The character "Jim" from the Office: who is he? how does he fit in with Leadership models and culture, where are Christian fellowships missing students like him?
OK. So in August a fellow InterVarsity staff said that many students now want to be like the character Jim from the office--Jim isn't the boss, he doesn't make too many waves, he's an opinion leader and a generally funny and likeable guy. However is Jim a leader? What would need to change to empower Jim to be a leader?
This contrasts with another form of leadership, a more traditonal leadership model when in (at least dominant culture)....leaders are those who take risks in public, speak for groups, have a lot of self-initiative and change the direction of a group. That's probably an incomplete model....but in contrast to Jim, a way of seeing leaders as those who continue to "stick their neck out" and put themselves away from the crowd.
I believe many first year students are somewhat like Jim. When I visited last week at William and Mary several students talked about lacking the general motivation to overly involved in much of anything on campus---not only Christian organizations but also fun events or seemingly-interesting sounding campus lectures. They hear about them, they sound good---but then somehow they lacks the motivation. It seems much better to hang around where you are known, loved and well respected among dorm friends.
I think we all have times where we're like the character Jim. Many of my friends in college were like this. They valued time with one another over most everything else--organizational involvment, grades, "outside" relationships. I think this was a good lesson for me in commitment. Probably the Jims of the world--as I stretch the metaphor to oblivion--are very good husbands, fathers, friends?
This must be clarified---to be like Jim is not bad!!! The character of Jim represents a different kind of student, thus who will be a different kind of leader.
But what do we do with this person? InterVarsity and similar organizations have a strong focus on leadership development. But really--when we sit back and think critically about this type of leadership development--it's under the guise that almost anyone can be a leader.
So what kind of leader is the character Jim? Not just how he acts currently---but how could he be grown and molded into a more effective leader? Not one that would look like the boss of the group who was constantly sticking his neck out looking like a fool--but a leader that would be more true to Jim's personality? How do organizations first get someone like Jim involved (remember, he'd rather spend time with those he knows, trusts, cares for)...and retain his membership. What programming and focus makes him interested?
Where's the intersection here though? A friend of mine is doing a study on leadership development, in particular including a case study on a christian leadership conference. The theorized that maybe we have it all messed up--Christians go to leadership conferences really for reasons of personal development rather than for leadership skills. It makes them feel good--but also just focuses on making us all better individuals, more self-aware. It's all about the cultural fascination with the idea of the "self."
So we have: Jim....then traditional enterprenurial leader.
---are these a false dichotomy?
---two different people?
---part of a development continuum?
---do we culturally value or assert one over the other? In different situations?
Does Jim represent the "Bowling Alone" (famous book written recently) theory that Americans now would rather write a check to charity than participate in a bowling league?
SOOOO if everyone can be a leader....what kind of leader will Jim become?
Sunday, October 28, 2007
A Prayer Place: Fall Conference 2007
I just came back from our InterVarsity Fall Conference. We had about 150 students from various DC schools come together in the colorful hills of Virginia to hear a speaker talk about Christian living--yes, it sounds broad, but it was about that broad. But not to say that was bad--he just did a really great job of hitting all fascets of Christian life--personal, justice, DC issues, school work, relationships. He spoke for each of four sessions on different Biblical people--Daniel, Ester, Ezra, and Ezekiel.
I got a little push feeling from God a few weeks ago to contribute something to the weekend. Each InterVarsity staff person from the area attends the conference and between us we do a lot of the "putting together" of the details--one person volunteers to put on the coffee, another volunteers to gather books to sell, another organizes the worship team. As the new person, I didn't volunteer for anything.
But I felt like God was wanting me to put together a "prayer room" for the weekend. I've been really blessed by prayer rooms before both at the Urbana missions conference and Orientation for new staff put on by InterVarsity. In a prayer room--well mostly it's set aside as a guaranteed quiet place to meet God. Others have gone before and prayed a lot in the room.
However, it's also a place to set aside some other forms of prayer. I gathered pillows, blankets, art supplies and candles from several staff members for this portion. The candles allowed students to light a reminder of God--or several reminders of God even. Pillows and blankets allowed students to literally "rest" with God if necessary. I also gathered art supplies. Students could write out verses, make a clay model, or create a piece of art to God. Several wrote out bible verses or prayer--complete with visual reprentations. Crosses, crowns, birds, fires, hands, hearts.
We also put up some poster boards--one with "God is" and space to add on the names of God. One with Psalm 100 and space to add things we were thankful for. Another with a generic prayer request and space to add on post-it note names and places.
Overall, I was very pleased with the outcome. Many students--especially those who were less familiar with the idea of a "quiet time" or prayer I think really found sollace in the ability to "do" prayer rather than have their mind wander or sit confused. I hope to be able to put something like it together again.
I got a little push feeling from God a few weeks ago to contribute something to the weekend. Each InterVarsity staff person from the area attends the conference and between us we do a lot of the "putting together" of the details--one person volunteers to put on the coffee, another volunteers to gather books to sell, another organizes the worship team. As the new person, I didn't volunteer for anything.
But I felt like God was wanting me to put together a "prayer room" for the weekend. I've been really blessed by prayer rooms before both at the Urbana missions conference and Orientation for new staff put on by InterVarsity. In a prayer room--well mostly it's set aside as a guaranteed quiet place to meet God. Others have gone before and prayed a lot in the room.
However, it's also a place to set aside some other forms of prayer. I gathered pillows, blankets, art supplies and candles from several staff members for this portion. The candles allowed students to light a reminder of God--or several reminders of God even. Pillows and blankets allowed students to literally "rest" with God if necessary. I also gathered art supplies. Students could write out verses, make a clay model, or create a piece of art to God. Several wrote out bible verses or prayer--complete with visual reprentations. Crosses, crowns, birds, fires, hands, hearts.
We also put up some poster boards--one with "God is" and space to add on the names of God. One with Psalm 100 and space to add things we were thankful for. Another with a generic prayer request and space to add on post-it note names and places.
Overall, I was very pleased with the outcome. Many students--especially those who were less familiar with the idea of a "quiet time" or prayer I think really found sollace in the ability to "do" prayer rather than have their mind wander or sit confused. I hope to be able to put something like it together again.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Two way Street?
The other day I let a student buy me coffee.
This isn't how these things are supposed to go--as part of my fundraising for InterVarsity, I have an expense account which I can use to take students out for coffee, lunch, buy snacks for our evening meetings, etc. Essentially, I'm supposed to be giving towards them in many ways--food, time, my love, thoughts and care.
But when she offered--I accepted. Why? Because I think I'm needing to learn some lessons about reciprocity, especially in relationships where I often want to just be the giver, rather than the receiver.
This applies to my life on many levels. On campus, I'm struggling a lot with finding that line of vulnerability/friendship/divulgance with students I didn't ever have a peer relationship with--at a school unfamiliar to me. How much do I share with them? How can I expect them to share with me when I won't talk about myself? Of course, those who know me, know I'm probably more likely to fall into saying too much rather than too little on this front.
But maybe I'm not being as open as I could be on campus, open to being blessed by students and letting them do for me.
However, when I was doing my honors thesis research I think God did a lot of work on me about receiving gifts from others. While I expected to go and listen, research and learn from each community--I never expected to be treated so well, cared for and given hospitality to the extent i was. I learned to humbly allow others to serve me much more than I had before.
But it also applies in my neighborhood. When I sit back and take a hard look at myself and my motivations. I see that often I am much more comfortable with a charity relationship with those in poverty. I give, they receive, we understand our roles and everyone goes home relatively unchanged. However, I think I'm missing something there. Before I can hope to sincerly give to others around me, especially where i live where racial and economic divisions are pronounced--I need to become familiar with a friendship, two-way relationship with those around me. What that would look like? I'm not quite sure yet. But probably rather than dolling out money or volunteer hours--it would mean asking to borrow things from neighbors, telling them my stories. Essentially the way that relatonships naturally develop.....or something like that.
