So Many Options

I think Jesus was PC (politically correct) in his language, at least for his day. But by today’s standard it is easy to say that the writers of biblical literature (i.e. scripture) were not so concerned or futuristic. This week’s gospel reading from  John 5: 1-9 lends itself to some concerning language, at least in the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). Today we might say blind = sight impaired, lame = differently abled. Even the use of the word handicapped has become problematic for many folks.

I much prefer reading from the Inclusive Bible translation as it is a good effort by the Jesuits to replace gendered language and terms that are, in today’s modern culture, potentially harmful.

This week, I happen to be preaching on “rest.” And in the lectionary readings* it takes on a few meanings. Over in Acts 16 Paul is at rest (asleep) when God visits him in a dream. The visit results in Paul’s journey to Phillipi to meet up with Lydia who was also at rest (prayer and meditation).

In the reading from John 5, a differently abled person (notice I didn’t say lame man!) was poolside when Jesus rolls up next to him and invites him into a different kind of rest (inner peace, healing from infirmity, freedom from an oppressive life in mind, body and spirit).

The concept of rest, like much of the Bible, is relative.

Context, social location and nuance are required for an accurate interpretation.

Addressing ableist language is one example of how biblical interpretation has shifted over the centuries. As we have learned to engage each other in deeper, richer and more life-giving community dialogue, we have also begun to address some of the difficult issues ushered in by biblical tunnel vision.

Even in this post you can tell that I am deliberately moving about.

I invite you to read the texts highlighted above and see what you think.

• How do you interpret rest for yourself?
• What do you seek/need/desire from a relationship with the Divine?
• In what ways can you shift your faith life toward a more life-giving engagement with your neighbor?

The ELCA Lutheran church is rooted in radical grace, radical hospitality and is committed to creating a place at the Table for ALL God’s children.

To learn more click here

*”Lectionary reading”s are a series of passages organized and referred to as the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is used by Catholics and most mainline Protestant denominations in weekly worship.

Change Is In Process

Change can be challenging. Sometimes so much that it threatens to suck

the life right out of us, killing the motivation to stay in the fight.

I hesitated to use that word, fight, there’s been enough of it to last us

a long time.

It’s the fight that has zapped us.

I’m here to put some wind in your sails though, keep at it.

The payoff is in process.

This week’s gospel lesson tells the story of a fishing trip gone rogue.

After the disciples finally left the upper room and resumed their “normal”

lives (like a visit from Jesus is normal?) they took to the water.

A long night of dropping their line produced nothing... until from the shore

Jesus shouted, “drop it again to the right!”

So….many…..fish.

What interested me is the reality that despite the empty nets the fishermen

pulled up, God was at work in the background. Sometimes all it takes

is one more drop, one more cast, one more haul and then, change arrives.

We have to stay in it. We have to do our part.

The work to effect change is long and arduous. It’s easy to give up.

Staying in it, keeping your hand to the plow as we we say

in the liberation movement, is what it takes.

Allies, we need you!

LGBTQ+ folks, we need you!

Youth, we need you!

Elders, we need you!

If you are tired, Jesus says, “come to me all you who are weary

and I’ll give you rest.”

We need to rest in order to regenerate, yes. But it is only a pause.

No sustainable change comes when we refuse to get back up, go back out,

and drop that line again.

We’ve got to get behind the scenes and witness what’s happening,

despite what’s on the screen. They fished all night, nothing.

But, one more cast produced more than they could imagine.

The background is always active with changes.

Jesus was on the shore, building the fire, preparing the coals,

shouting the encouragements.

Movement folks, this is where your self-care and your networks come in.

Queer folks, lean on your allies when you’re tired.

Allies, lean on your queer folks when you’re tired.

The rest of you...read a book, pray, have a conversation, pray,

teach your children, pray, throw your coins at it (i.e. financial support), pray.

Keep at people. Keep your hand on the plow and hold on.

Be refreshed and be blessed.

And if you are ELCA Lutheran...THIS is God’s work...

done through our hands.

For more about ELCA Lutherans click here

The ELCA affirms ALL God’s children

Beauty From Ashes: A twist on the Easter message.

It's Holy Week. And Christian communities across the world are all a buzz.

