tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7755757056382062912024-02-20T05:13:45.507-08:00Phil EbersolePhil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-38478092037223710762010-06-05T09:40:00.000-07:002010-06-05T10:52:54.757-07:00Thanks, Coach Wooden: from one who loves sports, yet...After my hiatus from blogging, I'm jump back with this from the sports world...<br /><br />The Coach died last night. If you couple the words "basketball" and "The Coach" in the same sentence, for anyone who follows sports in the U.S. most will immediately leap to John Wooden. He died last night at age 99.<br /><br />If you don't know, he was the legendary coach of UCLA that led to unparalleled success in the 60's and early 70's. Records that will never be broken. Two straight undefeated seasons. 88 wins in a row. Seven straight championships. Get out! I won't list all the stats; check them out for yourself if you're interested.<br /><br />It wasn't merely that he happened to have some great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bb</span> players (Lew <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Alcindor</span>, aka Kareem Abdul-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jabbar</span>, Bill Walton, Walt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hazzard</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">et</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">al</span>.) and the talent carried the day. Coaching matters. His wisdom, discipline, and coaching skills was the basis for the championships.<br /><br />But, it's another dimension that far exceeds the wins, and it put him, dwarfed next to his Walton's and Alcindor's, heads and shoulders above the rest of the field. It's the person, John Wooden. Things like his loyalty to his late wife, who died in 1985 after 53 years of marriage. His devout Christian faith. Character. Integrity.<br /><br />Things like living in the same, small modest home in L.A. Endeavoring to build character and foster maturity in the young men he coached. Things like his three absolute "rules" for his players: no profanity on the court, no tardiness, and no talking behind any of your teammates' back. Like when, as coach of Indiana Teacher's College (Indiana State), he turned down a tournament invitation because of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">NAIB's</span> policy of banning African American players; one of his players was an African American.<br /><br />Things like not throwing chairs onto the court or cursing at the refs when they make a bad call...<br /><br />I grew up playing sports and loved it. I'm sure, until the day I die, you will find me, early morning, with my nose in the box scores (even if I can catch the scores on my Blackberry last thing at night). I'm looking forward to a Rockies' game at Coors Field Monday night. Every spring, I'll live with endless hope that the Reds and Rockies will make it to the World Series. In the fall, I'll start pulling for new coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jimbo</span> Fisher and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">FSU</span>.<br /><br />But...I've changed over the years. I grew up in the competitive saturated culture of sports in America. It took. But, increasingly, I find some things about the extremely competitive aspects in sports to be inconsistent with my faith as a follower of Jesus. I do not find, anywhere, this win-at-all-costs or winning-is-the-only-thing-that-matters in the person and life of Jesus. So, I'm beginning to reject much of what I see in that world of extreme competition.<br /><br />I also know that this is not theory or some pious notion: as I am honest with myself, I know this tugs at my own heart and self. I got annoyed at myself on Thursday when I hit some lousy shots from the fairway! Or, I realize how strong the tug is to join a fierce, competitive stance. So, I'm a work in progress.<br /><br />Interlude: likely, I would not agree with everyone that Wooden would say about this, nor do I believe there is no room for healthy competitiveness. However, that's a much longer discussion.<br /><br />To come back to Wooden...He stands in sharp <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">contrast</span> to so many players and coaches who, even in the name of "Christian faith," have bought into this extreme competitive culture, with flashes of anger and violence. Screaming, cursing, veins popping out of the neck. You have the feeling they want to destroy the other team/player.<br /><br />Contrast- The Coach: discipline, hard work, commitment, training, skill development, character development, no yelling, no cursing, no talking behind the back of your teammate, giving your best effort, and...humility. And, even though it wasn't the only thing, i.e. winning, they did win a few games!<br /><br />There are a ton of coaches I would not want my kids/<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">grand kids</span>/friends in my community to play for. But, you will not hear that from any of Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Wooden's</span> players. Not one.<br /><br />Class act.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-85896312638894827362010-04-04T09:27:00.000-07:002010-04-04T10:19:09.212-07:00Easter: this I believe...To state decisively what one believes, especially in our current context, is rowing against the stream. I understand some of the objections. In fact, I would agree with some of the reasons for objecting to bold, "truth" proclamations. For one, many who espouse this have funneled the Christian faith into propositional truth statements. Further, these bold statements have, for many, become narrow litmus tests of who is "in" and who is "out."<br /><br />So, I understand, and I agree with some of the resistance. The Christian faith is anything <em>but</em> essential truth statements- cognitive assertions. And, the heresy police, with their narrow windows of what is orthodox for Christian faith, are causing havoc in some circles. There is "orthodoxy" but it must not be funneled down into one particular stream. There is so much to God that can't be known, and when this prompts us to awaken awe and mystery before God, it is a wondrous and good thing. A very good thing.<br /><br />With that preamble, here is where I'm headed this Easter morning, 2010. It is also good, even if rejected by much in our cultural context, to say, "This I believe." And, to name what we believe to be true, along with above given that there is much- so much- that we cannot know.<br /><br />I will say what I believe to be true about Easter. I am not interested, here, in giving a defense for why I believe this to be true; there are a number of reasons. What I will state is that this has been the normative thread from the beginning of Christianity and throughout the generations that have followed, in every stream of orthodox Christian faith. I don't stand alone here, and what others have believed and how they have lived is vital for me. Those "cloud of witnesses" must not be ignored. We are not "making up" or inventing what it means to be a follower of, and believer in, Jesus.<br /><br />As important, what I believe has changed my life, continues to inform and transform me, and it is why I will give my life for what this means.<br /><br />So, here is what I believe and state this Easter morning: Jesus, who died, came back to life three days later.<br /><br />While what the cross and death of Jesus means carries multiple meanings, and while the nuances of it have caused multiple debates and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">searchings</span>, one basic meaning that has been declared throughout the centuries is vital for me: that evil, death and sin has been disarmed and defeated by Jesus' death on the cross (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colossians</span> 2:13-15). And, Jesus being raised from the dead has made all the difference in the meaning of the cross.<br /><br />I want to borrow the words of two gifted thinkers and writers and use their words to state what, in part, I believe: N.T. Wright and Frederick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Buechner</span>.<br /><br />Why would those early followers of Jesus continue to follow him after he is executed, and not see him as another failed "messiah?" Wright says, “<em>The rule, then, seems clear. If you follow a messiah and he gets killed, you obviously backed the wrong horse….After Jesus was executed, his followers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">didn</span>’t give up the revolution, nor did they choose another leader…Why?...Why did they think he was the Messiah after all?... The early Christians give one answer, and only one. This is what they said: three days after Jesus’ execution and burial, he was raised to bodily life again, leaving an empty tomb behind him.”</em> (p.71-72- The Original Jesus)<br /><br />This gave them, and it gives me, a task: <em> "to tell the world that the new creation had begun; that justice and peace were now to be put into operation in all the world; and that all this could happened because the power of evil had been decisively broken.” </em>(p. 74)<br /><br />There are many ways the "resurrection" is portrayed, and it is much more than just "inspiring the human spirit." Some use that language; it isn't important if Jesus actually came back from the dead; if our "human spirit" is inspired, that's enough. I don't believe so. What happened that first Easter morning? I agree with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Buechner</span>, "<em>So, what do I believe actually happened that morning on the third day after he died?...I can tell you this: that what I believe happened and what in faith and with great joy I proclaim, is that he somehow got up, with life in him again…And I speak very plainly here, very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">unfancifully</span>. He got up.” (</em>The Magnificent Defeat)<br /><br />I believe the resurrection to be vital to our faith and life. To use others' words one more time, I'm with Wright as he speaks about everything being altered as a result of that empty tomb, <em>“Without it, he remains a total enigma: a wonderful teacher, a great leader, a wise man of prayer- but ultimately a noble failure. With it, he stands at the great turning point of history and beckons. And, to those who see, and come, he points: points to the work he has for them to do;… to take the news of his victory over evil and death to the ends of the earth.”</em> (p.74-75)<br /><br />This I believe.<br /><br />But more: this is how I will seek to live- living a new, resurrected life myself. To walk in the resurrection. To live by the power of the risen Jesus.<br /><br />That both cultivates joy and empowers.<br /><br />On this Easter: to God be all glory.