On the monday following the show, a faculty member here said, "That kiss sure looked real!" I responded by saying, "That's because it was!"
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
"Birthday Shout-Out"
I'd like to give a Birthday Shout-Out to my boss and good friend Candice...you are such a blessing in my life!
"Looking Back"
I realized tonight how much I miss leading worship. I helped my friends Christy and Jes lead worship at their church tonight and I couldn't help but think back on when I led worship for my youth group when I was in high school. At the time, I don't think I truly realized how priviledged I was to be in that position. Leading worship is such an amazing experience that I cannot even begin to describe with mere words.
I am so thankful for times like tonight when God reminds me of different things that He has used to shape me into who I am today. So often, we only want to remember the good and pleasant things from our past, but many of the painful and challenging things from my past are what make me the person that I am. It's so difficult to see God's provision sometimes, but looking back on my life, I am able to see God's grace and faithfulness covering everything that I have been through.
Remember that the challenges and changes of today are shaping the useable and beautiful vessel of tomorrow.
I am so thankful for times like tonight when God reminds me of different things that He has used to shape me into who I am today. So often, we only want to remember the good and pleasant things from our past, but many of the painful and challenging things from my past are what make me the person that I am. It's so difficult to see God's provision sometimes, but looking back on my life, I am able to see God's grace and faithfulness covering everything that I have been through.
Remember that the challenges and changes of today are shaping the useable and beautiful vessel of tomorrow.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
"CoffeeHouse Gospel"
I've been reading a book recently called The CoffeeHouse Gospel. The book is about evangelism presented in a very relevant way. It encourages believers to share their faith in everyday conversation. To be honest, evangelism is something that I have failed in time and again. I am amazed at how uneducated the American church is concerning evangelism. We trick ourselves, or rather satan tricks us, into thinking that it is some incredibly intimidating and daunting task that we have to do...but really it is so simple...all we have to do is tell our story. Even this can seem intimidating at times, but I think that is because we have become so accustomed to our plush comfort zones that it seems too hard to get up and act. We have become so incredilbly selfish...when did Christianity become about "me"?
Below is an excerpt from The CoffeHouse Gospel by Matthew Paul Turner:
"The quest to be selfless is often a lonely pursuit in today's modern, sophisticated, and very selfish culture. Chock full of success-driven individuals only interested in looking out for number one, today's culture is filled with people consumed with careers, image, mondy, and self-fulfillment. Instead of focusing on the needs of others, we hone in on our own needs for financial comfort, sex, and acceptance, just to name a few. Instead of looking to the needs of others, we invest in ourselves. If we want to be followers of Jesus who talk effortlessly about our faith, we must dispose of our selfishness. And that's not easy to do.
Many of us have let ourselves become programmed by the culture's message of self-investing. We have let ourselves become people who are only motivated by self-advancement and self-glory. We have a mindset of, "How can I help 'me' today?" We're all guilty of this at one time or another. I certainly struggle with naturally thinking of others. Our society works that way, and it's hard not to get sucked into the madness of me, me, me!
You can't watch one episode of MTV's Cribs without being bombarded with the materialism for which wealthy Americans strive. So many of my friends watch Cribs in complete lust for the lush commodities that wealth and celebrity bring in today's society. The same is true watching Donald Trump's The Apprentice. Although wildly entertaining, this show depicts sixteen intelligent, hard working individuals who seemingly will employ whatever means necessary to be percieved as successful, business savvy, and powerful. We will long remember the actions of Omarosa who lied and manipulated her way throughout the experience. God's ways don't relate or line up with those of Cribs and The Apprentice. God's ways are pure and selfless and do not succumb to the faltering of "me" invesing.
As Christians, God's call on our lives flies in the face of what the world deems cool, successful, and pleasurable. Answering God's call on your life begins with a desire for selfless investing and constant renewal of your mind. Our selfishness does not keep us from witnessing and sharing our faith; it just eats away at our ability to do it with integrity and grace. How many times have you been subject to the witnessing tactics of an individual who seems to be in ministry to the fame? It's important that our hearts for ministry be motivated by only what is pure and honest."
