A lot has been cycling through my mind the past 24 hours. I’m going to step on some very fragile ground this morning, this may cause a stir among some Christians, and it might even get a few thumbing me over the head with their views of the Bible and what it really means for our world. I am gonna talk about creation, (In terms of God creating the world we live in) some “end times” drama and some words from Paul that I think may put some people back into healthy perspective.
I fist would like you (the reader) to put aside what you think you know. And what you’ve been presented about God, life and the Bible. Close your eyes, take a few deep breathes and let this entry teach you, speak to you and maybe even open up your eyes and mind and soul.
I want to share a verse from 1st Thessalonians 4:11-12
11 to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 so that you may walk properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.
Now if anyone knows anything about, they would know that I believe context is everything. In this case, in this verse. My main man Paul is talking to a group of Christians who refuse to work or do anything with their hands. Their acting this way because they believe God is coming back anytime to now, so there is no need to do anything at all with themselves or their lives. Some people had the attitude that because they have excepted Christ as their lord, that they’re some how now better than the “Sinners” of their day.
The verse is so central to how we live, Paul admits that he has NO idea when God will return a second time. And he urges them to stop thinking about it so much, and to spend their time working with their hands, feeding the poor and clothing people and ushering in the new kingdom, to earth. This reflects our current time I believe. Simply because we have Blogs popping up every where about the world ending soon.
And better yet, people calling our president the Anti Christ… That is a very huge claim. And I find it very annoying to say the very least… I mean so lady got mad at him, because he drank a beer? Seriously, get a life lady. If you ask me, I think we ought not to be focusing on when or how our world will end. Do I believe that this will happen? Yes, I do.
I believe the kingdom will come in love. But oh wait, wait about the wrath of God Brandon!!? Isn’t he gonna punish people!? Whoa.. where is the love in that? Its a serious thought to consider still mister Christian person.. I believe God’s wrath, when used to scare people and provoke others, is nothing more than insecurity in the highest of ways.
God does not get himself excited about bending us over his knee and spanking us. Please understand that Jesus came to show us how God really is. Yes he does get a bit cranked up in tone, but its always for a good cause. His message does is heavy, but it at no time aims to weigh us down.
And if I’m honest, when it comes to this end of the world crap. I think most Christians tend to only focus on themselves. Because its their ticket out of this world. Have we forgotten than when God created, he saw that it was. GOOD! And guess what people? He still bloody feels that way, even when people decide to screw it all up.
God knows what he is doing, and I highly doubt he wants us to sit on our butts, not doing anything because he’s come back anytime now. This is why agnostics and atheists say “Where is your God? ANYTIME now! And its not because God can’t be trusted, its because we honestly make ourselves look stupid. And I mean that in the most loving way possible.
In my eyes, I think that we have hidden behind the end times facade, as a way not to deal with the pain and coldness in the world. And you know it. you know it. I look in the world some days, and see such beauty in what God creates in nature and humanity, how could he want to destroy it all? He’s already done that once already.
Don’t you think its time we take on a new humanity?
Think about it… please.. this matters.
-Brandon the Writer
Showing posts with label Humanity.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Humanity.. Show all posts
07 March 2009
25 October 2008
A World Without Fear
Everyone has an idea of a perfect world would look like, for them. But most of the time I would believe that are only singular. Meaning we probably don't see the full spectrum, I believe this to be true because we all do it, and for me to write this article I will have to use both a singular and plural approach.
I've heard it said that this world waits for no one, that it won't adapt for those with physical limitation. I realize that I'm already stepping on hollow ground here, but that's okay. Just because our world chooses not to adapt for certain people. Does not excuse us a humanity to look down on one another.
Allow me to ask a very simple question:
What is this world coming to?
I ask this because as a physically challenged person, it feels rather embarrassing when you slip and fall at a restaurant because the was a slick spot on the ground. After you do your best not to make a scene, you look around to see that everyone has heard that sound of your crutches hitting the floor and the thud of your body hitting the ground.
But a good majority of people just glance, and then go back to eating their burgers made with some pink in the middle. I mean sure, the staff of the restaurant came rushing over to see if I was okay. Which I was, I shook it off and tried my hardest to act like nothing happened.
What happened to the good samaritans of our day? The kind that would stop at anything to see if one was alright. I don't think that their gone, rather I believe that they're in all of us. Its the fear in us that prevents us from acting and being a hero. So I suppose that this where my vision for a perfect world would begin. This is a singular and plural approach because it speaks of community.
If you turn on the news and watch for ten minutes, you'll probably notice it has to do with the "Us Versus Them" Factor. The democrats versus republicans. This gets annoying quickly, because a bigger picture is always missed. I really don't care what one believes is true, more times than none I care about what we do with time we are given in this short life.
Its more beneficial to our world, when two people who have nothing in common with one another, can find a means to come together as one for a greater good. This may seem so small, but its because we cannot see the edification of our actions.
This kind of vision for our world is more than possible, but as I've said more than a million times. It starts with you first, you must know and realize that your life means something. And that no one can tell you different, okay? We've been told this growing up from our parents I'm sure.
This saying was ingrained in me, by my parents, and I'm very thankful because of it. I heard a quote today and it went a little something like this: "Even if you don't believe in God, He believes in you". In his eyes, we are all his sons and daughters. And know one is above one another.
Even if you don't believe in God, we need to wrap our minds around the fact that know one is above anyone else. Our blood still is the same color. We all get covered in dirt when we die, so with the little time that we have in this life. Why can't we allow ourselves the time change and become the type of people that are not paralyzed by fear?
With love.
-Brandon Ryan
I've heard it said that this world waits for no one, that it won't adapt for those with physical limitation. I realize that I'm already stepping on hollow ground here, but that's okay. Just because our world chooses not to adapt for certain people. Does not excuse us a humanity to look down on one another.
Allow me to ask a very simple question:
What is this world coming to?