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-65820967026747823542010-03-11T13:30:00.000-08:002010-03-11T14:52:13.847-08:00Whassup, Glenn Beck?I don't watch FOX News or the Glenn Beck program. But, it didn't take long before I heard the recent pitch by Beck this week, on his program, blasting the use of "social justice" in churches. Word travels rather quickly.<br /><br />If you haven't heard, it went something like this: "social justice" is just a "code word" for communism and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nazism</span>. He held up two cards, one with a swastika and the other with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hammer</span> and sickle. He said, if you see the words "social justice" or "economic justice" on the website of your church, "ran as fast as you can." His advice: leave your church if they talk about and use that language.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/03/08/glenn-beck-urges-listeners-to-leave-churches-that-preach-social/">http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/03/08/glenn-beck-urges-listeners-to-leave-churches-that-preach-social/</a><br /><br />In an era when it's hard to determine whether the Rush Limbaugh's or Glenn Beck's or Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Maher's</span> are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">uber</span> Capitalists selling entertainment, or whether they truly believe what they spew, I wonder if responses like this is exactly what they're hoping for. More business. More book sales. Whatever the case may be, here's another side.<br /><br />If people in our church took Beck to heart, our church, The Bridge, would fold. We could close the doors this week. (P.S. I'm not worried, Glenn.) One of our four core values is...uh...well...um..."social justice." That core value: a commitment to action- seeking social justice, serving the marginalized, pursuing peace.<br /><br />This would be true, I imagine: if you believe Beck, et.al., then you will run as fast as you can from our community of faith. And, you will- thank God I can say this now- run from more churches today than you would 20 or even 10 years ago. That will be the case: that some do not want anything to do with the language of social justice and the like. "It's not the Gospel. It's immaterial. It's 'extra.' What really matters is getting your heart 'right with God.'"<br /><br />So, I'll take the opportunity from the Beck prompt to say the opposite: it is not an appendage to the Gospel, but that the "good news" ("Gospel") is inclusive of God's reconciling work which includes all kinds of fractures and brokenness. It is the good news that Jesus came announcing and proclaiming, living and embodying in his very person. Good news to the poor in spirit; good news to the poor. Freedom from inner captivity; freedom from oppression.<br /><br />Instead of my own words, I refer to Jesus, his life and his words, for I take him to be central as God in the flesh. Jesus, announcing these words from the prophet Isaiah and taking on that mantle for himself, says: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free." (Luke 4:18) Code words? Or, words anchored in the One we, as followers of Jesus, call Lord?<br /><br />Jesus' life, is consistent with this very proclamation. These words are not an isolated proof text; nor does his life, which we are called to follow, lead another way.<br /><br />This is also in the prophetic tradition, where God calls us to seek...justice- socially. "Is this not the fast I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice...to let the oppressed go free?..." (Isaiah 58:6-14) Code words? Or, "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)<br /><br />Code words? Or, words rooted in Scripture?<br /><br />My reading of Scripture, and where it comes to completeness and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fullness</span> in Jesus, is that this good news will include saving us from narcissism and pride, to surrendering to God and a relationship with God, to helping the poor in Nicaragua run their own business, to helping eradicate malaria in Africa, to seeing the walls of Apartheid dismantled in South Africa, to helping others have a decent meal during the week, to...well, you see.<br /><br />To wherever there is a need for reconciliation with God and with others, and wherever there is need for healing of the fractures and injustice.<br /><br />I'll turn the tables on Beck's statement: if your church does <strong><em>not</em></strong> have the words "social justice" or the like in its vision, go ask why not.<br /><br />I am under no illusion that people will <em>leave</em> the Glenn Beck program as a result of his statements. He might even sell more books. But, if statements like his this week will prompt a few more to scratch under the surface, and look in the Biblical story for evidence of social justice, and actually <strong>read the words and life of Jesus</strong>, then, I am convinced, a few more will experience this transforming good news.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong>Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-40170557613225165312010-02-28T11:31:00.000-08:002010-02-28T11:38:17.276-08:00If you had to bet everything on...During Lent this year, I'm throwing out a question each week that I found from Frederick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Buechner</span>. I'm passing this on to our church community, The Bridge, with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">encouragement</span> to ponder, pray and even write about each week.<br /><br />So, here's the question from this past week:<br /><br /><em>If you had to bet everything you have on whether there is a God or whether there <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">isn</span>’t, which side would get your money and why?</em><br /><em></em><br />No fair using any "Sunday School" cliches if you grew up in that environment...Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-64057414404883830362010-02-16T17:46:00.000-08:002010-02-16T19:04:57.919-08:00What's the "self" you present to others- to the world?I might as well say it up-front: what follows is <em>not</em> about self-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">absorption</span> or the pursuit of self-knowledge as the end.<br /><br />Now, with that being said, I want to think about this concept of the "false self" and the "true self." That can mean various things to different ones of us, and I'll say shortly how I am using it. I am going back to some "saints" and spiritual writers that I was introduced to many years ago, and two of these, in particular, have had massive impact on the spiritual landscape in the last century: Thomas Merton and Henri <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nouwen</span>.<br /><br />In a short book by a Jesuit, James Martin, the focus was on these two men who have had such major impact, and I was prompted by this idea of false and true selves. The false self, as I'm using it here is the self we want to present to the world. It may come from what we others think we are, or should be. It might come from expectations of others. Or, it can come from something we may want to be or someone else we may want to be. But, it ain't me!<br /><br />I've been a preacher for almost all of my adult years. (Actually, how I normally identify my role is as a <em>pastor</em> and part of that role is <em>preacher</em>, but that's another story.) I'll bet there isn't a preacher around who hasn't thought-whether they said it or kept it to themselves: "I wish I could preach like ____________. Maybe, if I work at it and mimic some of his/her preaching style, I could preach nearly like __________."<br /><br />False-self confession: I heard Walter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wangerin</span> (you may not know him but he's a wordsmith and gifted communicator) speak at a conference, and that's just what I tried to do for a time: preach like Walter. That was short-lived and that was a joke! I'm not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wangerin</span>; I can't preach like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wangerin</span>. Further, I <em>shouldn't</em> try to preach like him, as it just isn't me, besides the fact that I don't have those innate gifts he has.<br /><br />This false self gets played out in things like this, but also in all kinds of other ways related to what we want to convey to others- to the world.<br /><br />On the other hand, and the search we ought to be on, is living out our true self. It's more than a cheesy quip: to be who we are. To be the person God crafted us to be. To let go of trying to be anybody else, or to pursue a false trek just because society/culture/family has defined what "success" looks like, or what one should be.<br /><br />And, the point of this is not to end up navel-gazing. As Martin commented on both Merton and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nouwen</span>, with respect to this process of self-examination, he said "<em>...it was not simply a narcissistic quest for self-knowledge. Rather, it was a discipline undertaken to allow them to become more loving and more centered on God."</em> That's part of the point: to love- love God and love others, and not end up absorbed in the self with little ability to love others.<br /><br />I'm drawn to listen to the Merton's and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nouwen's</span> of the world, both modern and ancient. I'm inspired, not by some flawless folks (far from it!), but by those seeking to live authentic lives (true self) in our families, friendships, on the job, among the poor, seeking justice, pursuing peace.<br /><br />This life-long journey for authenticity is anything but a quest for self-knowledge and then stopping there. It is to live and love more fully!Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-7398050152214422462010-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:002010-02-03T10:11:21.285-08:00The enemies of "oughts" and "ifs"It's been awhile- a long while-since I stepped inside a "Christian" bookstore. I don't tend to find the books that I'm interested reading in that spot. And, there are plaques and posters with pithy sayings, like: "<em>Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift- that's why they call it the present."</em> I think I'll pass on the mug.<br /><br />You can find this stuff at Hallmark stores, thrift stores, and, somewhere in Boulder, there has to be a store with these trinkets. Not just Christian bookstores. One of the quips, whether it is a ditty on a Hallmark card or in some self-help book or in a conversation, is that living in the present moment is what we aim for. Not in the past or in the future, but now. Here and now.<br /><br />"Here and now." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahh</span>, that's the title of a book I just finished. By the late Henri <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nouwen</span>. This idea of living fully in the present is not a new concept, and it sounds rather simple; it's not a complex idea. It's not like some of my college philosophy textbooks where, after reading the same page five times, I was still scratching my head! But, just because it is a simple notion doesn't mean it is easy to live this out in my life. Far from it.