58:34.192-08:00Social CapitalOne of the reasons I believe mentoring an inner city child is so important is because they lack social capital. As a young man growing up I had two parents who took me to camps, gave me opportunities and pushed me to succeed. I also had coaches and mentors who modeled what it meant to love their wives, discipline their children and show up for work everyday.<br />
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Most inner city youth lack positive role models. They instead seek out popular rappers, drug dealers, and entertainers who promote a narcissistic, self-indulgent lifestyle. When they want to find jobs or get help inquiring about college they have few men and women in their corner who can provide the networking and resources they need.<br />
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This is why I feel mentoring is so necessary. By involving yourself in the lives of others and using your resources you can open up doors for a child that may otherwise be shut. Imagine if you never had parents that pushed you, had relationships with networks, or graduated from college or worked good jobs. I doubt we would be where we are because we would be the exception not the rule. Serve in the role of a mentor. It will bring you great satisfaction as God uses you to expand a young persons vision for their lives.Urban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-67240376097447966132011-12-01T17:38:00.000-08:002011-12-01T17:41:08.738-08:00Christmas and Charity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stylisheve.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Christmas-Gift-Wrapping-Ideas-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.stylisheve.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Christmas-Gift-Wrapping-Ideas-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Christmas season often softens peoples' hearts to wanting to help the poor. Christians usually engage in various activities such as angel tree, free meals and gift give-away's. While I certainly appreciate some of the motivations behind our willingness to give, we must be extremely careful we don't rob the poor of their initiative and dignity.<br />
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One of the most effective ministries I have wtinessed is the concept of a Christmas store. A ministry will receive donated unwrapped new toys and games. Then they will set up a store and sell the items at a tenth of the original cost. This is so much more effective than giving away toys or showing up at someone's house as an outsider to "give" the children something.<br />
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By bringing toys to a persons home you immediately shatter the dignity of the parents or guardian. Imagine for one minute how you would feel if you were poor and couldn't provide for your child. The shame and despair one must go through by having an outsider come and pity your situation. No matter how right your motives may be that is NOT a good way to start a relationship for a number of reasons.<br />
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1- You have made a statement that the family needs you but they don't have anything to offer you<br />
2- You have created a dependancy relationship by enabling not empowering<br />
3- You have assumed your role in that families life that you are the help.<br />
4- You are taking away their initiative and manupilating then for the cause of you feeling good about doing something<br />
5- You come across as someone who pities not loves the poorUrban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-68478728998191316292011-11-23T06:33:00.000-08:002011-11-23T06:33:51.027-08:00Giving Thanks in the Midst of AdversityWith Thanksgivingaround the corner many families will gather to share food, fellowship and fun. It is a time where we as Christians give thanks for all the Lord has done in our lives. But is it possible to give thanks when we have just gone through a great tragedy? What if we are so discouraged by current events that have little to offer but brokenness? Can we be expected to give thanks?<br />
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The Bible is not silent on this issue. Throughout the Psalms we see grief-stricken men pour out their confusion to God in the midst of adversity. David proclaimed "My God, My God, why have you foresaken me...O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest." He later laments "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" But with the exception of Psalm 88 the Psalmist always comes back to this great truth..."Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,<br />
my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you."<br />
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The answer is yes we can rejoice and give thanks, not about our circumstances but because of our God. While there are mamy Psalms that begin with lament most all end in praise. After the Psalmist has poured out his heart to God, he gives thanks and remains comforted that he is assured of God's ultimate justice, mercy and steadfast love. Giving thanks is a sign of maturity and a life that is so totally satisfied in the ultimate goodness of God that it oozes with gratitude. Listen to Psalm 103...<br />
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As a father shows compassion to his children,<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For he knows our frame;<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he remembers that we are dust.<br />
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God knows our human frailty and seeks to give us great comfort and peace in the midst of adversity. While evil persists we take confidence that God is wise and good and his ways are certainly higher than ours. His plans although sometimes confusing to mere mortals have benefit that we cannot fathom while in the midst of pain. Nonetheless through the pain and anguish life brings us we can rejoice and give thanks for God ultimately will wipe away every tear and pain that hurts so bad. We give thanks because He alone is our provision and satisfaction. We give thanks because He has redeemed us and will sustain us through all life's difficulties.<br />
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JWUrban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7164351791158948585.post-32816263496254112682011-11-21T13:49:00.000-08:002011-11-21T13:49:36.240-08:00Life's TragediesMy heart is overwhelmed with sorrow and grief as trajedy has struck home today. Many of you know I am the head coach of the varsity girls basketball team at Restoration Academy. One of my girls lost her mother today due to senseless violence. She was only 32 and left a 14 year old daughter and a 11 year old son.<br />
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When I found out the news I was immediately burdened to pray and seek God for wisdom, comfort and peace. While God has certainly given these to me I still remain grief stricken for the children who will be without their mother. During my morning meeting a gentleman asked me how I would handle ministering to my team and the young woman who lost her mom. My reply was "brokenness". I simply don't have the right words to say at this moment. All I can do is weep and mourn along side of her.<br />
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I know in time God will give me the wisdom to speak words of grace and love. I know God is sovereign over all things and somehow, some way will use this for his glory. I know that the word of God speaks into this situation and I could turn to many passages that comfort us in times of severe struggles and pain. I know that God will give us the needed grace. I know that God will use this draw us closer to Him. But for now I am broken. Absolutely broken over the visible manifestation of what sin brings and that's death.<br />
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Lord how I pray for her and our team. Would you be pleased to reveal to us your glory in the midst of our despair for we are a needy people. Lord would you be pleased to comfort us and turn this tragic event into triumph that many would come to know you as Lord of Lords, the Prince of peace.<br />
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JWUrban Missionaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07280579563845271955noreply@blogger.com1