Holiday Banter & The Terrifying Anonymous Solitude

A Holiday dinner typically brings an ideal space for my outgoing spirit to shine in its fullness - pulling out all the stops - delivering laughter, playful humor, and a toast for whatever the occasion - even if I have to make one up. This year, Kim completed the last of 4 important exams... and dad secured an extension at his work. There's always a reason to raise our glasses, I think - and togetherness and cheer give way to conversation, which I love the most! One meal, we went around the table and offered our favorite Christmas carol and movie - to which I proclaimed the predictable "Chestnuts Roasting... and It's a Wonderful Life" to some groans from the guys but a good feeling in my chest. I love to ask questions about things deeper than many people initially offer - and most find that engaging and meaningful - by the end. The wine helps, but all in all we cover a vast array of topics from parenting, childhood memories, politics, activism, God. This dinner, I found myself chiming in with great ease - filling in each quiet moment with another question, another observation, another joke, another topic. With several of us around the table, there is always someone to pounce on the bait - and so the conversation continues in rapid pace. It works. It's functional, and even appreciated. Its fun to be the "life of the party" as they say! But, this time I reflected on this and realized that the dinner was perfect in nearly every way except that we accomplished a myriad of words and a great pace, but lacked margin, quiet, space. It got me thinking about why we move so fast and what we miss out on. It made me think about how busy we all are - with a good sense of what is important in life, but poor execution year after year. You know, the typical things people on their death beds write poems about: taking walks for our health, wresting with our kids, writing hand written notes to people we care about, praying, and taking time to just rest long enough so we can hear our own thoughts and maintain our bearings.

A good friend gave me a book called Sabbath which I started reading over this holiday. Page 51 offered... For some people, emptiness can feel fertile and spacious, alive with possibility... But others feel emptiness as an ache, a void; something painful, in need of being filled. Most are far more anxious about having to confront whatever will come up in the empty space, when (we) are quiet and alone. Who knows what terror lurks in the anonymous solitude?

As the new year approaches, with it's customary invitation to make resolutions in our lives, I am considering embracing more of this emptiness- more of this intentional quiet and rest. For me, maybe the blessing of being gregarious also comes with an invitation to be more settled the need to rest. I think we are all afraid of the quiet - even the more introverted souls who stay busy at work or in the kitchen or with some other distraction. The invitation to all of us is to pay attention to how we engage conversations, to-do lists, and how much time we set aside for intentional quiet. Who knows what we will hear. It may be terrifying things we have been trying to avoid - or forgiveness we needed to know. I was blessed to find some of both this holiday - and wish the same for you. Happy New Year.

Just One Lesson

As I approach another birthday, I have been thinking a lot. Today, over lunch I was talking with a close friend and we agreed that we once thought, and even hoped, that the lessons we learned in life would stick with us - that we could retain them and build on them, but that has not been my experience with the really important lessons. We get into the hard moments in life (we're out of money and scared, we lost our job and loosing confidence, we lost a dream and now tired of risking again, we lost a friendship and tired of feeling alone). These hard moments seem to come as a total surprise and so we lose our bearings and grasp at false choices. Sometimes we give up and pull back and get depressed and worried like it's all to much to bear and the outlook is utter disaster. I feels hopeless when you just know it will end badly. Sometimes we hold on even tighter and try to make something happen, trying to control the entropy that answers to no one. Headaches set in, and traffic surrounds us. A trip to the wine store or Netflix provide a short-lived distraction... but the darkness is all back before long. It never occurs to us that the lesson we learned in the light (just 10 days ago or 10 months ago) was meant for this very moment. Oh, I remember the small lessons or pithy truths - like "don't cry over spilled milk" or "this too shall pass" and "the sun will come out tomorrow"... but it's the bigger lessons and truths beneath cliches that elude me. Is there someone, namely God, in control of everything? Is there someone who's ultimate plan is good? Does it all fall on my shoulders... or is there a force bigger than me that is blessing me, looking out for me, and even providing for me? If I stumble, will someone help me? In hard economic times like these, most of us will have to learn to live on less, many of us will struggle to make ends meet, while others will not even have bread and milk, let alone presents under a tree for Christmas. I wonder if they feel that God is small and has abandoned them, or if they know their God is big because they see how he helps them find a way every day. So, here I am again, rethinking this lesson... relearning this lesson... and realizing that there may not be 1000 lessons to learn in life; rather just 1 core lesson that we need to re-learn and re-experience a 1000 times.

Lucky

This Thanksgiving, I feel... and maybe more then ever before... I feel... Lucky. My wife, my kids, my work with the Dispensary of Hope, St. B's, new dear friends, supper club, our home. It all takes a lot of hard work, and sacrifices, and willingness to endure set backs and dissapointments... but today, more than anything, I feel fortunate. I feel like I am getting the better end of the deal - blessed and lucky.

Exactly what is "socialism"?

For two years now, we've all been hearing that if Obama gets elected, the forces of socialism would take over our country. Honestly, it sounds scary (like an alien invasion or attack of the body snatchers)... but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that no one ever seemed to explain it or even understand it, so I decided to resist joining the masses in fearing something I didn't understand, and research the topic. Here's some of what I uncovered...

If we were starting a new country, history shows us variations of a few ideologies that orient how a country's economy and government works. To best answer what socialism is, it helps to unpack the extreme opposites of capitalism and communism - which revels socialism's place.

A. Capitalism was founded on concepts from the manuscript "Wealth of Nations." It features: individualism, free markets, profit motive, and private property-in a environment of civil liberties. In it's purist form, it rejects all government regulation and intervention and relies completely on supply and demand forces of a free market. It suggests that wealth is the primary sign of success, whereas the rich deserve to be rich, and the poor deserve to be poor. America and the western world offers examples of how it may be the best structure to offer maximum opportunity and sustainability, but because it favors the rich, its weaknesses are greed and corruption at the top and cyclical poverty at the bottom.

