March madness has always been one of my favorite times of the year. When I was in Shelby recently, one of my high school friends reminded me of the time we had a UNC party and we served Carolina blue pimento cheese sandwiches. Well I wont be doing that this year, but I will be dialed in to the ballgames. My mother traveled with me to a variety of venues for basketball games. As she marveled at the crowd, her comment was always "wouldn't it be wonderful if our churches were this full on Sunday ". I doubt she was just talking about the sheer numbers, although that would be an outstanding Sunday worship service, but she must have also meant the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the event. I never watch a game that I don't ponder her words in my heart. My dad often laughed about the number of times we looked at our watch during church hoping it would be over soon. While at a good ballgame, we cheered fervently for overtime!
Now less you think I am selling out March Madness that is not the purpose of this post; however, the dynamics do merit our attention.
Perhaps this Lenten season we should prepare for our spiritual journey the way we get ready for March Madness. Focus on scripture, the way we absorb information about our favorite team. Arrange our schedule to be in church as faithfully as we carve out time for the big dance. And finally, be the catalyst in our community to help everyone achieve their ONE SHINING MOMENT. Who would have thought basketball and faith had so much in common? My mother and father! Thanks for the lessons you are still teaching.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Passionate Faith
Last night at the Teen Trialogue the moderator asked the question "What means the most to you about your faith?" Our Muslim friends mentioned praying 5 times a day, fasting and the responsibility of personal choice.
Our Jewish friends proclaimed their rich heritage, their value on community and making the lives of others better.
One of our Protestant students looked at me after these responses and said I wish we, meaning Christians were that passionate about our faith.
And my answer, we can be! This Lenten journey gives us the opportunity to pray more fervently, to sacrifice something as a reminder of the responsibility of the choices we make everyday, to show up when the community of faith gathers and to live a life of service to others. You see, we are alike in many ways, but how we Live Out Loud our faith is up to us. We have to step it up! Religion is participatory. it is a relationship with God and one another. It is about serving those we like and those we don't like it. It is about standing up for justice even when it is not popular. It is about being kind all the time, not just when we're in a good mood. It is about doing the right thing even when no one is looking.
So I ask you "What means the most to you about your faith?" And how do others know it?
Take the opportunity this Lenten season, to develop a passionate faith.
Our Jewish friends proclaimed their rich heritage, their value on community and making the lives of others better.
One of our Protestant students looked at me after these responses and said I wish we, meaning Christians were that passionate about our faith.
And my answer, we can be! This Lenten journey gives us the opportunity to pray more fervently, to sacrifice something as a reminder of the responsibility of the choices we make everyday, to show up when the community of faith gathers and to live a life of service to others. You see, we are alike in many ways, but how we Live Out Loud our faith is up to us. We have to step it up! Religion is participatory. it is a relationship with God and one another. It is about serving those we like and those we don't like it. It is about standing up for justice even when it is not popular. It is about being kind all the time, not just when we're in a good mood. It is about doing the right thing even when no one is looking.
So I ask you "What means the most to you about your faith?" And how do others know it?
Take the opportunity this Lenten season, to develop a passionate faith.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Stepping Back in Time
For about six hours yesterday, I was without my cell phone. No, it was not an exercise in discipline for the Lenten season. It was lost, plain and simple. I had dropped it in the parking lot at the women's ACC tournament in Greensboro. But I didn't panic because I have a sidekick that I use to text, so I could still communicate with the outside world. So I proceed with my plans to meet a college student from church for lunch and do a bit of shopping. Life is good, right? Wrong, when I get ready to meet Catherine at the hotel, my sidekick has died and I have no navigation system. Now I am digitally disconnected and I am LOST and ALONE. There are no pay phones, I'm out of town and don't know anyone well enough to ask. I am sure by now Catherine is wondering why I am not responding and has probably called Charlie to alarm him as well. As a last resort, I say a prayer. " Lord, give me patience and let me figure this out." P.S. before dark would be great! So I tried to gather myself and re-group.
My sense of direction is pretty bad but I knew I was staying near the airport so I followed signs toward "airport," but still was not at my final destination. In fact, the sign said Va State line-1 1/4 mile!
Time for prayer again. " Lord, help me figure this out.Show me a sign." And soon, I see the lights on Celebration Station and I know I am close. Finally, an hour later I get to the hotel. As I suspected, Catherine is on the phone with her dad, both worried. I began to replay the entire scenario.
The whole time I was riding around, I kept thinking how dependent we have become on technology. Our GPS has replace the ability to read a map or use road signs and landmarks. How connected we stay to one another 24-7. Talking on the cell phone is second nature. As I write this blog, I am embarrassed to say how desperate I was before prayer was a "go to" option. Doesn't this sum up our 21st century dilemma? We chose everything else to meet our needs but the ONE who can. Following Jesus means risking the safety, security, and success of this world to fully rely on God. IT TOOK ME GETTING LOST, TO FIND MY WAY!
My sense of direction is pretty bad but I knew I was staying near the airport so I followed signs toward "airport," but still was not at my final destination. In fact, the sign said Va State line-1 1/4 mile!
Time for prayer again. " Lord, help me figure this out.Show me a sign." And soon, I see the lights on Celebration Station and I know I am close. Finally, an hour later I get to the hotel. As I suspected, Catherine is on the phone with her dad, both worried. I began to replay the entire scenario.
The whole time I was riding around, I kept thinking how dependent we have become on technology. Our GPS has replace the ability to read a map or use road signs and landmarks. How connected we stay to one another 24-7. Talking on the cell phone is second nature. As I write this blog, I am embarrassed to say how desperate I was before prayer was a "go to" option. Doesn't this sum up our 21st century dilemma? We chose everything else to meet our needs but the ONE who can. Following Jesus means risking the safety, security, and success of this world to fully rely on God. IT TOOK ME GETTING LOST, TO FIND MY WAY!
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