Any comments?
Below is an excerpt from The CoffeHouse Gospel by Matthew Paul Turner:
"The quest to be selfless is often a lonely pursuit in today's modern, sophisticated, and very selfish culture. Chock full of success-driven individuals only interested in looking out for number one, today's culture is filled with people consumed with careers, image, mondy, and self-fulfillment. Instead of focusing on the needs of others, we hone in on our own needs for financial comfort, sex, and acceptance, just to name a few. Instead of looking to the needs of others, we invest in ourselves. If we want to be followers of Jesus who talk effortlessly about our faith, we must dispose of our selfishness. And that's not easy to do.
Many of us have let ourselves become programmed by the culture's message of self-investing. We have let ourselves become people who are only motivated by self-advancement and self-glory. We have a mindset of, "How can I help 'me' today?" We're all guilty of this at one time or another. I certainly struggle with naturally thinking of others. Our society works that way, and it's hard not to get sucked into the madness of me, me, me!
You can't watch one episode of MTV's Cribs without being bombarded with the materialism for which wealthy Americans strive. So many of my friends watch Cribs in complete lust for the lush commodities that wealth and celebrity bring in today's society. The same is true watching Donald Trump's The Apprentice. Although wildly entertaining, this show depicts sixteen intelligent, hard working individuals who seemingly will employ whatever means necessary to be percieved as successful, business savvy, and powerful. We will long remember the actions of Omarosa who lied and manipulated her way throughout the experience. God's ways don't relate or line up with those of Cribs and The Apprentice. God's ways are pure and selfless and do not succumb to the faltering of "me" invesing.
As Christians, God's call on our lives flies in the face of what the world deems cool, successful, and pleasurable. Answering God's call on your life begins with a desire for selfless investing and constant renewal of your mind. Our selfishness does not keep us from witnessing and sharing our faith; it just eats away at our ability to do it with integrity and grace. How many times have you been subject to the witnessing tactics of an individual who seems to be in ministry to the fame? It's important that our hearts for ministry be motivated by only what is pure and honest."
Any comments?
Saturday, April 09, 2005
"Life Cycles"
Yes...I am aware that it has been over a month since I've posted anything, and even longer since I've posted anything worth reading, and for that I sincerely appologize. It's not like very many people even read this, but for those of you who have been faithful to check every once in a while (hopefully there are still a few of you left!), and for myself, I decided it was about time to start writing again. I could name numerous excuses for why I haven't written (ie: 25 page papers, lead role in the musical, RA responsibilities), but these would just be petty attempts to justify my lack of motivation over the past month.
I am constantly amazed at the cyclical nature of our lives. Almost everything comes in waves...exercise routines, dieting, devotions, blogging, relationships, etc. For example: about every 2 weeks or so, I make up my mind that I am going to get serious about eating healthy and running whenever I have a chance...this mindset lasts about 3-5 days and then it's back to the same ole' routine of eating popcorn and easymac after midnight! Have you ever had the "Christian book" urge? My brother and I both get this every once in a while, as do many Christians I suppose. If you've ever had it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You go to the Christian book store, or even Barnes and Noble, and you find the perfect book that specifically adresses your "issue". You sit down and read the first few pages in the bookstore and are so inspired that you are compelled to spend the 10-20 bucks this newfound inspiration will cost you. After you return home with your new book and maybe a CD you thought might serve as a good soundtrack to this new and improved version of you, you sit down and visciously tear through the first few chapters. 2 years later you find the book under your bed or on a bookshelf collecting dust, with the same page still folded over from that life-changing, monumentally inspirational night!
So I guess all that was to say that I've kind of been in an "off" cycle in many different areas of my life over the past month. I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing. I think it is in these "off" times when a lot of real growth and change takes place that we don't even realize until much later.
Below are some Norah Jones lyrics which somewhat accurately express my feelings over the past month. Obvious spiritual parallels can be drawn, but there are several other areas in my life that I am wanting to be "turned on"...maybe I'll write more on that later!