This isn't how these things are supposed to go--as part of my fundraising for InterVarsity, I have an expense account which I can use to take students out for coffee, lunch, buy snacks for our evening meetings, etc. Essentially, I'm supposed to be giving towards them in many ways--food, time, my love, thoughts and care.
But when she offered--I accepted. Why? Because I think I'm needing to learn some lessons about reciprocity, especially in relationships where I often want to just be the giver, rather than the receiver.
This applies to my life on many levels. On campus, I'm struggling a lot with finding that line of vulnerability/friendship/divulgance with students I didn't ever have a peer relationship with--at a school unfamiliar to me. How much do I share with them? How can I expect them to share with me when I won't talk about myself? Of course, those who know me, know I'm probably more likely to fall into saying too much rather than too little on this front.
But maybe I'm not being as open as I could be on campus, open to being blessed by students and letting them do for me.
However, when I was doing my honors thesis research I think God did a lot of work on me about receiving gifts from others. While I expected to go and listen, research and learn from each community--I never expected to be treated so well, cared for and given hospitality to the extent i was. I learned to humbly allow others to serve me much more than I had before.
But it also applies in my neighborhood. When I sit back and take a hard look at myself and my motivations. I see that often I am much more comfortable with a charity relationship with those in poverty. I give, they receive, we understand our roles and everyone goes home relatively unchanged. However, I think I'm missing something there. Before I can hope to sincerly give to others around me, especially where i live where racial and economic divisions are pronounced--I need to become familiar with a friendship, two-way relationship with those around me. What that would look like? I'm not quite sure yet. But probably rather than dolling out money or volunteer hours--it would mean asking to borrow things from neighbors, telling them my stories. Essentially the way that relatonships naturally develop.....or something like that.
Getting a Car?
Lately--at the prompting of friends, coworkers and close advisors I've been seriously considering acquiring a car.
I got back from a weekend to Williamsburg where a good friend lent me his car for the weekend. Not only was I able to stay much longer than usual--I also had the freedom of leaving at 8:30pm Friday night, and arriving in Williamsburg in almost 2 hours! During the weekend I got to see some missionary friends from Louisiana in Richmond--without the car, this wouldn't have happened.
This is something that's left me very conflicted....let me explain.
Reasons in the pro-column:
-It would ease my commute back home late nights from campus from about 1.5 hours to about 20 minutes. This would be safer sometimes--but also just improve general quality of life. Getting home at 10:30pm is much more pleasant than 12am in terms of my sleep.
-But also the sheer blessing that a car can be to others--I find often the only thing I ever need to ask others for is a ride. With a car, I could be very giving with the car--allowing students to borrow it, giving people rides to target, carrying supplies to campus, moving things from the house.
However, many reasons some together that convict me about not getting a car...
--Cost. I find it to be an issue of stewardship right now with my resources. Having a car would likely raise my monthly expenses by at least 33%--currently I have that money to spend. I probably would still end up taking the metro to work most days so that money would not necessarily all be rechannelled.
--Having my own vehicle--like the other 3 vehicles our hosue already has, would in some ways only allow me to be even more independent and evade community, getting to come and go as I please.
--parking. In georgetown, parking near campus I'd literally have to move the car every 2 hours to avoid getting a parking ticket--on a day-to-day basis this is simply not practical.
--I moved to the city to avoid having a car--at the cost of higher rent, inconvenient parking.
--Environmental issues--I am concerned about the witness of just adding another carbon dioxide producing box to the system--shouldn't I be instead buying into these systems like zipcar or things like that?
--This weekend I got to borrow a car--there are many instances, where I could enter into similar car sharing arrangements with others. This would keep us likely more dependent on others and would better utilize a resource that every single person doesn't necessarily have to own for themselves.
Just some of the thoughts swimming in my head, please add an other thoughts in the pro or con box.
I got back from a weekend to Williamsburg where a good friend lent me his car for the weekend. Not only was I able to stay much longer than usual--I also had the freedom of leaving at 8:30pm Friday night, and arriving in Williamsburg in almost 2 hours! During the weekend I got to see some missionary friends from Louisiana in Richmond--without the car, this wouldn't have happened.
This is something that's left me very conflicted....let me explain.
Reasons in the pro-column:
-It would ease my commute back home late nights from campus from about 1.5 hours to about 20 minutes. This would be safer sometimes--but also just improve general quality of life. Getting home at 10:30pm is much more pleasant than 12am in terms of my sleep.
-But also the sheer blessing that a car can be to others--I find often the only thing I ever need to ask others for is a ride. With a car, I could be very giving with the car--allowing students to borrow it, giving people rides to target, carrying supplies to campus, moving things from the house.
However, many reasons some together that convict me about not getting a car...
--Cost. I find it to be an issue of stewardship right now with my resources. Having a car would likely raise my monthly expenses by at least 33%--currently I have that money to spend. I probably would still end up taking the metro to work most days so that money would not necessarily all be rechannelled.
--Having my own vehicle--like the other 3 vehicles our hosue already has, would in some ways only allow me to be even more independent and evade community, getting to come and go as I please.
--parking. In georgetown, parking near campus I'd literally have to move the car every 2 hours to avoid getting a parking ticket--on a day-to-day basis this is simply not practical.
--I moved to the city to avoid having a car--at the cost of higher rent, inconvenient parking.
--Environmental issues--I am concerned about the witness of just adding another carbon dioxide producing box to the system--shouldn't I be instead buying into these systems like zipcar or things like that?
--This weekend I got to borrow a car--there are many instances, where I could enter into similar car sharing arrangements with others. This would keep us likely more dependent on others and would better utilize a resource that every single person doesn't necessarily have to own for themselves.
Just some of the thoughts swimming in my head, please add an other thoughts in the pro or con box.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Quote on Proximity and Stereotyping
I've been thinking a lot about race. It's something I'd normally not want to mention on this forum--despite my life experiences and readings, etc that have equipped me to be more comfortable talking about race....I still feel that American desire to ignore the issues, be embarassed to talk about it--or try to convince myself it "doesn't really matter anymore." However, I know this is a lie.
I've been reading a blook, "Blink" about how we should often trust our first instinct on decisions, learn to understand our snapshot thinking and hone it. Part of honing it is recognizing when our first thought is being shapped by stereotypes and judgment rather than skilled information intake.
This quote made me think about some of my aims living where I live....
"Our first impressions are generated by our experiences and our environment, which means that we can change our first impressions--we can alter the way we thin-slice--by changing the experiences that comprise those impressions.
If you are a white person who would like to treat black poeple as equals in every way--who would like to have a set of associations with black s that are as positive as those that you have with whites--it requres more than a simple commitment to equality. It requires that you change your life so that you are exposed to minorities on a regular basis and become comfortable with them and familiar with the best of their culture, so that when you want to meet, hire, date,or talk with a member of a minority, you aren't betrayed by your hesitation and discomfort.
Taking rapid cognition seriously--acknowledging the incredible power, for good and ill, that first impressions play in our lives--requires that we take active steps to manage and control those impressions."
-Malcolm Gladwell, p. 98
I've been reading a blook, "Blink" about how we should often trust our first instinct on decisions, learn to understand our snapshot thinking and hone it. Part of honing it is recognizing when our first thought is being shapped by stereotypes and judgment rather than skilled information intake.
This quote made me think about some of my aims living where I live....
"Our first impressions are generated by our experiences and our environment, which means that we can change our first impressions--we can alter the way we thin-slice--by changing the experiences that comprise those impressions.
If you are a white person who would like to treat black poeple as equals in every way--who would like to have a set of associations with black s that are as positive as those that you have with whites--it requres more than a simple commitment to equality. It requires that you change your life so that you are exposed to minorities on a regular basis and become comfortable with them and familiar with the best of their culture, so that when you want to meet, hire, date,or talk with a member of a minority, you aren't betrayed by your hesitation and discomfort.
Taking rapid cognition seriously--acknowledging the incredible power, for good and ill, that first impressions play in our lives--requires that we take active steps to manage and control those impressions."
-Malcolm Gladwell, p. 98
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I love you THIS much
This week all the first three-year InterVarsity staff in our region (PA, Delaware, DC, Maryland) came together for a 2.5 day conference/training time. It’s called New Staff Training.