B. Communism started with the observations and questions raised by Marx who wanted to right the wrongs of monarchy and capitalism and achieve Utopia. He articulated the ideals of the common good, social responsibility, economic collectivism, and group ownership. In the 1700's, Lenin applied this ideology by forming Communist Russia where the state controlled all industry, wealth, and land ownership to ensure equal housing, wages, benefits. The former USSR, Cuba, and China offer examples of how communist dictatorships demand citizen compliance, control the press, and realize mixed economic results but limited freedom.

So, as I'm understanding it, capitalism and communism could be considered opposites - both in terms of economic drivers and individual freedoms. So, I'm convinced that some of Communism's ideals are not all bad (common good) but capitalism is superior if you actually want the economy to work and citizens to be free. So, it appears there is a reasonable argument that capitalism requires modifications to achieve the "common good" - and this is why various government interventions are added. It's not a replacement model like Communism, rather an attempt to create a hybrid mix of the best of capitalism and the best of communism's ideals. Looking for an example? Look no further then America! Yes, the US model is NOT pure capitalism. To try to correct the shortfalls of capitalism, we've added Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, unemployment benefits, and other social services. Now, we can debate if the government has already gone too far, and that Obama would take us further... but my friends (thank you Mr. McCain), we are already a part capitalistic and part socialistic nation.

The Beginning of the End of the "Religious Right"?

Remember the good old days when political categories were simple and predictable? Democrats represented unions, teachers, the poor, and the liberals (aka the godless Left)... while Republicans could always count on big corporations, hunters, seniors and God-fearing church-going folk (aka the "Religious Right"). But is this still true today?

The 2008 election of Senator Obama, and a modest overthrow of the Republicans in Congress reveals that the categories are shifting. Did you know that per NYT Exit Polls Obama made gains among religious voters - attracting Catholic (54%) and Jewish (78%) votes, and even Protestant and Evangelical voters(45%)? It's interesting that so many Jewish Americans supported a man that the GOP tried to cast as Muslim and not pro-Israel (and then just today Obama selected a Jewish man to be his Chief of Staff). It's also interesting that Obama attracted 43% of all people who "attend church at least once a week" - so either churches have lost their way, or maybe Obama stands for enough priorities that fit inside their Christian world view. Granted John McCain won the votes of more of white Evangelicals, but it was by a smaller margin than President Bush won in 2004 and many younger voters that I have met who go to church saw the 2008 election as an opportunity to rethink their faith and politics - and we've not been comfortable landing in the stereotype of the "religious right" of the Republican party. Some did not vote republican for the first time and voted independent or for Obama. So what is the explanation of this exodus from the "Religious Right" by so many church-going people?

I read an interesting article today that offered an explanation... Some theologians suggest that the religious shift signals the emergence of a faith-based coalition that will counterbalance or, perhaps, replace the religious right. It’s made up of mainline religious progressives, black and Hispanic Evangelicals, and a growing number of younger, white Evangelicals and Catholics.
A “whole new faith coalition is coming together and reaching out to allies in other faith traditions, both Jewish and Muslim,” says Jim Wallis, a theologian on religion and public life. “The generational shift [among Evangelicals and Catholics] is very significant. Many young Christians cast a post-religious-right ballot.” Other analysts say Obama did make inroads with younger white evangelicals in key states like Colorado and Indiana, where he boosted his support among Evangelicals by 14 percentage points and 8 percentage points, respectively, over Kerry’s 2004 levels.

So I wonder... Is this a reflection of a younger generation that is not as traditionalist... or is it possible that God is actually neither a Republican or a Democrat - and one party does not own Him... and both sides reflect priorities that matter to thoughtful Christians. As a former "Right-wing" Republican, I recommend that the GOP and conservative Christians in particular resist "The Sky is Falling" dismay, and in stead do some soul searching and look again at the broader list of priorities that matter to God. Otherwise, they are going to continue to lose voters - and before long there will be a voting block called the "Religious Left" who are still pro-life and pro-marriage but also identify with broader moral values of stewardship - around poverty, health care, creation-care, and womb to tomb right to life - that inspires creative solutions to balance personal responsibility with the common good.

The Day After America Elected Obama

Last night, nearly 100 million citizens engaged in their democracy and showed up to pull the lever - and the conclusion is that, for the first time in a long time, we voted down the Republican candidates and voted up the Democrats and the first black President? At the same time, we voted in California, to uphold the traditional and Biblical definition of marriage, while allowing doctor assisted end of life measures and legal use of "illegal" drugs.

Senator Obama's first words as President-elect showed promise of humility, inclusiveness, and pragmatic problem solving. Only time will tell what these soaring words will look like - but I expect a thoughtful decision maker, who leans on the pragmatic needs of the country as a whole more than making the Democratic majority congress happy. I could be dead wrong, but so could the scared conservative nay-sayers.... and only time will tell. For now, over 60,000,000 Americans voted for Obama - and he deserves a chance, our support, and let's see what happens.

Daddy, will you still like me if I play for the NY Giants?

I was sitting on a stuffed blue child-sized chair with my 5-year old on Sunday while watching a captivating episode of "Little Bear." Sometime after the duck and his friend started having a tea party, my son looked up at me and blurted out, "Dad, I was thinking that when I grow up I want to be a spaceman.... and (long thinking pause) a football player. But not for your team, the Eagles. No, I will be a football player for the Giants. Dad, if I play for the NY Giants, will you still like me then? My son adds... "Because, I really want you to still like me all the time."