<br /><br />Here's the way <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nouwen</span> put it, "<em>The real enemies of our life are the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">oughts</span>' and the 'ifs.' They pull us backward into the unalterable past and forward into the unpredictable future." </em>(p.18) I messed up and ought to have done it differently. Or, I had an opportunity to take positive action and I didn't; I should have. The other end is the enemy of the "what if." What if I never get married? What if the economy doesn't clear up and I can never get a job with security? What if something happens to my health?<br /><br />Now, there is a positive dimension to looking into our past and learning from either mistakes (or, I'll use the "sin" word) or hurtful experiences, and taking time to consider goals, dreams or visions for one's future. That is quite different from the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">oughts</span>" and "ifs."<br /><br />I'm inclined to think we gravitate, for any number of reasons, more toward the "ought" or "if" side. The catch, if it toward the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">oughts</span>," is the drain of guilt. If you are prone to the "what ifs," you will get snagged with anxiety or worry. I land on the side of the "ifs" when I am not operating out of living in the present.<br /><br />What is it for you? "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Oughts</span>"- and then, guilt? Or, "ifs"- and then, anxiety?<br /><br />What I hear in Jesus' words, and see in his life, and the good news of the Kingdom he came announcing, is clearly about the present. "The Kingdom is here among you!" Enter this abundant life- now! Love God. Love others. Share your life, especially, with the poor, outsider, broken, and people who are marginalized.<br /><br />It is far too simplistic to suggest that we can always live in the present, and avoid the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">oughts</span>" and "ifs," and the corresponding and crippling guilt or worry. But, it <strong><em>is</em></strong> realistic to propose that we can live more and more in the present, rather than focused on the past or future.<br /><br />I need reminders; that's why I read such books. Why I read scripture daily. That's why community is important for me.<br /><br />Here and Now. Good reminder. Let's keep reminding each- both in words and action.<br /><br />Anyone have a pithy slogan for this to put on a plaque, mug and t-shirt?... No; forget it.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-15141928478415795562010-01-28T11:02:00.000-08:002010-01-28T12:09:50.585-08:00Focus outward even builds community- I saw it this weekI experienced community when the clothing closet was open on Tuesday night. I'll explain in a minute....<br /><br />If the sole purpose, or the primary purpose, of a church is to preserve or save itself, it will not be fully alive. Further, if it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">absorbed</span> in seeking to build community, the irony is that it will not have community at a deeper level. It's one of those Kingdom "reversals."<br /><br />Two things I read early this morning stated this very thing. Frederick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Buechner</span> explains it this way, "To journey for the sake of saving our own lives is little by little to cease to live in any sense that really matters, even to ourselves, because it is only journeying for the world's sake- even when the world bores and sickens and scares you half to death- that little by little we start to come alive" (p. 22, <em>Listening to Your Life</em>).<br /><br />The community-building piece came in a note by Henri <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nouwen</span> about caring together for others in his meditation on dying and caring in <em>Our Greatest Gift</em>, "I have always been impressed with the thought that people are only ready to commit themselves to each other when they no longer focus on each other but rather focus together on the larger world beyond themselves." (p. 64)<br /><br />I hear the longing for community continually. It is something that is important for our <em>community</em>- our church- The Bridge. To love, know and be known, laugh, build relationships. We were not meant to walk through life in the type of individualism that has been prominent in much of Western culture.<br /><br />So, saying this on the positive side of the equation: when we see the world beyond ourselves, when we engage together for the world's sake, and when we care together for others, especially the poor and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">marginalized</span>, community is built at new levels. We are more fully alive!<br /><br />I can point to that very thing on Tuesday night. There are all kinds of stories out there that would tell a similar story, but here is a recent one. Simple. Nothing fancy....<br /><br />Tuesday nights: our church is staffing a clothing closet on Tuesday nights, and we are in the process of organizing and expanding this service. There's a warm meal each Tuesday night for 75-100 homeless, or near homeless, folks at the church building we rent, and then a clothing closet is open after the meal for about an hour. Six of us were there this past week to not only help find a pair of jeans, coat, socks, underwear, soap, razor, or other items for those lining up in the basement. But, we also chat and joke with, listen to and begin to learn the names of the "regulars."<br /><br />It's dangerous to try and speak for others, but I'll risk it. I think the six of us felt a bit more "alive" that night chatting with someone who needs a tube of toothpaste. Some of our own personal struggles might be put into perspective. Our world gets expanded another notch. We move a tiny step further away from the illusion that the world is about "me."<br /><br />And, community was being built, and it was from the very act of caring about others, and engaging in the world beyond ourselves. Laughing with George and his puns. Knowing that the same older guy always asks for a bar of soap "because I don't want to be stinky!" Getting in on two guys ribbing each other. Hearing a slice of the stories (each one of our stories matter!) of those who come each week.<br /><br />Another layer of community was built on Tuesday night as a result of caring together, for the world's sake.<br /><br />Funny, and fun, how that works.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-22783910500215191382010-01-22T05:27:00.000-08:002010-01-22T06:50:49.537-08:00My Haitian brothers and sisters...All kinds of crazy things get said, and done, that are associated with religion, including Christianity. If we spent our time focusing on those statements or actions, we would become immobilized in many ways. And while it is sometimes appropriate, and important, to say what one is against, the main focus is: what are you <em>for</em>?<br /><br />But, there are times when I feel compelled to say, "No; I don't believe this. No; this is not connected in any way to our faith as followers of Jesus." In the midst of the unimaginable suffering in Haiti brought on by the devastating earthquake, and when our hearts break staring at death and the weeping, Pat Robertson of the 700 Club, states this:<br /><br />The Haitians "swore a pact with the devil...ever since they have been cursed by one thing after another."<br /><br />In some ways, it doesn't deserve comment. You just want to say: enough said. But, this is one of those times I don't want to sit on the sidelines. There is so much out there that goes under the umbrella of "Christianity" that it makes it difficult for many to even be compelled by orthodox, Christian faith. So, I want to say in this case: there are many of us out there that will categorically deny and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">disassociate</span> ourselves from this comment and all that is implied in it. Many of us, as followers of Jesus, will say- this has nothing to do with our faith.<br /><br />I will not judge the person or the faith of a person. But I will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">disassociate</span> myself from this.<br /><br />Perhaps another reason I don't want to stand on the sidelines is because of the way this tragedy, so close to our shores, has torn our hearts open. So, instead of this type of statement, we will pray and act. We will say: God stands with the poor and the suffering. We will join others- anyone!- to help bring immediate relief and support long-term efforts toward healing in Haiti. We will put together relief kits, send money, and support short-term and long-term personnel to help with recovery.<br /><br />I am coming off a leadership week and conference at the seminary I graduated from, and the speaker, Greg Boyd, called us to be churches- communities who follow Jesus, to manifest and embody the self-sacrificial, servant love of Jesus that seeks to love all people. That is first, local- people in our communities and cities. But, it is also global. Denver and Haiti, in my case.<br /><br />Stuff happens. Really bad stuff. This side of the reconciliation of all things in the "new heavens and the new earth," we will not be able to rationally and logically explain evil and suffering in some complete fashion. But, this earthquake is not because of a pact with the devil or a curse. My Haitian friends, please here us on that.<br /><br />Have mercy on all of us.<br /><br />And, we go to work for the Kingdom in Denver, Haiti, and ....Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-42121793517698219202010-01-13T12:47:00.000-08:002010-01-13T13:05:28.077-08:00Our own flesh suffering in Haiti todayHaiti, an already desparate, small country, is now faced with a multitude of suffering following the earthquake yesterday. This is not <em>my</em> city, <em>my</em> state, <em>my</em> country. Those suffering are not <em>my</em> family members...<br /><br />But wait. Oh, it IS my family. MY kin.<br /><br />Walter Brueggeman pointed out that the noun used to describe the oppressed, poor, hungry, naked- those on the margins and those suffering- in the prophetic call in Isaiah 58:7 is the word "kin" (NRSV). The Hebrew word for "<strong>your own flesh</strong>."<strong> </strong>So, our hearts, and support for all the efforts to share with our global family, go out to "our own flesh" in Haiti.<br /><br />I'm glad Mennonite Central Committee, the Red Cross, and a host of organizations will respond quickly to aid our brothers and our sisters.