As I am known to do, I am jumping outside the box of how we traditionally think about Easter. Will I skirt around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Absolutely not. Rather, I will embrace it, fully, but in a different light and with a broader lens.

I want to talk about the beauty and the ashes in the lives of those who live at the margins and who call themselves Christian. In particular, LGBTQ+ folks. Some would argue that a queer Christian is one of the most sure footed faithful followers. Why can we say that? Because we have worked so damn hard to preserve our faith when so much in this world would prefer that we dry up and blow away.

When the world has worked so diligently to strip one's faith and use its very foundation, the Holy Scripture, as a weapon to beat the spiritual life out of gay Christians... to rise from the ashes into a beautiful new life is no small feat.

The last 40 days of the Lenten journey delivers us to the foot of the cross this week. As we mourn the death and burial of Jesus some of us mourn the death of our own spiritual selves.

Fear not. Death does not have the last word. Jesus rose on Easter morning.

His life, as God's most precious child, is to be an example for us as we are free to accept the invitation to live out our queer Christian faith through the Easter experience.

Making beauty from the ashes is God's main production. It's a theatrical performance of the greatest proportion. God is taking all of the characters in the play and adorning them with grace, with mercy, with love, and with righteousness... placing the jeweled crown on all of their heads. God's Love wants that none should be separated, none should die a carnal death and call it good.

God makes beauty from ashes day after day. We can take hope and promise in the risen Christ. We can accept the invitation to live into the full embrace of God's love.

We can lay down, turn away, and reject all of those things that work to separate us from who is Beautiful.

We are free to leave our burned up ashes at the foot of the cross believing full well that the promises of Christ include our resurrected lives.

This Easter may you find the tomb empty, may you let the ashes of your grief, your sorrow, and the negative voices that come at you fall away.

May the Son and the Wind whisk you up into new life and make something beautiful from the ash.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below.

Praise God above the heavenly host. Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen and Amen.

The ELCA Lutheran Church invites all to come and dine at the Lord's Table.

The ELCA Lutheran Church is a welcoming and affirming denomination where all are welcome regardless of race, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability. To learn more about the ELCA click here.

Prodigal Church

The Revised Common  Lectionary for this week focuses on the story of the Prodigal Son. It is a well-known story in the Bible about two brothers who got their knickers in a snit over working for their Dad.

One brother took off with a bunch of loot and went and lived an exciting life, probably Rio de Janeiro or someplace like that.

The other brother stayed back and took care of the family stead, no small job.

As the story goes, eventually Party Boy came to his senses and wanted to come home. Way off in the distance he was spotted and his Dad pulled out the best of everything.

As you might expect, Farm Boy got very upset while Party Boy was very humbled. The point of the story is that Dad welcomed his son back with open arms…

The same way God invites us back…

no matter how far we've strayed.

The Church is currently trying to untangle the conundrum created by opening Christianity to LGBTQiA+ persons. (Scripture is very clear, the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for ALL people.) Hmmm.

Humans are a funny breed.

Sometimes we think we're God.

Of course, we will never admit it, but at times we've all acted like we have power greater than we do.

But no matter how far we stray, no matter what we have done, God invites us back. With open arms.

Reimagine this:

The unaffirming church, the uninviting church, the rejecting church is in the wilderness.

THEY ARE THE PRODIGALS.

Slowly denominations and independent churches are embracing the idea that God's image is reflected in each of us. They are accepting the Truth that we are all created for good and with purpose. The purpose of the Church is to honor God with our traditions and to build community.

This week when you read the Prodigal Son story I encourage you to tilt the lens just a little bit:

   Imagine the Prodigal coming home is the now-affirming church, the formerly-rejecting church, the people whose hearts have been broken for God and who now repent. They  have come to see God in full Light. They are coming back to the foot of the Cross to ask for God's forgiveness for the harm they have caused God's children.

And like a loving parent who greets their child with open arms, God will invite the church back into the fold. Grace, forgiveness, and restoration take place.

It's a slow crawl, this reimagining. And it takes effort. But no more effort than Jesus put forth to save us all a seat at the table.