I shifted 100% of my attention to this little boy's central question. It is my question and your question. Whatever the "if", we need to have someone respond with an emphatic yes, That they will always still like us. I looked down at my son, and said "I will like you and love you no matter what... and if you play football for the NY Giants, I will jump up and down and cheer for you." He just turned and started watching Little Bear again... but we both knew that while Daddy is an Eagles fan through and through, something even more important was just established between us. Later that day, it just so happened that the Eagles game was not shown in our area, but the Giants and Cowboys game was. So, I cheered with my son - and his aunt and uncle visiting from out of town - and just so happened that the Giants won!

The Silver Bullet Against Obama!

I was recently presented with the transcript of the Obama radio interview that was supposedly kept secret until now to the delight of a hopeful come-from-behind GOP ticket. I was curious, as I am much more a fan of the whole truth than I am any party or candidate, so I read it eagerly. While this is an interesting discussion, I did NOT find a silver bullet against Obama. First of all, the facts... then a note about political tactics.
It appears that Obama, serving as a law professor at the time of the interview, was using the constitutional law language of "redistribution" - which we, understandably, would confuse with the typical socialism concept. As is noted further down in the commentary, Obama was making a point similar to MLK, about how the founding father's crafted the constitution so it provides basic general rights - and the grammar happens to be where most is stated in negative (states may not do x, y, z), but it does not say what you have to do - and certainly not in specifics, as this was left to the States (aka "Federalism"). Obama agreed that the Constitution's role is to provide these general boundaries... and then the states and federal legislature's role is to flesh out the details of how those rights are ensured. (Note this is rather conservative, not liberal, theory Obama is agreeing with here). In some cases, the courts get involved to try to interpret the constitution and subsequent laws - and sometimes they are criticized for legislating to try to make something wrong right. It's not a strick conservative approach for sure, but I can appreciate how just because something is law does not make it right or relevant - and changes (i.e. amendments and new laws) are needed for our documents to be moral. MLK made the point that the constitution did not specifically say that black Americans have the right to vote, so the civil rights movement needed to push to have legislation ensure that. Once that was in place... MLK make the point that the right to vote still did not address the closely related factors that caused the injustice - like poverty and work place discrimination - and ultimately real change requires the change of the heart. Apparently, the legal way to state how the intention of laws need to trickle down into the reality of positive social change is accurately called "redistribution of wealth" - meaning that the stated benefits of the constitution and new legislation (words) are realized by the people in need of it(action). It has NOTHING to do with taxing rich people and giving it to poor people. It's has EVERYTHING to do with how our government, constitution, and laws actually protect and benefit citizens.
Now to political tactics. I find it interesting that this is circulating with 1 week to go... because it has been out there all along, and if it was a real silver bullet, they would have used it a long time ago... but now that there is desperation... along comes the totally false smear. Even Obama's recent comment about "spread the wealth around" was not about socialism - as there is a lot of ground between communism/socialism and top-heavy system that favors the rich and the powerful. It starts with getting back to a level playing field (the very rich and corporations can hide their money in shelters from taxes... while you and I can not)... and then our tax policy flows from that based on a responsible balanced budget. I'm not a law professor nor a political hawk, so if I got this wrong, please let me know. Meanwhile, I do know that individual responsibility and contribution and the common good are not mutually exclusive - and we need both.

Confessions from a Former Right Wing Republican - Part 2

After college, I took a good look at the uncomfortable ideas Jesus talked about. He had this troubling way of challenging the cultural, religious, and political lines and reminding us that we’re all equal – equally wrong and he wasn't impressed. Furthermore, he had a thing for siding with the poor, powerless, the ugly and outcasts. To make matters worse, I read much of the New Testament recently, and oddly enough, never heard him tout the American dream, capitalism or even challenge gay marriage or pro choice (not that He did not care about these single issue voter “hot buttons”). He said he did not come to judge the world, as we had already judged ourselves as lost and needy, rather he came to heal the sick, stand up for the prostitutes, and invite all of us into his redeeming love – and then called us to pass on that love. Oh, and not just to other white conservative Americans, but to the terrorist – and even our neighbors who migrated here from Mexico and don’t speak English very well yet (but remember, "English Only" is something we should really fight for!). The scriptures went on teach us to actively make peace and to go directly to people where there are a problems(which is now being cast as a risky approach if a president did this). Most of Jesus' kingdom of God ideas are pretty risky, you know. Jesus did not spend any time at political cocktail parties; rather he seemed to move in the direction of people like us – people who come from every-day disappointment and disorder. He associated with the crooks from Wall Street and the strippers from Las Vegas and ate dinner at the pubs with the blue collar drunks. He seemed to have a broad definition of "pro life"... while, in contrast, many in my former party hate abortion and defend the rights of unborn babies (as do I), but also speak as though they hate immigrants, hispanics, blacks, and the poor, and certainly sinners and the French. Is that really "pro-life" or just pro-life, if the baby is a white, conservative American baby? It strikes me that Jesus lingered with the crack addicts at the homeless shelters... and I think he only went to church one time - and he got mad at them. So, he took the time to get to know you and me - and saw the unpredictable dad who alternated abuse and pizza-nights in lieu of an apology. He saw the hunger and embarrassment of poverty, or a cruel sibling that carelessly wounded with lasting insults. He saw the school-yard bully who stole your lunch or a thin-crazy-culture that told you that you were not beautiful – while persistent boys that told you otherwise - only to steal some of that beauty. For many of us, childhood insecurities blossomed in to high school pressures, which were confronted by loneliness or broken-hearted-ness or both. Next, college yielded thought-formation and freedom but also financial debts and a new identity crisis. By the time we reached 30, we were either single, trying to be content with a condo and a cat, or married with two kids and a stuck in the corporate rat race. Along the way, we may have stayed in church, leaving behind some of what we were told to believe while finding some of it as our own. But still, the inner voice is restless because we’re still not totally sure who we are, if we are beautiful, if we are loved, if we are more than just our resumes and reputations. And since we are not sure, we either do the best we can to stay on this road less traveled and do the hard work of figuring out these questions later in life or… we just try to forget all the questions and trade them in for membership to a club where we cling to a set of rigid ideologies that bring a sense of order an identity. Essentially, we join an “us” – so we belong. Unfortunately, this often involves a harsh definition of a “them” – and we end up being more against something then for something. And the only sanity - the only alternative is the stuff Jesus talked about and the invitation for us to find belonging with him.