<br /><br />This Franciscan Prayer of Blessing, that Esther Malwitz cited today, is one I copy here:<br /><br /><em>May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers,<br />half-truths and superficial relationships,<br />so that we will live deeply in our hearts.<br />May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression<br />and exploitation of people and the earth,<br />so that we will work for justice, equity and peace.<br />May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer,<br />so that we will reach out our hands<br />to comfort them and change their pain to joy.<br />And may God bless us with the foolishness to think that<br />we can make a difference in our world,<br />so that we will do the things which others say cannot be done.</em><br /><em></em>Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-4312182381496316012010-01-08T08:17:00.000-08:002010-01-08T10:09:25.693-08:00My friend has cancerMy friend has cancer. It's hard to let those words roll out. But, that's what I heard yesterday.<br /><br />Maybe it is harder, still, due to the scare we had July 23. As Gail was taken to the ER for some physical symptoms, and after a series of CT scans and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MRI's</span>, with Gail on the ER bed and with me by her side we hear the words- cold, blunt: "I'm nearly certain you have a malignant brain tumor and it is likely inoperable." Our world falls apart. But, as I've written about, after a second opinion and a team of neurosurgeons, we are told it is unlikely that it is a malignant tumor. It may be something that has been there most of her life. No other symptoms to date.<br /><br />For us, it is a much longer story. I'm grateful for each day of health and no symptoms for Gail. During that awful weekend, these close friends cried with me/us. We hurt; they hurt.<br /><br />Now, just months later, I'm on the other end of the phone hearing, "I have cancer. They plan to start chemotherapy tomorrow..." (This is after a series of multiple tests over a period of weeks, and pathology reports coming back yesterday.) They hurt; I hurt. Oh, that is way too simplistic, for it is much deeper than "hurt."<br /><br />The husband is a really close friend of mine- for 20 years. She, too. She is about to graduate from seminary and will now need to put that on hold this semester. They are gems. Quality.<br /><br />So, here we go with the immediate and unanswerable question: "Why?" I have long left the theory behind when these things emerge that says, "God has a purpose in this. There's a reason for everything that happens." A purpose that people would suffer? A reason for someone to get really sick from intensive chemotherapy treatments? A purpose behind- as I've heard it from some who have gone through chemo- "I felt so sick that I just wanted to die?" A reason for someone who is actively loving God and loving others, and living in the way of Jesus- a reason that sometimes there are people like that whose lives come to a premature end in the fullness of life?<br /><br />No, that doesn't work for me. That would make no sense. It is some of the very things I pondered, again, that weekend of July 23rd. Now, I know you can point me to volumes and volumes of those who have written about suffering, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">theodicy</span> and how to make sense of evil in the world. I've read some of them. It is a question that will be pondered and debated, and more importantly, wrestled with at the deepest levels of our being forever.<br /><br />I feel like I can merely scratch the surface when I muster up the statement, and enter the mystery, that God is God. Our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">finitude</span> cannot grasp the fullness of this, and the tragic repercussions of evil. I concur with what Marva Dawn wrote recently about "...<em>the fundamental dialectical truth that God is both good and almighty....If we begin with trust that God is both good and almighty, then we look elsewhere for the reasons behind suffering." </em>(p. 22-23, In the Beginning, GOD). I believe that God is both good and almighty, even when I can't understand.<br /><br />Here's the other thing: this morning- January 8, one day after hearing about my friend's pathology report on January 7- it was <em>this</em> morning, in my early time of prayer, that I open my daily guide with scripture and prayer and it begins: "<em>I am the LORD who heals you."- Exodus 15:26 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NLT</span>) </em>Thomas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Keating</span> writes in the reflection, <em>"Divine love has the power to grow and transform us."</em> And the page ends with, <em>"'I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD."- Jeremiah 30:17 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NIV</span>)</em><br /><br />I won't even address the issue of the "coincidence" or whether this January 8 topic was "meant to be." What matters to me, is this concept of healing.<br /><br />I understand the thought of "the LORD who heals." About 12 years ago, at a time of darkness and loss, when I wondered whether it would happen, I began the process of being healed. Over time. A long time. I know what this is talking about.<br /><br />Right now, this is what I desire in this situation: healing. I can't even know what that will look like or how or when. But, I am praying- pleading- for healing. Healing for my friend from her cancer. Healing for her devoted husband and family. And, for me and all the others who love them.<br /><br />So, healing it is. Through tears, and with hope, I will pray for healing.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-12084791629303310862009-12-15T09:35:00.000-08:002009-12-15T10:39:25.320-08:00The 1st question when they find out I'm a pastor...My favorite time was after a round of 18 holes of golf with a friend, and his co-worker that I just met. The times, that is, when people find out that I'm a pastor. And, it tends to be people who barely connected to church (the Easter and Christmas thing), or who may have no religious background. This has been changing in the past 10 years, but with my generation and older, many people were uncomfortable around pastors and would act differently once they knew this.<br /><br />I didn't want people to know I was a pastor because I didn't want them to act or try to be different around me. So, this beautiful summer day in Ohio I am with Larry, who is a member of our church, and his co-worker who never asked me about my vocation. This guy was funny. He was telling jokes the entire round- some pretty funny ones, then he would drop in a crude joke, and he was dropping the F-bomb and some other colorful language the entire round. I enjoyed being with him.<br /><br />After the round of golf, we had a drink and something to eat. As we were eating, the co-worker dude asks me, "So, what do you do?" When I told him I was the pastor at Larry's church, he about choked on his burrito, gulped, and then said, "Thanks, Larry; why didn't you tell me earlier! Holy cow; I'm sorry for all the jokes...." Which is why I often don't tell people what I do so they don't try and be something they are not.<br /><br />Which leads to another "pastor" conversation. Whether it is the person sitting next to me on a plane, or a neighbor I meet for the first time, or any stranger I meet- do you want to guess what the first question I am asked after I tell them I'm a pastor of a church? Almost always it is: "So, how big is your church?" Based on some of the comments and body language, I can often sense the question, and my answer, is the grid that is used to measure success. Big= successful. Small= unsuccessful.<br /><br />You should see the looks now when my answer, over the past year, has been 15, 20 or 25!<br /><br />Which then leads me to a comment Brad Cecil of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Axxess</span> church made about how they are measuring success. It was in the context of this newer, emerging church that has a deep commitment to community and relationships. "<em>...we want to be a community of people committed to sharing life together...We don't measure our success by numeric growth. We have decided to measure by other means, such as, How long do relationships last? Are members of the community at peace with one another? Are relationships reconciled?" </em>(p. 99, Emerging Churches by E. Gibbs and R. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bolger</span>).<br /><br />I track with that focus on community as it is part of our core values at The Bridge. I would also add other means by which we might measure our success related to our core values: What are we doing to serve the poor? How are we seeking social justice in our city/world? What is the nature of the conversations like in our community? etc.<br /><br />It's a different way of defining success, which, ultimately, is the wrong question. Not to be cliche: but, it is about faithfulness in our lives personally, and in our communities of faith. I admit the ways in which I have succumbed to the voices and judgments of others about who we are. As Henri <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nouwen</span> has written succinctly and prophetically: the way we often answer this is, "We are our success, we are our popularity, we are our power." (p. 134, Here and Now) The deeper voice, however, keeps prodding me.<br /><br />Being a community, in a network of relationships, is a central component of what we aspire to be at The Bridge. How and what this will look like specifically, as we journey forward, is unknown; but it will be community. Even as we have it anchored in the very nature of God in community/relationship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.<br /><br />"So, how big is your church?" My neighbor down the street might now get it. I do.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-22768925353934191862009-12-14T14:39:00.000-08:002009-12-14T15:28:29.972-08:00Beliefs: more like a Scrabble game than jigsaw puzzleThere's a pretty strong resistance to beliefs in our time. What one believes, what beliefs seem to be essential, and what beliefs are critical in terms of faith.<br /><br />If you consider the trilogy of beliefs, belonging and behavior, beliefs would be at the bottom of the list- at least, in the circles I tend to hang around. I understand why many have this resistance to beliefs for far too many have been immersed in church cultures where one <em>must</em> have the precise set of beliefs- propositional truths. Christianity was set up, in those settings, with the abstract truths that one must hold or one is out. As in, "I'm in and you're out!"