To read more about affirming Lutheran churches in the ELCA click here

To read more about the Lutheran Human Sexuality Social Statement click here

To read more from Dawn Bennett click here

Jesus: Execution on Death Row

Ash Wednesday was yesterday and I had the blessing to curate an Art Exhibit in conjunction with an Ashes service. The Art Exhibit was not just any Art Exhibit. It displayed hand-drawn and oil painted canvas scrolls depicting the Twelve Stations of the Cross. In addition, was a stand-alone canvas of the risen Christ.

This description may not stand out to you either. However, it's important to note that the picture and the
scrolls are the mastery of prisoners who live on Tennessee's Death Row.

How ironic is that! Death Row prisoners painting the story of Jesus on his journey to Death Row.

Let that sink in.

Jesus’s death was a State-sanctioned execution. We don't often think about Jesus being incarcerated
or being executed. We have a more touchy-feely version...one of gratitude that he died for our sins
and redeemed us, to secure us a seat at the Table of the Lord in a heavenly kingdom. Now, I'm not
debating Jesus’s death, or even how he died, or even that he willingly went to the cross on our behalf.

Scripture is quite clear about this and Jesus is in agreement. But, Jesus did ask for a stay of execution.
Three times in fact! (Matthew 26 “Father, let this cup pass from me…”) His stay was not granted and
Jesus was executed.

A few questions to ponder: How does  the death penalty impact society today? How is it that we
explain to our children in any more, or less I should say, graphic detail that someone is executed
by State sanction?

We already have a Savior and we don't need another.

There will be no hand drawn and painted scrolls and there will be no portrait of the Risen prisoner
when someone is executed by electric chair or lethal injection.

If we believe in a God who came to redeem the world, then we can sit securely that our executed will
return to their Maker.

It does no good, in my opinion, to put our children in a bubble and not talk to them about mass
incarceration. Not if we are going to talk to them about Lent -- a steadfast faithful tradition where
we teach them about what a wonderful thing Jesus did.

Most Protestant Christians and Catholics and Orthodox believers walked around yesterday with a
black cross on their forehead.

We are reminded of our mortality.

We are reminded of our broken lives and our broken world.

We are reminded that we are in need of something good and holy to reconcile us back to  our Maker.

I'm reminded of the goodness in the world when I look at these beautiful scrolls and this beautiful
portrait of the Risen Christ.

I'm reminded of what is good and pure and holy in this world.

Human hands dedicated their time, talent and treasure...from Death Row... people who shouldn't
really even give a damn...but still do.

As you journey through Lent this season, I invite you to take a deeper look  at the underside of life.

The side that makes you uncomfortable.

The side that makes you want to look away.

The side that makes you want to shelter your children.

And then, I invite you to LEAN IN  TO LENT.

The Stations of the Cross remind us that Christ willingly died for ALL people, regardless of
their station in life.

For more information on the Lutheran Church (ELCA) click here
For more information on the Lutheran Church concerning Criminal Justice click here
For more information on Dawn Bennett click here

Hollowed Out

Hollowed Out

It’s hard to go through life feeling like a carved pumpkin. Sometimes the faces can be scary. Sometimes they are funny, but never does it feel good to have your guts ripped out. 

What I have found to be helpful in these times is to write a gratitude list.

It may be hard to find things that I am grateful for, but that’s when the real digging begins.

Dust off the shovel and till the soil of your life.

Are you breathing? Have you been given a new day in which to make free choices? Do you have ONE friend in whom you can confide?

It’s a good day.

When your guts are lying on the ground and your seeds are scattered, that is the time to look for the remnant that remains. Life can be hard.

But, if there is breath in your body, you have found a shred of gratitude.

Most pumpkins wind up with a candle inside to light up the darkness. This is the time to take your hollowed out self and bring in some light. Sit. Rest. Glow.

It’s hard to go through life feeling like a carved pumpkin, hollowed out. 

But finding the little things in life to be grateful for: breath, free choice, the comfort of a friend…it’s a good day.

It's A Good Friday

It's later in the month, later than I'd like it to be actually. I've been waiting for inspiration to give you something I felt was worth reading. It finally came today. It's true, it's real, it's honest. It's a page from my journal this morning. I know I'm not the only one in this quagmire, maybe that's why I felt it's worth reading. Happy Easter to all of humanity.