I am constantly amazed at the cyclical nature of our lives. Almost everything comes in waves...exercise routines, dieting, devotions, blogging, relationships, etc. For example: about every 2 weeks or so, I make up my mind that I am going to get serious about eating healthy and running whenever I have a chance...this mindset lasts about 3-5 days and then it's back to the same ole' routine of eating popcorn and easymac after midnight! Have you ever had the "Christian book" urge? My brother and I both get this every once in a while, as do many Christians I suppose. If you've ever had it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You go to the Christian book store, or even Barnes and Noble, and you find the perfect book that specifically adresses your "issue". You sit down and read the first few pages in the bookstore and are so inspired that you are compelled to spend the 10-20 bucks this newfound inspiration will cost you. After you return home with your new book and maybe a CD you thought might serve as a good soundtrack to this new and improved version of you, you sit down and visciously tear through the first few chapters. 2 years later you find the book under your bed or on a bookshelf collecting dust, with the same page still folded over from that life-changing, monumentally inspirational night!
So I guess all that was to say that I've kind of been in an "off" cycle in many different areas of my life over the past month. I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing. I think it is in these "off" times when a lot of real growth and change takes place that we don't even realize until much later.
Below are some Norah Jones lyrics which somewhat accurately express my feelings over the past month. Obvious spiritual parallels can be drawn, but there are several other areas in my life that I am wanting to be "turned on"...maybe I'll write more on that later!
Like a flower waiting to bloom
Like a lightbulb In a dark room
I'm just sittin' here Waiting for you
To come on home And turn me on
Like the desert Waiting for the rain
Like a school kid Waiting for the spring
I'm just sittin' here Waiting for you
To come on home And turn me on
My poor heart It's been so dark
Since you've been gone
After all you're the one who turns me off
But you're the only one who can turn me back on
My hi-fi is waiting for a new tune
My glass is waiting for some fresh ice-cubes
I'm just sittin' here Waiting for you To come on home
And turn me on
Monday, March 07, 2005
"Bless The Lord"
I've been doing a lot of self-evaluation the past few days. I'm sure I'll write more about that when things become clearer, but for now I'd like to share these words from Jason Morant...
I tremble at Your presence
Shaken by te truth that You are God
No deed could bring You pleasure
Or a word Add a measure to Who You are
I lift my heart in worship
Taken by the truth that You are God
I'm silenced by the virtue
Surrendered and in awe
Of Who You Are
Bless the Lord
With all that's in me
Bless the Lord
May kingdoms fall and rulers crawl
Before Your throne
I want to give all of me
I'm giving You all of me
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
"Almost Famous"
I watched "Almost Famous" last night...such a good movie! If you haven't seen it, its definitely one you should check out. The movie is about William Miller, a very uncool 15 year old who writes for Rolling Stone Magazine, and his love for a girl named Penny Lane. Even though its a typical, coming-of-age story, I am always inspired.
Here's a quote from the movie:
Here's a quote from the movie:
"The only true currency in this bankrupt world
is what you share with someone else
when you're uncool."
"Live Your Life"
I wrote this essay earlier this week for the AE LIVE YOUR LIFE contest...its about my goals and dreams for life.
_______________________________________________________
I have often sat starring at my laptop, watching the little black line, affectionately known as a cursor, rapidly appear, disappear and reappear again. This incessant flashing greatly intimidates me. It is my responsibility to write the words that will fill up the page. However, inspiration always comes; sometimes from the music on my Ipod, other times from great writers like Faulkner or Hemingway, even Nicholas Sparks, or my father. With inspiration, the words come too, sometimes more easily than others. I have no problem writing a research paper on Victorian novels, but when I am faced with the task of writing about my dreams and goals for life, I am somewhat flustered. I am not concerned but inspired, for I know that I am my biggest critic. Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to truly delve into myself and discover what my goals and dreams really are.