<br /><br />One of the wonderful things taking place among those who follow Jesus is a deep understanding of narrative. The Big narrative. The Story of God unfolding in history, with God at the center, with God Incarnate- Jesus, at the center, and finding where we fit in this Story. I love the line in <em>"Emerging Churches"</em> (Gibbs and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bolger</span>), "<em>Who wants to listen to abstract, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">contextless</span> propositions when one can hear or watch a story unfold?" </em>(p. 68)<br /><br />Belonging and community take on much more meaning than beliefs, in our setting. Behavior is much more engaging than abstract truth statements- "How are we going to live?"<br /><br />But, beliefs are not discarded, on the other hand. I've been pondering this recently: what beliefs are essential in this way of Jesus? I don't see this divorced from the larger framework of narrative and the story of God. I came across a nugget in a short book by James <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Reimer</span>, "<em>The Dogmatic Imagination,"</em> in which he takes on tough questions in seeking the "dynamics" of Christian belief.<br /><br />In thinking about beliefs, and endeavoring to paint what beliefs might be crucial, he uses the metaphor of a Scrabble game vs. a jigsaw puzzle. The dynamic of beliefs is not like a jigsaw puzzle which is totally predetermined and there is no freedom. Each piece of the puzzle fits exactly in one spot. When I shared this notion with one friend, he said that for many Christians the metaphor is more like "paint-by-numbers." Good one! Robotic. No room to think. Just paint inside the lines.<br /><br />In contrast, the Scrabble game gives freedom to the players, the outcome is not known until the end of the game, and reason and intelligence is involved. But, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Reimer</span> points out that there is a fixed component; "The cosmos is not entirely open."<br /><br />This metaphor is compelling, for me. As we think of what beliefs are crucial (I want to include all three: belonging, behavior, and beliefs), there is freedom, we use reason, and it is not a rigid jigsaw puzzle or paint-by-numbers game. And yet, there is a fixed component- not all beliefs are the same and there is a broad parameter within which we are working.<br /><br />So, there is room for diversity and differences of belief as we attempt to put words to the narrative- the Big Story of God. We can see things from different angles. We will differ with one another on some of these beliefs. And, yet "the cosmos is not entirely open." As we attempt to identify core beliefs, there is great freedom and yet there is a fixed game board that we are working with.<br /><br />This metaphor helps me to see the folly of both extremes: on the one hand- a rigid view of abstract, propositional truths that allows no room for diversity; and on the other hand-a view that has no parameters for beliefs or places all beliefs on the same level.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-79968253914587231642009-11-22T09:51:00.000-08:002010-02-03T10:18:58.445-08:00The homeless guy who gave me $2He was standing in line to get a warm meal, and I've seen him every week for the past five weeks. He was one of 72 homeless persons, or ones who are poor and really need a warm meal; the room can sit 72 at one time: 9 tables with 8 at each table.<br /><br />His table was next to get in line, and I was standing close to the front where the buffet line begins. My self-appointed role, while people get in line for the meal is to say hi, look each person in the eye, and chat briefly. Some don't want to talk; some have a hard time looking at me, or anyone, straight in the eye. For different reasons. For some good reasons.<br /><br />Since I just started going five weeks ago, I'm just getting to recognize some of the regulars. George, with his cap and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ZZ</span> Top beard, jokes each week. He loves puns. Ike is always the first in line for the Eucharist (for those who attend the service before the meal) and always picks up the lyric sheets left on the pews. Jim has a nervous disorder, always goes to the clothes' closet line, and asks for toothpaste- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sensodyne</span>, to be exact.<br /><br />So, Mark was standing in line. His life has been hard, from the look on his face, and while he looks older than me, my guess is that he is younger. It's hard for him to talk with anyone, I have noticed. I don't know his story; he doesn't know mine. But, we are in the same place each Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. for this meal that is served to those who are homeless, or nearly so.<br /><br />While I don't like doing this (what I'm about to say next), it is necessary for the story. Gail and I have committed our giving to the church, but there are things we also want to support on occasion. We decided the week before to give a check to the ministry that prepares the meal each week, and we asked what it would be to support the meals for one week. So, earlier that evening, I gave that check to the deacon in charge. About 75-100 come in for a decent, three-course meal with dessert and coffee.<br /><br />Back to the line. When I say hi to Mark, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a crumpled $1 bill, and picks at the loose change in his hand, pulling together 4 quarters. I wasn't prepared and I didn't know what to say when he hands me this crumpled bill and 4 quarters. I stuttered. "What's this?" He says, "I want to make a donation for the meal." Fumbling and thinking this may be about all he has on him, from what I can gather (did he get it from begging on the street corner when the light turned red??), I said, "No; it doesn't cost anything. The meal is free."<br /><br />He said, again, "I want to make a donation." I realized I had it wrong at the moment. A voice within told me to shut up, take the money and thank him. And, I did. "Thanks, Mark; we really appreciate it. Thanks for your generosity." I took the $2 and gave it to the Episcopalian deacon.<br /><br />Here I had another lesson in grace. Another lesson in giving out of poverty. Our giving seemed so small compared to that gift out of poverty. (You can read another story about this in the Bible: Luke 21:1-4).<br /><br />I go each Tuesday night because that is something God has prompted me to do. It's in the same space where we meet on Sunday nights, where we, our church, have a meal together and another meal- Eucharist. Communion; a meal of "thanksgiving."<br /><br />This is why I go on Tuesday nights, in part: so that I can be converted. My heart and life increasingly changed, in Christ, as we eat and pray and talk.<br /><br />Peace,<br />PhilPhil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-42153842838689126852009-10-26T14:59:00.000-07:002009-10-26T15:35:42.315-07:00Resisting nationalistic idolatrySince we talked about it a week ago at our church- my teaching followed by discussion and engagement with the issue, I've been thinking about nationalism a bit more in the past several weeks. Several things, rather independently, reinforced the significance of looking at this with respect to our faith as followers of Jesus.<br /><br />A good friend of mine, Jeff Munroe, who is currently in Europe involved with a ministry, is in the U.S. on a visit and noticed a neon sign in front of a business where he used to live which said, "God Bless America." He wrote these words on his blog this past week: "<em>To a European, God Bless America carries with it a certain arrogance that hints at feeling like God’s favorites. A European mentality would challenge us instead to put up a sign that asks God to bless our enemy – maybe a God Bless Afghanistan sign by the highway. Imagine the scandal that would cause." </em><br /><em></em><br />That morning, early, as I'm reading/reflecting/praying, I read these words by Eugene Peterson about the prophet Jeremiah, "<em>...Jeremiah was designated 'prophet to the nations' [Jeremiah 1:5]...The title 'prophet to the nations' is a deliberate rejection of any understanding of <span style="color:#330033;">the</span> life of faith that is identical with a single nation or a particular culture...Biblical faith always has and always will have this global dimension to it." </em>(p. 182, Run With the Horses)<br /><br />Then, that same day, I led to these hard-hitting words with respect to the sin of nationalistic idolatry, "<em>People just know that God (or the gods) is on our side and against our enemies. It’s obvious, right? Nothing in history has caused more bloodshed than this arrogant and unfounded assumption. Nor, I submit, is anything more contrary to the Kingdom Jesus brought than this assumption." (</em>Greg Boyd in an October 9 blog entry)<br /><br />That led me to one of the sentences I remember from seminary days. (Funny- some of the things you remember.) I remember not expecting to hear it from this prof. He was the oldest faculty member at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and about ready to retire. Plain. Nothing fancy. Not a dynamic teacher. Not hip. He said something very close to this, "<em>The greatest sin we find in the Bible is that of nationalism."</em> He was an Old Testament prof and he would cite examples during my three years of Jonah, or Jeremiah, or the nation of Israel, etc. and how it was destructive for humanity. He said it often. You may or may not agree with him.<br /><br />These were reminders to me that we must resist the pull of nationalism. We say "no" to it. It has caused, and continues to cause, untold harm.<br /><br />And, we also say "yes" to what it means for followers of Jesus to live in ways that demonstrate that any theocracy is tossed out the window. That we, followers of Jesus, sojourn with those who are from all languages and nations and race and tribe. That we display a love and acceptance and compassion for all people, knowing the every person bears the image of God.<br /><br />I'm glad for these voices again this week.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-77958958803225980222009-10-21T08:52:00.000-07:002009-10-21T09:41:44.918-07:00What are you against? Or, what are you for?I'm against having an American flag in the sanctuary of a church where I would serve as pastor (or be a member). I'm against the death penalty. I'm against human sex trafficking. I'm against the Florida Gators football team (oops). I'm against...<br /><br />Do you find it easy, like me, to blurt out the things you're against? That it might be even easier to say the things you're against rather than the things you're for?<br /><br />From a faith standpoint- and mine on this path with Jesus, there are times when one must say "no" when we're moving forward with the "yes." In our church this fall, we're using the term Greg Boyd has used in stating things we believe we must "revolt" against as we are attempting to embody the good news of Jesus and his kingdom. Revolting against things like violence, individualism, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">judgmentalism</span>, greed, nationalism, etc.<br /><br />So, we sometimes need to say "no" to the things that harm or derail us from the good and true, light and wholeness.