I ask this because as a physically challenged person, it feels rather embarrassing when you slip and fall at a restaurant because the was a slick spot on the ground. After you do your best not to make a scene, you look around to see that everyone has heard that sound of your crutches hitting the floor and the thud of your body hitting the ground.
But a good majority of people just glance, and then go back to eating their burgers made with some pink in the middle. I mean sure, the staff of the restaurant came rushing over to see if I was okay. Which I was, I shook it off and tried my hardest to act like nothing happened.
What happened to the good samaritans of our day? The kind that would stop at anything to see if one was alright. I don't think that their gone, rather I believe that they're in all of us. Its the fear in us that prevents us from acting and being a hero. So I suppose that this where my vision for a perfect world would begin. This is a singular and plural approach because it speaks of community.
If you turn on the news and watch for ten minutes, you'll probably notice it has to do with the "Us Versus Them" Factor. The democrats versus republicans. This gets annoying quickly, because a bigger picture is always missed. I really don't care what one believes is true, more times than none I care about what we do with time we are given in this short life.
Its more beneficial to our world, when two people who have nothing in common with one another, can find a means to come together as one for a greater good. This may seem so small, but its because we cannot see the edification of our actions.
This kind of vision for our world is more than possible, but as I've said more than a million times. It starts with you first, you must know and realize that your life means something. And that no one can tell you different, okay? We've been told this growing up from our parents I'm sure.
This saying was ingrained in me, by my parents, and I'm very thankful because of it. I heard a quote today and it went a little something like this: "Even if you don't believe in God, He believes in you". In his eyes, we are all his sons and daughters. And know one is above one another.
Even if you don't believe in God, we need to wrap our minds around the fact that know one is above anyone else. Our blood still is the same color. We all get covered in dirt when we die, so with the little time that we have in this life. Why can't we allow ourselves the time change and become the type of people that are not paralyzed by fear?
With love.
-Brandon Ryan
17 October 2008
A Love Like Rahab
Last night I decided to kick back and have a beer, and I got to thinking about a man named Joshua. He married a young women named Rahab who was a prostitute. I mean its kinda cool how it happened, Joshua and his army are preparing for the fight of their lives, but before anything happens that take refuge in her home.
Rahab pleads with Joshua not to destroy her home, and her place of business. She even hides him and a few of his mates. Until some sneaky snitch decides to tell their enemies of the Israelites plan of attack. (According to some scholars and experts on this particular time in history.)
Rahab decides to hang a red cord out her window, so Joshua and his troops know not to touch her home. Now... that is a small piece of background. But then, I started to put myself in Joshua's shoes (or rather sandals) based on some drawings that portray her, she seems to be a very attractive lady at that.
So at first glance I would like to think that when their eyes met, there was a subtle attraction. Because they couldn't show it, they probably couldn't show the radiation of their smiles. And the entire time Joshua was at war, I bet he thought about her, and I bet his prayer was to make it back alive so he could see Rahab again.
Please understand that this is just my assumption. But what made me so intrigued by the two of them, was how counter culture their relationship was. I mean Joshua was no an idiot he knew she was a prostitute and how she made money, but he didn't know how many partners she could have had, unless she just came out and told him.
However, in my assumption. I believe Joshua didn't go up to rahab and say to her: "Hey lets date!" He probably saw this beautiful women who needed love like anyone else, and that its hard to make a living in this life. And Rahab knew that she could not live the life she was leading anymore. After awhile it gets old and you start to wonder if this all adds up to how much she is worth.
So theirs a connection between them already. The reason I say this is so counter culture is because it is very, very difficult to find love and acceptance. The kind of total, pure acceptance that leaves us in awe, and leaves us wondering why we haven't be thrown to the side of the road. Our society is very rush, when one is honest about his or her past with some one they care for or love. The opposite person is left in a state of disbelief. We say things like: "Wow.." "Not you, this just can't be true can it?" Or "I don't think we can have a future anymore, because you've got to much baggage, and my future is just to important to me."
This is true and we cannot deny... These response are so very painful. Nothing in me senses that Joshua did this with Rahab. He didn't throw a "purity rocks" T-shirt at her or say something like "True love waits." Now I have no problem with these stances, the keep us free from having a life of having to take medicine and learning to cope with any horrible sickness.
I don't see Christ doing that, so what gives us the right? Sure, I'm in no way shape or form saying go out in live a reckless care free life. Don't take what I'm saying out of the proper context, all I am saying is that God just sees the son or daughter. And he speaks well of the good that is already in them. Which is what people mean when they say: "God bless you" It is meant to say that I think well of you and so does God. Again, let me state that God does convict and points our sins, but he in no way gives a saying that thousands of other people crowd around.
Rather, I believe he gets down on his knees, wraps his hands around the head of his son or daughter. And quietly and lovingly rebukes the nature they're living. Why can't we do this for one another? Regardless of wether it'd be a sexual past or whatever the case may be? The Bible clearly states that we are to become more and more like every single day, hence this is his will for all humanity. But we are unaware of our short comings. Now, to the person who has these high standards of morality. I say well done to you. But are your standards so high that you are far from the loving the Un-Pure?
We scare people to the point where if they do sin, their done for. And God is just standing there ready to crack that whip. Not true. Mistakes are bound to happen they will. There're so many people who live in shame in this hour, because of something they've done. Let me tell you that there is a huge difference between conviction and shame. And lets be very honest with ourselves for a minute.
What exactly do we want? We want a love like Rahab has received. And it may be from another human being, or it very well be God himself or maybe even both. Whatever the case this love is life changing, this kind of love leaves us dumbfounded. If only we all could share our love like this, the chains would be broken. We'd throw down the heavy burdens of life and seek rest. We'd have a love like rahab.
-Brandon the writer.