I did. And it did not let me stay so blindly attached to a political site, so, I left the Rebuplican party. If you were overly loyal to the Democrat party, you may find yourself needing to leave as well. And ironically, while I am now somewhat of a problem to my friends... in leaving the "right" club that promised belonging, I have actually found a place where I really belong.

Confessions from a Former Right-Wing Republican - Part 1

I started thinking about how good it used to be some years ago when I was a clear-cut, die-hard Rush Limbaugh republican. I belonged. I knew I was right and I knew the other side was dead wrong. There was a clear bold line to not cross, and both God and... Ronald Regan himself were on my side. Even at a young age, that was comforting to me. It was also intellectually stimulating, as I was learning a logic and language and I could argue a lot of points, and where my arguments broke down, I could rely on the obvious attacks of “liberal”, “socialist”, “left-wing”, and “godless”. To make it feel even more "right", I was was taught these things by the people who taught me about God and church. But, even as a little boy – it did not sit right in my soul... and I think that was when my loyalty to the republican party felt its first crack.

I grew up being told that Catholics don’t go to heaven. My father had his reasons, but seemed to hate gospel choirs, Martin Luther King and all black people. I have been told countless times that the King James Version is the only “real” Bible. I’ve heard immigrants labeled as worthless, the poor disregarded as lazy people who deserve what they get and anyone of Middle Eastern dissent as terrorists. Do you see what was offered to me? I was young and needed to belong - and both belonging and being right were mine and all I had to do was just agree with everyone around me. But, it still did not seem to square with most of what I heard about in church. I was just a kid, but it did not seem like Jesus hated so much. Still, I observed that belonging seemed to requrie that we carve out a homogeneous high ground where we feel superior and right – and then systematically use a blade to cut out, and cut off literally millions of people, or worse yet, our next door neighbors, with disdain. And somehow, we do this with a warped gratification like we did God a favor by ridding the world of parts of his created image he mistakenly loved. I know what it's like to grow up in an unsafe storm, but are we so loved deprived that we are willing to have so much hate? Is this part of why America is so divided, where now, as adults, In the midst of living life, we have some 300 million people who are constantly being courted by two polarizing sides – who offer belonging and identity and the satisfaction of being on the right side. This is true in politics, but it’s also with religion… and, according to Jesus, it’s a false choice and a counterproductive allegiance. So, I am no longer a right-wing republican – but I am also not a democrat. It’s not a third party thing, and it’s bigger than populism.

David Dark reminded me in his book The Gospel According To America that “…our desire for a quick fix, a to-do list, or an easy explanation of whom we’re supposed to love and who’s most deserving of our wrath is born of a natural need for meaning and order. We want answers and resolution, and we’ll pledge allegiance to whatever personality or principality can give it to us the quickest.”

"Soccer Dads" for... ???

For the last 10 weeks, my wife and I have been enjoying watching our 5 year old son, Jamieson play soccer with his new 4-5 year old friends: Leo, Daniel, Sam, Ellory, and Tate and coach Brett.  Today, was the last game, and Jamieson had moments of glory (scoring 3, count em, 3 goals!) as well as moments of distraction (look at that red balloon) and mindlessly going the wrong way! As the game finished, I glanced down the fields (we were one of 8 games) and noticed an overwhelming majority of... Dads!  What about the "soccer mom" norm?  Granted, there were still a host of minivans, but it appears that Dad's have stepped up to the plate (sorry, wrong sports analogy) and are taking over as sideline cheerleaders!  This got me thinking about politics again.  We've all heard a lot of talk about "Soccer Moms" and "Hockey Moms" representing the middle class, hard working, family values voters - who are destined to support Palin and the Republican ticket. So, is it fair to conclude that if Soccer Moms are for Palin/McCain, then this new revolution of progressive, involved "Soccer Dads" are for Obama? 

As for me... this "Soccer Dad" is mostly just for... my 5 year old son - and the spontaneous joy he (and I) felt this morning, oblivious of the high price of gas or the decreased value of my 403b, when he kicked the ball into the goal and threw his hands up into the clear blue sky to celebrate a moment even bigger than Nov 4th.!  

Politics aside...how do I elect the right wine?

Did you know that only 12% of all wine consumers are considered "enthusiasts"? That leaves 88% of us who buy wine in a wine store in the less celebrated categories that include "overwhelmed"! I was thinking about the last time I walked into a wine store: I started by looking around for clues to get my bearings (Is this set up by country? by grape? by bottle size? by some color coded system?), and then see the store clerk heading my way. To fair... I know they are really really smart people who drink lots of wine (herein lies the fine line between being an expert and an alcoholic) and know how to read all the funny labels and pronounce all the grapes, and I know they are trying to be helpful, but I am feeling the a building sense of pressure to think of something fast to avoid this conversation. I just know they are going to ask me questions I don't know the answers to. I quickly try to decide on red or white. I consider calling my wife to see what we're having for dinner or if she has a preference, but then remember someone telling me that the pairing rule has changed and everything goes with everything now. Scrap that idea. I like big reds, but am trying to branch out and try more white. I get distracted by an interesting label with a purple frog, and then realize the clerk is even closer now. Hurry up, Dan! I run through the list of the wines I've enjoyed recently (Kline Cab, Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc, La Crema Chardonnay, and what was the name of that Malbec Jimmy suggested?). I nod at the clerk and pivot towards the blends, trying to illustrate my decisiveness, but he follows me and asks if he can recommend anything. Pause. What if wine store clerks found a way to help me figure out what I like rather than just pushing what they like? Wouldn't that be a better way to create an experience and keep me as a loyal (and now educated) customer. Imagine if you went into Starbucks and stood in line for your chance to have the kid behind the counter suggest his favorite latte... and then you agreed to buy it thinking "I'll give it a try". We do that in a wine store all the time, except the price is $10 instead of $3. There must be a better way. In fact, a friend of mine (Reb) and I are trying to crack this nut and figure out how to use pictures to illustrate what each wine tastes like and make these available in wine stores and through hand-held mobile devices so you can be empowered to make your own enlightened decisions. Meanwhile, don't be alarmed if you find me wandering aimlessly around in your local wine store trying to avoid an awkward conversation while looking for the perfect wine to go with dinner and ease the pain of this never-ending political season. For more information: go to http://www.vintagegraphs.com/index.html