I dream of being significant. In today’s society, the mass media has become an overwhelmingly significant influence. American youth no longer look to their parents for direction; instead they turn to television, magazines, music, and the internet to dictate how they live their lives. It is my hope to attend graduate school for journalism, and to use my education and ability to positively influence young adults. Each generation is becoming increasingly hungry for something genuine, relevant, and creative. It is my goal to develop and launch a magazine for young adults that will promote individuality, leadership and morality in such a way. My dream is big and my goals are intimidating, but I believe. My belief is not in myself, but in the cause. I believe that in order to change our world it is necessary to impact our future in a radical way. My dream is to be a part of the change.
______________________________________________________
What are some of your dreams?
_______________________________________________________
I have often sat starring at my laptop, watching the little black line, affectionately known as a cursor, rapidly appear, disappear and reappear again. This incessant flashing greatly intimidates me. It is my responsibility to write the words that will fill up the page. However, inspiration always comes; sometimes from the music on my Ipod, other times from great writers like Faulkner or Hemingway, even Nicholas Sparks, or my father. With inspiration, the words come too, sometimes more easily than others. I have no problem writing a research paper on Victorian novels, but when I am faced with the task of writing about my dreams and goals for life, I am somewhat flustered. I am not concerned but inspired, for I know that I am my biggest critic. Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to truly delve into myself and discover what my goals and dreams really are.
I dream of being significant. In today’s society, the mass media has become an overwhelmingly significant influence. American youth no longer look to their parents for direction; instead they turn to television, magazines, music, and the internet to dictate how they live their lives. It is my hope to attend graduate school for journalism, and to use my education and ability to positively influence young adults. Each generation is becoming increasingly hungry for something genuine, relevant, and creative. It is my goal to develop and launch a magazine for young adults that will promote individuality, leadership and morality in such a way. My dream is big and my goals are intimidating, but I believe. My belief is not in myself, but in the cause. I believe that in order to change our world it is necessary to impact our future in a radical way. My dream is to be a part of the change.
______________________________________________________
What are some of your dreams?
Thursday, February 17, 2005
"My First Memory"
Here's something I wrote in my creative writing class. We were instructed to write about our first memory...
The cold January air seemed to burn my face as I opened my eyes to see that I had been displaced from the seat of my father’s pick-up and was now lying on the floor, surrounded by pieces of shattered glass. I was frightened and confused; however normal and appropriate a response crying would’ve been for a three year old child, I could not seem to shed a tear. I looked up into the seat where just a few minutes earlier I had been seated between my father and older brother. My brother and I had often made the 3 mile trip from our farm into town with our Dad. We loved riding in his truck. On this particular day, the dirt road took control of the tires and the small white pick-up went off the road into a field. My eyes went searching for my father, the one who always made everything better, but he was nowhere to be found. I saw my brother halfway out the window and called to him for help. He assisted me in crawling out the window. The field seemed to go on forever. I could hear my brother talking to me, but his words were muted and unrecognizable. I felt a calmness that I didn’t understand as my brother and I started walking toward our home. We saw him lying face up covered in blood, unconscious and not moving. The tall grass seemed to envelop his limp body and even though I was only three years old, I somehow knew that my daddy was dead.
The next thing I remember is sitting in the hospital with my grandma. Miraculously, both my brother and I were unscathed. My father was flown to a hospital several hours away and was not expected to survive the flight, but he did. I don’t remember much else from this time, other than the day my father came home from the hospital. What a wonderful day. I’m not sure why this is the only memory I have of my early childhood. Perhaps it is because it was such a traumatic experience, or because I was overwhelmed with emotion. Whatever the reason, I will never forget the day I almost lost my dad.
The cold January air seemed to burn my face as I opened my eyes to see that I had been displaced from the seat of my father’s pick-up and was now lying on the floor, surrounded by pieces of shattered glass. I was frightened and confused; however normal and appropriate a response crying would’ve been for a three year old child, I could not seem to shed a tear. I looked up into the seat where just a few minutes earlier I had been seated between my father and older brother. My brother and I had often made the 3 mile trip from our farm into town with our Dad. We loved riding in his truck. On this particular day, the dirt road took control of the tires and the small white pick-up went off the road into a field. My eyes went searching for my father, the one who always made everything better, but he was nowhere to be found. I saw my brother halfway out the window and called to him for help. He assisted me in crawling out the window. The field seemed to go on forever. I could hear my brother talking to me, but his words were muted and unrecognizable. I felt a calmness that I didn’t understand as my brother and I started walking toward our home. We saw him lying face up covered in blood, unconscious and not moving. The tall grass seemed to envelop his limp body and even though I was only three years old, I somehow knew that my daddy was dead.