Rahab pleads with Joshua not to destroy her home, and her place of business. She even hides him and a few of his mates. Until some sneaky snitch decides to tell their enemies of the Israelites plan of attack. (According to some scholars and experts on this particular time in history.)
Rahab decides to hang a red cord out her window, so Joshua and his troops know not to touch her home. Now... that is a small piece of background. But then, I started to put myself in Joshua's shoes (or rather sandals) based on some drawings that portray her, she seems to be a very attractive lady at that.
So at first glance I would like to think that when their eyes met, there was a subtle attraction. Because they couldn't show it, they probably couldn't show the radiation of their smiles. And the entire time Joshua was at war, I bet he thought about her, and I bet his prayer was to make it back alive so he could see Rahab again.
Please understand that this is just my assumption. But what made me so intrigued by the two of them, was how counter culture their relationship was. I mean Joshua was no an idiot he knew she was a prostitute and how she made money, but he didn't know how many partners she could have had, unless she just came out and told him.
However, in my assumption. I believe Joshua didn't go up to rahab and say to her: "Hey lets date!" He probably saw this beautiful women who needed love like anyone else, and that its hard to make a living in this life. And Rahab knew that she could not live the life she was leading anymore. After awhile it gets old and you start to wonder if this all adds up to how much she is worth.
So theirs a connection between them already. The reason I say this is so counter culture is because it is very, very difficult to find love and acceptance. The kind of total, pure acceptance that leaves us in awe, and leaves us wondering why we haven't be thrown to the side of the road. Our society is very rush, when one is honest about his or her past with some one they care for or love. The opposite person is left in a state of disbelief. We say things like: "Wow.." "Not you, this just can't be true can it?" Or "I don't think we can have a future anymore, because you've got to much baggage, and my future is just to important to me."
This is true and we cannot deny... These response are so very painful. Nothing in me senses that Joshua did this with Rahab. He didn't throw a "purity rocks" T-shirt at her or say something like "True love waits." Now I have no problem with these stances, the keep us free from having a life of having to take medicine and learning to cope with any horrible sickness.
I don't see Christ doing that, so what gives us the right? Sure, I'm in no way shape or form saying go out in live a reckless care free life. Don't take what I'm saying out of the proper context, all I am saying is that God just sees the son or daughter. And he speaks well of the good that is already in them. Which is what people mean when they say: "God bless you" It is meant to say that I think well of you and so does God. Again, let me state that God does convict and points our sins, but he in no way gives a saying that thousands of other people crowd around.
Rather, I believe he gets down on his knees, wraps his hands around the head of his son or daughter. And quietly and lovingly rebukes the nature they're living. Why can't we do this for one another? Regardless of wether it'd be a sexual past or whatever the case may be? The Bible clearly states that we are to become more and more like every single day, hence this is his will for all humanity. But we are unaware of our short comings. Now, to the person who has these high standards of morality. I say well done to you. But are your standards so high that you are far from the loving the Un-Pure?
We scare people to the point where if they do sin, their done for. And God is just standing there ready to crack that whip. Not true. Mistakes are bound to happen they will. There're so many people who live in shame in this hour, because of something they've done. Let me tell you that there is a huge difference between conviction and shame. And lets be very honest with ourselves for a minute.
What exactly do we want? We want a love like Rahab has received. And it may be from another human being, or it very well be God himself or maybe even both. Whatever the case this love is life changing, this kind of love leaves us dumbfounded. If only we all could share our love like this, the chains would be broken. We'd throw down the heavy burdens of life and seek rest. We'd have a love like rahab.
-Brandon the writer.
04 September 2008
Please open your eyes.
So its early morning and I'm still really tired. I've been sick the past few days, I am trying to sit up more so my lungs to go flying out of my chest from coughing so hard. The sun is starting to sparkle and it just felt right to write out some thoughts as best I can. If I tend to skip around please bare with me.
Thoughts:
I've really have been wondering about the condition of our world, more so on a level of awareness as to what is happening around us. Do we even realize how good we have it? I don't ever want to not show regard for someone's pain. But please hear me out.
We all have are own pain and daily struggle to fight against, but in the same breath we also have a roof over our heads, a clean bed to sleep in, (I hope) the ability to eat whenever we please, a hot shower whenever desired and the list could go on and on.
So why then when life kicks us in the teeth, we feel like the entire earth is falling down around us? Seriously, think about this with me. Every single person is guilty of this, and that is said in love and with honesty.
I was watching this movie series called "Generation Kill" last night, and its based off the war we are in at this moment. I watched with intent, my eyes and spirt were searching for any hint of truth and mercy it could lock onto.
There was one part in the episode where a family was dragging their wounded son, in a blanket. They dragged him to where the troops were resting and re-grouping as a team. When one soldier saw the family, five of them rushed to see what was going on.
The little boys mom was just a mess, she was just sobbing and it sounded as if she was praying. The boy had be hit three times in the stomach, if something was not done as soon as possible he was going to die. And that family would also loose a son.
So the medic did all he could to comfort and make sure the boys vital signs were stable. While the other troops tried to radio for evacuation be Helicopter, they could not get through to their commander.
This boy, this human being was struck by a Marine who was following orders from his commander also. The Marine was there with the medic, he confessed to what he had to done and pleaded to offer and help he could. The rest of the troops were angry, every moment was so important for this kids life.
So they set out with the boy on a stretcher and the family trailing behind, they carried the boy to their commanders tent who was not answering his head set. They set the boy down and the family kneeled beside him and held his bloody hands and wept and wailed.
The commander finally came out and the first words that came out of his mouth were, "What the hell is this?" the medic who tended to the boys needs said slowly: "we brought this boy here so he could die."
Their commander was silent, then he pulled the troops over to the side. He began to tell the platoon that helicopter evacuation was very dangerous and two were just shot down the night before. He said the the second option was to send a truck to drive the boy to the nearest hospital.
The catch was that that truck would drive through one of the most dangerous war zones to be under attack. This meant that the boy might not even make it. So here is this fragile situation where humanity and flesh and blood, making a very bold statement.