As with many InterVarsity staff events, we began with personal reflection time. At first this practice appeared a little quick to me—getting serious and spiritual from the beginning instead of waiting until the end when people’s lives had been changed by messages, ideas, etc. But now, we enter the time here hopefully centered in God and—for many of us this kind of reflection time acts as our time to do “our business” with God before engaging any other topic. Normally they give us an idea/passage to prompt us….and then give us about 1.5 hours alone with the Lord.
Today we were given 1 Thessalonians 1 which is a chapter where Paul writes to the Thessalonians about how much he loves and values them—and he gets specific. He values their works prompted by faith, labor from love, things like that.
We were then give the prompt to consider who in our lives would talk about us this way. Mentors? Spiritual guides from early in our lives? Who would pray for us in this way—thank God for us? What would they say about us?
For me, several names came up right away—a woman who’d worked at our church at home, the staff worker at William and Mary and Bangkok, a girl who’d mentored me through college. People who had watched me grow, prayed for me and I knew took a lot of joy in me. On a different plane, I’d also put my parents into this.
We were then supposed to think---wow, well these “human encouragers”—what they were/are thinking and praying about us this way was possible because they saw us through God’s eyes. What if God felt this way about us? What if God took that kind of joy in us or gave thanks for us similarly?
I had a difficult time entertaining that thought—it was hard to place myself into the shoes of those who had cared for me. Instead, I found it much easier to think on those people who I had watched grow and learn from God. I found it much easier to understand and identify with the emotions and desires I had for their lives than to consider how others thought that way of me.
During my time at William and Mary I was given several special relationships—people who I got to closely watch God work in their lives, develop them as people and transform their character. When I think of them still—I well-up with love and excitement. I love them with a love that I can’t understand, a love that supersedes what I probably thought possible. I smile when they come to mind.
I started listing the characteristics of how I felt about these people……
-deeply involved in their lives
-loved, cared for them, sought ways to serve them, cried with and for them
-believed in their potential
-strong desire for them to meet others I love…..and to understand/experience things that bring me joy or I’m particularly passionate about
-prioritizing their relationship over others
-eagerly listening to their thoughts and reflections
-patiently waited for them, waiting when pushed away, when meeting stubbornness
-keeping no list of wrongs/short list mentality—not holding any kind of grudge
-unchanging in my feelings, love not held in their performance, negative actions didn’t change that I loved them
-fight for their good, defend them when they’re not there
-searching out opportunities for their betterment
-willingness to go out of my way/look like a fool to demonstrate my love for them
And it hit me—hard. God had given me a bit of a glimpse into how he felt about these individuals, how He loved them very deeply. Possibly how a parent loves a child. And when I reflect that this isn’t exactly how God loves these people either---it’s only a very, small, small slice. My love is imperfect, often self-serving and ignorant of these people’s real needs. But God’s love is flawless and unchanging.
So step back……and consider that all these characteristics are instead a list of how God loves and cares for me. What if God felt these emotions about me? And not just when I did really “good” or had a sinless moment—but instead all the time—when I messed up, was really stubborn, or said hateful things to HIM?
Wow. Pretty radical, crazy love that is.
How does it change a person to be loved with that kind of love?
As with many InterVarsity staff events, we began with personal reflection time. At first this practice appeared a little quick to me—getting serious and spiritual from the beginning instead of waiting until the end when people’s lives had been changed by messages, ideas, etc. But now, we enter the time here hopefully centered in God and—for many of us this kind of reflection time acts as our time to do “our business” with God before engaging any other topic. Normally they give us an idea/passage to prompt us….and then give us about 1.5 hours alone with the Lord.
Today we were given 1 Thessalonians 1 which is a chapter where Paul writes to the Thessalonians about how much he loves and values them—and he gets specific. He values their works prompted by faith, labor from love, things like that.
We were then give the prompt to consider who in our lives would talk about us this way. Mentors? Spiritual guides from early in our lives? Who would pray for us in this way—thank God for us? What would they say about us?
For me, several names came up right away—a woman who’d worked at our church at home, the staff worker at William and Mary and Bangkok, a girl who’d mentored me through college. People who had watched me grow, prayed for me and I knew took a lot of joy in me. On a different plane, I’d also put my parents into this.
We were then supposed to think---wow, well these “human encouragers”—what they were/are thinking and praying about us this way was possible because they saw us through God’s eyes. What if God felt this way about us? What if God took that kind of joy in us or gave thanks for us similarly?
I had a difficult time entertaining that thought—it was hard to place myself into the shoes of those who had cared for me. Instead, I found it much easier to think on those people who I had watched grow and learn from God. I found it much easier to understand and identify with the emotions and desires I had for their lives than to consider how others thought that way of me.
During my time at William and Mary I was given several special relationships—people who I got to closely watch God work in their lives, develop them as people and transform their character. When I think of them still—I well-up with love and excitement. I love them with a love that I can’t understand, a love that supersedes what I probably thought possible. I smile when they come to mind.
I started listing the characteristics of how I felt about these people……
-deeply involved in their lives
-loved, cared for them, sought ways to serve them, cried with and for them
-believed in their potential
-strong desire for them to meet others I love…..and to understand/experience things that bring me joy or I’m particularly passionate about
-prioritizing their relationship over others
-eagerly listening to their thoughts and reflections
-patiently waited for them, waiting when pushed away, when meeting stubbornness
-keeping no list of wrongs/short list mentality—not holding any kind of grudge
-unchanging in my feelings, love not held in their performance, negative actions didn’t change that I loved them
-fight for their good, defend them when they’re not there
-searching out opportunities for their betterment
-willingness to go out of my way/look like a fool to demonstrate my love for them
And it hit me—hard. God had given me a bit of a glimpse into how he felt about these individuals, how He loved them very deeply. Possibly how a parent loves a child. And when I reflect that this isn’t exactly how God loves these people either---it’s only a very, small, small slice. My love is imperfect, often self-serving and ignorant of these people’s real needs. But God’s love is flawless and unchanging.
So step back……and consider that all these characteristics are instead a list of how God loves and cares for me. What if God felt these emotions about me? And not just when I did really “good” or had a sinless moment—but instead all the time—when I messed up, was really stubborn, or said hateful things to HIM?
Wow. Pretty radical, crazy love that is.
How does it change a person to be loved with that kind of love?
Sunday, October 07, 2007
The Spiritual Discipline of Picking up Trash
Yesterday several Georgetown students came into my neighborhood to do a trash clean up.
At first I'd tried to be fancy--I called all the formal area Watershed societies and tried to set up something official, something where they would send out a staff member to share information with us. Hopefully then we'd also get a very neat project--something where we could feel accomplished at the end and really help change the place.
But in the end all the societies were booked for the date I needed to choose--and I felt God leading me again and again to simply go out and pick up trash on the street.
Several reasons--it's simple. It's also very needed--there is often---as we found trash bags full of litter lining just one of our neighborhood streets. I think it's also a lesson in humility. For one---we're cleaning up a mess we didn't make. One person reflected that this happens at Georgetown all the time--someone else cleans up our mess that they didn't make!
But one of the most significant things I find about picking up trash is that it's completely overwhelming. You can never be done. And if you are---well in two days the problem will look just like it does now again. I think it's a great lesson for social activists. A good reminder--you can make a small dent in a social problem--hunger, poverty, homelessness.......but at the end of the day, the problem is still daunting, and will likely resurface when you stop paying attention.
I don't see this as a reason to lose hope--except hope in ourselves as saviors of the world and instead to reconsider our means of social activism and social change to reflect the reality of Christ's ability to be the only one to really change the world--even if through us sometimes.
At first I'd tried to be fancy--I called all the formal area Watershed societies and tried to set up something official, something where they would send out a staff member to share information with us. Hopefully then we'd also get a very neat project--something where we could feel accomplished at the end and really help change the place.
But in the end all the societies were booked for the date I needed to choose--and I felt God leading me again and again to simply go out and pick up trash on the street.