Does it matter how experienced you are if you are wrong and out of touch?

Now that Sunday afternoon football is behind us (with the Titans winning a punishing brawl only paralled by modern partisan politics... and all thanks to the the arm and experience of the second-string journeyman QB, Collins who replaced Vince Young, the superstar with potential but undeveloped leadership), I am starting to shift my thoughts to Tuesday's presidential debate - where unlike the NFL, experience does not seem to be winning out. As Nashville's own Belmont University is navigating it's recent controversial departure from it's conservative Baptist roots, it is preparring to host Senators McCain and Obama as they too offer a contrast of republican traditionalism and democratic relevance, and the risks of each. For all the critique of both Obama and Palin as too inexperienced, how can it be that they are the ones who have captured the hearts and minds of voters on their respective sides? Is it due to thier shared "out-sider" perspective? Is it Palin's folksy approach and Obama's new language and vision for this country? It's telling that while America may find valid comfort in experience, we are now even more motivated by the opportunity to see real change, and we are seeing it in the persons of Sara and Barack... the only challenge is that you really don't want the draw of your ticket to be the VP... so Obama has a decided edge. Obama's inexperience was challenged early on as a liability (and his presidency is certainly a calculated risk), but if the choice is between experienced, but wrong or inexperienced, and right... then maybe experience does not matter.

If I were debating McCain

As I watched the first presidential debate, I couldn't help but offer my minor league swing at a few softball comments that deserved much better answers. Remember, Senator Obama was the underdog, but showed presidential composure, knowledge of the complicated issues, concise 1-2-3 proposals… all while providing a window into how he has, and will engage members of both parties, and foreign leaders – with intellectual generosity, warm but strong diplomacy, and the confidence to look the "other guy" in the eye. Still, if I was advising Obama, I'd suggest...

1. When Sen. McCain rants about what he sees when he looks Putin in the eye… I'd love to see Sen. Obama challenge him by saying… "How can you look dangerous world leaders in the eye – when you can't even look me in the eye?"

2. When Sen. McCain mocks the idea of Sen. Obama meeting with world leaders America has issues with – saying what will that look like… when Iran says they are going to destroy Israel, and you're going to say, "No you wont"…. I'd love to see Sen. Obama say… "As the American people have seen tonight, I take the approach of strong diplomacy, just like I have tonight with you John. When there is common ground, I readily embrace it am not afraid to state it. When you are wrong, I tell you are wrong. It has been said… Stay close to your friends, and even closer to your enemies."

3. When discussing lessons from the war in Iraq, and whether the surge was the right strategy… I'd love to hear Sen. Obama say… "The lessons are 2-fold. It was the wrong war, AND the wrong strategy. So, while I agree with Sen. McCain that we finally fixed the 2nd problem… the right strategy for the wrong war – is still the wrong war!" - What Sen McCain is saying is like… the means justify the end.

4. When talking about values, I'd love to hear Obama say... "As a Christian, I believe in the over-arching responsibility of STEWARDSHIP – which applies to everything I will do as President… From stewardship of the earth and this country's resources... Stewardship of our economy – ensuring Wall Street is responsible for monies Main Street has entrusted to it...
Stewardship of government – and the power to work not only for one's constituents, but for the common good... Stewardship of our family responsibilities – for dads to be fathers, and children to be safe and hopeful for a better future... Stewardship of our neighbors and communities – helping those are trying to climb out of being poor and uninsured – knowing that we are only as strong as our weakest link.

How close is the election???

If the election were today, the electoral college projections are: Obama wins by: 12 votes!

Obama: 238
McCain: 227

http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/president/whos-ahead/key-states/map.html

The Revealing Stage of Politics

In response to a recent article about how Sara Palin, republican running mate of John McCain drew over 6000 people in a recent political event in Florida - my response is...
Good for Palin! I’m sure this feels like a wild ride, and one she never expected. On one hand, it’s great to see so many citizens get energized and being involved. So many people seem to resonate with her hometown values and outdoors activities – I just hope she uses the stage carefully. I hope she illustrates those values with a dialogue that is bold, but also humble and uplifting to America – not divisive. I agree with her on faith, life, stewardship of resources, and other issues – but I’m also looking to see if that faith perspective translates into moving people together or just typical – "We’re republicans and democrats are stupid" talk. Some of the ads have been a bit slimy recently and that is not the direction we need to go. Case in point… at the convention – Palin as well as the 3 guys who spoke before her were making the point that Obama’s resume is short and all made a point to mock Obama for community service in the poorest section of Chicago. Here was a chance to play much smarter politics, while also maintaining Christian virtue. They could/should have said… We applaud Obama’s story because it represents an unlikely story that can only happen in America! We applaud Obama’s choices in life as a young man – because community service represents the best of American generosity and we encourage the youth of America to follow that example… However, community service does not qualify a person to be President of the US! Do you see what I mean?