.....

"It’s a Good Friday!

Abba, so much is changing, but you have stayed the same. The tomb is empty this morning. No one knows where you are or where you went.

This season of Lent has been so incredibly painful. I’ve been so far from you – and so close to you. I’m scared, I’m isolated, I’m exhausted, I’m angry, I’m so incredibly sad. I’m eager, I’m demanding, I’m questioning, I’m forgetful, I’m desperate. I have anxiety; I’ve traveled far and wide to find peace – to create peace – to upset peace – and to enjoy the peace. It’s Good Friday, and like the rest of the fold, I’m seeking because the tomb is empty and I don’t know where you went.

Ferguson is still looking for you. Naples says they have you, the golden roads are supposed to prove that. Nashville sings all about you, but the people are still dying of hunger and thirst.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to see you in everything and be grateful, because honestly, when I don’t get what I want (and the way I perceive I need it to be), I think you either suck or you’re looking at someone else’s life. I mean, there’s lots of us down here trying to figure this crazy shit out. Maybe you got me mixed up?

It’s supposed to rain here Sunday – I’m looking forward to that. Everything is better after some cleansing rain. The sun will surely rise and shine, that’s all it knows how to do. Thanks for that too.

Thanks for never taking your eye off me. I’ll try to reciprocate that a bit better today. I love you."

Welcome Home Prodigal Me

Welcome home, prodigal self. There’s a story in the Bible about a son who took off with all of the blessings his dad gave him. His brother was really jealous because he stayed behind as the responsible one. The prodigal, however, took off and had a great time, but ultimately rendering himself broke, hungry and without adequate shelter.

He came to the end of himself. He made the brave decision to go home. As the story is told, the father saw him coming back from out in the distance and decided to throw a party.

Many of us have been the prodigal in our own lives and have had a tendency to punish ourselves time and time again without ceasing. We drive us to the end of ourselves. Then, in a very narcissistic but self-imposing way we cry why is my life such crap? How did I get here? Is it ever going to get better?

How about this. What if, you saw yourself, your prodigal self that is, off in the distance and you decided to throw yourself a party. Just as the biblical version tells it. Pull out the fine red robe, the signet ring, the fatted calf! All of it! Because you know what? When you’ve been to the end of yourself and you survive it – it’s worth a party.

The journey to the center of our birth, as my prior January post explains, is a long and sometimes treacherous road. It very rarely goes as planned and for most of us, there are lots of bumps and bruises (and maybe a few stitches and broken bones) along the way. So, when you make it back, you’ve earned a celebration.

What if I have no one to greet me, you think? YOU are there, are you not? That’s the only greeting you really need. After all, no one knows the details of the journey quite like you.

Listen, all I’m suggesting is that you treat yourself like the royalty you ARE, instead of adopting the idea of what you think you ought to be. Every one of us is a diamond in the rough. The number of cuts in a diamond determines the glisten. Well, there are never going to be enough “cuts” to make what you perceive, but the “cuts” you do have, the one’s that make you shine like the gem you are, you already have them. Every last one, you earned them. Along your road, remember?

Anyone who says they are not a prodigal, or has not had a prodigal experience is a liar.  Or an alien. Part of being a human being is coming to the end of yourself at certain times in life. Then, having to figure out how to get back on track and move forward.

Let’s talk a minute about the prodigal’s brother. He wasn’t perfect either. Jealousy is not handsome (or pretty, ladies). It is possible part of the reason you had a prodigal moment is because of rejection or neglect. Maybe you got the short end of a sharp stick. It happens. We’re all prodigals. We’re all humans (not aliens). So, when you turn to go back home, if you’re met with a negative Nate or Nellie, just walk on by.

The robe is yours to wear, the signet ring is your size and is yours to wear. The fatted calf has been prepared with sides and desserts, in your honor. Eat, drink and celebrate. You made it back. Now, shine on you crazy diamond.

Journey To the Center of My Birth

   Happy New Year! For some 2016 has been declared as the turn-around year. For others, it will be a year of traveling in the same direction, only deeper, and perhaps at a faster clip. And, that may or may not be a good thing. Time will tell.

