Fresh in my mind: write when inspired; rest when tired.

He says, “When Paul come to town?” something happens, does something happen when preachers come to town? Is this guy serious? This just doesn’t add up. Doesn’t this place the focus in the wrong place? In Paul’s day, we see God’s kingdom speaking, practically, to social concern and need, and perhaps, that’s why his kingdom message was so powerful, because it spoke practically to the real life social need,

It (God’s Kingdom) challenges the rulers and authority over and over. It was concerned with a this worldly situation not private, individualized, spirituality which wishes to attain heaven someday. Or enlightenment. This is a type of gnosticism.

Why is this so difficult to grasp, to understand? What are we afraid of? Why is there a resistance to this notion in the Christian community? Is it because we’re so concerned with counting numbers?

Look how many souls we won today!”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that before. Yeah, I sometimes even hear it in my sleep. Christians talk about souls (What really is a soul?) and salvation (I’m sure it looks a lot different than we here in the West paint it to be) like nothing else matters.

When I read the NT, I come away with a kingdom story that is thoroughly concerned with the here and now, like Judaism. It’s not about how I might escape or gain salvation. Moreover, the historical record proves this point.

So yeah, back to that idea of people not knowing when a preacher comes to town. This is outrageous. Not trying to be mean here but if this is what it takes to write a commentary, this sort of insight garbage, then maybe I should get into the game. I don’t have a masters yet, and I know this isn’t the aim of the text. By the way, I knew this before finishing my undergraduate studies.

Lastly, maybe, people might know of a “preacher” or church if they actually did something to help renew the communities in need. Sorry brother, we can’t help you get on your feet or food in your stomach or work for your hands or a place to sleep but we can by faith help pray you into heaven!

What a joke.

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Fresh in my mind: write when inspired; rest when tired.

Emotional experiences lead to passionate writing. At least this time. For at least several months now, on and off, I think about confidence. Everyday I remind myself I have what it takes. Everyday I remind myself of my accomplishments. I remind myself about how far I’ve come.

I try to tap into the pain and fear loaded on me as I traveled through the jungle of life, especially those early years of college. I failed one class three times. I’ve failed others as well. I’ll continue to fail from this day forward.

But the story doesn’t end there, no no, it must not stop there. Sadly, for many, it does. But was separates you and me from others, is persistence.

And of course, a willingness to acknowledge failure and fear, but to continue on- to press forward. This requires a short memory. This requires a way of love and forgiveness.  Do we have what it takes to not live in the past? To not remain stuck in the shame and guilt which gives way to depression.

I believe, somehow, through encouragement and transparency which only comes by way of communication, can lead to potential change. Open the blindfolds, reveal your weaknesses but continue to build upon your strengths. We all have weaknesses. It’s what we do in spite of them that matters. The same is true of all life’s happenings.

Know that you can. Tell yourself everyday. You are able. Don’t be afraid of what others think. The gap isn’t as deep and wide as you perceive it to be. Open up to your loved ones. Don’t isolate yourself. You matter. You’re able. You will become stronger.

You’re not worthless. I know you feel weak. I know you believe you can’t do it. But if you continue to believe it, you have your reality. Believe and recreate a new reality.  Remember, you must fight. But you don’t have to fight alone.

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