If McCain-Palin and Obama-Biden are confident in their character, message, their record, and their vision – they should run on that. If they want to promote their Christian faith in God – then it should not come out in mockery. So, I hope this is the largest turn out ever – and people stop allowing government to be something they just passively pay taxes to – and try to ignore. Someone once said that every bill out of DC is a moral document… it reflects who we are and what we believe to be important. It can also be said of every political commercial, speech, and debate. I think the next few weeks will show either strength of character and Christian virtues – or lack thereof. Certainly, the issues before us (with the unbelievable financial bailouts and extremist terrorism) call for a careful choice here. So, while it’s great to see so many people excited (about Palin on one side and Obama on the other), I care less about the excitement factor – and more about how that leader is using that stage of opportunity – to play off our existing divides and cynicism OR to remind us of a higher calling and that which unites us around these all important issues.

Not very funny

If you don't at least occasionally discuss what goes on in your head with a therapist, I'd recommend it. I was talking with mine recently, and I recalled how, as a child, my father would often position himself at the top of the stairs and keep yelling "Who do you think I am?", "I am your FATHER!" and other booming shock and awe type declarations to intimidated his children and demand respect. I remember laughing a little inside, thinking what a poor memory he must have to have to keep asking us such an obvious question. But this was my father's way of demanding his form of police-state control. He was a former cop, and I think it never left him. To this day, I am unnerved when I think a police car may be about to pull me over. I never think of cops as public "servants" - I control my nervousness and remember to only say "yes sir". My childhood was an unsafe playground. It was promoted as a Disney movie to the outside world, but all too often playing out like a Hitchcock gotcha! or Steven King horror. Like most kids, we rode bikes and built snow forts, and ate ice cream. We were also locked outside the house many Saturdays, missed out on the love of a father, witnessed the abuse of our mother, and felt deeply afraid. I hated the pain my family lived in, so I learned to find humor in life. I learned to make humor in life and became the family comedian and peace maker. I lightened the mood and pulled tricks out of my hat all in hopes to distract us from our reality and pass the time till we could escape. I specifically remembered one time when dad stood at the top of the stairs after he was in a rage. He yelled at me "You think everything is a big joke! Everything is NOT a big joke!" Those words stung this little boy. He created the pain that demanded a way to cope. He forced me to cling to humor - and now he mocked me for clinging to all I had. Once he realize that hurt me, he said it many times again. Now, as an adult, I still cling to humor as a way to dilute the pain and disappointments of life. I wonder if growing more healthy means being less funny? At this point, I just see things differently - and naturally see the humor. But I may need to sit in some of these moments and let the humor pass by - and just say that I am hurt when I am hurt. And Dad, if you are listening... You were right, and now I am not smiling. I am not joking. I am hurt. I see myself standing at the top of the stairs and I see you, a little boy still wanting someone to tell you who you are - but I can't fix that for you. All I can do is suggest that you too find a good shrink.

Are we really in a healthcare crisis?

These are people I have met - who are uninsured, and thankfully, the Dispensary of Hope played a small part in helping them. You won't believe the stories...

A 70 year old man qualifies for Medicare but has to work as the grounds keeper at the town cemetery to make ends meet and still cannot afford Part D Rx coverage. With no hope for retirement, he works full time yet has no employer coverage… and cares for his bed-ridden aging wife, who suffers from several diseases and daily debilitating migraine headaches. Without any other hope or other options, he goes to the Shelbyville Community Clinic who gives him a weekly supply of medicine for his wife– sourced from the Dispensary of Hope. I saw a hard-working man with dirty rough hands; hallow eyes, but a heart made of gold. Most likely he will never travel the world or enjoy afternoon golf as so many seniors do… meanwhile, his wife’s headaches probably stem from a larger issue but they can’t afford the cost of finding out. Harsh realities have robbed them both of their “golden years” - but he did not complain and was so grateful that somebody cared, and someone could help ease the pain.


A 40 year old single mom with 3 kids works full time but has no health insurance – and tries to make ends meet with income below poverty level. Already strained, stressed, and without hope for a happy ending to her financial or healthcare situation, she broke her leg in multiple places last week. In terrible pain, she drove herself to the local ER – but the hospital was in the process of moving locations and the wait time would be up to 8 hours. Despite the agony, she was the only guardian of her children and needed to go home. On the way, she stopped at the local community clinic – which provided pain medicine provided by the Dispensary of Hope. The clinic also called in a favor to a nearby surgery center who reluctantly agreed to schedule the patient for the next morning. After enduring the pain and discomfort of a broken leg all night long, she drove herself to the surgery center only to meet an office manager who acknowledged her appointment time but insisted of a $15 co-pay… on the spot. Embarrassed and undone… the patient did not have $15 – but promised to pay it over a few weeks… but the policy won out over compassion – and this woman was turned away for three five dollar bills. If only the clinic had known how poor the family was, they would have given her the money from their own pockets. Think about it… she was turned away for 3 five dollar bills.