Several reasons--it's simple. It's also very needed--there is often---as we found trash bags full of litter lining just one of our neighborhood streets. I think it's also a lesson in humility. For one---we're cleaning up a mess we didn't make. One person reflected that this happens at Georgetown all the time--someone else cleans up our mess that they didn't make!
But one of the most significant things I find about picking up trash is that it's completely overwhelming. You can never be done. And if you are---well in two days the problem will look just like it does now again. I think it's a great lesson for social activists. A good reminder--you can make a small dent in a social problem--hunger, poverty, homelessness.......but at the end of the day, the problem is still daunting, and will likely resurface when you stop paying attention.
I don't see this as a reason to lose hope--except hope in ourselves as saviors of the world and instead to reconsider our means of social activism and social change to reflect the reality of Christ's ability to be the only one to really change the world--even if through us sometimes.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Nikki!
One of my best friends from middle school/high school/life has been "studying away" from UTexas Arlington this semester in Washington DC.
I'm sooo thankful to have her here. We've gotten to do a lot great things together--she's seen my house, I've seen her's. She came to my birthday party, we've been to a festival, and 2 concerts.
She's been the saving grace of my social life this semester.
I'm sooo thankful to have her here. We've gotten to do a lot great things together--she's seen my house, I've seen her's. She came to my birthday party, we've been to a festival, and 2 concerts.
She's been the saving grace of my social life this semester.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Training Events
The past two days we've been to InterVarsity area training events.
Monday all the area InterVarsity staff members (from DC, Baltimore, Northern Virginia area) came to Baltimore for speaker training. We were each supposed to come with a prepared talk ready to give, manuscript in hand.
It was great to have the ability to focus for a whole day--I find often in staff life that we're trying to balance the needs and intiatives of an entire group of people--the fellowship. Finding time to give a whole day to something like speaking seems otherwise impossible.
We also talked about important issues--how to communicate Biblical truth about God in a way that's memorable. When we were students, what did we remember? We talked about bumper sticker phrases and concepts that stick out to us ("friends plus"...."chest of drawers"...."spiritual bulimia"). These things conjure up ideas and images for us. Using these will help our students learn....and also doesn't place all the pressure on us. One of the most important issues we discussed was who are we trying to glorify? Us? or God? When we're glorifying God in a talk--we're less likely to have to be showy or worry about being funny, likeable, etc.
This was good. Tuesday was also a good day of staff training. We met in our "area teams"--for me this meant meeting at my boss in Maryland's house along with the other 11 DC-area staff (from George Washington University, University of Maryland, Howard University, NOVA, St. Mary's). We talked about how New Student Orientation had gone, hopes for changes to make in the future.
Next--as is the InterVarsity staff way--we did scripture study. This lasted until lunch time. We studied from Genesis about Jacob---when God forms a covenant with him about the land--and when Jacob wrestles with God.
The ultimate question we came to pray about was "where in our personal relationships with God are we wrestling?"....meaning, where are we in a struggle with God, wanting for something in our lives to change--demanding that God bless us. The exciting thing was that God honors Jacob in his stubbornness and wrestling, demanding of the blessing, still blessing him and making a promise to be with him and not leave him.
For many of us it related to personal issues with staying in the job, romantic relationships, or uncertainty about placement or calling. I think I answered that I felt like I was wrestling with God over most of my life right now--the transition and hoping that God will meet me in my struggle, show me blessing and help it to work out.
The afternoon was a bit different. We talked about plans for our fall conference coming up, divided up responsibilities. We talked about potential scripture passages to choose for the spring conference.
Then we just got some significant time to pray for our campuses--specific students, issues where we felt we were wrestling with God.
By the evening we were all back to our campuses for Tuesday evening large groups. It was great to have the time away though--to get some perspective on the movement at large--but also to refocus that it's all about God's work on campus, not our own.
Monday all the area InterVarsity staff members (from DC, Baltimore, Northern Virginia area) came to Baltimore for speaker training. We were each supposed to come with a prepared talk ready to give, manuscript in hand.
It was great to have the ability to focus for a whole day--I find often in staff life that we're trying to balance the needs and intiatives of an entire group of people--the fellowship. Finding time to give a whole day to something like speaking seems otherwise impossible.
We also talked about important issues--how to communicate Biblical truth about God in a way that's memorable. When we were students, what did we remember? We talked about bumper sticker phrases and concepts that stick out to us ("friends plus"...."chest of drawers"...."spiritual bulimia"). These things conjure up ideas and images for us. Using these will help our students learn....and also doesn't place all the pressure on us. One of the most important issues we discussed was who are we trying to glorify? Us? or God? When we're glorifying God in a talk--we're less likely to have to be showy or worry about being funny, likeable, etc.
This was good. Tuesday was also a good day of staff training. We met in our "area teams"--for me this meant meeting at my boss in Maryland's house along with the other 11 DC-area staff (from George Washington University, University of Maryland, Howard University, NOVA, St. Mary's). We talked about how New Student Orientation had gone, hopes for changes to make in the future.
Next--as is the InterVarsity staff way--we did scripture study. This lasted until lunch time. We studied from Genesis about Jacob---when God forms a covenant with him about the land--and when Jacob wrestles with God.
The ultimate question we came to pray about was "where in our personal relationships with God are we wrestling?"....meaning, where are we in a struggle with God, wanting for something in our lives to change--demanding that God bless us. The exciting thing was that God honors Jacob in his stubbornness and wrestling, demanding of the blessing, still blessing him and making a promise to be with him and not leave him.
For many of us it related to personal issues with staying in the job, romantic relationships, or uncertainty about placement or calling. I think I answered that I felt like I was wrestling with God over most of my life right now--the transition and hoping that God will meet me in my struggle, show me blessing and help it to work out.
The afternoon was a bit different. We talked about plans for our fall conference coming up, divided up responsibilities. We talked about potential scripture passages to choose for the spring conference.
Then we just got some significant time to pray for our campuses--specific students, issues where we felt we were wrestling with God.
By the evening we were all back to our campuses for Tuesday evening large groups. It was great to have the time away though--to get some perspective on the movement at large--but also to refocus that it's all about God's work on campus, not our own.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
A Prophet
Last Thursday one of my friends hosted a dinner with his out of town friend---Stu, a claimed prophet.
I came in with little expectations and left probably feeling all things from surprise, healing, and skepticism.
He had a talent for holding a crowd and spoke to people individually and the group at-large with ease. He talked to one girl next to me about taking hold of the peace of God. I think he was talking about giving her advice to share with others--but he was also speaking to her. It as one of these instances where he would say "God has this to say to you...." Certainly more charismatic than my background.
I believe he opened with "what if I told you you never have to be stressed again?"
I came in tired and a little overworked from Georgetown. I did feel peace from God wash over me as he talked to the girl next to me about peace and letting God take care of problems in our lives.
Next he spoke to me directly. He said I could act as an agent of mercy and forgiveness at Georgetown--speaking the forgiveness of sins and acceptance of unconditional love of God directly into peoples lives. I do believe this would be one of the best things I could do on a campus like Georgetown--speak truth to people and have them feel and experience genuine forgiveness and acceptance. Displaying mercy.....
Besides speaking to some individuals he also talked alot about how God doesn't always have to work within a church building--he had many beliefs and lists about the components of true, good discipleship. I found this funny almost--I'd been praying that someone would help teach me how to disciple others--not just tell me to do it.
Here were his suggestions:
1) seeing the fruits of the spirit (peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, selfcontrol)
2)freeing people from bondage--spiritual bondage, judgment, generational inequity
3)receive the love of God openly
4) Learn that God's love is based in his relationship with you--not in how you perform
*this reminds me of my old IV staff worker's motto Grace plus NOTHING equals right standing with God.
And once we're in this process of making disciples.....not just converts, numbers, members, where do we go next?