I could sense that the heart of these soldiers were going out to this family, they wanted to offer this young boy every chance at life they could. Even if it meant their own death. It dawn on that once again life is stronger than death.
Here in this blood bathed battle ground, for a few minutes it is not us versus them. It is about human being meets human being. Sometimes when we are faced with our own war we become so aware of ourselves that we fail to keep are hearts softened to the conditions of another's life, needs and the battle they face.
Let us not loose ourselves in ourselves. Please lets open our eyes to our entire world and all people, not just our lives and what we are comfortable with. I know that may seem a bit harsh and it very well may be, but please open up your eyes and see that this word needs you.
The love of God does not require us to do huge things. It begs of us to do small things with great love. Let us also learn to be ourselves and not try and copy others, we were made originals and not carbon copies of another person.
I truly believe that our world can change. But you know what the truth is? It probably won't make CNN, the violence will be the main attraction. But the little things that people won't. I'm sorry to say that but its true.
As Shane Claiborne put it we are going to grow smaller and smaller until we change the world. And I hope that disturbs you, because it does me. This means that are perspectives must change inwardly.
The way we view recognition must change, this is something that I fight against because it feels good to be noticed, it feels good to have people say nice things about us. But is there really any good in it?
We don't need bigger buildings, large followings or mass exposure. Sure there is good in all of that, but what we really need is to always learn to keep are hearts in the right place and always let are minds be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
This is how I believe Jesus would want it to be, and I honestly believe that he doesn't care about how big your thing gets. What I believe he cares the most about, is wether or not we are letting his love and mercy be at work in our lives and are that we are doing all we can to show his mercy in small doses to this world.
We are all broken and sick, if you didn't know. Some may have it worse than others. But we are alive and are only just starting to make a a flame arise from the darkness. This will create a flame that will we be very hard to put out as long as we are adding fuel to the fire.
Brandon-The Writer
Thoughts:
I've really have been wondering about the condition of our world, more so on a level of awareness as to what is happening around us. Do we even realize how good we have it? I don't ever want to not show regard for someone's pain. But please hear me out.
We all have are own pain and daily struggle to fight against, but in the same breath we also have a roof over our heads, a clean bed to sleep in, (I hope) the ability to eat whenever we please, a hot shower whenever desired and the list could go on and on.
So why then when life kicks us in the teeth, we feel like the entire earth is falling down around us? Seriously, think about this with me. Every single person is guilty of this, and that is said in love and with honesty.
I was watching this movie series called "Generation Kill" last night, and its based off the war we are in at this moment. I watched with intent, my eyes and spirt were searching for any hint of truth and mercy it could lock onto.
There was one part in the episode where a family was dragging their wounded son, in a blanket. They dragged him to where the troops were resting and re-grouping as a team. When one soldier saw the family, five of them rushed to see what was going on.
The little boys mom was just a mess, she was just sobbing and it sounded as if she was praying. The boy had be hit three times in the stomach, if something was not done as soon as possible he was going to die. And that family would also loose a son.
So the medic did all he could to comfort and make sure the boys vital signs were stable. While the other troops tried to radio for evacuation be Helicopter, they could not get through to their commander.
This boy, this human being was struck by a Marine who was following orders from his commander also. The Marine was there with the medic, he confessed to what he had to done and pleaded to offer and help he could. The rest of the troops were angry, every moment was so important for this kids life.
So they set out with the boy on a stretcher and the family trailing behind, they carried the boy to their commanders tent who was not answering his head set. They set the boy down and the family kneeled beside him and held his bloody hands and wept and wailed.
The commander finally came out and the first words that came out of his mouth were, "What the hell is this?" the medic who tended to the boys needs said slowly: "we brought this boy here so he could die."
Their commander was silent, then he pulled the troops over to the side. He began to tell the platoon that helicopter evacuation was very dangerous and two were just shot down the night before. He said the the second option was to send a truck to drive the boy to the nearest hospital.
The catch was that that truck would drive through one of the most dangerous war zones to be under attack. This meant that the boy might not even make it. So here is this fragile situation where humanity and flesh and blood, making a very bold statement.
I could sense that the heart of these soldiers were going out to this family, they wanted to offer this young boy every chance at life they could. Even if it meant their own death. It dawn on that once again life is stronger than death.
Here in this blood bathed battle ground, for a few minutes it is not us versus them. It is about human being meets human being. Sometimes when we are faced with our own war we become so aware of ourselves that we fail to keep are hearts softened to the conditions of another's life, needs and the battle they face.
Let us not loose ourselves in ourselves. Please lets open our eyes to our entire world and all people, not just our lives and what we are comfortable with. I know that may seem a bit harsh and it very well may be, but please open up your eyes and see that this word needs you.
The love of God does not require us to do huge things. It begs of us to do small things with great love. Let us also learn to be ourselves and not try and copy others, we were made originals and not carbon copies of another person.
I truly believe that our world can change. But you know what the truth is? It probably won't make CNN, the violence will be the main attraction. But the little things that people won't. I'm sorry to say that but its true.
As Shane Claiborne put it we are going to grow smaller and smaller until we change the world. And I hope that disturbs you, because it does me. This means that are perspectives must change inwardly.
The way we view recognition must change, this is something that I fight against because it feels good to be noticed, it feels good to have people say nice things about us. But is there really any good in it?
We don't need bigger buildings, large followings or mass exposure. Sure there is good in all of that, but what we really need is to always learn to keep are hearts in the right place and always let are minds be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
This is how I believe Jesus would want it to be, and I honestly believe that he doesn't care about how big your thing gets. What I believe he cares the most about, is wether or not we are letting his love and mercy be at work in our lives and are that we are doing all we can to show his mercy in small doses to this world.