The next thing I remember is sitting in the hospital with my grandma. Miraculously, both my brother and I were unscathed. My father was flown to a hospital several hours away and was not expected to survive the flight, but he did. I don’t remember much else from this time, other than the day my father came home from the hospital. What a wonderful day. I’m not sure why this is the only memory I have of my early childhood. Perhaps it is because it was such a traumatic experience, or because I was overwhelmed with emotion. Whatever the reason, I will never forget the day I almost lost my dad.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
"I Love Technology...NOT!"
Napoleon Dynamite has been one of the majorly hot topics on campus this semester. At pretty much any point during the day, there is a good possibility that you will hear someone quoting part of the movie. It's just freakin' hilarious. If you're one of the few people in America who haven't subjected yourself to countless hours of meaningless stupidity...you must! Also, even if you have seen the movie, you need to watch the deleted scenes and bonus features on the dvd. After the credits run, there is a hilarious wedding scene between Kip and Lafawnda, during which Kip sings a love song. In this song Kip talks about how much he loves technology. Most days, I would have to agree with Kip. Technology is amazing. We don't even realize how much we use technology throughout the day. However, today is a different story. Today I hate technology. Everything in the technology world seems to be teaming up against me in an evil plot to ruin my life. The rough draft of my short story disappeared from my word files, and then the floppy that I had saved it on decided it would quit working. So that's pretty much the end of that story (pun intended). Also, my digital camera randomly shut off while I was using it and now it won't turn on. My laptop keeps freezing up, the batter to my ipod ran out just when I need to listen to some tunes to help me chill out. So to say the least this has been "the worst day of my life...what do you think?" (random napoleon quote). So even though I'm posing as a technology hater for the time being, here's a link to a few napolean soundboards, etc. that will aid you in wasting your time online while you should be doing work, it certainly has worked for me!
Napoleon Dynamite Soundboard
Another Soundboard
Yet Another Soundboard
Quiz-Which Napoleon Dynamite Character Are You?
Napoleon on Ebay
Napoleon Dynamite Soundboard
Another Soundboard
Yet Another Soundboard
Quiz-Which Napoleon Dynamite Character Are You?
Napoleon on Ebay
Monday, February 07, 2005
Friday, February 04, 2005
"A Few Random Numbers"
We can assign a number to almost everything in our lives...
22...hours until the weekend
38...dollars in my wallet
7...hours away from home
34...current temperature
2731...songs on my ipod
10...months until my brothers wedding
57...credits left after this semester
396...po box number
41...guys that share a bathroom with me
One thing that cannot be counted or measured is God's love and forgiveness. Tonight at FCA, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness as I sang words that are hundreds of years old, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me". Oh what a wretched man am I...so undeserving of mercy and grace. I have failed so many times and yet God always finds me at my lowest point, completely covered with the ugliness of my sin, picks me up, washes me clean, and sets my feet back on solid ground. I don't think I will ever be able to comprehend this miracle of grace, a grace based soley upon love. A love that is unconditional and sacrificial. I wear a ring everyday engraved with the beautiful desription of love found in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is so many things that I fear I will never be. Love is so many things that I fear I will never understand. Yet love is something that I want to know. I want to LIVE and BREATHE and BE this kind of love that is beyond my human understanding.
"The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe."
This quote from "The Village" leaves me speechless. Think on these powerful words today.