1) teach people to avoid things that "make void" the work of God: human tradition, attempts to earn grace, human wisdom
2) teach people kingdom finances: getting out fo debt, tithe, offering
3) basic knowledge of scriptures, teaching disciples to hear god themselves
4) teach a sense of vision for the nature of the church, the function of spiritual gifts in churches
5) teach how to be a servant to God, the people God loves, the people of God
And yet after this great session with this guy helping us experience the peace, presence and power of God......my roommate and I left and talked about being stressed and tired. Will we ever take hold of what God so readily holds out for us?
I came in with little expectations and left probably feeling all things from surprise, healing, and skepticism.
He had a talent for holding a crowd and spoke to people individually and the group at-large with ease. He talked to one girl next to me about taking hold of the peace of God. I think he was talking about giving her advice to share with others--but he was also speaking to her. It as one of these instances where he would say "God has this to say to you...." Certainly more charismatic than my background.
I believe he opened with "what if I told you you never have to be stressed again?"
I came in tired and a little overworked from Georgetown. I did feel peace from God wash over me as he talked to the girl next to me about peace and letting God take care of problems in our lives.
Next he spoke to me directly. He said I could act as an agent of mercy and forgiveness at Georgetown--speaking the forgiveness of sins and acceptance of unconditional love of God directly into peoples lives. I do believe this would be one of the best things I could do on a campus like Georgetown--speak truth to people and have them feel and experience genuine forgiveness and acceptance. Displaying mercy.....
Besides speaking to some individuals he also talked alot about how God doesn't always have to work within a church building--he had many beliefs and lists about the components of true, good discipleship. I found this funny almost--I'd been praying that someone would help teach me how to disciple others--not just tell me to do it.
Here were his suggestions:
1) seeing the fruits of the spirit (peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, selfcontrol)
2)freeing people from bondage--spiritual bondage, judgment, generational inequity
3)receive the love of God openly
4) Learn that God's love is based in his relationship with you--not in how you perform
*this reminds me of my old IV staff worker's motto Grace plus NOTHING equals right standing with God.
And once we're in this process of making disciples.....not just converts, numbers, members, where do we go next?
1) teach people to avoid things that "make void" the work of God: human tradition, attempts to earn grace, human wisdom
2) teach people kingdom finances: getting out fo debt, tithe, offering
3) basic knowledge of scriptures, teaching disciples to hear god themselves
4) teach a sense of vision for the nature of the church, the function of spiritual gifts in churches
5) teach how to be a servant to God, the people God loves, the people of God
And yet after this great session with this guy helping us experience the peace, presence and power of God......my roommate and I left and talked about being stressed and tired. Will we ever take hold of what God so readily holds out for us?
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Men's Retreat
Please pray for the men of our fellowship this weekend--14 went off to a retreat in Maryland.
This year several men of the group have stepped up to be intentional about gaining and retaining male fellowship/spiritual growth in InterVarsity. We are really thankful for their passion and desire to see God work in our group this year.
They are sharing testimonies tonight and talking about how to use their time in college for God and others tomorrow.
This year several men of the group have stepped up to be intentional about gaining and retaining male fellowship/spiritual growth in InterVarsity. We are really thankful for their passion and desire to see God work in our group this year.
They are sharing testimonies tonight and talking about how to use their time in college for God and others tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Bringing all things together
Last week in the Ephesians Bible study I co-lead with a sophomore student we were talking about how God's plan is to bring together all things under the head of Jesus.....
Essentially we were talking about large scale reconciliation in the world.....but also reconciliation in relationships, etc.
Recently, I've been feeling very torn, pulled actually sometimes into several different directions--the needs of IV at campus, the girls in my house, Anacostia, looking for a church, DC area new monastic friends, other DC area friends, taking a fitness instructor course, getting oriented to the city, thinking of when to visit my brother and family, the list goes on.....
One of my big prayers over the past few weeks has been for some unity in my life, not this feeling that I'm needing to accomplish 50 different things in a day schedule that only allows time for 30. Overextension and the stress from that are a mark and characteristic of the overcommited culture of this city and the students I see at Georgetown daily. Especially because of this, I desire to display that stress and busyness as an attitude and reality are not the only way--that there can be peace and a way through the rubble of scheduling.
Some of the ways I've seen God beginning to pull some things together in my life.....
-seeing good friends of mine from college choose the church I think will be my out of Anacostia church.
-in our community visioning meeting, we're been talking about acting as a bridge to the rest of the city that holds a lot of stereotypes about our section of town. This pulls together home, Georgetown, and some of our other friends--and begins to alleviate some of the stress I've felt about not being as involved/known in the neighborhood as I'd like. If our purpose is possibly different, the perspective can change some too.
-seeing a lot of themes of catholicism in my life--Georgetown as a catholic school, coleading with a catholic student, probably attending a catholic church in our neighborhood, making friends with a catholic volunteer house down the street.
-having a couple of friends with flex daytime schedules. Hoping I can get together with them during some of these times to keep myself sane....and from working from 9am-midnight every day without stopping.....at least mentally taking a break.
-getting a bit more time in Anacostia weekly, allowing for me and a housemate to spend time together volunteering, making connections....and possibly some day bringing down students to join us!
-starting to feel loved and respected by students....never meant to be the goal, but it is filling some of the hole I feel from being gone from William and Mary.
Essentially we were talking about large scale reconciliation in the world.....but also reconciliation in relationships, etc.
Recently, I've been feeling very torn, pulled actually sometimes into several different directions--the needs of IV at campus, the girls in my house, Anacostia, looking for a church, DC area new monastic friends, other DC area friends, taking a fitness instructor course, getting oriented to the city, thinking of when to visit my brother and family, the list goes on.....
One of my big prayers over the past few weeks has been for some unity in my life, not this feeling that I'm needing to accomplish 50 different things in a day schedule that only allows time for 30. Overextension and the stress from that are a mark and characteristic of the overcommited culture of this city and the students I see at Georgetown daily. Especially because of this, I desire to display that stress and busyness as an attitude and reality are not the only way--that there can be peace and a way through the rubble of scheduling.
Some of the ways I've seen God beginning to pull some things together in my life.....
-seeing good friends of mine from college choose the church I think will be my out of Anacostia church.
-in our community visioning meeting, we're been talking about acting as a bridge to the rest of the city that holds a lot of stereotypes about our section of town. This pulls together home, Georgetown, and some of our other friends--and begins to alleviate some of the stress I've felt about not being as involved/known in the neighborhood as I'd like. If our purpose is possibly different, the perspective can change some too.
-seeing a lot of themes of catholicism in my life--Georgetown as a catholic school, coleading with a catholic student, probably attending a catholic church in our neighborhood, making friends with a catholic volunteer house down the street.
-having a couple of friends with flex daytime schedules. Hoping I can get together with them during some of these times to keep myself sane....and from working from 9am-midnight every day without stopping.....at least mentally taking a break.
-getting a bit more time in Anacostia weekly, allowing for me and a housemate to spend time together volunteering, making connections....and possibly some day bringing down students to join us!
-starting to feel loved and respected by students....never meant to be the goal, but it is filling some of the hole I feel from being gone from William and Mary.
Sabbath "doing"
Yesterday--after an intense week of long hours at Georgetown, planning the New student retreat--and then going on the retreat, returning home to a house meeting until 11pm Sunday evening......I needed some time "off."
I'd decided to take Monday as a sabbath day for awhile. I'd also decided to take the day to go bike to Mount Vernon--a trail about 20 miles south of the city.
But all of this left me struck with how often we have the desire to accomplish something. Even on my day off.....I needed to accomplish, 40 miles of biking or so. Still, there was the sense that at least I wasn't working on emails (the biggest part of a sabbath within this job), Bible study prep or fundraising.
But still I wonder, what good would a whole day of "nothing"--praying, restoring, being, have felt good to me? What about in the eyes of God--he gives his grace freely--and I sometimes think a sabbath where nothign formal is accomplished can help remind us that the Lord loves uis regardless of whether we are working 1 or 15 hours in a day, he chooses us not because of what we can do.
I still did get some good time away from email and some time to sit and think a bit, be humbled and in awe of creation and even the life I'm living here.
I'd decided to take Monday as a sabbath day for awhile. I'd also decided to take the day to go bike to Mount Vernon--a trail about 20 miles south of the city.