One more…
A 50+ year old homeless man people call “Harley” lives downtown and rides his tattered 10-speed bike to work most mornings. He stands in line in hopes that there is construction work and earns $6 hour with no health care benefits. He gets colds and the flu like everybody does, but six months ago, he broke his right collar bone on a job site. With no workers compensation coverage or healthcare benefits, he hoped the local ER would have mercy on him. He waited for hours with the rest of the paying and non-paying patients in this Metro hospital – all waiting their turn based on triage nurse assessment. 5 hours later, they gave him shots for the pain, but turned him away after he did not have $60 payment to arrange surgery. I have since called the hospital directly and confirmed that they enact this policy. Harley seems like a tough guy, but I can’t imagine the pain of getting back on his 10-speed and riding back to the bridge he slept under at that time. In the following days, Harley approached the local clinics and got more medicine to ease the pain… but he needed surgery. I met Harley 6 months after this incident on a mobile loaves and fish sack lunch delivery and was shocked and appalled when he pulled down his t-shirt to reveal his clavicle (collar bone) was never operated on, still broken, and sticking up about 4 inches from his shoulder. Harley had gone back to different hospitals but was turned away each time and eventually gave up – accepting the idea that he would live the rest of his life with a broken collar bone. He said the pain is only unbearable in the winter – when the temperature gets really cold…

There Is No Medicine Like Hope

Nearly 47 million Americans are uninsured – with 16 million struggling to manage serious chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure – just like the rest of us who are fortunate enough to currently have insurance. Most work at least part time, but as fewer companies offer health insurance, and healthcare costs continue to rise, over 105 million Americans have incomes less than 200% of the poverty level and cannot afford essential medicines. While many communities are trying to provide a primary care “safety net”, nearly 25% of the uninsured admit they have not visited a health professional in the past year, and many just wait till they are sick enough to go to the Emergency Department. One study found that over 30% of Emergency Department visits were non-emergent or avoidable with earlier care – while the system tries to absorb the $40 billion in uncompensated care each year. For those who accessed care, nearly 60% could not afford to obtain the medicine prescribed to treat their condition– and go without. But there is HOPE. To see waht I am working on these days.... go to http://www.dispensaryofhope.org/

The Unspoken Dare of New Orleans

So, this is what a 4-star hotel looks like, feels like. The ATM is encased in wood trim and the elevator interior is plush with raised ornate cloth. In my room, there is a 47inch flat screen TV and rich burgundy, green, and gold colors. The bathroom offers thick towels and a terrycloth robe – which I didn’t wear but was tempted to steal – like I’ve heard about on TV or the movies. The toilet paper was folded to a point and sealed with a gold foil. The king size bed was welcoming with its array of down pillows covered by a royal emblem prominently displayed. The tall window sheers opened into a garden and pool… but the energy lived not inward but outward where the hotel sits, on the corner of Conti and the famous Bourbon Street.

Leaving the clean and pristine environment of the hotel, I walked by the stone fountain and bell men dressed like English royalty and into… the damp, swampy environment of the French Quarter. At first, it smells damp and dark. Then, in come aromas of pastries and kitchen creations including everything from one dollar pizza by the slice to the high end Brennan high dining experiences – and finally the blended mysterious musty aroma that mixes it all together to present an atmosphere unique to New Orleans. Block after block, your ears are filled with competing rhythms of blaring live music – shifting from jazz trumpets to washed up 80’s rock bands and back to blues and dueling pianos. This is where Louis Armstrong’s cheeks puffed on his trumpet and Harry Connick Jr. played as a kid at the Red Door bar. On the corner, 20 young black men pull out their tubas, trombones, trumpets and drums and give the crowd a show – with streaming brass section melodies and harmonies and then pass buckets for donations – like its church.

This is a deeply spiritual place on the surface – but it also feels dark in the deep places. It is a city of above ground cemeteries and voodoo magic. The streets are lined with tarot card readers, posing pirates, and us curious people who come for the color, the rivers of beer, and a wild world without rules or memory. “What are you waiting for?,” the slender doorway girl asks. “No Cover”, the bouncer persuades, lulling us into his affordable trap. Above me, people lean over the second floor iron railed balconies to offer tourists beads if they comply with their unspoken dare. Later, a parade emerges from the crowd complete with floats and bead throwing riders. A group of old women follow behind to declare their freedom from cancer – and clothes - walking topless to display the remnant of their body that cancer failed to take from them. People dance here; they break rules. They declare independence and celebrate everything – fueled by the 4th or 5th or 6th round of drinks – the crowd grows rowdy – and the police grow in numbers to ensure this party does not end up in the morning news. People seem lonely; and I join them in this kindred hollowness. Walking these streets alerts the senses to your essence, your character, and your weaknesses. There is this odd sense of fullness but also emptiness. Everyone seems to be having fun, but each empty plastic cup begs for more, and every neon sign offers false promises. Everybody comes curious, and leaves aroused but even emptier. To me, it says less about this place, and more about us – this wanting congregation. Knowing the outcome, we entertain another drink though we’ve had too much. A 6am wake up call looms, but we walk the strip just one more time. Wedding bands imply fidelity, but one-time invitations in the shadows offer the lie that it’s a calculated risk. If you come here, just understand that you can have great clean fun… but it will also tease your character and sense of self. Know that you will be part of the unspoken dare to take off your mask (or put one on), to indulge, and to join the crowd. At random intervals, you judge the crowd, but then you get honest and you want to slide, you want to sin.

I decided on dinner at Red Fish Grille for some alligator gumbo, a glass of ruby red wine, and the sorbet of the day. The waiter suggested I watch my wallet and camera less they be stolen in a distracted moment. The gumbo is always good here – and the loaf of bread is amazing! One more walk down Bourbon Street and its back to my hotel for an attempt at an early night’s sleep – but not tonight. Despite two sleeping pills and a comfortable bed, I toss and turn for hours, sinking with each alarm clock hour that passes before my eyes. I know that 4:30am is coming soon, so when it’s 2:30 – you start to despair. You start to get angry and shout at the dark so sleeping is impossible. How will I navigate a taxi, the airport, and a day at the office on no sleep? But I got what I came for – and my brain needs time to process all these sights, and smells, and unnerving attractions. Exhausted, I’m falling awake on the inside – trying to make some sense of this… and maybe take home a lasting souvenir. They say that a man’s character is defined by what he does when all alone… but let me suggest that a better test of character may be a late night 2 hour stroll down Bourbon Street, when all your senses are made alive and all your inhibitions are lulled to sleep – you and a 1000 others just like you. The morning after prompts a prayer of gratitude that I survived the test this time – unless, of course the test was to stay away from the inevitable. So, maybe next time I should not tempt fate or trust myself so much – and next time just stay at the Holiday Inn by the airport. They may not qualify for 4-star ratings but it comes with free breakfast and they guarantee a good night’s sleep.