22...hours until the weekend
38...dollars in my wallet
7...hours away from home
34...current temperature
2731...songs on my ipod
10...months until my brothers wedding
57...credits left after this semester
396...po box number
41...guys that share a bathroom with me
One thing that cannot be counted or measured is God's love and forgiveness. Tonight at FCA, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness as I sang words that are hundreds of years old, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me". Oh what a wretched man am I...so undeserving of mercy and grace. I have failed so many times and yet God always finds me at my lowest point, completely covered with the ugliness of my sin, picks me up, washes me clean, and sets my feet back on solid ground. I don't think I will ever be able to comprehend this miracle of grace, a grace based soley upon love. A love that is unconditional and sacrificial. I wear a ring everyday engraved with the beautiful desription of love found in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is so many things that I fear I will never be. Love is so many things that I fear I will never understand. Yet love is something that I want to know. I want to LIVE and BREATHE and BE this kind of love that is beyond my human understanding.
"The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe."
This quote from "The Village" leaves me speechless. Think on these powerful words today.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Thursday, January 20, 2005
"No Time To Blog"
This week has been crazy. I've had no time to think, let alone blog this week. I just wanted to let everyone know that the "Phantom of the Opera" movie releases nationally tomorrow...you must go see it. It truly was one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. By the way, I'm in love with Emmy Rossum who plays Christine, the main character in "Phantom". She's definitely a hottie...plus she can sing, which really does it for me!
Friday, January 14, 2005
"Pursuit of Love"
I've always heard girls say how they desire to be pursued by a guy. I never really understood this whole idea of pursuit until this week. I've really felt this week that God has been passionately pursuing me...He won't give up or back down. I feel as though I can't escape God, He's everywhere around me. I can hear his voice in the simplicity of my everyday routine, calling me to something more, something greater.
What is this "something"? I don't know exactly. It may not even be anything specific, but I am confident that God is desiring me to become more and more like Him every single day. That's my desire too. I desire His patience. I desire His strength. I desire His compassion. I desire His heart for the lost. I desire His love. I desire His joy. I desire His endurance. I desire His creativity. I desire HIM!
So I've given in. I've stopped fighting against Your pursuit. You win God. Your prize is my heart, my life. I give you control...I am yours. I trust you. Hold me in your arms and let the strength of Your embrace breathe strength to my life. You are my Strong Tower, my place of refuge...in You alone do I place my hope!
What is this "something"? I don't know exactly. It may not even be anything specific, but I am confident that God is desiring me to become more and more like Him every single day. That's my desire too. I desire His patience. I desire His strength. I desire His compassion. I desire His heart for the lost. I desire His love. I desire His joy. I desire His endurance. I desire His creativity. I desire HIM!
So I've given in. I've stopped fighting against Your pursuit. You win God. Your prize is my heart, my life. I give you control...I am yours. I trust you. Hold me in your arms and let the strength of Your embrace breathe strength to my life. You are my Strong Tower, my place of refuge...in You alone do I place my hope!
Monday, January 03, 2005
"Not So Quiet Desperation"
"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."
This statement from Walden, by Henry David Thoreau has been used for ages to describe the majority of people, who Thoreau seems to believe are somehow missing out on their purpose and living such pitiful, second rate versions of their intended life. This idea of "quiet desperation" is one with which I think most people, and assuredly most Christians are all to familiar. We tend to live our lives day to day with a sense of dissatisfaction that we have termed desperation. This fall, the hit show "Desperate Housewives" has drawn more attention than any show in recent years...Why? Because at the heart of every human, we are able to make meaningful connections with feelings of desperation, feelings of loss, need, and desire. When it comes down to it, I would have to say that Thoreau was right on when he described the "mass of men" in such a way.
However, this cliche' statement has derived several negative connotations throughout the years. We see so many men (and women) leading these desperate lives and we are compelled to feel pity for them. They've missed out on their lot in life, they're not satisfied, they've lost sight of their dreams...it almost brings a tear to my eye as I write...not! When did desperation become such a bad thing? Even though millions of viewers have tuned into ABC on Sunday nights to watch the women of Wisteria live out their desperate housewife lives, and however attractive this make-believe lifestyle of glam, glitz and sex is, I cannot truly believe that our culture is one which promotes desperation. In fact, the American culture stands in complete contrast to a lifestyle of desperation, we know nothing of the sort. We kill ourselves 40 plus hours a week in order to bring in the big bucks...After all, we must look out for "number one". It is essential to our survival to drive a fancy SUV, drink designer coffee, wear designer jeans, and live in a house so large that we must buy even more stuff to fill it up.