But all of this left me struck with how often we have the desire to accomplish something. Even on my day off.....I needed to accomplish, 40 miles of biking or so. Still, there was the sense that at least I wasn't working on emails (the biggest part of a sabbath within this job), Bible study prep or fundraising.
But still I wonder, what good would a whole day of "nothing"--praying, restoring, being, have felt good to me? What about in the eyes of God--he gives his grace freely--and I sometimes think a sabbath where nothign formal is accomplished can help remind us that the Lord loves uis regardless of whether we are working 1 or 15 hours in a day, he chooses us not because of what we can do.
I still did get some good time away from email and some time to sit and think a bit, be humbled and in awe of creation and even the life I'm living here.
New Student Retreat: one down, one to go!
This past weekend we took 8 freshman women and 4 upperclass women on a retreat to Charolettesville Virginia.
Overall, great time to get to know people and start to establish this as a core community for these freshman women.
We tried to get across a couple of key messages--and I think they stuck.
1: Jesus as LORD of our lives. Who is Jesus that we would drop everything, like Peter, to follow him? How was this man this amazing?
Beyond that, what does it mean to follow him? Does it mean attending more Bible studies or doing less "wrong" things? We suggested instead of even making Jesus first priority in our lives he should be the framework for our lives--where everything else comes from (used the chest of drawers illustration from Marty Purks at William and Mary--instead of having Jesus be a drawer of our lives--big or small, Jesus doesn't want to be compartmentalized but instead the framework within which we fit the rest of our lives--academics, relationships--into).
2: Acting as a missionary on campus--these freshman women have an amazing opportunity in college. They will spend the next few years living closely to people of all kinds of backgrounds and opinions. They can choose to love and engage those who are different--or separate themselves.
For this, my coworker created a large chart of how, in their times on campus, these girls could either "Radically Identify" like Jesus or be "radically different" like Jesus. Examples of when Jesus radically identified included when Jesus ate with sinners, wept over a loss, accepted people without judgment. Ways Jesus displayed being radically different in his time on earth included servanthood, loving "wastefully," displaying humility, and being more interested in other people than they may be in themselves.
We prayed that commitments would be made this weekend and bonds would be formed between these women that would last four years--or more.
We know from past experience that, in most cases, if a freshman can be convinced to come on the freshman retreat their involvement for the year--and often all four--is secured. It must be something about the willingness to leave with a group, put your trust in strangers, and how God speaks to people in these times we set apart.
Great conversations with women of all ages going on--also smores, ice cream sundaes and all other kinds of fun. Great time!
Overall, great time to get to know people and start to establish this as a core community for these freshman women.
We tried to get across a couple of key messages--and I think they stuck.
1: Jesus as LORD of our lives. Who is Jesus that we would drop everything, like Peter, to follow him? How was this man this amazing?
Beyond that, what does it mean to follow him? Does it mean attending more Bible studies or doing less "wrong" things? We suggested instead of even making Jesus first priority in our lives he should be the framework for our lives--where everything else comes from (used the chest of drawers illustration from Marty Purks at William and Mary--instead of having Jesus be a drawer of our lives--big or small, Jesus doesn't want to be compartmentalized but instead the framework within which we fit the rest of our lives--academics, relationships--into).
2: Acting as a missionary on campus--these freshman women have an amazing opportunity in college. They will spend the next few years living closely to people of all kinds of backgrounds and opinions. They can choose to love and engage those who are different--or separate themselves.
For this, my coworker created a large chart of how, in their times on campus, these girls could either "Radically Identify" like Jesus or be "radically different" like Jesus. Examples of when Jesus radically identified included when Jesus ate with sinners, wept over a loss, accepted people without judgment. Ways Jesus displayed being radically different in his time on earth included servanthood, loving "wastefully," displaying humility, and being more interested in other people than they may be in themselves.
We prayed that commitments would be made this weekend and bonds would be formed between these women that would last four years--or more.
We know from past experience that, in most cases, if a freshman can be convinced to come on the freshman retreat their involvement for the year--and often all four--is secured. It must be something about the willingness to leave with a group, put your trust in strangers, and how God speaks to people in these times we set apart.
Great conversations with women of all ages going on--also smores, ice cream sundaes and all other kinds of fun. Great time!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A "Typical" Day
I realize that I maybe haven't explained fully what I do at Georgetown. The job with InterVarsity is so incredibly varied....I think maybe the best way to do this would be to describe my schedule from the past couple of days.
This Monday:
8-9am: Chapter prayer meeting, we gather and pray for the campus and each other in a chapel on campus
9am-12pm: sit in student center on computer, doing administration: emails, detail work, scheduling student meetings, work on talk for New Student retreat, planning bible study for small group/Ephesians, and scripture study for New Student retreat.
12pm-1pm: take a break to the gym, shower.
1pm-2:15pm: lunch with a junior transfer, we talk about her school before this and opportunities to get involved in social justice related things in the city and on campus
2:30-4pm: hang out with sophomore seeker Bible study leader, hear about her background and tell her about myself and why I'm on campus.
4pm-6pm: meet with other Georgetown campus staff to discuss details of upcoming New Student Retreat, logistics.
more detail work, eat dinner
7-8:30pm: join students walking to area church and attend service with them.
--home
Tuesday:
9:30am-10:30am: home, working on administrative details, emails, small group details
10:30-11:45: commute to Georgetown by bike, stop at Safeway on the way to buy snacks for post large group meeting
12-1:30pm: gym, take a break with a senior aerobics class, shower
1:30-4pm: meeting with co-leader of small group, catch up on life, plan for scripture study on Ephesians
4-5:30pm: emails, scheduling, printing passages for scripture study and new student retreat details
5:30-7pm: attend bible study lead by another intervarsity staff on Luke 6, discuss ways we identify and deny Christ on campus
7-8pm: eat dinner, set up for large group
8pm-10pm: attend large group meeting, includes worship songs, a speaker on prayer, announcements.....hang out afterwards, make meetings with students
commute home and work on details, scheduling for rest of the week.
**These were likely busier than usual days....but a good sense of what I do on a daily basis....meetings, planning, other details work
This Monday:
8-9am: Chapter prayer meeting, we gather and pray for the campus and each other in a chapel on campus
9am-12pm: sit in student center on computer, doing administration: emails, detail work, scheduling student meetings, work on talk for New Student retreat, planning bible study for small group/Ephesians, and scripture study for New Student retreat.
12pm-1pm: take a break to the gym, shower.
1pm-2:15pm: lunch with a junior transfer, we talk about her school before this and opportunities to get involved in social justice related things in the city and on campus
2:30-4pm: hang out with sophomore seeker Bible study leader, hear about her background and tell her about myself and why I'm on campus.
4pm-6pm: meet with other Georgetown campus staff to discuss details of upcoming New Student Retreat, logistics.
more detail work, eat dinner
7-8:30pm: join students walking to area church and attend service with them.
--home
Tuesday:
9:30am-10:30am: home, working on administrative details, emails, small group details
10:30-11:45: commute to Georgetown by bike, stop at Safeway on the way to buy snacks for post large group meeting
12-1:30pm: gym, take a break with a senior aerobics class, shower
1:30-4pm: meeting with co-leader of small group, catch up on life, plan for scripture study on Ephesians
4-5:30pm: emails, scheduling, printing passages for scripture study and new student retreat details
5:30-7pm: attend bible study lead by another intervarsity staff on Luke 6, discuss ways we identify and deny Christ on campus
7-8pm: eat dinner, set up for large group
8pm-10pm: attend large group meeting, includes worship songs, a speaker on prayer, announcements.....hang out afterwards, make meetings with students
commute home and work on details, scheduling for rest of the week.
**These were likely busier than usual days....but a good sense of what I do on a daily basis....meetings, planning, other details work
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Pete, Feet and Fish to Eat
This semester I am attending/shadowing a manuscript bible study at Georgetown that goes through the gospel of Luke.
