"...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new"*

A friend of mine asked via social media what was so good about Good Friday; Jesus Christ being crucified and all that (my words not his). He ended his question, by clarifying that it was a serious one. I know this friend pretty well, and it was a serious question.

He is of the Muslim faith and I am of the Christian faith. We have learned a lot about each other over the years with mutual admiration and respect.

His post got several answers. Some explained in brief. Some explained, but came off as a bit chiding. Some knowing that an intelligent and opened minded person asked the question, responded in kind. I simply thanked him for asking a serious question.

With all the intra and inter-religious-related violence in our modern world today, it's important, more than ever, that we each try to teach and learn from one another with humility and openness. It's important we treat each other with courtesy and respect. It's important to emphasize what we have in common, instead of emphasizing what we have in contrast.

I'm blessed in the sense that growing up partially in Nigeria, literally living next to Muslims (as I do now, coincidentally enough), that growing, learning, and living in a community of co-existing faiths is normal for me. While I know not everyone is in the same place, I also know the bridges we have in common can help bring us closer together towards healing our world, one connection at a time.

*2 Corinthians 5:17

"Everybody Hurts...

...sometimes. So hold on." - R. E. M. 

For you...wherever you are...whatever you're going through.

#GenerositySpeaks

So last Sunday I was still not feeling myself after what I can only describe as male morning sickness. After watching the church service by live stream, I found our pastor's challenge of extending ourselves in generosity intriguing. There were even green rubber bracelets to encourage us. I wanted to text the missus to grab me a bracelet, but didn't want her texting mid-sermon either. I decide I would grab one next Sunday. When my wife got home, she smiled and told me she had something for me.

Today, two days later, I decide to make a trip to the library before work. I wondered about the green bracelet on my left wrist and what would become of it. After gathering a few books I headed to the checkout line.

In front of me was another brother, about a decade-plus older than me, checking out a couple of novels. I figured he must either be retired or on vacation. I thought, wouldn't it be nice to be retired so I could have enough time to finish any novel. When I snapped out of my fantasy, I heard the librarian tell the man that he had four dollars in fines due on his account. It seemed to take him by surprise.

After a bit of back-and-forth with the librarian, and eventual resignation about the fine, I mustered up courage and told the librarian that I would pay the man's fine. She recoiled, startled. The man kindly protested but I persisted in insisting, and explained to him that it was to help me understand something my pastor was trying to tell me. He smiled, and relented. He told me he was a pastor himself, and that the world would be a better place if more people acted like this.

Words Becoming Flesh

Raw sermon notes:

Sermon 02mar14: Words Becoming Flesh

Use your words to declare what you want in the name of Jesus, to set you free.

Don't settle for less than what God has promised you.

You will have what you believe.

If you want something different in life it starts with you.

You can't stop the birds from flying over your head but you can stop birds for building a nest on your head

2nd  Cor. 10:5
Rom 12:2
Jos. 1:8
Prb. 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21 KJV)

Do you want more of your reality? Or the life-changing power of God to change your reality.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Change your thoughts, change your words.

What's Your Olympic Sport?

Shani Davis - republicanredefined.com

We are all Olympians in some fashion; we just may not have realized it yet. Imagine, you live your normal life, as a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker. You train nights and weekends, for as long as it takes. You and a select few put in money, time, and energy. There are no cameras or paparazzi. If you're younger, the burden to prove yourself and validate those who have invested you is daunting. If you're older, you wonder if you still have what it takes to shine at your passion. Heck, you don't even get paid, and if you do, it's nothing to quit your day job over. But once ever four years, if the Greek gods favor you, either by yourself or with 283 of your fellow citizens, you hoist your nations flag in preparation for a moment of your life, where you share your light with the world.

Danger, Do Not Walk On Ceiling

flickr.com

Affixed to the ceiling of the North Station rail terminal in Boston, Massachusetts. A public service announcement to Spider-Man?

The Problem With Social Media...For Some Folks

1. It's easy sending something to everyone on the Internet.

2. It's hard (to resist) to send nothing.

3. It's very hard to send something to just a couple of people