We are all broken and sick, if you didn't know. Some may have it worse than others. But we are alive and are only just starting to make a a flame arise from the darkness. This will create a flame that will we be very hard to put out as long as we are adding fuel to the fire.
Brandon-The Writer
Time
A very profound truth has clicked me this morning. I woke up this morning and stuck in my headphones to my head phones to my Ipod, and listened to a teaching by Matthew Creek, he is a very wise man and is an ex doctor. He spoke about time, and how it seems to humanity how we have no time.
Now, think about this with me for a few minutes. How often does this excuse fall from our lips? Very often I believe. We are all guilty of this. It is estimated that in the United States alone there're 30 billion clocks. Clocks in our computers, TV's, Dish Washers, Microwaves, Stereos and countless other item.
We even where watches on our wrists, that conveniently tells us what time it is. I am starting to believe that most of creation, meaning us. Is being killed by time. What I mean is, for those of us who are single, and with every birthday that passes.We start tending to believe that we are running out of time to finds someone to spend the rest of our lives with.
Then there're those of us who are trying to figure out all the mysterious way of the world, before we go six feet under. What I mean by that, we are always searching for answers to why certain things happen in our lives. And even more so to the other countries around us.
As if will never be okay with our lives, with our maker. Until we get some answers. What if you find out that there is no answer to certain things in life.
Could you still believe life can be enjoyed?
Could you even go on living?
Could you somehow, some way be find a way to let go of the need for control?
And if you, never found an answer to a haunting question in your life... Would you still believe in hope?
Better yet. What would you do with the time that you do have?
Its as though we are in this race against the clock, and its killing us. It really is. How many conversations are cut short because you had to be somewhere else? Some of us might have the desire to help contribute to the redemption of our world.
Which is great, it really is. But let me ask another question. What are you doing with the time that you have in order to do that? Maybe you have these talents locked away inside of you, that have been there for years. But you are afraid of really stepping out and using them, you have time to start using them.
Which now brings up the phrase: "You don't know what tomorrow may bring." Very true, tomorrow could be the time when I walk to my grave (I sure hope not) but even if we had one year or even one hundred or maybe even one more day you still have the time to do something so amazing.
There is so much freedom is this, and I hope and pray that you see it. There is so many layers to this, and it goes so deep. Even for me this becomes so personal. Which makes me want to draw back to the phrase that we reflected on earlier:
"I don't have time".
I was talking to my best friend Garret yesterday, and before we hung up the phone. He said something that burned deep within my soul. He said: "I don't want to be that kind of person, so I always try and answer my phone". Now I know to you this may sound so small. But for me this was so rich in love and grace, because a majority of the time I get a voice mail.
To always "make time" to answer your phone, for a friend who feels like their and their wits end in life. And so you spend ex amount of hours on the phone with them because you really do care for their well being. I want to be the kind of person who does not hide behind a vocation that sucks up my "time".
I want to live a life that spends my time well, and my vocation becomes about investing time in people and being a light in a dark place. This is time well spent. I'm not saying that we can't have fun with life, thats not what I'm saying at all.
In fact if we learn to take deep breathes every now and then, and not let time consume us. And let OURSELVES consume time. Life will be fun, life with be beautiful and more poetic and rich. And it will be on earth as it is in Heaven.
So may we learn to stop.
May we open our eyes.
May we learn to communicate better.
May we close our eyes to sleep, and wake refreshed.
Let us consume our hands with the work of redemption,
and may everything we touched be filled with ever lasting grace.
Now, think about this with me for a few minutes. How often does this excuse fall from our lips? Very often I believe. We are all guilty of this. It is estimated that in the United States alone there're 30 billion clocks. Clocks in our computers, TV's, Dish Washers, Microwaves, Stereos and countless other item.
We even where watches on our wrists, that conveniently tells us what time it is. I am starting to believe that most of creation, meaning us. Is being killed by time. What I mean is, for those of us who are single, and with every birthday that passes.We start tending to believe that we are running out of time to finds someone to spend the rest of our lives with.
Then there're those of us who are trying to figure out all the mysterious way of the world, before we go six feet under. What I mean by that, we are always searching for answers to why certain things happen in our lives. And even more so to the other countries around us.
As if will never be okay with our lives, with our maker. Until we get some answers. What if you find out that there is no answer to certain things in life.
Could you still believe life can be enjoyed?
Could you even go on living?
Could you somehow, some way be find a way to let go of the need for control?
And if you, never found an answer to a haunting question in your life... Would you still believe in hope?
Better yet. What would you do with the time that you do have?
Its as though we are in this race against the clock, and its killing us. It really is. How many conversations are cut short because you had to be somewhere else? Some of us might have the desire to help contribute to the redemption of our world.
Which is great, it really is. But let me ask another question. What are you doing with the time that you have in order to do that? Maybe you have these talents locked away inside of you, that have been there for years. But you are afraid of really stepping out and using them, you have time to start using them.
Which now brings up the phrase: "You don't know what tomorrow may bring." Very true, tomorrow could be the time when I walk to my grave (I sure hope not) but even if we had one year or even one hundred or maybe even one more day you still have the time to do something so amazing.
There is so much freedom is this, and I hope and pray that you see it. There is so many layers to this, and it goes so deep. Even for me this becomes so personal. Which makes me want to draw back to the phrase that we reflected on earlier:
"I don't have time".
I was talking to my best friend Garret yesterday, and before we hung up the phone. He said something that burned deep within my soul. He said: "I don't want to be that kind of person, so I always try and answer my phone". Now I know to you this may sound so small. But for me this was so rich in love and grace, because a majority of the time I get a voice mail.
To always "make time" to answer your phone, for a friend who feels like their and their wits end in life. And so you spend ex amount of hours on the phone with them because you really do care for their well being. I want to be the kind of person who does not hide behind a vocation that sucks up my "time".
I want to live a life that spends my time well, and my vocation becomes about investing time in people and being a light in a dark place. This is time well spent. I'm not saying that we can't have fun with life, thats not what I'm saying at all.