In manuscript bible study we print off the passage, allowing people to mark up all over it--and sometimes remove the verse numbers and paragraphing of the text. We also us an inductive manner of study--we look to the text (and only the text +commentary, Bible dictionary) to "speak" to us rather than approaching the Bible already knowing what we're looking for (Bible passages on friendship? careers?).
This particular passage was from Luke 5:1-11. It was the story of Simon Peter coming to follow Jesus. In the scene, Jesus is teaching a crowd off the shore of a lake. After the teaching, he instructs Simon Peter to put out to deeper water to fish. Peter protests, saying he's been fishing all night and haven't caught anything--regardless he trusts Jesus enough to try. His nets come up overflowing.
Overwhelmed by the awe-someness of Jesus' prediction and power, Simon Peter falls to his knees and tells Jesus to "go away from him," reminicent of the times in our lives when next to God's perfect, holy nature....we find ourselves completely unworthy. We are put face to face with our inability to measure up to God's standards.
As Simon is lamenting over his sinfulness, Jesus tells him-- "do not be afraid." He then tells Simon Peter from now on he won't just be catching tons of tons of fish...but men.
The next line says they left everything and followed him.
WOW--seeing the amazing power of God (overflowing nets of fish).....Simon is first floored (go away from me Jesus!) then wants to drop his nets and follow.
When I was in high school I worked 3-4 years in the White's Chapel nursery teaching Sunday school to 2 year olds. Reading this passage this week distinctly brought to mind one children's book we had in the class--"Pete, Feet and Fish to Eat." It was essentially the story of Simon Peter's time with Jesus.
This book was actually quite inappropirate for the 2-year old set. Most kids couldn't sit through even a third of it and preferred the books about animals or those with only about 10 pages. I, however, absolutely loved this book. I cried everytime I got to the section that mirrors this passage from Luke.
In the children's story, Simon Peter is telling the story of the overflowing nets--and how seeing Christ's power left him bewildered with his sin and unworthiness. Simon Peter decribes lamenting his sin, being flat on his face before Christ........and then Jesus reenters the picture.
The line that always has me chocking up--"but he didn't care." Jesus didn't care that Simon Peter wasn't perfect and was a sinful man. Jesus wanted to use Simon Peter to tell other people about Jesus and to build his church.
It's amazing how grace can--and needs--to hit us over and over again in life. I think that's what that children's story was to me over and over again--I still cry everytime I read that line. "But he didn't care." Jesus doesn't care how awful I think I am or how completely beyond all hope I am--he stands above me, trying to welcome me in regardless, constantly even.
This message of love, acceptance and radical grace is something I want to share. Next weekend at our new student retreat as I lead a scripture study on this same passage from Luke, I plan to close reading "Pete Feet and Fish to Eat"--or at least a portion of it....hopefully 19-year olds have a longer attention span than toddlers.
In manuscript bible study we print off the passage, allowing people to mark up all over it--and sometimes remove the verse numbers and paragraphing of the text. We also us an inductive manner of study--we look to the text (and only the text +commentary, Bible dictionary) to "speak" to us rather than approaching the Bible already knowing what we're looking for (Bible passages on friendship? careers?).
This particular passage was from Luke 5:1-11. It was the story of Simon Peter coming to follow Jesus. In the scene, Jesus is teaching a crowd off the shore of a lake. After the teaching, he instructs Simon Peter to put out to deeper water to fish. Peter protests, saying he's been fishing all night and haven't caught anything--regardless he trusts Jesus enough to try. His nets come up overflowing.
Overwhelmed by the awe-someness of Jesus' prediction and power, Simon Peter falls to his knees and tells Jesus to "go away from him," reminicent of the times in our lives when next to God's perfect, holy nature....we find ourselves completely unworthy. We are put face to face with our inability to measure up to God's standards.
As Simon is lamenting over his sinfulness, Jesus tells him-- "do not be afraid." He then tells Simon Peter from now on he won't just be catching tons of tons of fish...but men.
The next line says they left everything and followed him.
WOW--seeing the amazing power of God (overflowing nets of fish).....Simon is first floored (go away from me Jesus!) then wants to drop his nets and follow.
When I was in high school I worked 3-4 years in the White's Chapel nursery teaching Sunday school to 2 year olds. Reading this passage this week distinctly brought to mind one children's book we had in the class--"Pete, Feet and Fish to Eat." It was essentially the story of Simon Peter's time with Jesus.
This book was actually quite inappropirate for the 2-year old set. Most kids couldn't sit through even a third of it and preferred the books about animals or those with only about 10 pages. I, however, absolutely loved this book. I cried everytime I got to the section that mirrors this passage from Luke.
In the children's story, Simon Peter is telling the story of the overflowing nets--and how seeing Christ's power left him bewildered with his sin and unworthiness. Simon Peter decribes lamenting his sin, being flat on his face before Christ........and then Jesus reenters the picture.
The line that always has me chocking up--"but he didn't care." Jesus didn't care that Simon Peter wasn't perfect and was a sinful man. Jesus wanted to use Simon Peter to tell other people about Jesus and to build his church.
It's amazing how grace can--and needs--to hit us over and over again in life. I think that's what that children's story was to me over and over again--I still cry everytime I read that line. "But he didn't care." Jesus doesn't care how awful I think I am or how completely beyond all hope I am--he stands above me, trying to welcome me in regardless, constantly even.
This message of love, acceptance and radical grace is something I want to share. Next weekend at our new student retreat as I lead a scripture study on this same passage from Luke, I plan to close reading "Pete Feet and Fish to Eat"--or at least a portion of it....hopefully 19-year olds have a longer attention span than toddlers.
Friday, September 14, 2007
My Birthday
Yesterday was my 23rd birthday. Starting to get to that age where it's no longer super exciting in terms of new opportunities per year....I have cheaper car insurance to look forward to I presume.....
Regardless, I had a wonderful day. At my house in the morning during our daily morning prayer the girls prayed, thanking God for my 23 years of life--how nice! I of course received a traditional singing birthday call from my mother right at 8am on the dot...followed by similar calls from brother and dad later in the day. I got about a bazillion facebook messages.
Last night was great though. About 15 of my friends living the area gathered together to celebrate with me. Almost all were come very different social circles--the girls I live with, people from other DC communities, family, friends from high school, friends from college, coworkers. So many new people.....I had people wearing nametags!
I love the idea of having all the people I love and know well all in one space. My roommate Laura would talk about this often as a dream situation--everyone she loves, all together, getting to know each other. Of course likely the only situation we'll all experience like this will probably be a wedding--or a funeral I guess? But with people scattered across the US and the world....it always seems unlikely.
It was also a great birthday for being in a new place. I remember 4 years ago having my first birthday away from home. My freshman hall came together and really cared for me--throwing me a surprise party and everything! This showed me I did have a community of people who loved me and cared for me......even if it was a really new place....and unfamiliar all the while.
Similarly.....though DC doesn't really feel like home....being surrounded with people who know me and care for me......from as long ago as my birth or middle school......somehow it all just felt right.
Regardless, I had a wonderful day. At my house in the morning during our daily morning prayer the girls prayed, thanking God for my 23 years of life--how nice! I of course received a traditional singing birthday call from my mother right at 8am on the dot...followed by similar calls from brother and dad later in the day. I got about a bazillion facebook messages.
Last night was great though. About 15 of my friends living the area gathered together to celebrate with me. Almost all were come very different social circles--the girls I live with, people from other DC communities, family, friends from high school, friends from college, coworkers. So many new people.....I had people wearing nametags!
I love the idea of having all the people I love and know well all in one space. My roommate Laura would talk about this often as a dream situation--everyone she loves, all together, getting to know each other. Of course likely the only situation we'll all experience like this will probably be a wedding--or a funeral I guess? But with people scattered across the US and the world....it always seems unlikely.
It was also a great birthday for being in a new place. I remember 4 years ago having my first birthday away from home. My freshman hall came together and really cared for me--throwing me a surprise party and everything! This showed me I did have a community of people who loved me and cared for me......even if it was a really new place....and unfamiliar all the while.