As Americans, we have been taught since birth to place an extremely high value on independence and self-sufficiency. We spend countless amounts of time and money striving for a freedom that has become so very tainted. In the context of our culture, the word desperation brings forth thoughts of homelessness, poverty, and other undesirable situations...all negative. I would suggest that only when we become truly desperate will we ever discover profound freedom. This desperation is not for money, or other material things or even a sense of satisfaction, but rather a desperation for a deeper connection with the creator of the universe. The American church, as a majority, is far from leading lives of desperation...of any kind. In fact it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the church from the world. We should be craving more. However, I think Thoreau's statement is true in describing the American church today. The mass of [American Christians] lead lives of quiet desperation. Our desperation is so quiet that too often we don't even realize that we are desperate, hungry and unsatisfied. We are filling ourselves with the junk food of our culture and are becoming blind to its effects.
It is my aim to live a life that screams desperation. With every breath that I take, may I realize that I need God more than the very air that fills my lungs. Only He can satisfy. Only He can bring freedom. The time is now. God is calling out and desiring to raise up a generation of Desperate housewives, and students, and lawyers, and musicians. May our desperation be not like that of Henry Thoreau, but may our desperation be loud, visible and contagious.
This statement from Walden, by Henry David Thoreau has been used for ages to describe the majority of people, who Thoreau seems to believe are somehow missing out on their purpose and living such pitiful, second rate versions of their intended life. This idea of "quiet desperation" is one with which I think most people, and assuredly most Christians are all to familiar. We tend to live our lives day to day with a sense of dissatisfaction that we have termed desperation. This fall, the hit show "Desperate Housewives" has drawn more attention than any show in recent years...Why? Because at the heart of every human, we are able to make meaningful connections with feelings of desperation, feelings of loss, need, and desire. When it comes down to it, I would have to say that Thoreau was right on when he described the "mass of men" in such a way.
However, this cliche' statement has derived several negative connotations throughout the years. We see so many men (and women) leading these desperate lives and we are compelled to feel pity for them. They've missed out on their lot in life, they're not satisfied, they've lost sight of their dreams...it almost brings a tear to my eye as I write...not! When did desperation become such a bad thing? Even though millions of viewers have tuned into ABC on Sunday nights to watch the women of Wisteria live out their desperate housewife lives, and however attractive this make-believe lifestyle of glam, glitz and sex is, I cannot truly believe that our culture is one which promotes desperation. In fact, the American culture stands in complete contrast to a lifestyle of desperation, we know nothing of the sort. We kill ourselves 40 plus hours a week in order to bring in the big bucks...After all, we must look out for "number one". It is essential to our survival to drive a fancy SUV, drink designer coffee, wear designer jeans, and live in a house so large that we must buy even more stuff to fill it up.
As Americans, we have been taught since birth to place an extremely high value on independence and self-sufficiency. We spend countless amounts of time and money striving for a freedom that has become so very tainted. In the context of our culture, the word desperation brings forth thoughts of homelessness, poverty, and other undesirable situations...all negative. I would suggest that only when we become truly desperate will we ever discover profound freedom. This desperation is not for money, or other material things or even a sense of satisfaction, but rather a desperation for a deeper connection with the creator of the universe. The American church, as a majority, is far from leading lives of desperation...of any kind. In fact it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the church from the world. We should be craving more. However, I think Thoreau's statement is true in describing the American church today. The mass of [American Christians] lead lives of quiet desperation. Our desperation is so quiet that too often we don't even realize that we are desperate, hungry and unsatisfied. We are filling ourselves with the junk food of our culture and are becoming blind to its effects.
It is my aim to live a life that screams desperation. With every breath that I take, may I realize that I need God more than the very air that fills my lungs. Only He can satisfy. Only He can bring freedom. The time is now. God is calling out and desiring to raise up a generation of Desperate housewives, and students, and lawyers, and musicians. May our desperation be not like that of Henry Thoreau, but may our desperation be loud, visible and contagious.
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