                For me, I’m hoping for a bit of both actually. You see, for me, 2016 is going to be a year of great change. And it won’t all be good change. Or will it? Change is one of the only guarantees in the Universe. We can embrace it, reject it, rail against it, work in harmony with it, question it or just observe it. Whatever we choose to do, change is inevitable. In Ecclesiastes 3:4, the Bible talks about a time for all things under the sun. I believe this is true and I also believe that not all change is looked upon as welcomed. For part of this year, I will have that attitude I expect.

                We are each on a private journey to discover who we are, in the midst of where we are. Where we are physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. We must learn to look upon this journey as a necessity rather than a burden, even when the journey is through a dry and weary land. Being a human being is the most excruciating journey we will ever encounter. This is a strong statement and I admit that. But, selah (from Hebrew, meaning, “pause and think on this”). 

                If we are a people whose belief and trust are in something or someone bigger than us, then we are sure to resonate with that infamous lyric so eloquently stated by Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need.” Believers in God will undoubtedly admit that there are times we wonder where the hell God is in a particular situation. When we can’t see the forest through the trees. Sometimes we can’t even see the trees. But God has clearer vision. That’s where our hope lies.

                The journey to the center of our birth is a requirement for all of us, to figure out where we came from, where we are and more decidedly, where we want to go. In 2016 many of us will travel through fire to get to our next place. For some, a smooth sail down a quiet stream will be in store. Others will be led into a desert and will likely feel the cracked ground beneath their feet and wonder again, where the hell is God? But, have no lingering fear. Notice, I said lingering. Fear is inevitable, even with the good changes that will come our way.

    I think it’s fair to say change and fear live in tandem.

   (I know you’ve heard of the fear of failure. But, have you heard of the fear of success?)

                One important adoption for the coming year of change will be to acquire some type of calming discipline. For some yoga, others running or extreme sports will be needed. Yet for others, prayer and meditation. (Oops! I accidentally typed medication….I corrected the typo, but realized that for some it may very well include medication…and if that’s what it takes, that’s okay too, under a doctor’s supervision of course.) The important thing here is that the journey to the center of your birth will require from you the hardest part of the journey…a decision.

                A few years ago a great philosopher gave me some life changing advice (okay, it was my older brother actually). He said, “Everyone else has an opinion, you have a decision.”

   Here I am again this year looking at some continuing big-life changes. As I recalled that advice, I believe it is still powerful and still true. My decisions may only make sense to me. Your decisions may only make sense to you. To others they may look like delusion or risky. That’s their opinion. I have to decide what it takes for me to be able to travel my journey (and so do you).

                As you look over your new 2016 calendar, you’re only about seven days or so in. You’ve got about another 355 days or so of change waiting for you. So what’s it going to be? Embrace? Reject? Question? Rail? Walk in harmony? Observe? You decide. Let the naysayers and haters have their opinions. Let the loved ones and supporters have their opinions. There’s nothing you can do about what they think of your circumstance or your decision to act (or not).

   They have an opinion. YOU HAVE A DECISION.

                I’d love to tell you to stand tall and face your fears! To roar like a lion! To fight, fight fight! But, the best advice might just be to shut the hell up and let time pass. To cry and lick your wounds in private. To pray and just keep hoping in a brighter day. See, I just have an opinion too. I also have a decision, and it’s no less scary than yours. Being a writer doesn’t grant me any special passes, only a vessel to talk about my life on a public platform, and hope that another beautiful human is somehow inspired.

                The journey to the center of your birth never ends. The journey started before you left the womb and it will continue until you return to the Dust. If you don’t have the moxie to be brave today, don’t fret. Bravery is a relative term (the magazines and media will tell you otherwise though). If you need to retreat today, please do. If you need to run and rage, do so (just don’t hurt anyone else in the process). If you need to stand up for yourself, stand. If you need to sit quietly, sit. There is a time and a season for everything under the sun. Just remember, it’s your journey to the center of your birth. We all have an opinion and we all have a decision. Do what your Spirit calls you to do. Be well. Be loved. Love.

                Be the most authentic version of you you can be today. Don’t lose hope in a brighter tomorrow though. Hope is a vital supply needed for the journey. Find your hope, keep your hope. It’s our birthright.