Similarly.....though DC doesn't really feel like home....being surrounded with people who know me and care for me......from as long ago as my birth or middle school......somehow it all just felt right.
Visiting the Homeland
Last weekend I had the opportunity to go back to Williamsburg, Virginia where I went to school.
I had a great time visiting friends....and remembering what it's like to really "belong" in a place. With all this transition and "newness" in my life here in DC, Williamsburg and the people there really felt like home.
Many of my good friend were out of town for the weekend which gave me ample time to hang out with my younger brother, currently a freshman. We did many freshman things--ate at the caf, went out to the fraternity parties, and hung out on his hall until 4am. He's having a great time and has some good friends. It will be a good place for him.
We even took an adventerous visit to New Town by bike....we went out for dinner for pizza followed by a movie (will's favorite activity)--Shoot 'em Up. The craziest part--the ride back....apparently there are no street lamps in Williamsburg.....yikes....biking in the dark. We'll reconsider before doing that again!
Besides some wonderful time pre-planned before with friends, I also had a great opportunity to run into people on campus. I heard about one friend's awesome summer mission experience and her difficulty adjusting back to the WM community since then. I ran into one friend who'd just broken up with someone--and I had time to stop and listen. I got to spend a lot of time with the WM InterVarsity staff worker who gave me some of the "secrets of the trade" I'd never heard before.....as well as some really key advice and goals to set out for myself over the next couple of weeks. I heard the college president share about his journey of faith....followed by an adventure to ask him for a ride to DC. Only a visit 4 days long would afford these kinds of great experiences.
Before I left a group of friends gathered to pray over me.....for my ministry with InterVarsity and for my time in DC. I felt loved and accepted.....and "sent." Thank you everyone.
I had a great time visiting friends....and remembering what it's like to really "belong" in a place. With all this transition and "newness" in my life here in DC, Williamsburg and the people there really felt like home.
Many of my good friend were out of town for the weekend which gave me ample time to hang out with my younger brother, currently a freshman. We did many freshman things--ate at the caf, went out to the fraternity parties, and hung out on his hall until 4am. He's having a great time and has some good friends. It will be a good place for him.
We even took an adventerous visit to New Town by bike....we went out for dinner for pizza followed by a movie (will's favorite activity)--Shoot 'em Up. The craziest part--the ride back....apparently there are no street lamps in Williamsburg.....yikes....biking in the dark. We'll reconsider before doing that again!
Besides some wonderful time pre-planned before with friends, I also had a great opportunity to run into people on campus. I heard about one friend's awesome summer mission experience and her difficulty adjusting back to the WM community since then. I ran into one friend who'd just broken up with someone--and I had time to stop and listen. I got to spend a lot of time with the WM InterVarsity staff worker who gave me some of the "secrets of the trade" I'd never heard before.....as well as some really key advice and goals to set out for myself over the next couple of weeks. I heard the college president share about his journey of faith....followed by an adventure to ask him for a ride to DC. Only a visit 4 days long would afford these kinds of great experiences.
Before I left a group of friends gathered to pray over me.....for my ministry with InterVarsity and for my time in DC. I felt loved and accepted.....and "sent." Thank you everyone.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Cool Christians: Where did we go wrong?
Lately I've been thinking about the kinds of social definitions and hierarchies we set up for ourselves. Especially in terms of popularity--there's a human desire to always be looking around---who's cooler than me? who am I cooler than? It's horribly unfortunate when this kind of mentality happens with Christian people--but especially when it takes place within the body of Christ itself.
In one of the lesser known Don Miller books he talks about how we all live with a lifeboat mentality--we're constantly trying to order ourselves against others (who deserves to get in the lifeboat?). I have been struck recently by how much close friends of mine (and myself) go to great lengths to describe how they are a "cool kind of Christian."
There's the whole postmodern Christianity thing. It's about showing that we're not like those kinds of Christians who were traditional, rigid, conservative. It's also the socially-aware Christian.....I'm not like those kinds of Christians who don't get justice or who think global warming is bunk or focus too much on personal salvation. It happens with the partying Christians....I'm not like those kinds of Christians who won't be in the presence of alcohol, who maybe struggle to hold a conversation, or who just aren't "fun" or popular.
We're constantly trying to show ourselves and others how we're the kinds of Christians others would like to be around. We really get the gospel. We should be the ones doing all the evangelism. We should be the ones taking over the churches, the fellowships. We should only trust those with similar opinions.
We find all kinds of social identifiers and labels for classifying who's in and who's out. We call ourselves and others like us the liberal/social-action minded/radically-obedience/"you-know"/different Christians. Those in mega-churches or with prudent behavioral choices or with seemingly prescribed theology need not apply.
I am ashamed by the depth of my judgmental nature and unwillingness to listen to and learn from those of the body of Christ who by human standards remain foreign to us.
***1 Corinthians 12:21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"***
How I need to learn to value/listen to/learn from the parts of the body I've taught myself to despise and tell myself I don't need.
In one of the lesser known Don Miller books he talks about how we all live with a lifeboat mentality--we're constantly trying to order ourselves against others (who deserves to get in the lifeboat?). I have been struck recently by how much close friends of mine (and myself) go to great lengths to describe how they are a "cool kind of Christian."
There's the whole postmodern Christianity thing. It's about showing that we're not like those kinds of Christians who were traditional, rigid, conservative. It's also the socially-aware Christian.....I'm not like those kinds of Christians who don't get justice or who think global warming is bunk or focus too much on personal salvation. It happens with the partying Christians....I'm not like those kinds of Christians who won't be in the presence of alcohol, who maybe struggle to hold a conversation, or who just aren't "fun" or popular.
We're constantly trying to show ourselves and others how we're the kinds of Christians others would like to be around. We really get the gospel. We should be the ones doing all the evangelism. We should be the ones taking over the churches, the fellowships. We should only trust those with similar opinions.
We find all kinds of social identifiers and labels for classifying who's in and who's out. We call ourselves and others like us the liberal/social-action minded/radically-obedience/"you-know"/different Christians. Those in mega-churches or with prudent behavioral choices or with seemingly prescribed theology need not apply.
I am ashamed by the depth of my judgmental nature and unwillingness to listen to and learn from those of the body of Christ who by human standards remain foreign to us.
***1 Corinthians 12:21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"***
How I need to learn to value/listen to/learn from the parts of the body I've taught myself to despise and tell myself I don't need.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Going "Home"
If you've seen Garden State.....and if you're a sentimentalist.....you remember the lines about how at one point in life you no longer have a place to call "home" between that time you leave your parent's home until you later go on to build a home of your own for your own family. During that period of time, I'd like to suggest, the idea of home becomes very transient--and sometimes easy to define.
This weekend--or rather for the next 5 days I'm going back to one place that has been a "home" to me for the past four years--Williamsburg Virginia.
I am excited to go for many reasons. For one--many of my good friends are there. After this crazy transitional time--it is good to rest in the company and place of many people who you love love you, trust you and want the very best for you. In some ways, it was my life in Williamsburg, the small group I got to be a part of there that led to my ministry with InterVarsity.....to revisit that place will help remind me of how God has moved in my life and through me...as a reminder that, yes, I can do this thing....loving people that is.
And of course--the traitor I am, I am thrilled to get to see little brother Will thriving in his new college environment as well.
I'm buzzing with excitment...pray I'll be a blessing.....and that I won't get caught up in wishing I was there this year instead.
This weekend--or rather for the next 5 days I'm going back to one place that has been a "home" to me for the past four years--Williamsburg Virginia.
I am excited to go for many reasons. For one--many of my good friends are there. After this crazy transitional time--it is good to rest in the company and place of many people who you love love you, trust you and want the very best for you. In some ways, it was my life in Williamsburg, the small group I got to be a part of there that led to my ministry with InterVarsity.....to revisit that place will help remind me of how God has moved in my life and through me...as a reminder that, yes, I can do this thing....loving people that is.
And of course--the traitor I am, I am thrilled to get to see little brother Will thriving in his new college environment as well.
I'm buzzing with excitment...pray I'll be a blessing.....and that I won't get caught up in wishing I was there this year instead.
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