<br /><br />But...There is often a "but." The priority is on what I'm <em>for. </em>What I believe in and will give my life to. <em>This</em> I'm <em>for.</em><br /><br />In attempting to start this church in Denver, it is easy to say what we're against, what we don't believe, and what we do <em>not</em> want the church to be or look like. But, that is not the focus and cannot be the focus on what will bring energy and life.<br /><br />What am I <em>for?</em> I can't put it into a few words, but it includes things like: authentic relationship with God, family, life, forgiveness, genuine relationships, loving others (including enemies),...where do I stop?!<br /><br />What are you <em>for</em>? It doesn't diminish the things you might oppose, but who wants to spend one's life living out what one is <em>against</em>?<br /><br />There are times when we ought to say "no," and loudly, at times. But, front and center will be the "yes" that moves us, and with it will be the path it carves saying "no" to what we oppose.<br /><br />When we help serve a meal to the homeless, it says no to poverty. When we take steps to forgive someone who has wronged us, it says no to hating enemies. When we listen with love to my next door neighbor who is Muslim, we say no to building walls with people. When we respect and look for ways to serve our spouse, we say no to dominant/subordinate relationships. When we...<br /><br />What are you <em>for</em>?Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-88713042005532962682009-10-18T11:26:00.000-07:002009-10-18T11:53:34.335-07:00The Pledge of AllegianceI don't recall saying The Pledge of Allegiance since my school days. I did it automatically, didn't think about it much as a child, and we didn't really talk about it at home. Although, the combination of my home church not having a flag in the church building, and the emphasis on serving others around the globe, did have a subtle impact on me growing up.<br /><br />About the time we stopped saying it in school is the time I started to think about what it might mean to recite this pledge.<br /><br />Fast forward to 1999: I'm the director of a faith-based, non-profit that helped lower income persons start or reinforce their own small business. As part of the networking and building of relationships in the community, I was invited to join the Rotary Club in that city. It was a huge one. 500 members. One of the top ten in the world with the number of members.<br /><br />My first meeting, a luncheon on Mondays, I found myself faced with a decision: should I recite the Pledge of Allegiance, a practice I wasn't aware of? I didn't want to offend the friend that sponsored me to become a member, or those who were doing great things in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">community</span>, or those who had a different understanding of the Pledge. But, I didn't believe I could recite it in good conscience.<br /><br />Why? It is tied to my understanding of my faith in and commitment to Jesus. It goes along two lines...<br /><br />First, I see myself, and the church I'm part of, as "resident aliens" with respect to my posture in any culture or nation state. (The term that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Stanely</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hauerwas</span> and Will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Willimon</span> that caught on for many.) I'm respectful and seek to be a responsible citizen of the country where I reside; but, I'm not anchored in, nor is my allegiance with that country.<br /><br />My allegiance is to the transnational Kingdom of God, and to the King of this Kingdom. That's where my loyalty and allegiance resides. It embraces followers of Jesus spanning every tribe, language, race, and nation.<br /><br />Second, I see everyone as a bearer of the image of God as Creator. Everyone. Not just those who choose to follow Jesus and believe in God. When my allegiance is to my nation (whichever nation that would be), that can begin to impact how I view others.<br /><br />What did I do that day in Rotary? Maybe I was a bit chicken. I ended up putting my hand on my heart, as the rest of the 250 in that room did that day, but I didn't say the Pledge. I prayed. I prayed my allegiance, in a whisper, to Jesus. I prayed for others around the world in those seconds. (Which is what I did each week at Rotary.)<br /><br />Maybe the Pledge isn't the main issue. What I do hope is that our churches will pledge allegiance to Jesus, envision a church where "in Christ there is no East or West," and that we will live and love in ways that view each person as a bearer of the image of God.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-31390705327865087432009-09-20T12:51:00.001-07:002009-09-20T13:24:03.093-07:00Part II of missing the point: "I hope you come back in a body bag!"It seems like everyone is getting a word in on the question of civility, or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lack thereof</span>, in the likes of incidents in Serena Williams threatening words to a line judge at the U.S. Open, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kanye</span> West ego-drive to the stage of the MTV awards and grabbing Taylor Swift's mike, or Rep. Joe Wilson's "You lie!" outburst smack dab in the middle of President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Obama's</span> speech. I chose to say something about Wilson's outburst in my last post.<br /><br />To say it again: I'm appalled by Wilson's disrespectful outburst. But, this is not about partisan political or philosophical viewpoint. It has to do with character, how we treat one another, whether we listen to each other, and how we talk to each other when we have disagreements.<br /><br />Story #2: during the first Gulf war, I felt compelled to join some people to express our sadness, as well as our opinion that we disapproved of going to war and advocated a different approach to dealing with this conflict. So, one very cold January morning, on the corner of the busiest intersection in Toledo, I joined 25 people or so with signs and standing together in solidarity with our desire for another way. I'll have to admit, I was nervous yet felt this is something I needed to do.<br /><br />I was with some people I knew and others I did not know. At this one moment, I was standing next to a woman who I did not know when the light turned red and a man in a white pick-up truck rolled down his passenger window. He was wearing fatigues and started yelling at us. Cussing. Calling us cowards. The woman next to me decided to take him on.<br /><br />He said things like you guys are cowards, that we should be happy that we'll start killing crazy people in Iraq, that we should have something better to do than this.<br /><br />She yelled back things like you don't know what you're talking about, we are the ones with true courage, the problem is with people like you, etc.<br /><br />He: "Well, I wish I could be over there right now fighting for the U.S.!"<br /><br />She: "If you went, you might end up in a body bag!"<br /><br />He: "Well, I'd rather come back in a body bag than to stand there doing what you idiots are doing!"<br /><br />And then...her line. The <em>peace activist. </em>She said, angrily: "Then, I hope you come back in a body bag!"<br /><br />What?? What did I hear? That you hope he comes back in a body bag??<br /><br />At that moment, after being stunned, I decided to leave. I shook my head and said "No. No." to her, and I left. We, who were advocating for peace and non-violent solutions, cannot take that approach, for it completely nullifies the message we want to communicate. I want no part of this. One bad apple was spoiling the whole bunch of us gathered that day.<br /><br />What we say and how we say it is part of the message.<br /><br />Now, I did not agree with the particular viewpoint of the man in the pick-up, but I'm called to love, not just those I agree with, but even my enemies.<br /><br />For those who take up the name "Christian," and say we are followers of Jesus, must show a different way in our discourse and actions. Part of that is cultivating a character that is open to questions, will ask questions, and enter into respectful dialogue.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-44011981025536140592009-09-16T09:26:00.000-07:002009-09-16T10:12:00.085-07:00Part I of missing the point: "You lie!"A heads-up from the beginning: this is not about partisan politics. In fact, far from it.<br /><br />It appears, far too often, in the arena of politics that a game is being played and you toss out the rules that guide behavior in other walks of life. (I'm referring to "politics" in a specific sense- that of the halls of Washington, state capitals and local municipalities.) It gets nasty. It's increasingly partisan. A game. Posturing.<br /><br />If you've been around this blog some you will know that I don't place my emphasis, hope or focus in this sphere. My focus is on the call of Jesus of what life as a transnational citizen of the kingdom of God looks like, and seek to embody that in the world. But, there are times when you just have to "name" things out there.<br /><br />What Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina did during President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Obama's</span> speech last week was appalling, in my mind. Reprehensible. To call out, "You lie!" to the President, during his speech, is stunning. This is one who is elected to serve in congress?<br /><br />Flat-out rude.<br /><br />This is <em>not</em> about the issues at stake in a discussion about health care; there is a setting for that discussion. (And, you can argue, well, in fact, that there's a great deal of more maturity needed in the halls of congress when issues get debated in this or any issue!) You can totally disagree with the President's viewpoint and direction, and there should be informed and compassionate debate about the issues. But...but, you don't yell out in the middle of a speech the President is giving.<br /><br />I know there was a small slap on the wrist that the House of Representatives gave yesterday, but I'm still shocked that there would not be overwhelming rejection of this type of action from all political parties. Then again, maybe I shouldn't be shocked.<br /><br />So, I'll call it from my end: rude, disrespectful, immature. This is not how you engage the issues.<br /><br />Is it a surprise, then, that lack of decorum and respect will be accepted by others in society if this is not denounced?<br /><br />This does lead me to the fact that in our communities seeking to follow Jesus, we must be good models of how we talk to one another, discuss issues with which we disagree, and dialogue about tough issues. "Agreeing and disagreeing in love," as we say in some circles.<br /><br />Perhaps that's the main point: that we must model this in our churches and communities of faith. We say "yes" to this way of dealing with our differences; and we say "no" to the "You lie!" outbursts and ways of engagement.