Pre-Election Considerations on A Christian response to Terrorism

In the past six months, I have had the distinct opportunity to meet both Senator Obama and Senator McCain – one of whom will likely be our next President. I was invited to a small gathering of 30-40 people with Senator Obama – and had the opportunity to talk with him one on one about his book and health care policy. I was impressed by his intellect, his authenticity, and the fact that he did not pander to the mostly democratic audience as he spoke freely even when his stance countered the expected answer. He was not overly charismatic, and I did not agree with everything he said; however, he projected a vision and ability to help Americans realize the common ground that unites us and can propel us to solve our biggest problems. Then, a few weeks ago, I saw John McCain speak to thousands, and then pushed my way to the front to shake his hand. Again, I did not agree with everything he said, but I was impressed by how motivational he is in person, his candor, his heroic past, and his promise to bring civility and discipline to Washington. And now, as we all watch the primaries and rediscover (from our high school civics classes) what a “super-delegate” is and how primaries differ from caucuses, I am enjoying the democratic process… but I am also reminded that we have serious problems that need to be addressed promptly… and that electing a new President, is not electing a savior. Our opportunity to cast our vote for a leader we can trust cannot be confused with our ultimate trust in God. Our allegiance to the kingdom of God cannot be diminished by our allegiance to our country.

Since September 11th, 2001, these conflicting themes have come into full view both in Washington and in our hearts. We have been living with a new level of fear – and God-fearing people across America and around the world are in disagreement about the right course of action. The rest of the world has known this fear, and on 9-11 American joined them. We realized that we can be attacked. We experience a level of vulnerability and unity like never before. Certainly this called for prudent strategic action, but also deep reflection – and a fresh review of what God has told us about our fears and how to handle them.

As I look at our nation’s response, I recall feeling and witnessing the following progression:
Shock & Mourning
Paranoia
Turn to God for peace in out-of-control situation
Reassurance from President Bush and government leaders
Realization of how vulnerable our borders and security are
Support for swift changes to create new Dept of Homeland Security
Support for responsive War/Military Action against Taliban in Afghanistan
Support, and building confidence for declaration of war against terrorism
Support for sanctions and US and UN pressure against Iraq
Turn to God for insight regarding “Just War”
Tentative support for preventative War/Military Action against Iraq
Relief that secondary target Saddam Hussein captured
Disappointment and concern that primary target Bin Laden still not captured
Dismay with failing military approach in Iraq, Optimism with “surge” approach
Frustration with media for not reporting progress in Iraq
Skepticism with Bush Administration regarding full motives for Iraq war and foreign policy approach
Comfort in President’s bravado of “You’re either with us or against us” mixed with concern about impact of international perspectives on our nation
Intrigue with presidential debates over foreign policy – What is the right approach?
Turn to God for insight for Christian response to fear and terrorism

As I look back over the events since 2001, I wonder if fear is winning or we are on the right course? If we all agree that we are not called to live in fear, what is the opposite of fear? Is it strength? Is it control? Is it love? Is it peace? And what are the weapons God has given us to use to defeat fear? Have we been good stewards of the events of 9-11, leveraging our fears alert us up to realities we have been ignoring… or, have we allowed our fears to push us into rationalizing decisions that violate our own Christian values?

While government leaders need to be help accountable for their decisions, I try to resist playing Monday morning quarterback as I am not privy to all the intelligence they are, nor can I fully appreciate the weight of the decisions they have been burdened with. Short of clear evidence of intentional wrongdoing, I turn my attention towards God, asking what a Christian response to terrorism should be. This is a harder question, because it is more complicated than our quick republican or democrat party-line answers, and also bigger than conservative or liberal labels. It is bigger than church denominations, and requires that we leave behind the extreme camps of anti-Bush conspiracy theories… as well as mindless flag-waving nationalism. We are called to look through the lens of God’s kingdom and his intentions for how we should live for his glory in a sinful, and un-safe world. If you read the words of Jesus, they will deeply challenge your domestic and foreign policy.

So, I admit I do not know the answers yet… but I invite you to struggle with the questions I have been asking. What does Scripture say about fear? What is the application of “perfect love casts out fear”? What is the interplay between trusting God and defending ourselves? Luke 21 says “You will hear of wars, insurrections, but do not be terrified… and vs. 13 “this will give you opportunity to testify” – so how does that fit into our foreign policy? How do we apply “Blessed are the Peacemakers” from Matthew 5? What does loving our enemies look like in this scenario? What does it mean to “turn the other cheek” in this scenario?

I recently revisited an excerpt from a volume entitle “God’s Politics” that outlined the following post 9-11 recommended lessons:
1. Treat the threat of terrorism as very real – and move to prevent further attacks.
2. This is not a time for “peace-loving”, but rather for “peace-making” – Jesus clearly instructed us to take this active path in the world. It is much harder than just passively being anti-way and peace-loving. It requires
2. Avoid bad theology – it is overly simplistic and unbiblical to present this as a struggle between “good and evil”, we are “good” and they are “evil” While the actions of the 9-11 attackers were certainly evil, we are not good – and also need to take the beam out of our own eye.
3. Attack not only the symptoms, but also the root causes of terrorism – Poverty is not the cause of terrorism, but impoverished and hopeless people groups are the best recruiting grounds for terrorism. Justice is the best path to peace , and in the modern world, there is no security but common security.
4. Move beyond debate over “just war” vs. “pacifism” – focus on preventative measures and conflict resolution.
5. Unilateral Approach won’t defeat terrorism – this is a global problem that will require international judicial, political, and financial collaboration.