In fact if we learn to take deep breathes every now and then, and not let time consume us. And let OURSELVES consume time. Life will be fun, life with be beautiful and more poetic and rich. And it will be on earth as it is in Heaven.
So may we learn to stop.
May we open our eyes.
May we learn to communicate better.
May we close our eyes to sleep, and wake refreshed.
Let us consume our hands with the work of redemption,
and may everything we touched be filled with ever lasting grace.
Be still and learn today.
-Brandon The Writer.
You call me your child
You call me your child,
even as I grow older as
a man on this earth.
In your eyes I am still
your child. I get dirty
and my eyes sometimes
are filled with ugly sites.
I try and run from them
like bombs dropping in a war
as humanity runs for cover.
Your breath is all around me.
Even when when I'm the most
blind. My heart is often numbed
with the ever so subtle touch of
fear.
And still you follow and pursue me.
With every step pressed forward, still saying...
"Come home my child, I am the shelter you seek in the cold. I am the
hand dropping dropping bullets as you pass by! Oh and even when you
cry, I shall no ever tear of my child!
You shall not end in death, but in triumph and legacy!
and the world will know, just who it is that makes life from dust. And
who it is that divides the seas!"
Oh my child, how long must we apart?
Do you not see that this life you live is more precious than gold?
Take in these breathes, open your eyes to this life. You shall not end
in death, but internal life.
Dearest child, come now, rest in my arms.
Let me hide your eyes for awhile. When you wake, you'll be new.
Brandon, the writer
even as I grow older as
a man on this earth.
In your eyes I am still
your child. I get dirty
and my eyes sometimes
are filled with ugly sites.
I try and run from them
like bombs dropping in a war
as humanity runs for cover.
Your breath is all around me.
Even when when I'm the most
blind. My heart is often numbed
with the ever so subtle touch of
fear.
And still you follow and pursue me.
With every step pressed forward, still saying...
"Come home my child, I am the shelter you seek in the cold. I am the
hand dropping dropping bullets as you pass by! Oh and even when you
cry, I shall no ever tear of my child!
You shall not end in death, but in triumph and legacy!
and the world will know, just who it is that makes life from dust. And
who it is that divides the seas!"
Oh my child, how long must we apart?
Do you not see that this life you live is more precious than gold?
Take in these breathes, open your eyes to this life. You shall not end
in death, but internal life.
Dearest child, come now, rest in my arms.
Let me hide your eyes for awhile. When you wake, you'll be new.
Brandon, the writer
The Friction of Poverty and Comfort
We all the the feeling. The raging hunger within our stomach, when this occurs the most known response is food. We eat until our stomachs are full. Some of us will eat whatever is in front of us, others are picky and are very selective as to what they will put in their bodies.
Which is sometimes not such a bad thing. What we put into our bodies matter. When we eat matters. Food it essential for life. I've been really weak the past few days, and have been kinda ill. And my mom has told me over and over the body needs food, like a car needs gas.
And I've been reading about amazing people like mother T and Shane Claiborne. Two very amazing people that are inspiring me and shaping my eyes and molding my heart. I know I'm about to step on shaky ground here, but in the world we live in there is povery everywhere.
If one ever wanted a definition of what a demon or devil is, I'd call it poverty. Because, it has to deal with every day needs, food, water, clean bathrooms and first-aid kits. And its also a condition of the heart. The richest person in the world could have everything he dreamed of having, and there is still this terrible feeling and sadness with in him. (or her)
Our society is divided in classes, and it often defines our lives. This breaks my heart because we never actually know those who are defined by such a standard. They have a name, a past and a family that's either dead or alive.
I don't mean this to sound morbid. But there're those who's family lay in the dirt. And what about the food we throw away on a daily basis or the amount of food we order at a fast food joint and only eat half and toss the rest?
I'm not trying to make anyone loath themselves to death, the totally is not the point that I'm aiming for here. My point is essentially that everything is super sized, churches and value meals and shopping malls.
What if we lost all this?
What if those of us who attend Church, had to dig a very small underground cave with very little our in order to live in community and share each others burdens, all the while taking the huge risk of being killed?
Could you even be happy that way?
And again if you are a follower of Christ, what if the way we viewed "Church" actually was so shaken up we started to get really uncomfortable? We'd start to get a little ADD, and not be able to sit in a pew for song long, because people in the world need us.
I was reading a story about how Shane Claiborne spent an entire summer with Mother T. (Read The Irresistible Revolution, very good book so far. Shane reminds me of my buddy Garret).
Shane would spend the summer helping those who were about to die, die with dignity. I found this to be very, very attractive. Because I now believe that it is often the small things that make us feel human again.
What broke my heart is that the kids in the story would cut themselves, just so they could get some attention, love and affection. I mean, what kid doesn't want that? What person doesn't want that?
I know I'm not the only one in this world who thinks this now. And the idea was brought onto me than none other than, yes you guessed it! Shane claiborne. But what if there was not such a hatred between the rich and the poor?
I mean, yes the truth is there are those who just refuse to go out and get a job. So they spend time hitting the bottle. But there are people who really can't do a single thing about their living condition.
We Christians even shun the homeless person, who looks at the food their eating as the growl gets louder and he hopes that it isn't so loud that everyone can hear it. And then the Christians say in the midst of silence: "So what version of the bible are you reading"? (this happens, yes it does)
The only prayer that rests on my heart is that we would all be woken up to the world around us. Everyone wants to do great big things with their lives, and I do to. But good old Mother T (Mother Teresa) is changing my perspective.
She was said that: "We are not meant to great things, we are meant to do small things will great love".
This is hard for us, because it commands are full attention and energy and emotion. Again, this writing is NOT aimed at making those who have nice things feel bad. but rather a honest attempt at looking at humanity.
