The one most important thing I’ve learned about being in a relationship these past 6 months:
Relationship is about growing up. Conflict will arise, and the question is, will you grow up?
This is not really written for anyone else but me. I have a lot of growing up to do. So much on this topic I could spew about myself, but the bottom line is, I gotta grow up.
This song isn’t new, but this is kind of my anthem these days. Mayer is a bit of a philosopher in his own right, but a good deal of musicians are generally pretty pensive, albeit a bit pushy at times.
A lot of atheists and agnostics seemed to have gotten behind the message of this song. Can you blame them?
I’m not ragging on the fact that we believe in something as Christians. Belief is at the core of the human existence, regardless of worldview.
But does being Christian means winning the war on who’s right?
I hope following Jesus is more than just winning a religious, cultural, intellectual war. Because if that’s our aim, then we’ve already lost.
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Is there anyone who ever remembers changing their mind from the paint on a sign?
Is there anyone who really recalls ever breaking rank at all for something someone yelled real loud one time?
Oh everyone believes that how they think oughta be
Oh everyone believes, and they’re not going easily
Belief is a beautiful armor but makes for the heaviest sword
Like punching underwater, you never can hit who you trying for
Some need the exhibition, some have to know they’re trying
It’s the chemical weapon for the war that’s raging on inside
Oh everyone believes, from emptiness to everything
Oh everyone believes, no one’s going quietly
We’re never gonna win the world
We’re never gonna stop the war
We’re never gonna beat this is if belief is what we’re fighting for
Is there anyone who can remember ever surrendering with their life on the line?
What puts a hundred thousand children in the sand?
Belief can, belief can …
What puts a folded flag inside his mother’s hands?
Belief can, belief can …
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But tell me, Mr. Mayer … (not gonna let you get away that easy)
What drives a man to give his life up for a friend?
Belief can, belief can …
What gives the power to rise against unjust hands?
Belief can, belief can …
As we watch the news about the devastation in Haiti, I hope that our reflection on a particularly venomous response to the crisis makes us think deeply about how we ourselves deal with those who are in crisis or are deeply hurting.
Here is my question: how do we respond to suffering in Christian ways?
My sister, as usual, is way more brilliant than I (and often, a better Christian).
A few years ago, instead of asking for a present, she asked me to give to a charity in her name instead of giving her a present. As usual, I wish I had thought of that before she did. Like I said, more brilliant.
Some of you may be wondering what is going to be given to you. Especially for the Christians out there, let’s transform this holiday season that has become little more than a shopping extravaganza. I hope that Christmas would be known as the season of giving.
Not presents. Giving.
Go to http://www.charitynavigator.org, they have listing on financial stewardship for lots of organizations. Give this Christmas.
Oh, and if you’re curious, if you’re thinking about it at all, please give to One Day’s Wages.
Hey Seekers family, here’s my ditty for November …In 1 Timothy 4:15-16, Paul tells his son in the faith to be careful in the way he lives. I think it has some things to say to us about leadership.
Read the passage for yourself. What do YOU think?
Learning to Think 