<br /><br />It applies to wherever one is along the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">continuum</span> of beliefs, politics, philosophy, etc. That's why this is Part I. Part II is another story to follow...Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-27282284397411128152009-09-02T12:02:00.000-07:002009-09-02T12:04:47.832-07:00Safe place to ask hard questionsI had lunch recently with a 29 year old guy in a Thai restaurant on a fun street in a popular neighborhood. A good Thai restaurant and my first time there. Great yellow curry dish. Have you had a yellow curry chicken meal recently?! Ok, that’s beside the point…<br /><br />In the course of the conversation we talked about The Bridge, this church that is a year old today. He asked me about the church, how it started, the vision, and where I see it going. Does he know what he’s doing by asking that question? For one, it means he’ll finish his food and mine will get cold while I relish the opportunity to talk about this stuff!<br /><br />And I did. Imagine that.<br /><br />And I asked him about life and what he’s looking for and church and community. Those things. It was a great conversation. I learned as I listened. I plopped down my jotter on the table and took notes on my 3X5 cards. Is there ever a time when one doesn’t learn from a meaningful conversation?<br /><br />In response to my question of what ideas he would have for our church, he said: “One of the most important things you might offer is a safe place for younger adults to ask the hard questions.” And then he went on to talk about that a bit.<br /><br /><em>A safe place to ask the hard questions.<br /></em><br />I’m with you! A safe place to ask hard questions, and to engage and have dialogue around those questions; that is built into the intent of The Bridge as it began.<br /><br />I pick up this polarization that is floating around. On the one hand, questions are encouraged but there is a notion, whether implicit or explicit, that there are no answers. Only questions. On the extreme other end, answers are given for everything and you might as well not ask questions. For, either there is no point to asking questions or you might be judged and looked down upon for your question or doubt.<br /><br />There is a third way. As I find to be the case with rising frequency, we don’t have to choose between these two poles. One of the things I hope that we can convey in our church community, is that we believe there are some answers. Some important answers to significant issues related to meaning, life, the quest for truth, about loving God and loving others (enemies included). We are not left with <em>only</em> questions.<br /><br />And right on the tail of that…we also do <em>not </em>have answers. No one person or group has answers to all questions, dilemmas and doubts. There is a ton of, to use a well-worn word these days, mystery.<br /><br />So, bring on the doubts, questions and search for truth and God. We will not come out on the same page when wrestling with these questions. We do believe there are some key beliefs and ways of living that we believe to be true, and centered in Jesus as the fullness of God revealed to humanity. But, there are many questions that will keep us searching and in dialogue as a community.<br /><br />Come to think of it, that yellow curry dish is <em>not</em> beside the point. Enjoying great conversation over great food in a fun neighborhood is part of life. Part of this search for joy, life, truth and meaning.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-73247809030689908312009-08-28T09:48:00.000-07:002009-08-28T10:56:16.280-07:00I don't want to die...nowI don't want to die. Gail doesn't want to die. I don't want Gail to die. Not now.<br /><br />Fact: I am going to die. Gail is going to die. Some day.<br /><br />I don't think about this a lot. But, that changed on July 23 when we ended up in the emergency room, and through a series of tests (CAT scan, MRI, etc.) we were told Gail has a brain tumor. After the numbing jolt to our very being- body, mind, soul, spirit- that thought consumed us for the weekend: dying.<br /><br />As I wrote in my last post, things have changed since our July 23 ER visit (being told this mass is very likely a malignant tumor and inoperable due to its location) to our subsequent visits to a new neurosurgeon.<br /><br />In the two visits, and with some further tests (ophthamologist and endocrine tests), he has consulted 3 other neurosurgeons and his neuroradiology team. They all believe this: that this "mass" in Gail's skull is not malignant, that it has likely been there for quite some time, and that the best course is to monitor this closely. The next step: a follow-up MRI in October to see if there has been any change (he tends to think there will not be a change). If there is no change, then there will be MRI's at 6-month intervals for a year.<br /><br />Of course, if there are any symptoms that would indicate some possible changes, we would meet with Gail's neurosurgeon. During these past four weeks, with the exception of Gail's last day on staff with Young Life (a very painful/stressful day), she has had no symptoms. We have been grateful, and continue to pray for this to continue down this same path.<br /><br />Thinking about death...<br /><br />That first weekend was horrible, the weekend after the ER visit. Everything is going through your mind- the fear, terrible grief, unimaginable life without Gail, the loss of a very part of me. Each moment, each hour was pregnant with meaning.<br /><br />We all know that we cannot determine when death will reach our door. I might help the odds, and even fool myself into believing that I can somehow determine the length of my life; but, I am not in control of this. I eat my share of fruit, vegetables, grains, healthy cereal and grab those 23 almonds daily for a snack. I drink enough water. A glass of red wine for my heart (and taste). I exercise regularly. And so does Gail. And we can't control the day we will die.<br /><br />I know this. I know that I have lived, at age 54, longer than many in our global village. I know that far, far too many in our human family suffer and die daily due to inequities and injustice. I know I could live to be 95 or I could die tomorrow. But, I'm not ready to die nor am I ready to think about my closest friend, lover, intimate companion, and partner on this journey in life and ministry dying.<br /><br />I have also pondered this, frequently, over the past 5 weeks: heaven. More specifically, a "new heaven and a new earth." Or, as N.T. Wright calls it, "life after life after death."<br /><br />What has troubled me about the "heaven" thing in some religious circles is that it is the only thing that matters: you're born, sometime you believe that Jesus died for you, and then you go to heaven when you die. Period. That's it. All there is to it. And, I don't believe it- that is, this is all there is to it.<br /><br />I believe, from my standpoint as a follower of Jesus and a faith in a God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that this life matters. Life now. Life that is robust with meaning ("eternal life"). Joy and beauty and wholeness. And, living in such a way that loves and cares about the marginalized and the "least of these." Living life to the fullest and seeking justice where it is absent. Seeking even to love one's enemies. This new realm, this new reign, this new "Kingdom" that has broken into our world...NOW.<br /><br />I believe that. I want to live my life aligned with that truth.<br /><br />And...I believe in life after my life has ended in its current state. That there will truly be a new heaven and new earth (whatever that will look like) that will not be this huge dichotomy between the physical and spiritual being.<br /><br />I have thought much more about this in the past 5 weeks. It's not an either/or: this life or life after death. This is where history is headed, where God will redeem and restore and bring all things to completion. That gives me great hope even as I walk through life on this earth. Another one of those both/and deals.<br /><br />While I'm not ready for that today, I know that much more awaits me, and Gail. It will be the fullness, completeness and perfection of the Kingdom of God that we are already beginning to experience now.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-5609545158669906872009-07-31T12:15:00.000-07:002009-07-31T13:13:31.949-07:00Our personal world turned upside downI am crying a lot these days. We, Gail and I, have shed a ton of tears.<br /><br />Two huge happenings in our lives.<br /><br />Today is Gail's (my wife) last day on staff with Young Life. That may not sound so startling; people change jobs/ministry quite a bit. This is different than a more typical job change. Gail has served almost 32 years in this ministry, the past 10 as one of the senior vice presidents for field ministry.<br /><br />So, this is a time of grief. Loss. Deep grief. I can't begin to describe what it has felt like over the past several weeks, and I certainly can't fully understand what it feels like for Gail.<br /><br />I do want to say this: I am totally proud of Gail in the way she has led and leads, in the way she empowers others to most fully use their gifts, for the tremendous impact she has had on kids and Young Life, and her powerful relational style-full of love-she exercises with her staff.<br /><br />She will be used in significant ways in the next steps of her life. (Gail would be embarrassed for me to write these things.)<br /><br />But, it is still grief. And, then, more grief, coupled with shock...<br /><br />A week ago yesterday, we ended up in the emergency room after Gail was experiencing some headaches and some other symptoms. The shorter story: after a battery of tests, and several MRI's, and waiting hours for the physicians to report back...<br /><br />...a radiologist and then neurosurgeon come into our room and say that they've spotted a brain tumor. <em>Brain tumor.</em> Do you know what that sounds like when you hear it? <em>Brain tumor.</em> I can still see the look in Gail's face, and feel the numbness that ran through my body. Surreal.<br /><br />Not only that- he said that he is pretty sure it is a malignant tumor, is in a position deep in Gail's brain, and is likely inoperable. He said that a biopsy is what he would recommend and then we would know for sure. Not only were we in shock, terrified, and numb, but we felt little hope. We wept in each others' arms. Then, that night, and in the days that followed.<br /><br />For a number of reasons, we decided that we were getting a second opinion and that next day, Friday, we searched high and low for any connections with a reputable neurosurgeon.