Jesus once said "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for they will inherit the kingdom of God". I've always thought of this as a way of Jesus giving the poor a comfort. But now I'm thinking that he was serious and very literal.
When we go out and we help those who feel down and feel for me at peace with themselves. When we show love with all of our hearts. God's kingdom happens then and there it crashes through the chains of poverty
So I think.. In my eyes now the Kingdom of God is now. It is not about going so place else so much. but making the home we have a safer and healthy place.
Thank you for reading and take care of yourselves.
-Brandon-The Writer
Which is sometimes not such a bad thing. What we put into our bodies matter. When we eat matters. Food it essential for life. I've been really weak the past few days, and have been kinda ill. And my mom has told me over and over the body needs food, like a car needs gas.
And I've been reading about amazing people like mother T and Shane Claiborne. Two very amazing people that are inspiring me and shaping my eyes and molding my heart. I know I'm about to step on shaky ground here, but in the world we live in there is povery everywhere.
If one ever wanted a definition of what a demon or devil is, I'd call it poverty. Because, it has to deal with every day needs, food, water, clean bathrooms and first-aid kits. And its also a condition of the heart. The richest person in the world could have everything he dreamed of having, and there is still this terrible feeling and sadness with in him. (or her)
Our society is divided in classes, and it often defines our lives. This breaks my heart because we never actually know those who are defined by such a standard. They have a name, a past and a family that's either dead or alive.
I don't mean this to sound morbid. But there're those who's family lay in the dirt. And what about the food we throw away on a daily basis or the amount of food we order at a fast food joint and only eat half and toss the rest?
I'm not trying to make anyone loath themselves to death, the totally is not the point that I'm aiming for here. My point is essentially that everything is super sized, churches and value meals and shopping malls.
What if we lost all this?
What if those of us who attend Church, had to dig a very small underground cave with very little our in order to live in community and share each others burdens, all the while taking the huge risk of being killed?
Could you even be happy that way?
And again if you are a follower of Christ, what if the way we viewed "Church" actually was so shaken up we started to get really uncomfortable? We'd start to get a little ADD, and not be able to sit in a pew for song long, because people in the world need us.
I was reading a story about how Shane Claiborne spent an entire summer with Mother T. (Read The Irresistible Revolution, very good book so far. Shane reminds me of my buddy Garret).
Shane would spend the summer helping those who were about to die, die with dignity. I found this to be very, very attractive. Because I now believe that it is often the small things that make us feel human again.
What broke my heart is that the kids in the story would cut themselves, just so they could get some attention, love and affection. I mean, what kid doesn't want that? What person doesn't want that?
I know I'm not the only one in this world who thinks this now. And the idea was brought onto me than none other than, yes you guessed it! Shane claiborne. But what if there was not such a hatred between the rich and the poor?
I mean, yes the truth is there are those who just refuse to go out and get a job. So they spend time hitting the bottle. But there are people who really can't do a single thing about their living condition.
We Christians even shun the homeless person, who looks at the food their eating as the growl gets louder and he hopes that it isn't so loud that everyone can hear it. And then the Christians say in the midst of silence: "So what version of the bible are you reading"? (this happens, yes it does)
The only prayer that rests on my heart is that we would all be woken up to the world around us. Everyone wants to do great big things with their lives, and I do to. But good old Mother T (Mother Teresa) is changing my perspective.
She was said that: "We are not meant to great things, we are meant to do small things will great love".
This is hard for us, because it commands are full attention and energy and emotion. Again, this writing is NOT aimed at making those who have nice things feel bad. but rather a honest attempt at looking at humanity.
Jesus once said "Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for they will inherit the kingdom of God". I've always thought of this as a way of Jesus giving the poor a comfort. But now I'm thinking that he was serious and very literal.
When we go out and we help those who feel down and feel for me at peace with themselves. When we show love with all of our hearts. God's kingdom happens then and there it crashes through the chains of poverty
So I think.. In my eyes now the Kingdom of God is now. It is not about going so place else so much. but making the home we have a safer and healthy place.
Thank you for reading and take care of yourselves.
-Brandon-The Writer
30 July 2008
Scrutinized
In my life-time I have been under heavy scrutinizing because I chose to live my life on my own teams. I chose to live my life as a Normal person who has feelings, wants, needs, and desires
I have talked up for myself, been faithful to myself, and, I have been determined to be treated with dignity and respect! When employers, co-workers, organizations, or individual's rewarded those around me who were talking down, behind, and around my back, or taking credit or advantage, of a current situation for something I did. I was also wrongly scolded for being dressed inappropriately for teaching a fitness class, while being hired as a fitness instructor, too.
In each of these situations, I spoke up for myself and stood my ground. I never sold myself short. I lived by a standard of truth, honesty, integrity, and doing my job to the best of my ability and then some. I went above and beyond in all my duties, and gave a 120 % with all the goodness in my heart
Today, I know differently
Most the times, though, my work was better. It was better than a person without a disability! I never worked to compete with others. I worked to accept and be in harmony with those around me, however, they could not, see it! I wanted so desperately wanted to fit in, I wanted them to accept me for me, the hard work I completed and performed, and as an equal, individual wanting to work in the work place as a team player, a leader with a balance. An individual with the same qualities as everyone around me. I wanted to be equal to, or have the same kind of equivalents as them all.
But I know differently now! I know what this world is like. I have dealt with people, and have had many experiences to make me strong, which alert me to these acts of in-humanity. I have been introduced and made aware of- and have lived in a world where people have this ruthless way about then, where they must be better than the next guy, desiring more success, greed, power, and control.
These people could not, nor were they willing to, so they hurt me and belittled me in the process. They did everything they could with-in their power to make me believe contrary to the truth at hand. But I grew up, and I saw beyond the truth, and, their conniving ways. They tried to put me down, and pull the wool over my eyes, in ways that were de-humanizing! In the long term I rose above them all! And I am grateful for these lessons. I am indebted to them as I came out the winner, Maybe not financially, But morally, I did indeed!
