ideas about social justice...

Today has been a jam-packed day of learning, work, being in community, and so much more. It all began with the alarm sounding at 5am this morning. After being disoriented and attempting to wake up at such a god-awful time, we began our journey to the Epiphaneia conference. Dan Young and myself were working for the admissions office at the conference, but we had the privilege of being able to sit in on most of the sessions. It was so much information to take in and process about social justice.

Shane Claiborne began his morning talk with a quote from Mother Teresa. It goes something like (or not exactly like) this:

It is fashionable to talk about helping the poor,
but it is not fashionable to talk to the poor.

In reflecting back on what I learned today, what I was reminded of, and what I was challenged by, this quote encompasses the essence of my feelings and fears and challenges. So many times we talk about social justice issues, and we feel good about ourselves for taking the time out to think about and ponder such ideas, but what do we do after those talks? We walk away stunned and confused as to how we are to incorporate such radical, yet necessary steps in our own lives. Questions arise in my mind such as: how extreme do we have to go? what does true Christianity look like? in what ways is the Lord calling us to use our gifts in social justice? are we truly being challenged and are we making real sacrifices for others? These questions and so many more arise when we talk about social justice. And they are questions that I am asking myself after coming out of such a conference.

These are questions to think about over a long period of time and to struggle over together. Once again, the Lord is teaching me more and more about community. We can't (and are not supposed to) figure this out and process it all on our own. It's about being in community and journeying together on this path called life.

There are so many other issues that came up today that I (and others) need to process. I can't write about it all now, or this would turn into a book. But as we struggle through these and other related issues in our own minds and hearts, don't forget to struggle through them together with others. In all likelihood others are asking the same questions as you, and it might be nice to bounce ideas off each other and to simply be in community as we figure this community thing out together. That is one thing I was reminded of today: that social justice in all it encompasses is about community in some form or another.

I will leave you on this last note. Think about and struggle together to better define and learn how to truly practice this verse: "to love your neighbour as yourself".

Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

I've never written a blog on an album, nor have I ever written a review on an album before, but today is the day of new beginnings.

Today I went shopping, and probably spent too much money, but in my frivolous spending I bought a new CD: Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case. It's a beautiful and wonderful piece of art work in so many regards. From the album art, to the lyrics, to Case's strong and powerful, yet sweet voice, to the music itself, it is an admirable album of Case's. Unlike the super-pop sound of The New Pornographers, which is where I first heard of Case, her solo material is folky, country and musically and lyrically creative. It's something a little bit different to spice up the CD rack.

Each song is beautifully written and stunningly preformed. From what my ears have heard, there is not a weak track on the whole album. I originally bought the album because of the third track Hold On, Hold On, but quickly discovered that the whole CD is filled with great songs that I could listen to over and over again. Some notable tracks include the title track Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, John Saw that Number, and Maybe Sparrow. You can go to her website nekocase.com to listen to some of the tracks on her albums. I would say that it is worth the listen.

So that's my album review. Done and done.

Creativity

Creativity. It comes in all different shapes and sizes and colours. That is why it is creative.

God is the ultimate artist. Not only did he create the whole universe and the never ending details of the world, but He created you and me. He has a sense of humour in that artistic ability of His. You look around and see the eccentric individuals in the world and we say that they are so creative, but it was the Lord that created those crazy people! He was the one who originally came up with the idea. In thinking this, we are a reflection of God's creativity.

We need to be creative with our lives. We need to learn to live our lives the way the Lord created us to. We each have so many beautiful differences and quirks that we need to learn to embrace and share with others. And when we do this we need to do it for the love of the thing itself: whatever it might be. Music, art, photography, crafts, sewing, writing, the way we dress, the way we act, these are all ways of expressing who we are, and ultimately expressing who the Lord is. We are created in His image, so lets show the rest of the world what the Lord has done. We need to create and live for the sake of the 'art' itself. Not for the recognition, nor for the money or the prizes, or for any other reason. Just for the 'art' itself. I don't know if that is possible in our sinful nature, but its a good goal. Do things for the betterment of humanity, community and for the glory of God. Do it just because you want to. Don’t get boxed in by what society tells us to do. W are creative beings, so in whatever way you choose, show off that creativity and others might be inspired by you to do the same in their own unique way.

I think and write about these things due to some recent conversations had at Tyndale and due to the Burning Man Festival documentary that Chris told me about. But it was inspiring to see people live their lives doing things that they truly love to do. There is no holding them back. This can be applied to so many areas of our lives. Whatever it is you love to do, do it. Don’t be so stuck up and forget about doing the things you love to do. I know that so many times I get so busy with work and school and meetings, that I forget to do the things that I love to do. I believe that it is for the betterment of the individual, community, and brings glory to the Lord when we do the things that we love.

Two of my favorites...

Here are two of my favorite photos that I took in Bukoba, Tanzania this past summer. I miss being there.