<br /><br />It's a longer story, and maybe I'll write more about it at some point, but we got a call out of the blue late Friday afternoon from a top neurosurgeon in the Northwest. A gift. He said his brother called, after hearing about Gail's situation from a prayer network in the Northwest, and wondered if he might call us. I could tell immediately this was a brillant neurosurgeon, confident, resourceful, and had compassion. I cried. An angel? (One friend said, "I think it was Jesus calling!")<br /><br />We were put in touch with an amazing, exceptional neurosurgeon here in Denver who has been marvelous. After looking at the MRI, and consulting with others, he has said it is tricky, uncertain if it is malignant or benign, and is pursuing various tests to help diagnose this mass.<br /><br />It may be malignant or benign. It may be operable or inoperable, or partially removable. It may or may not need to be removed. We are waiting.<br /><br />We have been given so much more hope, even with the uncertainty facing us. We are so grateful for competent, compassionate medical professionals.<br /><br />And, we are so grateful for the flood of emails, calls and cards (and other expresssions of love) from people coast to coast. We are empowered by the prayers of thousands (one friend has kicked in a network of prayer in West Africa where he said there are 1,000 people each hour praying for us!). We do not take this lightly. This prayer for healing and for us as a family.<br /><br />So we wait. We plead for healing. I know God wants us to pray what is on our heart and mind.<br /><br />Our world has been rocked. But, I know we have the Rock and Refuge, and as one in our new church has said, "We will be your rock!"<br /><br />That has been taking place and we are blown away by the love of others and people who are praying fervently. As we wait, and find our hope in God, I'm so thankful for this.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-12970389583968105792009-07-16T15:36:00.000-07:002009-07-16T16:04:06.184-07:00I don't want a "Christian" AmericaI'm not looking for a "Christian" nation. That's not my hope as I live in this country.<br /><br />And, if I lived in Iran, I would not want a "Muslim" nation.<br /><br />In other words, I would not want to live in a theocracy. The recent protests in Iran, after the most recent Presidential election, has brought this to the table more forcefully. The Supreme Leader, in that setting, is powerful with regard to politics and the direction of the nation.<br /><br />Many in America find this theocratic rule, in Iran, to be unsettling. It creates anger in many. I wonder: would Christians in this country be equally upset if we had a theocracy here if it were <strong>Christian?</strong> I'm not so sure what the reaction would be. "Perhaps it would be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span> as long as it were Christian," some might think.<br /><br />Not me. For, neither did God intend this to be the case (nation states run <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">theocratically</span>), nor do I believe it to be good or what is best for nation states or governance. God did not intend for Christians to take over a country, rule it, and then impose that faith on others (the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Constantinian</span> error, i.e. Constantine becomes Emperor in 303AD and makes Christianity the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">officical</span>" religion of Rome). Faith in and relationship with God is always voluntary. We live with pluralism of not just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">socio</span>-economic, ethnic, and racial dimensions but of religion, as well, in our nation states. We seek to respect those differences, live side-by-side, and work for the common good.<br /><br />But, we do not impose religion on others- Islam, Christianity or any other faith.<br /><br />So, I don't want a "Christian" nation. Besides that, it's a myth- that notion. I want to live in friendship and with respect for my neighbors and fellow citizens regardless of their religious beliefs.<br /><br />And, what I really want is for the church to be the church. To live as faithful communities within this nation (or any nation), seeking to follow Jesus as counter-cultural communities. We don't impose; we invite. We don't coerce others with morality; we endeavor to live what we believe is moral and true.<br /><br />Forward as groups of "resident aliens."Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-6974433541078815532009-07-10T05:39:00.000-07:002009-07-10T06:01:41.238-07:00Shane Claiborne, Greg Boyd, Jim Wallis and MennonitesWe just returned from a week at the biannual Mennonite Convention of Mennonite Church USA. If you were in a Mennonite church in the past 20 years, and attended the youth convention (coincides with the adult gathering), you know what it's like- about 5,000 high school kids with speakers like Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Campolo</span>, Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yaconelli</span>, Yolanda King, etc.<br /><br />If you are not in a Mennonite church or know nothing much about Mennonites you might go, "So...?" Or, "What's the big deal?" Or, "Sounds like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">happenin</span>' time!"<br /><br />Speakers for the worship sessions included Shane Claiborne, Greg Boyd and Jim Wallis. You might be interested in Boyd's blog entry, "A night with Mennonites and Jim Wallis," <a href="http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/">http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/</a><br /><br />So, here's the deal for me...we have started a new church, The Bridge, in this emerging/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">missional</span> stream that has roots in an Anabaptist/Mennonite vision and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">spirituality</span>, and connects to a more progressive Evangelical stream. What I heard from the speakers and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">conversations</span> with others in Columbus, Ohio only reinforced the vision for this church. Others, including Claiborne and Boyd, said, "Go after it!"<br /><br />These speakers pointed to the theology and vision rooted in the Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition that intersects with what many are talking about and looking for as we begin the 21st century. Frankly, I don't know where the Mennonite Church will go- if it will be able to adapt in some of its settings to connect to this growing hunger. We'll see. I hope so.<br /><br />But, I come back to Denver energized by the voices of Claiborne, Boyd and Wallis. Some great things are bubbling around the world with a renewed vision for the Kingdom of God.<br /><br />Count me in!Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-17156957655129469702009-06-21T15:47:00.001-07:002009-06-21T15:47:34.775-07:00Father’s Day reflectionsMy absence from this blog has ended…with a few reflections on Father’s Day.<br /><br />Among the times we take a look backward and forward, and evaluate what is indeed important, are milestones, beginning of a new year, crises and special days. So it is with Father’s Day, for me, this year.<br /><br />Perhaps it is because we have just come off a wonderful vacation that included my two children. Perhaps it is just this arbitrary day on the calendar: “Father’s Day.” But, my thoughts came around to a few of the things that matter most to me.<br /><br />I have some goals and hopes and dreams that are beyond my immediate family. And, I think about those quite a bit and endeavor to live my life and use my gifts focused on some of those core values and goals. It’s part of my life each week.<br /><br />But, in the old what-would-you-want-said-about-you-at-your-funeral deal, here’s what really matters: that my son and daughter can say that they respect me, that they have been a priority in my life, and they know without a shadow of doubt how much I love them; and, that Gail, my wife, can say the same thing.<br /><br />What matters to me is how I live my life with integrity as a dad and husband. If that isn’t there, then the other goals and dreams lose their meaning.<br /><br />On my anniversary I tend to focus more deeply on gratitude for the wife I have. On Father’s Day, I’m prompted to reflect, with gratitude, on how blessed I am with two wonderful children.<br /><br />If Wade and Megan happen to read this, they might be embarrassed. Sorry…<br /><br />On the recent trip we were fortunate to have had (for several reasons), I don’t hesitate to say, without question, the best part of the trip. It was the last night when we were all together before Wade, Megan and Aaron, her boyfriend, had to fly back to the U.S. We were at a hotel on the side of mountain in Southern Switzerland- Locarno. It overlooked a lake and the mountain next to it.<br /><br />Instead of going out to dinner, the consensus was to buy some groceries and wine at the local store and sit out on the terrace for our meal. Good choice. Fantastic choice. For the next hours of daylight, sunset and then evening hours, we had a fabulous time enjoying the beauty, laughing, telling stories- a ton of family stories from our extended family that will get passed on, and enjoying each other.<br /><br />As a dad, you couldn’t buy those things and times from me. Not for any price.<br /><br />In gratitude this Father’s Day.Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-775575705638206291.post-62688623953669725452009-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:002009-04-16T16:36:25.889-07:00The fall of "Christian" America??The idea that we are in a <em>post-Christian</em> America or that the religious landscape has changed dramatically in America is not a new notion. It has been bantered about for quite some time. A recent article in Newsweek (cover story) by Jon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Meacham</span>, "The Decline and Fall of Christian America," has prompted reaction from various circles.<br /><br />I want to say more about this in a future post(s), but I'll add this note for now:<br /><br />I'm not alarmed. In fact, it could be a good thing to acknowledge: America is not a Christian nation.<br /><br />It's important to distinguish "civil religion" (of any country- those values, stories, mores, etc. that link people together from a variety of faith traditions) and the "kingdom of God" (for followers of Jesus, this is our priority).<br /><br />The church (followers of Jesus) was on the margins of society following Jesus and continued in that form for the first 300 years...and it had a powerful impact on society and grew tremendously.<br /><br />A lot of fear will get tossed around in Christian circles with this idea ("what is happening to our nation??!!"). I do not live with fear regarding this. My goals, or the purpose for the church of which I help to lead (The Bridge), do not change.<br /><br />Carry on.<br /><br />(More later)Phil Ebersolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02618746953816250319noreply@blogger.com1