These people have been very threaten of me, and the way I conducted myself. They were intimidated, and afraid that I could do better or go farther and, you know what- I did! I really did! Perhaps I did do a better job- perhaps, better with one hand, then they could with two!
But with all judgment aside, and all do respect, these professional in these communities were indeed threaten of me. They were frighten of, or overawe as a hostel individual or human being of what I said, stood for, or was trying to do in my job, life, as an honest, free of deceit, whole-hearted manner.
Thus, I have set my own bar of excellence. And, I have continued to raise it. Yes, I may not have held a full time career like the norm, but I have lived my life by my own standards of truth, and honesty. I have had the soundness of thought and mind to live my life in a mindful and whole way, with internal consistency, and lack of corruption.
I have lived my life today never doubting myself, my abilities, my good character, my principles, or by selling myself short in a deceitful, conniving way.
Thus, in closing, I will continue to live my life in a trustworthy, dignified, truthful, sincere way, and to be a light and an example for others to emulate.
I have talked up for myself, been faithful to myself, and, I have been determined to be treated with dignity and respect! When employers, co-workers, organizations, or individual's rewarded those around me who were talking down, behind, and around my back, or taking credit or advantage, of a current situation for something I did. I was also wrongly scolded for being dressed inappropriately for teaching a fitness class, while being hired as a fitness instructor, too.
In each of these situations, I spoke up for myself and stood my ground. I never sold myself short. I lived by a standard of truth, honesty, integrity, and doing my job to the best of my ability and then some. I went above and beyond in all my duties, and gave a 120 % with all the goodness in my heart
Today, I know differently
And, because of this, I have been able to rise above it all. I have been accountable and responsible for all my actions and conducts. I have accomplished goals in my life, step by step that other's may have looked disapprovingly of. Because of my motivation and willingness to succeed in every area of my life, I have been insulted, scorned, made fun of, studied, and criticized to the hilt. I have been examined, and looked down upon, and grudgingly made to feel small. Moreover, I have been looked at very closely and thoroughly with peering eyes. And still, I have been looked at with such discuss, objection, and in such a hypocritical, disconcerting kind of way, that it truly hurt.
These people found careful and meticulous ways to get rid of me. They found ways for me to be the bad girl These individuals called my left arm a wing and mimic my limp and how I walk!
Why! Well, I don't really know- But these high ranking bosses were from a host of well known organizations that are still around and in existence today. These are people who call themselves professionals, who also call themselves compassionate- they thought they knew more or new better than me. Unfortunately, these professionals in the disable field, employers, psychologist, and doctor's are way too many.. Actually to think about now, bother me, or hurt me anymore in my life, because I have moved on and away from the hurt, pain, and residue. I have healed and truly want to let go of these memories that have shaped my life. I want to help others, instead, to work thought their own- by what I have experienced in mine.
These so called professionals have wanted to probe my physical well being, and make sure I was emotionally stable- They have investigated and inquired into my life in ways that made me feel humiliated, judged, less than normal, scared, nervous, hopeless, and even helpless at times, but I was like a Trojan horse ready to surpass attack. I kept carrying on despite them, in an honest, triumphant, and truthful way.
Instead of making an individual comfortable within their own being, and rewarding them for their conscientiousness and integrity, they made me feel like I was on trial, or was a criminal who had committed the worst kind of crime!
Why, you may be asking yourself? Because I worked my hardest with the abilities I had before me I worked to accomplish my duty's all the time. I worked with an accuracy and a perfection, and I always came into work happy, with a kind word, and a smile on my face looking forward to each and every day. I never let my Cerebral Palsy or learning disability get in my way. I worked to over-come them, as I worked to be like the norm, and I did what was asked of me no matter what.
Most the times, though, my work was better. It was better than a person without a disability! I never worked to compete with others. I worked to accept and be in harmony with those around me, however, they could not, see it! I wanted so desperately wanted to fit in, I wanted them to accept me for me, the hard work I completed and performed, and as an equal, individual wanting to work in the work place as a team player, a leader with a balance. An individual with the same qualities as everyone around me. I wanted to be equal to, or have the same kind of equivalents as them all.
But I know differently now! I know what this world is like. I have dealt with people, and have had many experiences to make me strong, which alert me to these acts of in-humanity. I have been introduced and made aware of- and have lived in a world where people have this ruthless way about then, where they must be better than the next guy, desiring more success, greed, power, and control.
These people could not, nor were they willing to, so they hurt me and belittled me in the process. They did everything they could with-in their power to make me believe contrary to the truth at hand. But I grew up, and I saw beyond the truth, and, their conniving ways. They tried to put me down, and pull the wool over my eyes, in ways that were de-humanizing! In the long term I rose above them all! And I am grateful for these lessons. I am indebted to them as I came out the winner, Maybe not financially, But morally, I did indeed!
These people have been very threaten of me, and the way I conducted myself. They were intimidated, and afraid that I could do better or go farther and, you know what- I did! I really did! Perhaps I did do a better job- perhaps, better with one hand, then they could with two!
But with all judgment aside, and all do respect, these professional in these communities were indeed threaten of me. They were frighten of, or overawe as a hostel individual or human being of what I said, stood for, or was trying to do in my job, life, as an honest, free of deceit, whole-hearted manner.
Thus, I have set my own bar of excellence. And, I have continued to raise it. Yes, I may not have held a full time career like the norm, but I have lived my life by my own standards of truth, and honesty. I have had the soundness of thought and mind to live my life in a mindful and whole way, with internal consistency, and lack of corruption.
I have lived my life today never doubting myself, my abilities, my good character, my principles, or by selling myself short in a deceitful, conniving way.
Thus, in closing, I will continue to live my life in a trustworthy, dignified, truthful, sincere way, and to be a light and an example for others to emulate.
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