A Movement. A Collision. A Change.

The United States is probably the most diverse and multicultural society in the world. There are many different cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, and worldviews that represent this country we live in. Lately, I have been wondering about the mission of the Church, the purpose of Christ, and what it looks like when Christ and the Church collide.

In the town I go to college it is projected that there are over 1300 churches in a 30 mile radius. Many of these Churches have different backgrounds, worldviews, and beliefs. Recently, I attended a Liturgical Church and was in awe of the history and reverence that was so evident as I sat through the service. The Church consists of many different methodologies and theologies. People disagree. People agree.

Jesus did so much. He spoke. He acted. I talk. I hardly ever act.

Action doesn't wait until tomorrow.

When it comes to Christ and the Church -- Christ always challenges, convicts, and urges people to act on the behalf of others. To understand there are people suffering, starving, dying, homeless, burdened, oppressed, and broken while I type this blog makes my heart ache. Christ came for life. However, it is not only my duty but I believe it should be a natural urge to give this life I have been given through Jesus. I am learning that this Life is full of laughs, sacrifice, fun, joy, humility, and centrally, love.

Christ and the Church result in a community that understands the need to take care of the world. May our individualistic attitudes break.

Christ and the Church result in a community where forgiveness reigns. May our condemning judgments become lasting encouragement.

Christ and the Church result as a light to the world. Darkness always gives way to the Light.

Christ and the Church result in a movement where the homeless come for shelter, the broken over time are mended, miracles take place all the time, families unite, family begins, laughter is everywhere, the burdened come for peace, people go places they would've never gone, people do things that don't make sense...because it makes perfect sense, the Word of God connects all generations, age is forgotten, babies are dedicated, sins are washed away, we are baptized, a people who all struggle pray for one another, and inevitably we can't help but go and make disciples. Jesus is our salvation.

Action doesn't wait until tomorrow.

Somewhere in Between Today and Tomorrow

"Cause I'm waiting for tonight
Been waiting for tomorrow
And I'm somewhere in between"

- Lifehouse (No Name Face)

To be in the "Here and Now" is easier said then done. College has this weird way of consuming your thoughts towards the future that you can easily forget to enjoy today. Lately, I have been organizing, planning, praying, and wondering what this life holds for me in a year. "Trusting God" has become a cliche that I know is true but I've heard the phrase so many times it's become just like picking up the phone and saying, "Hello."

I can say I trust...but do I really?

I found myself yesterday saying a prayer I've said hundreds of times...

"God, this life is yours..."

That is also a phrase that is easier said then done.

I am learning that Trust is simply something I have to do.

3 Realities and Emotions. A Reflection on Spring Break 2008.

This past week I had the opportunity to spend a week in Florida with the most beautiful girl in the world and a few of my closest friends. It was a much needed time of rest and reflection (see previous post). I feel 3 primary things when I go to the ocean:

1) Relaxed
2) Small
3) Inspired

These 3 realities and emotions guided my entire week. I wish I could hold onto those 3 things more often. It is definitely easier said then done.

My life is overwhelmed with busyness. Laying out and soaking up the rays always brings a sense of relaxation. It is stress-free. People live for vacations. People live for breaks. People live for Friday. Why can't everyday be like this? Do I really cherish everyday? How often do I let the cares of this world poison my emotions -- my thoughts -- my life.

A few occurrences happened throughout the week that effected the course of my entire week. Once again, through an incident that happened back at home -- I realized how fragile life is on this earth. It is peculiar yet amazing how in times of tragedy everything big becomes small. Perspective invades the life of chaos -- And once again -- all the forgotten things that really matter take the spotlight.

When it comes to the ocean...I am small.

Finally, this past week brought a sense of urgency -- a sense of meaning -- a refreshing. I gazed at all the issues that have been placed on the table regarding the Church, our world, and people. A few times while reading Shane Claiborne's Irresistible Revolution I felt sick knowing I do so little. I also read the pages of Charles Colson's The Faith and How Now Shall We Live? and felt compelled to act.

You can't look at the ocean without feeling it.

The ocean was freezing. I did jump in one day and I probably stayed maybe...I mean maybe 3 minutes. I know what you're thinking, pathetic. Anyways, recognizing that there are so many issues on the table and I do nothing about it makes me a complete hypocrite. I know what you're thinking -- Duh! As I wrote above, perspective sits on the horizon. I am inspired. I know there is much hope to give. It is a hope that everyone must be apart of to truly touch the whole world. I am a piece of the puzzle. So are you.

So until tomorrow...Today (and hopefully tomorrow and the next...)

I am relaxed
I am small
I am inspired

Thank God for Spring Break.